Study Notes Ed Underwood Philippians: Outrageous Joy

“For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain” (Philippians 1:21)

The thirteen Pauline Epistles develop the foundational truths of Christianity introduced in the Gospels. Paul wrote nine letters to churches and four to individuals. He writes from the perspective of the Apostle to the Gentiles, church-planter, pastor, and friend. His letters contain instructions, exhortations, and corrections that were real-time—messages to real people, gathered in real churches, with real problems as they endeavored to follow Christ and make a difference in their world. One consistent theme undergirds all of Paul’s teaching—the reality of every believer’s position in Christ.

Philippi was a Roman military colony in the province of Macedonia. The Spirit called Paul to Macedonia on his second missionary journey (Acts 16). The church met in Lydia’s home at first and Paul left Dr. Luke there to help establish the assembly. The Apostle visited the church again on his third missionary journey. The Philippian church supported Paul generously in his church-planting ministry and he enjoyed a very warm relationship with the believers there. Except for a few bickering women in their fellowship, they seemed to have few problems.

During his first Roman imprisonment (A.D 60-62), Paul wrote this letter to his friends, thanking them for their generosity. He also wanted to give them the good news that Epaphroditus, whom they had sent with a gift for Paul in prison, had recovered from a serious illness. He gave them news of his situation in prison and told them of his plans to send Timothy to encourage them.

Paul’s primary purpose in writing this letter was to reassure and encourage his friends at Philippi. Some of the most oft quoted and encouraging verses to believers through the ages occur in this little letter. This is without a doubt Paul’s most personal and positive epistle. In it the Christian finds the secret to inner joy in spite of the circumstances of life—occupation with Christ. “In 104 verses there are 51 references to the Lord Jesus by name.... There are also many references to the gospel ....” (Tom Constable, Philippians, p. 3)

The paradox of a prisoner rejoicing in his Savior is at the heart of the message of Philippians. The church was founded with this contrast when Paul led the Philippians jailer to Christ. And now the church would hear from the outrageously joyful Apostle again. How do you explain this joy? Paul lived with the mind of Christ, a way of thinking that always puts Christ and others first:

Philippians reminds Christians of our great privilege to participate in the gospel—to share in Christ’s joy of seeing lives transformed by His work on the cross.

I. Philippians is the New Testament book of joy and encouragement in the midst of discouraging and adverse circumstances of life.

A. Prologue: Paul’s present circumstances (1:1-26) 1. ThanksgivingsandprayersforthebelieversinPhilippi. 2. Paul’sattitudeinprison—forme,livingisChristanddyingisgain.

B. Walk worthy of the gospel! (1:27-4:9) 1. Bylivinginunityandsteadfastness(1:27-4:1) 2. Byresolvingconflictsandlivinginconfidenceandthanksgiving(4:2-9)

Live worthy of the gospel! Face life’s hardships with outrageous joy in Christ.

C. Epilogue (4:10-23).

1. Thankyouforyourgift;wecandoallthingsthroughChrist(4:10-14).

2. Thank you for demonstrating selfless stewardship, and know that God will care for all of your financial needs and give you all peace (4:15-23).

II. PHILIPPIANS AND YOU: The only way to partner with Christ in what He’s doing in the world is to “have his mind”—to think like Jesus thinks when it comes to others, especially Christians.

1. Jesus never thinks of Himself; He always thinks of others. When do you find it most difficult to put others first? Do you see how putting yourself first diminishes your effectiveness for Christ, your partnering with Him in the gospel?

2. Jesus never thinks of Himself; He always thinks of others. When do you find it most difficult to put other Christians in your local assembly first? Do you see how putting yourself first diminishes your effectiveness for Christ, your partnering with Him in the gospel?

3. Paul’s focus was always on Christ. Even in prison!

   What specific circumstance of your life feels like “prison” right now? By that I mean a circumstance of life that you can’t escape from?

   Meditate on these verses from Philippians for a week. That’s what Paul did. Rather than thinking about how bad his circumstances were he meditated on how wonderful it was to partner with Jesus Christ in His work on earth.

   For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain (1:21). Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others

   as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had. (2:4-5)

   Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! (4:4)

   Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (4:6-7)

   I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me (4:13).

   And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (4:19). (A promise only to those who give of their resources to Christ’s ministry on earth.)