Dig Deeper
Philippi was the first city where Paul preached
after receiving his “Macedonian Vision.” (Acts 16:10) Founded by Alexander the
Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon, Philippi was located in central Macedonia
10 miles north of the Mediterranean Sea. What insights about Philippi and the
Macedonian culture generally from the following Scriptures?
Acts 16:9-10, 35-39, 17:4-7; and 2 Thessalonians 2:2--
As he does in his other epistles (church letters)
the Apostle Paul concludes his salutation in the name of “the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Philippians 1:2b) Given your insights about Macedonian (Roman) culture above,
why is this so significant? (By contrast Paul addresses his personal letters to
Timothy and Titus using the salutation in the name of “Christ Jesus our Lord”
or “our
Savior.” (1 & 2 Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4)
The three recurring themes of Philippians: our
partnership in the gospel, our passionate confidence for the affects of the
gospel and our purposeful living out of the gospel provide the basis of our
fight for joy. How are these themes developed in the following verses?
Partnership in the gospel: Philippians 1:5, 7, 30;
2:25; 4:10, 13, 15-18--
Passionate confidence for the affects of the gospel:
Philippians 1:4, 18, 25; 2:2, 17-19; 28-29; 3:1; 4:1, 4-6, 10-13, 19--
Purposeful living out of the gospel: Philippians
1:6, 27; 2:1-4, 12-15; 3:7-16; 3:20-21; 4:4-9, 13, 19--
Application
Philippians is addressed to “all the saints in
Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (Philippians 1:1). “Saints” (Greek-- hagios)
means “holy” or “set apart” ones. How ought being called a “saint” (a holy one)
influence your behavior?
Two specific ways Paul and the Philippians
partnered in the Gospel was through prayer and financial generosity (2
Corinthians 8:1-5). How is the Holy Spirit leading you to greater partnership
in the Gospel?
Memorize This
Philippians
1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB
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