PHILIPPIANS

1.    Strengths and weaknesses in the church
Philippi was a Roman colony, and the citizens of this colony - mostly Gentiles – had certain privileges and they were under Romans laws. The church in Philippi was the first church Paul planted on European soil (Act 16:11-40). Also the members of these church had these priviliges and they had rights to own and sell properties. As a consequence this church was quite wealthy and they supported Paul faithfully in his efforts to spread the Gospel.

But the church had a lot of disunity because of pride and they had most focus on themselves. They were also proud of their citizenship as Romans.

Phillipi is mentioned in Acts 16:12-40 and 20:6.

 

2.    Main idea of this epistle

Paul wrote the letter both to thank them, and to refresh and encourage the Christians in the church. But his letter to the Philippians is not just a thank you for financial help , but it is also filled with joy, love and gratitude that they stand with him in the gospel . Although Paul is in prison, he expresses great joy, and wish that the church at Philippi also should rejoice with him. (2:17-18 ) He stressed that their joy should be " in the Lord " and not dependent on outside circumstances around them . (3:1).

Another thing that concerns Paul 's attitude and the way people think. It is important to focus their thoughts on what is good and right (4:8).

He highlights the attitudes of humility and to put others above theirself (2:2-5 ).

Paul also uses this opportunity to emphasize that his own imprisonment contributes to the advance of the Gospel of Jesus (1:12) , and he encourages them to live as citizens of heaven (3:20), worthy of the gospel (1:27).

3. Character and Nature of God

2:6-11:           The tribute to Christ  shows how Jesus humiliated himself and was later         elevated by God to be the master of everything.
2:27:               God had mercy with Epaphroditus when he was ill, he almost died.
4:7:                 God’s peace exceeds anything we can understand.
4:19                God takes care of us and will supply all our needs from his glorious riches.

Personal Application:

In my first time as a young christian I had so much fear in me. I almost didn’t dare to go outside our home and the future didn’t look very light. Then one day I read a book about a man who had his life changed totally by make the verse in Phil 4:13 as a safe foundation in his life.
I was inspired to do the same. I put this scripture on the mirror in the bathroom, in the car, over my bed and other places, and after a while the truth in this word began to work in me. I increasingly discovered that I was empowered with new thoughts and with small steps I could do things that I hadn’t dared for a long time. In all these years that have passed since then, this verse is still very important to me.

“For I can do anything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

The 6 DTS-students in Chiang Mai are in these days going to work as missionaries – almost alike the first apostles. As it was important to Paul to encourage his co-workers in spreading the Good News, it is also important in our days to encourage all who are serving the Lord with preaching the Gospel. In this work is it very important to keep the joy in the Lord and rest in His peace, not worry about all the challenges they can see in the surroundings.

I therefore want to proclaim the scriptures from Paul’s letter to the Philippians in 4:4-7 over the 6 DTS-students and all the servants of the Lord who are working among the Shan-people:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Amen!