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Paul's Letter to the Philippians is often called, "The Epistle of Joy." It uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" more than any other book in the Bible, which is rather remarkable considering Paul wrote this letter while in prison (for preaching the Gospel). How can one have joy in prison? That's something we'll keep an eye out for as we go through the letter. Paul's Relationship with the Philippians When reading the New Testament letters it's always helpful to listen for the tone of the letter. Some are rather obvious, such as Paul's Letter to the Galatians - "You foolish Galatians!" Who has bewitched you?" The tone of Philippians is very different than that. It's one of great affection, "I thank my God every time I remember you" (Phil. 1:3). The Apostle Paul was known as "The Apostle to the Gentiles." He (along with the Holy Spirit) was most responsible for the spread of the Chr...

As I write this letter . . . Paul writes his letter to the Philippians for the following reasons: 1. To thank them for a gift he's received from them (Phil 4:10-11). 2. To instruct them to receive Epaphroditus back into their fellowship (Phil. 2:29-30). Paul sent him back to Philippi for having an unpronounceable name! Actually Mr. E. was ill and Paul urged him to return to his home. E. was supposed to stay with Paul to assist him in his time of imprisonment. Paul wanted to make sure that the Philippians knew that Epaphroditus had not deserted Paul. 3. To encourage them during their time of trails and persecutions (Phil. 1:28-30). 4. To appeal for unity. Chapters 2 & 3 deal with this subject. An early Christian writer named Polycarp was well aware of Paul's letters to the Philippians. He once wrote to them, "when he (Paul) was absent he wrote letters to you." I always get a kick out of the tarp company named, ...

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ancient Letter Writing Today when we write letters we start off with who we're writing to, "Dear Mom." And we end our letters by signing our own names. In ancient times it was different and easier. One first identified one's self and then who you were writing to. Have you ever received a letter and had to skip to the end to see who it was from? Long ago they didn't have to! It was settled early on. The Blessing Paul often begins his letters with a blessing.  " Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  Starting with a blessing  was also common in ancient letter writing. Paul raised it to a theological art form.  It was Paul's desire to be a blessing to them. Here's a good, short prayer to start the day ...

Who Am I? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young theologian of great promise, was martyred by the Nazis for his participation in a plot against the life of Adolf Hitler. In the prison camps Bonhoeffer became a chaplain to other prisoners. As you’ll read below he wrestled with peoples’ impressions of him versus what he was often feeling inside. In doing though he resolved the identity question in a very faith-filled, God-centered way. Who am I? They often tell me I stepped from my cell’s confinement Calmly, cheerfully, firmly, Like a squire from his country-house. Who am I? They often tell me I used to speak to my wardens Freely and friendly and clearly, As though it were mine to command. Who am I? They also tell me I bore the days of misfortune Equally, smilingly, proudly, Like one accustomed to win. Am I then really all that which other men tell of? Or am I only what I myself know of myself? Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage, Struggling for breath, as thou...

Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you,  constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you,  because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.  I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Isn't that a beautiful sentence: " I thank my God every time I remember you."  (1:3) One of the things I love about the Apostle Paul is that he spoke from his heart. He could express complex theology, using his keen intellect and breath of knowledge. Yet, he was equally adept at expressing the love and joy that was deep within his heart. He let those he cherished know it. That's a good reminder for us! Who can you say (or write) this to today:  " I thank my God every time I remember you." Another Blessing I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus C...

More affection from Paul - You hold me in your heart Philippians 7-8 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.  8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. How do you encourage and gently challenge those you love so much?  I often face this in preaching. I love our congregation so much! People are living loving, faith-filled lives. Yet our challenge, and the challenge of scripture and discipleship, is to keep growing, keep serving and keep loving. Look at how Paul does it: Philippians 9-11 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight  10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless,  11 having produced the harvest of righteousness ...

Philippians 1:12-20 12 I want you to know, beloved that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel,  13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ;  14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.  15 Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill.  16 These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel;  17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment.  18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,  19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of J...

Paul's Assurance of Salvation Paul's life is united with the life of Jesus Christ. Therefore he knows that he will be united with Christ after death. He's sure of it, so sure that he wonders aloud which would be better. To be or not to be, that is the question! Philippians 1:21-26 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better;  but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.  Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Is this an assurance we can have? -  "Living is Christ and dying is gain." Yes, Paul the mystic had great faith. But the promises of God are for us, too! A...

Pastor Rich Knight Central Congregational Church July 2, 2017 Philippians 1 We’re studying Paul’s Letter to the Philippians this month. Paul's Letter to the Philippians is often called, "The Epistle of Joy." This short letter uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" more than any other book in the Bible, 16 times. This is rather remarkable considering Paul wrote this letter while in prison (for preaching the Gospel). I don’t know about you, but if I were stuck in a First Century prison, I think I’d get a little whiny! - even cranky! I’d write “The Letter of, ‘Boy that Guy Needs an Attitude Adjustment!’” It's in the Letters section of the New Testament. There are three major sections in the New Testament - Gospels, Acts, Letters (to 1st Century churches and/or their leaders). Paul is writing to a church he founded on his second missionary journey. A 2 nd Century Bishop named Polycarp was well aware of Paul's letters to the Philipp...

One of the things I love about the Christian faith is this: we've got great hymns! How Great Thou Art!  Amazing Grace!  Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!  Here I Am, Lord, The Church's One Foundation, How Great is Our God, This is My Father's World, Glorify Thy Name, and on and on and on. Great hymns combine inspiring lyrics with timeless melodies, and they help shape our faith and our lives. They're more important than we realize. What would worship be without hymns? Philippians 2 contains one of the earliest hymns of our faith. It begins at Vs. 6.  Paul either wrote it or quotes it here to make his point. What does it say to you? Philippians 2 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Imitating Christ’s Humility 2  If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,  2  make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accor...

The Power of Paradox Paul was never afraid of a paradox - two statements that are contradictory, yet both true. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you." Do I work out my salvation on my own? Is my discipleship all on my shoulders? No, "for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure." So it's not all me, and it's not all God. I must do my part, and God will do God's part!   12  Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;  13  for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. How do you understand this paradox? Next, Paul calls them again to harmony and unity, so they might shine like stars! 14  Do all things without murmuring and arguing,  15  so that you may be ...