March 27th Phillipians Teaching

Paul is in Rome and in jail when he wrote to the Phillipians Starting in Chapter 2 is Therefore. Therefore is another way of saying Because of this so we need to back up and look to say what Paul is saying because of this for.

Striving and Suffering for Christ

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
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When the Jews came across the Jordan, their reputation preceded them. They were known by many by their God. They were known by their adversaries.

Charis = Grace

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
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Grace of salvation and grace of suffering. The Phillipians saw Paul persecuted in Phillipi and now he is persecuted in Rome.

Paul doesnt just offer up some pious platitudes; the man is a practitioner. In fact, in 1:30 he uses himself as an example and indicates the Philippians have seen him suffer. Nearly ten years earlier they had seen Paul thrown into a Philippian jail and then run out of town for his faith (Acts 16:16-40). And now at the time of this writing he is in prison in Rome.39 Yet, Paul counts suffering for the gospel a grace gift. The reason: Suffering changed his life and shaped his eternal perspective.

Philippians 2
New King James Version (NKJV) Unity Through Humility
2Cor 1:15 2Cor 13:11

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

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Verse 3: **Just as Christ lowered himself to the form of a man, so are we to humble ourselves. Christ also humbled himself to wash the feet of his disciples. This was the job of the servant when entering the house, not the job of the Master. Paul talks about this more in verses 5 through 11. Verse 4: **The interest of others. What are the interests of others? Their welfare, their salvation, their comfort, their needs, etc. The following verses echo the sentiment that Paul is communicating to the Philippians. Not only was this communicated to them, but also the Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians. James also communicates this as well.
Galatians 6
New King James Version (NKJV)

Bear and Share the Burdens

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Colossians 3:12-17

New King James Version (NKJV)

Character of the New Man

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
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James 5:19-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

Bring Back the Erring One

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
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Is there someone in your life that you can bear the burden for? How can you do this daily? March 27th, Phillipians teaching Page 2

Philippians 2

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
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**Jesus, who is fully God, humbled himself and removed himself from His glorious kingdom.

Detached himself from his environment and came in the form of a man. Allowing himself to be born in a manger, and being of no reputation. He took on the role of a servant, not someone that is served. He came to serve others despite His sovereignty. He brought himself into the likeness of men. We were initially created in His image, and now Jesus brought himself into our likeness and appearance. The Creator became His creation in every way. He was obedient in every way. He was obedient to God, parents, government, etc. He was obedient even to His death and the manner of His death. He asked if there was another way, while He was in the garden of Gethsemane. He knew that to hang a tree meant that He was considered cursed. He knew the pain and the suffering He was about to bear, but He still was obedient and went through it. Even though He was fully God, and didnt have to die for our sins, He did. Obedience in attitude.

Philippians 2
New King James Version (NKJV)
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Light Bearers
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
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Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
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Mordecai discovered the plot of the eunuchs that were trying to kill the king. His good deed toward the king was not rewarded right away, but he did not complain of dispute this. His deed was written in the

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book of the chronicles (Esther 2:21-23). It wasnt until later that Mordecai was rewarded for his task that he did as a servant of the king (Esther 6:11) Mordecais reward that they king gave him was also performed by his enemy. Even though Mordecai was not rewarded right away, he did not harden his heart or have a bad attitude. He continued to serve the king. Look at the life of Job. In Job 1:8 he is called blameless by the Lord, when Satan entered His presence. Then Job lost his property (sheep, oxen, donkeys, servants, and children. In Chapter 1 verse 21, there is no complaining by Job, he only blesses the Lord. Again, Job is called blameless when Satan enters Gods presence. Jobs health was affected (painful boils head to toe) and his wife told him to curse God, but he did not. Joshua 1:8-9
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8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Run or Labor in Vain o What is something that we do that could be done in vain? All that work, labor, etc. only to have our work destroyed

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
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Drink Offering:

A drink offering was a libation of wine that was poured over the alter or used with meat offerings as part of the Jewish worship rituals. Instructions for its use occur over 45 times in the Jewish law, with 19 other references in the Old Testament. During a time of war, there is a curious story of King David. He mentions that he is thirsty for water from a specific well. Three of his mighty warriors break through enemy lines, draw water from that well, and return to David with it. However, instead of drinking it with gratitude, David pours it out on the ground as an offering to God. (1 Chronicles 11:17-19 and 2 Samuel 23:13-17). Apparently, he felt that the risk the men took was so great that he was not worthy to taste the water, offering it to God instead. Since Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament worship practices, it is not surprising that are only two mentions of drink offerings in the New Testament. Both were made by Paul, referring to him willingly pouring out his life as a drink-offering to God. (Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6).

2 Samuel 23:13-17
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New King James Version (NKJV)

Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David said with longing, Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD. 17 And he said, Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives? Therefore he would not drink it.

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These things were done by the three mighty men. 1 Chronicles 11:15-19
New King James Version (NKJV)
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Now three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.17 And David said with longing, Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 18 So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD. 19 And he said, Far be it from me, O my God, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? For at the risk of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.

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Part 2 Philippians Chapter 2

Chapter 1 through Chapter 2 vs. 18
Paul was setting up a foundation of teaching that would also be taught by Timothy once he arrived in Phillipi. Because Paul could not send Timothy right away, he wrote to them concerning these things. Early on in the letter, Paul assures the Philippians that Timothy would be coming back to visit them, but not right away. Since Epaphroditus went to take care of Pauls needs, the Philippians, may have requested that Timothy come and visit them, since Paul was stuck in prison. Timothy and Epaphroditus are two very good examples of what disciples should be and how we can follow their example while being discipled. If we are discipling another, Paul shows how to father/mother a disciple in the faith and to exhort them in the faith.

Timothy
Timothy was Pauls disciple. He is mentioned all throughout the New Testament and Paul took the time to write two personal letters to him that is found in the New Testament.
Acts 16:1 [ Timothy Joins Paul and Silas ] Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. Acts 16:1-3 (in Context) Acts 16 (Whole Chapter) Acts 17:14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. Acts 17:13-15 (in Context) Acts 17 (Whole Chapter) Acts 17:15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed. Acts 17:14-16 (in Context) Acts 17 (Whole Chapter) Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 18:4-6 (in Context) Acts 18 (Whole Chapter) Acts 19:22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. Acts 19:21-23 (in Context) Acts 19 (Whole Chapter) Acts 20:4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asiaalso Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. Acts 20:3-5 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter) Romans 16:21 [ Greetings from Pauls Friends ] Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. Romans 16:20-22 (in Context) Romans 16 (Whole Chapter)

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 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:16-18 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 4 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 16:10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 1 Corinthians 16:9-11 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 16 (Whole Chapter) 2 Corinthians 1:1 [ Greeting ] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Corinthians 1:1-3 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 1 (Whole Chapter) 2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by usby me, Silvanus, and Timothywas not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 2 Corinthians 1:18-20 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 1 (Whole Chapter) Philippians 1:1 [ Greeting ] Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Philippians 1:1-3 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter) Philippians 2:19 [ Timothy Commended ] But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. Philippians 2:18-20 (in Context) Philippians 2 (Whole Chapter) Colossians 1:1 [ Greeting ] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, Colossians 1:1-3 (in Context) Colossians 1 (Whole Chapter) 1 Thessalonians 1:1 [ Greeting ] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter) 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 3 (Whole Chapter) 1 Thessalonians 3:6 [ Encouraged by Timothy ] But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you 1 Thessalonians 3:5-7 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 3 (Whole Chapter) 2 Thessalonians 1:1 [ Greeting ] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3 (in Context) 2 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter)

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 1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter) 1 Timothy 1:18 [ Fight the Good Fight ] This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 1 Timothy 1:17-19 (in Context) 1 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter) 1 Timothy 6:20 [ Guard the Faith ] O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge 1 Timothy 6:19-21 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter) 2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:1-3 (in Context) 2 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter) 2 Timothy 1:3 [ Timothys Faith and Heritage ] I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 2 Timothy 1:2-4 (in Context) 2 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter) Philemon 1:1 [ Greeting ] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, Philemon 1:1-3 (in Context) Philemon 1 (Whole Chapter) Hebrews 13:23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. Hebrews 13:22-24 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)

Acts 16-20 talks about Timothys time spent being Pauls disciple and spreading the gospel.

Timothy Commended
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
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The word trust or hope (elpizo) is not a wishful thought, but something that he believes is the will of God The phrase in the Lord Jesus (en kurio Iesou) recognizes that Jesus , having poured out his life unto death, has subsequently been exalted to the place of universal Lord. It means that Timothy is going to the Philippians in the authority of the exalted Lord to encourage the church to walk in the directives mentioned earlier in Chapter 1:27-2:18

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For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely cares[deep concern] for your state.

The expression no one (oudena) is emphatic in the Greek text and stresses the quality of Timothy in the eyes of Paul; there simply isnt anyone on the same level as this man. The words like him are really one word in Greek, literally equal souled. The term is rare and means to be in complete agreement with someone in the contest of a personal relationship. o We are to be like that in our relationship with Christ

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o Our relationship in marriage Timothy has the same love and concern for the Philippians as Paul does. They are equal-souled in their concern for the welfare of the Philippians and the furtherance of the cause of Christ. Timothy has a profound and genuine concern for this struggling church. The adverb deep (gnesios) occurs only once in the New Testament and means sincerely or genuinely. The related adjective gnesios occurs four times. It can refer to children born in wedlock, i.e., they are legitimate and genuine children. It is used by Paul in 1 Tem 1:2 and Titus 1:4 to refer to Timothy and Titus as true sons of the apostle in the faith. Timothy is genuinely interested in the Philippians because he is genuine son of Paul. Timothy was a crucial person in Pauls ministry. He was like minded with Paul and worked in unity with him. There was no discord between the two. It is the perfect example of how someone should be disciple and how we should be with those that God has placed over us to be discipled. Paul was like a father to Timothy and Timothy was like a son to Paul. Many times this was expressed in the letters that Paul wrote to other churches and in the letters he wrote to Timothy as well.

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For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Not everyone available to Paul is so others-centered to like and ministry There may have been people willing and available in the Roman church, but none of them possessed the qualifications necessary to deliver the letter and motivate the church to obedience and unity. There simply were not many people who genuinely sought the needs and interests of others ahead of themselves. It si a rare thing indeed to find a Christian who possesses the same attitude as his Lord. o Are we like Timothy, or like the others in the church not others centered? The things which are of Christ Jesus includes the churchs humility, unity, and Christ-like, othercentered character. Such attitudes are completely consistent with Jesus humility expressed in 2:6-11. o How can we reflect this in our ministry?

But you know his proven character[qualifications], that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
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The term character (dokimen) means proven character as evidenced under testing. It can refer to the process of testing or to the product one gets after the testing is finished. This process is highlighted in 2 Cor 8:2 where Paul actually talks about testing in reference to the persecution the Macedonian churches were undergoing. 8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
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Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

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Epaphroditus
~Wikipedia

Epaphroditus Praised
Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
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Epaphroditus was an ambassador for Paul. Paul couldnt send Timothy right away, so he sent Epaphroditus instead. Epaphroditus was sent by the Phillipians to deliver a gift to Paul and during his journey to tend to Pauls needs and spread the gospel, he got sick. When you are sent as an ambassador, it is vital that you complete the mission that you were sent for. Word reached the Phillipians that he had gotten sick, near death.

since he was longing (epipothon) for you all, and was distressed (ademonon) because you had heard that he was sick.
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Words used for longing Paul uses this same word to express his deep desire to visit the Roman church and in 2 Cor 5:2 he employs it to refer to his deep affection for the Philippians. Paul also uses it as he recalled the teas of his dear friend Timothy, to express his deep longing to visit this young struggling pastor. Word used for distressed same word used to reference the internal, emotional, and spiritual agony suffered by Jesus in the face of his impending arrest, trial, and death by crucifixion Epaphroditus may have been distressed because his people knew that he had become sick. Think that he may have not accomplished what he had set out to do and become more of a burden than a blessing

For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
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It was hard enough for Paul to be in prison, but also to have one of his disciples die because he traveled 100s of miles to deliver a gift would add to his sorrow. The mercy was extended to Epaphroditus and Paul

Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
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Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
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Paul directs the Phillipians to receive Epaphroditus with honor because he accomplished what he had set out to do. Also, braving the uncertain journey and laying down his life to accomplish what needed to be done.

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