Philippians -- Study #1

Philippians -- An Introduction

I. The Theme of Philippians: Joy in being Christ-minded
II. The Origin of the Philippian Church. Acts 16:7-34

• A. It began with a vision: v. 9
• B. It began with vitality: v. 10-12
• C. It began with a visit: v. 12-13
• D. It began with a victory: v. 14-15
• E. It began with violence: v. 16-24
• F. It began with vindication: v. 25-34

III. The Ongoing of the Philippian Church.

• A. It was a church about which no heresy was mentioned.
• B. It was a church commended for its liberality in giving: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

IV. The Occasion of the Philippian Epistle. Philippians 1:1

• A. The church had sent Paul a gift: v. 4:18
• B. The Apostle Paul sending thanks to the church:

V. The Object of the Philippian Epistle.

• A. To assure them of his remembrance and affection: Phil. 1:3-4 & 7-8
• B. To exhort them to unity: Phil. 1:27 ; 2:4; 3:15; 4:2
• C. To stir them from complacency: Phil. 3:15-17
• D. To fix their eyes on Christ as all-sufficient: Phil. 4:11,13,19

VI. The Outlook of the Philippian Epistle. “Joy” and “rejoice” are used 16 times in this epistle.

• A. The secret of Christian fulfillment: Joy (Phil 1:4)
• B. The source of Christian happiness: Joy (Phil 4:4)
• C. The spring of Christian contentment: Joy (Phil 4:10-11)
• D. The center of Christian service: Joy (Phil 2:16-18)

VII. The Outline of the Philippian Epistle.

• A. Christ is the principle of the believer’s life (Phil. 1:21)
• B. Christ is the pattern of the believer’s life (Phil. 2:5)
• C. Christ is the passion of the believer’s life (Phil. 3:10)
• D. Christ is the power of the believer’s life (Phil. 4:13)

Many try to follow Him as the Pattern, or seek His Power, or desire His Passion, without having Him as the Principle of their lives

Grateful acknowledgement is made to Pastor Paul Fedena for his study in Philippians, on which this study is based.