SNAPSHOTS
FROM PHILIPPIANS
Philippians 4:5-8
In about AD 62 Paul composed the Philippian
letter from a Roman prison cell. His imprisonment did not, however, dampen his
spirits or sour his attitude. This positive and encouraging epistle continues
to build up brethren some two thousand years after it first edified the
Christians in Philippi. Let us allow ourselves to also be uplifted by its
positive, constructive outlook.
PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE
CHURCH AT PHILIPPI (1:3-11)
1. He
was thankful for his brothers and sisters at Philippi.
2. He
was joyful due to their partnership with him in the Gospel.
3. He
had confidence in the church at Philippi.
4. Paul
was very interested in their growth in love, knowledge, and discernment.
5. He
knew that the Philippians would need to abound in sincerity, righteousness, and
in the approval of all things excellent, if they were to find praise from God.
PAUL SHARES VERY
PERSONAL THOUGHTS (1:12-26)
1. His
imprisonment, of all things, has been advantageous to the Lord’s cause.
a. The
Praetorian guard and many others heard about Jesus.
b. The
brethren have become more courageous in speaking God’s word.
c. Even
those who preached thinking they would bring Paul distress were at least
preaching Christ.
2. Paul
was determined that he would always do only those things that exalted
Christ—even prison would not change this.
3. The
key to Paul’s success was found in his statement, “…to live is Christ, and to
die is gain.”
a. He
would rather go own to be with the Lord than to live.
b. However,
the Lord’s work among the brethren was more necessary.
c. The
progress of the brethren in joy and faith brought him much comfort.
PAUL PLEAS FOR A
UNITED STAND (1:27-2:18)
1. He
wanted to always hear that they are “standing firm in one spirit and in one mind
striving together
for the faith of the Gospel.”
2. Their
firm stand would be practiced in the midst conflicts from without—even as Paul
faced and was facing such conflicts.
3. Again
Paul mentioned, and this time with even more emphasis, the imperative of unity,
“If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation
of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and
compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love,
united
in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
4. Therefore,
selfishness, conceit, and personal interests must give way to regarding others
as more important than self by looking out for the interests of others.
5. Again,
the key for success centers on Christ—having in us the self-sacrificing mind of
Jesus.
6. The
good of others above our own concerns.
7. Sacrifice
as the way of exaltation.
8. Paul
challenges the brethren to work out their salvation amid fear and trembling.
a. God
must be allowed His good work in Christian hearts.
b. Grumbling
and disputes are to be put aside.
c. We
are to be blameless, innocent, and above reproach—unlike those outside of
Christ where disharmony is a way of life.
d. Otherwise,
though the Gospel was obeyed, vanity would result.
OTHER WORKERS
(2:19-30)
1. Timothy
alone could be trusted fully to serve in a non-selfish way.
2. Epaphroditus
was of much usefulness in the work as well.
3. A
sad commentary on the insidious nature of selfishness.
A WARNING WITH AN
EXAMPLE FROM PAUL’S OWN LIFE (3:1-21)
1. Beware
of those who put confidence in their deeds.
2. Paul
had once been among them.
3. But
Paul learned that he was nothing without Christ.
4. He
also learned that he must continue to trust in Jesus if he were to succeed.
5. The
pattern of Christlikeness Paul had lived was to be an example to the brethren.
6. The
loss of self was the only way to find gain.
CONCLUDING ADVICE AND
ENCOURAGEMENT (4:1-23)
1. Paul
reaches out in encouragement to two sisters who need to live in harmony.
2. Rejoice
in the Lord he enjoins!
3. Be
know for having a forbearing spirit.
4. Trust
and pray so that a peace beyond understanding may come from God.
5. Dwell
on good things.
6. Practice
the things of Christ.
7. Learn
how to live both with and without material prosperity.
8. Find
blessings in sharing with others.
There is perhaps no other of Paul’s
epistles where we would find his heart more open to his readers. In this
intimate letter we are encouraged to lose ourselves so we might find ourselves
in Christ. Let us meet the challenge!
Edwin
10/15/00
Return to "Sermon Outlines" Page