Introduction: The city of Philippi was a Roman colony,and  was on the Egnation Way,one of the key transportation routes of the Roman Empire. There were many ex-soldiers living there,and the colony was immune to taxation. It was also the first city in Europe where Paul established a church. He is obviously very close to the body of believers there,but they were not without their problems.

Thanksgiving and Prayer]
[3] I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

• partnership – koinonia -fellowship,community,communion,joint participation
• The partnership is in the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ.

[6] And I am sure of this, (confident of this very thing)  – that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

[7] It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

• Paul has a strong affection for this body of believers.
• Partakers- sugkoinonos – Partaking jointly of
• defense - apologia – verbal defense – prepared statement or argument.
• confirmation – bebaiosis (from 950)
• defense and confirmation of the gospel

[8] For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

• Paul yearns for them with the affection of Jesus Christ. He is in prison,how much fellowship he has we do not know. This letter shows a very human side of Paul. Phillip is 1200 miles away from Rome.

[9] And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10] so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

• Paul’s prayer highlights three keys – love,knowledge,and discernment
• love – agape
• knowledge- epignosis – precise and correct knowledge,particularly of the ethical and divine.
• discernment – perception,not only by the senses,but in  moral discernment in ethical matters. Has to do with judgment and also means perception.
• approve- dokimazo – test,approve,scrutinize,to test,as in testing a metal for purity. Examine all things,and approve them if they pass the test.

The abounding of love,knowledge and discernment is to lead to :

• purity and blamelessness- KJV- (sincere and without offence) – in morality,in doctrine,right and wrong,true and false. Perhaps even in differentiating between the good and the best in a given situation. This is the concrete,practical outworking of sanctification.
• and the fruit of righteousness- the fruit of our right standing with God,and with a life rightly lived before God. The key questions in our life are not,”does this make me feel good?,or is it popular?The key question is “ Is it right and will it please the Lord “? We are to live out this goodness by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our motive for good is different from the unregenerate man’s in that  we want to glorify the Lord by doing good.

[The Advance of the Gospel]
[12] I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, [13] so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. [14] And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

• From one viewpoint Paul’s imprisonment was the worst thing that could have happened to the early Church. Their leading evangelist behind bars,no television,radio,internet,papers,or magazines to get the word out. But God does work all things for good for those who love Him.
• Paul was able to witness to his guards-the result being that the imperial guard heard of Christ perhaps for the first time. They probably would not have gone to the home of a common person to hear Paul. But they conversed with Paul as a part of their duty to guard him.
• Paul’s example of faithfulness was an encouragement to the brothers. Five years later when Nero turned on the Christians in Rome,there were large numbers of them.

[15] Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. [16] The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. [17] The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

• Paul’s main concern is that the gospel is preached. If those who do not like him preach it and attack him but are accurate with the gospel message,  it’s ok. The word must get out.
• Envy leads to factious rivalry -afflict is “the painful rubbing of chains on a prisoners wrists and ankles.”

[To Live Is Christ]
Yes, and I will rejoice, [19] for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

• Our prayers matter. We are commanded to make our requests known to the Lord. Paul coveted the prayers of the saints and often asked for their prayers.
• He is looking expectantly for deliverance-

[20] as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

• His desire is to live his life with godly courage – that he would not be ashamed of Jesus Christ and silenced with fear. Fear buttons our lips and changes topics. Fear tells us to talk all around what we should be speaking of,and fear turns us into such cowards that forget our calling,our future,and our great Rock who will never leave us nor forsake us.

[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (From Martyn -Lloyd Jones)

Thomas, you remember, saw him, but you remember what our Lord said to him: ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen me thou hast believed, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed’ (John 20:29). You may say to yourself, ‘If I had the vision that Paul had on the road to Damascus, I might be able to say that I love him in exactly the same way, but I have never seen him.’ But that is foolish – ‘Whom having not seen, ye love’ says Peter in 1 Peter 1:8. Read some of the great hymns, read the lives of the saints, they loved him. They have seen him with the eye of faith and we have their testimonies to that. The glory of the person of Jesus is the main cause of love. The tragedy is that we stop so much at the benefits of the Christian life. We are so anxious for blessings, that we forget the one who gives them. Paul did not; he saw that that blessed one had actually given his life and had gone to the cross for his sins – ‘The Son of God, who loved me’ – even me -’and gave himself for me’ (Gal. 2:20). it is the glory and wonder of the cross. He gave all his life’s blood for such a wretched sinner.
Next Paul had come to see and to know that apart from Christ there is no such thing as true life. In chapter 3 he uses that strong expression, ‘and do count them but dung’: refuse, worthless. Without Christ no one lives, it is only existence. Life, as we have seen, is meant to be full orbed, the intellect satisfied, the feelings satisfied, the whole life enveloped, the whole man taken up by this complete, rounded life.
And, lastly, he felt and said it because of the new view of life which he had thus obtained. Paul had now been given to see that life in this world is really but a preparation for the great life that is coming. That does not mean to depreciate this world, nor does it mean skepticism or mysticism. If ever anyone lived an active life it was Paul: no, he did not die passively to the world in that sense, but rather to the sin of the world. For Paul had come to see that the world is in a great state of conflict between the kingdom of heaven and evil. He knew a day was coming when the King would return and rout the forces of evil and set up his kingdom. Now, said Paul, I am destined for that; I am going to be in that. I may spend twenty years longer in this world, but think of the glory that awaits me, think of the life that is coming, the real life when the King shall reign and I shall be with him! And that, too, made him live for Christ.
So, then, I end with my question: is living to us, Christ? I wonder whether we can make that statement that was made by Count Zinzendorf, the Moravian leader who helped John Wesley both before and after his conversion. He had never had the vision that Paul had on the road to Damascus, but to him, too, Christ was in the centre. Can we make his motto our own? ‘I have one passion, it is he and he alone.’ ‘To me living is Christ.’

http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&aid=532

Who or what do we live for ? Only one Person is worthy of being “lived for”.

[22] If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. [23] I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. [24] But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

• Ultimately our life is in God’s hands. Paul was willing to die for the Lord or live for the Lord. He was content to allow God to be God.
• To be with the Lord is “far better”,but there is much to be done here on the earth. If we live for Him,then to die is “great gain.”
  [27] Only let your manner of life (conversation)be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, [28] and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. [29] For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, [30] engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

• Our manner of life should not be contentious,quarrelsome,filled with envy and back biting,but should instead witness to living in one spirit and one mind for “the faith of the gospel.”
• Like Paul the Philippians believers would have the opportunity to suffer for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul regards this as a privilege,and believes that whatever suffering he goes through will glorify the Lord and result in the furtherance of the kingdom. How can he say such a thing?
• Mathew 5:10-12-[10] “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  [11] “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. [12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
  (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)
• His example (beyond himself) is Jesus Christ.

[Christ's Example of Humility]
[2:1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

• There is encouragement(consolation-KJV)-Paraklesis-similar to “comforter” in Jn.14:16,26. Jesus is “the Consolation of Israel” Luke 2:25.
• There is comfort in love-agape. Paramuthion-only time used in Scripture -”stimulating force,incentive.We are to reach out and receive the comforting love of Jesus Christ.
• There is participation/fellowship in the Holy Spirit. Christianity is a supernatural religion.

[2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

• Again there is the call to unity- the same mind-
• Likeminded- to think the same thing – we can have differing opinions on many things,but there should be agreement on the nature of God,salvation,the gospel,etc.
• same love – actions that illustrate our words-Love is …I Cor.13
• full accord – “soul and soul together”- “Possessed with the idea of sentiment of unity”.
• Deal with differences,disagreements,contentions. Don’t give ground to rivalries,and live selfishly for ourselves. He is not talking about holding to a false humility,but looking out for others,being glad when others are blessed or accomplish something for the kingdom,or do something we could have done. Promote and bless others.

How can we do this? There are so many church splits – is it possible to have a harmonious congregation that puts the Lord first in all things ?

[5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

• Christ Jesus is a messianic title- In God’s grace the Lord Jesus Christ emptied himself -He  was God and made Himself nothing!! Have this mind in you- “think of,be mindful of ” Be of the same mind as the Lord.
• He was in the “form”morphe – the essential form of God - theou
• But He took the “form” morphe – of a servant- doulos
• Jesus was truly human- He clothed Himself with humanity and became a servant. He was God,but laid aside His glory and majesty. He became the bondservant of His Father.

[28] So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
[29] And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” [30] As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
(John 8:28; John 8:29-30 ESV)

[10] Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
(Matthew 6:10 ESV

• Jesus humbled Himself -even to the point of an illegal death on the cross. He was the perfect man:in holiness,love,sinlessness,compassion,courage,in all things.
• Jesus was crucified and experienced the pain as a man would. He was raised from the dead and now has been exalted above all things. every tongue will one day confess that He is Lord (confess openly)that He is Lord- Jehovah/Yahweh, to the glory of God the Father.

Here is a song by Phil Keaggy that expresses the wonder of the Maker of the Universe dying on the cross for our sins:

The Maker of the universe,
As Man for man was made a curse.
The claims of Law which He had made,
Unto the uttermost He paid.
His holy fingers made the bough,
Which grew the thorns that crowned His brow.
The nails that pierced His hands were mined
In secret places He designed.
He made the forest whence there sprung
The tree on which His body hung.
He died upon a cross of wood,
Yet made the hill on which it stood.
The sky that darkened o’er His head,
By Him above the earth was spread.
The sun that hid from Him it’s face
By His decree was poised in space.
The spear which spilled His precious blood
Was tempered in the fires of God.
The grave in which His form was laid
Was hewn in rocks His hands had made.
The throne on which He now appears
Was His for everlasting years.
But a new glory crowns His brow
And every knee to Him shall bow.

3:02+

Phil Keaggy – ‘Maker of the Universe‘

Given what the Lord Jesus Christ did, how can we do anything less than serve Him with a servant’s heart ?

[Lights in the World]
[12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

• He does not say,”earn your salvation with fear and trembling”.
  

  When Justification Is Marginalized

  “The ultimate concern of most church members is not the worship and service of Christ in evangelistic mission and social compassion, but rather survival and success in their secular vocation.  The church is a spoke on the wheel of life connected to a secular hub.  It is a departmental sub concern, not the organizing center of all other concerns.  Church members who have been conditioned all their lives to devote themselves to building their own kingdom and whose flesh naturally gravitates in that direction anyway find it hard to invest much energy in the kingdom of God.  They go to church once or twice a week and punch the clock, so to speak, fulfilling their ‘church obligation’ by sitting passively and listening critically or approvingly to the pastor’s teaching.

  [ . . .] Since their understanding of justification is marginal or unreal–anchored not to Christ, but to some conversion experience in the past or to an imagined present state of goodness in their lives–they know little of the dynamic of justification.  Their understanding of sin focuses on behavioral externals which they can eliminate from their lives by a little will power and ignores the great submerged continents of pride, covetousness and hostility beneath the surface.  Thus their pharisaism defends them both against full involvement in the church’s mission and against full subjection of their inner lives to the authority of Christ.”

  - Richard F. Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life: An Evangelical Theology of Renewal, 204-05

• vs.. 12- “work out”-katergazomai- ex. working out a math problem. In spiritual terms this is talking about sanctification-the day to day living of doing the will of God.We are justified by faith- Justification properly understood and acted upon works itself out in our daily sanctification.
• vs..13 – God who “works” in you - energeo- “to energize,or work effectively”-has to do with God’s enablement more than our resources. That is good news !
• “to will”-has to do with the Holy Spirit giving us the desire and the determination to do God’s will and please Him. This is where the battle is . Knowing and desiring are sometimes at battle with desiring our own way in opposition to what the Lord wants and what we desire (at least in part).

[14] Do all things without grumbling or questioning, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17] Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
(Philippians 1:3-2:18 ESV)

• Do all things without murmuring- when we murmur and complain we are discontented. It is so easy to get our eyes off of the Lord and His will and to gaze at our problems. Murmuring can often lead to bitterness- the example of the Israelites in the wilderness shows the danger of constant complaining.” they spoke against God and Moses”
• We live in a dark and twisted world. We are surrounded by people with major problems. Sin twists and warps human beings and only the Lord can put us on the straight path.
• We are called to be blameless- amemptos-”without reproach”used in Luke 1:6 of Zacharias and Elizabeth.
• harmless – akeraios-guileless,sincere,simple concerning evil.Unalloyed metal- genuine. Contrast that behavior with quarrelsome,complaining,carnal – big difference in a church body.
• We are to hold forth the word of life- our lives need to match our message.
• Paul believed that the Philippians  would consecrate themselves to the Lord as “living sacrifices”(Romans 12:1-2)- As a sacrifice we are to be consumed on the altar of sacrifice and service. Paul was in the process of pouring out his life as a drink offering as he was persecuted for the Lord.

In old Testament times,when a person brought an animal sacrifice to God,he also brought wine to be poured out as an accompanying libation. The amount of wine depended on the value of the sacrifice. The more impressive sacrifices required greater amounts of wine (Numbers 15:4-12).And since wine is symbolic of joy and exhilaration in the Bible,we could say,”The greater the sacrifice,the greater the joy.”The pouring of wine on the Old Testament sacrifice taught the truth that the way of sacrifice is the way of joy. This truth is what Paul was teaching the Philippians. (Exploring Ephesians and Philippians,John Phillips,pg.103)

Conclusion:

• To really live is to live for Christ,through Christ-experiencing His life in us.
• We are called to walk “worthy of the gospel”.
• We are to be unified in our faith and our desire to share the gospel
• We are to serve one another
• We are to look to Jesus Christ as our example of humility and service and have that “same mind”.
• We are to be bright shining lights in this fallen world.

O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad,
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears;
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the pow’r of reigning sin,
He sets the pris’ner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, list’ning to His voice,
New life the dead receive;
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice;
The humble poor believe.