Philippians Overview part II

30. August 2011 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone:

Our scripture memory verse for the week is:  Philippians 2:3 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of his good pleasure.” (KJV)Today, we will begin with our introduction to the book of Philippians and Paul’s feelings concerning this church.

This letter finds itself among a body of literature called the prison epistles.  Paul was in Rome imprisoned at the time of this writing facing a verdict that could possibly end his life yet he had had hope that he would be freed from his situation, Some scholars argue that Paul was not in a physical prison but yet under house arrest when he wrote this because he was able to entertain visitors.   Whatever the situation, what is clear is that he was on lockdown whether he could have guests or not, he is under arrest.   What we know from reading this book is that Paul loved this church; the text seems to suggest that it was his favorite.   They constantly sought occasion to provide for Paul financially yet sometimes they found it difficult to get to Paul.  As a matter of fact, once they found out that Paul was imprisoned they sent a man by the name of Epaphroditus to check on Paul and to make sure his needs were met but while he was there ministering to Paul, he fell sick almost to death and so Paul sends him back to the church at Philippi along with this letter to let the church of his own condition in prison, to thank the Philippians for the gift that they sent him (Philippians 4:14-18).  To let them know that though Epaphroditus fell sick unto death, he did not regard his life but he was successful in bringing the gift that they had sent, he wanted to warn them against false teachers that had risen up and he wanted to commend Timothy as a future leader to whom the church could look up.  Paul did not solicit the gifts from the Philippian church as a matter of fact, look what he writes in the 4^th chapter:  “10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again ; wherein ye were also careful , but ye lacked opportunity . 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased , and I know how to abound : every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need . 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done , that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound : I am full , having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”That word account comes from a Greek work called logos… it means  “word”, “something said”, “a conversation”, “discussion,” “speech”….    So Paul is saying though I didn’t initiate you giving to me, I take it because I know that’s it increases the conversations that take place in heaven on your behalf….    It means a decree, a mandate… some things are decreed on your behalf when you give to the “servants of God.”   Some things just happen for you when you have a heart to make their load easier…   

I am well aware that this scripture has been used to manipulate people to give, but these people had a heart for the man of God.  When God gives you a vision, He will always send you people whose heart has been prepared to love you.   It’s no pressure, it’s just love.   In 1^st Samuel 10^th chapter, when God chose Saul from among his family to be king, the bible says in verse #26 “And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.  These men would be faithful to Saul throughout his kingship no matter what he would go through. So this church would be the only one that would constantly keep up with Paul’s schedule to make sure that his financial needs were met.   And churches had problems with Paul receiving money….   The attack was so strong that Paul had to address it in a letter to the Corinthians.  People in the biblical world also complained about the preachers getting money.   Look at this example in 1^st Corinthians 9^th chapter where Paul addresses his accusers concerning his right to receive monetary gifts.  Paul writes  3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4 Have we not power to eat and to drink ? 5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working ? 7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn . Doth God take care for oxen? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written : that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

Paul used this Old Testament scripture to show that God intended for those who labored in the work of the Lord should expect compensation from those who they imparted spiritual work into.This Philippian church would constantly seek after Paul to make sure his physical needs were met and Paul had a special love for this church because of their unselfish kindness towards him.

Tomorrow, we will get into more of Paul’s mindset concerning this church.

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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