Philippians - session 1
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/6/8/26685224/158216.jpg?428)
As Paul was writing this letter to the church at Philippi, he must have been remembering the remarkable occasion of the "jail-break" in that city. In the book of Acts, Luke wrote of the earthquake that happened at midnight when the prison doors were flung open and the chains came loose. Paul and Silas had a perfect chance to witness for Christ. It was in Philippi where Lydia came to the Lord. and was baptized. Her heart and home were open to Christians from then on. This is found in the book of Acts, chapter sixteen.
At the time he wrote to the Philippians, Paul was a prisoner in Rome. At this time the climate in that big city had changed. Nero was emperor, torturing and killing Christians. Yet, despite these violent times, Paul wrote this letter, expressing joy. Joy in knowing the Lord and still being able to preach the Gospel. He reiterated his thanks to this church for their love and support. The NIV Study Bible reported that four different times the church had sacrificed to meet his needs. This church has been called Paul's favorite.
In chapter two, Paul gives a dissertation on the nature of Christ. It helps us understand the divinity, yet at the same time the humanity, of Christ. Read this slowly to understand the significance.
At the time he wrote to the Philippians, Paul was a prisoner in Rome. At this time the climate in that big city had changed. Nero was emperor, torturing and killing Christians. Yet, despite these violent times, Paul wrote this letter, expressing joy. Joy in knowing the Lord and still being able to preach the Gospel. He reiterated his thanks to this church for their love and support. The NIV Study Bible reported that four different times the church had sacrificed to meet his needs. This church has been called Paul's favorite.
In chapter two, Paul gives a dissertation on the nature of Christ. It helps us understand the divinity, yet at the same time the humanity, of Christ. Read this slowly to understand the significance.
[Jesus] who, though being essentially one with God and in the form of God, did not think this equality with God was a thing to be retained, but stripped himself, so as to assume the guise of a servant, in that he became like men and was born a human being. Therefore, because He stooped so low, God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him, the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father. (Philippians 2:6:1, Amplified)
"I do not consider that I have already been made perfect, I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me . . . forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14)
The writings of Paul will forever inspire Believers, especially those who face dire circumstances, even those who are tortured and in prison. His JOY in the midst of a depressing environment is still a vibrant message for us today. He repeats here the outlook of his life, written in other letters such as Romans 14:5, "For me to live is Christ . . . His life in me, and to die is gain . . . the glory of eternity" (Philippians 1:21 Amplified). This must be what it means to be complete in Christ!
God bless!
The writings of Paul will forever inspire Believers, especially those who face dire circumstances, even those who are tortured and in prison. His JOY in the midst of a depressing environment is still a vibrant message for us today. He repeats here the outlook of his life, written in other letters such as Romans 14:5, "For me to live is Christ . . . His life in me, and to die is gain . . . the glory of eternity" (Philippians 1:21 Amplified). This must be what it means to be complete in Christ!
God bless!