One Year Journey Through the New Testament
Philippians 1
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
Greeting
1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:1–2, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul offered his normal greeting, with return address and mailing address, and a blessing of grace and peace.
Thankfulness and Prayer
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
(Philippians 1:3–11, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul shared his thankfulness for the Philippians, and his promise of praying for them always.
- Paul told them that God is faithful and will complete what He promised to do.
- Paul expressed his love for the Philippians, and also prayed that their love would overflow.
Christ is Preached
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
(Philippians 1:12–18, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul explained that his imprisonment was actually a tool for the gospel to be spread wide. Even the palace guards in Rome (where he was imprisoned) were hearing and receiving the gospel promises.
- He also mused that the other Christians around the world felt that they could be bold with their faith because of Paul’s example.
- Some preached Christ to stir up trouble for Paul and his compatriots, but others were sincere. Either way, the gospel was going forth. In this Paul rejoiced.
To Live is Christ
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
(Philippians 1:19–26, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- In this passage, the ever-popular Scripture about life and death is uttered. Paul set up the verse by talking about his faith in God for deliverance, and his hope that Christ will be glorified, whether in his life or in his death.
- He then wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This passage explains the two aspects of existence. As long as a Christian is alive, he or she should be declaring Christ in word and in deed. We are working toward heaven. When a Christian dies, their reward awaits in heaven. Either way, good is done, and the cause of Christ comes to fruition.
- Make your days on earth worthwhile, and your days in heaven will be even sweeter.
Striving and Suffering for Christ
27 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. 29 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.
(Philippians 1:27–30, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul encouraged the readers to walk worthy of Christ, striving to spread the gospel everywhere. He called them to live in unity within the body.
- He then promised them that they would suffer, but also be rewarded. Follow Paul’s faith and sacrifice. Be ready to preach and to die for the gospel. Heaven is the goal!
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 