September 19, 2021

PHILIPPIANS: THE GOOD WORK OF GOD

September 19, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

When you’re in the midst of problems, what are some things you do to put the burdens of the day aside, so you can prepare for a good night’s rest?

The Apostle Paul began sharing the gospel in Europe by going to Philippi and establishing the first church for those who desired to follow Christ. Later, around 63 a.d., he wrote to the Philippian believers, in part to thank them for their generosity in supporting his ministry, but also to emphasize the importance of being confident in their relationship to God, which in turn produces peace and fills life with joy. These words of encouragement were penned as Paul sat in prison. The letter he wrote to the Christians at Philippi is as pertinent and encouraging to us today as it was to the believers of Paul’s era.

Focal Passage: The Book of Philippians

It starts in the Gospel (Chapter One)

  • Read Philippians 1:3-6. As you read these verses, what type of relationship does it seem Paul had with the believers at Philippi? Why did he feel confident they would continue to be effective?
  • Read verses 20-21. Where was Paul when he wrote this letter? How does that put a different light upon this passage?
  • Read John 14:1. How would the words of Jesus become even more encouraging if, like Paul, you knew your future was very uncertain?
  • If you are living in the power of the Gospel, why is it not likely that fear will take over? How did the recent events that occurred to the church in Afghanistan testify of this truth?

 

It is continued in love (Chapter Two)

  • Read Phil. 2:1-2. What message of encouragement was Paul trying to instill in the Philippian believers? Read verses 3-4. What is he saying? According to Scripture, what is the second greatest commandment? How do these verses illustrate that? Is this your heart and focus?
  • Can you explain how these verses of genuine love for others point to understanding the power of God’s work? Read verses 6-7. How do these verses illustrate what we read in verses 1-4?
  • How can we, as the body of Christ, learn to see other believers as God sees them? What were some of the things Jesus saw when he looked at the crowds of people? Why would this matter?

 

It is in focusing on what really matters (Chapter Three)

  • Read Phil. 3:7-10. Can someone paraphrase the message in this passage? How does this illustrate Matthew 6:20? Has anyone experienced learning this lesson that the snares of having “stuff” entails?
  • What are some of the negative results that can occur when one is absorbed in acquiring more and more treasures? What are some examples of how easy it is to get sucked into acquiring things?
  • Read verses 12-14. Paul still felt himself to be less than perfect. What is very important advice in these verses that each of us needs to take to heart?
  • What are you currently doing to teach yourself to love others more than you love yourself?

 

It is secured by His gracious hand (Chapter Four)

  • Read Phil. 4:6-7. What are the specific instructions in verse 6 that we should put into practice immediately? In verse 7, what will be the results if we learn verse 6?
  • Read verses 8-9. In today’s world, why is it so important to learn these valuable lessons?
  • How can you teach yourself to always be aware that you are indwelt by the Spirit of God because you are His child, and therefore He is always with you, never to leave you?

 

Close

Can you even begin to imagine the torture that could be Satan’s tool if we, like Paul, were waiting in a prison cell to be put to death? However, reading these four chapters, we see Paul did not focus on what might happen, but rather on what he had received from God.

Nothing about the Gospel has changed over the past two thousand years. From the time Jesus entered the earth to begin the task God had appointed for Him, His story was going to occur, be shared, and be believed. Those who believe in Who He is, in what He did, and why He died, can repent of their sins and accept His gift of salvation. Then they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to live within them, making life as His child secure. Do we believe this?

There is nothing else in our lives as important as realizing that we are now children of the King of Kings. We were spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins when He quickened our spirit and drew us to Him (Eph. 2:4-6); He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4); He gave us the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5); He will never leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5) and He has gone to prepare a place for us and will come again to receive us to Himself (John 14:1-5). But His grace is not cheap! It cost the life of Jesus Christ, and He expects us to be holy as He Himself is holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16); we are to produce the fruit of righteousness, not of the world (Gal. 5:16-26). Above all, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and spirit, and love others more than we love ourselves.

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