Introduction to Philippians

The book of Philippians was written to show Paul’s appreciation and love to the Philippians in a thank-you letter
for their continued help and support, and also to encourage their growth in Christ, to “press on toward the goal”. Paul’s goal was whatever Christ’s goal was for him; he was a missionary, who loved the Lord, loved the church and lived for the gospel. We’re God’s missionaries, planted here by God for such a time as this to love the Lord and live the gospel.

In many ways, Philippians is about the core hallmarks of what being Christian looks like. So yes, Paul writing to a 1st-century church but like most (if not all) of what Paul writes, has great relevance for the church today. The overarching theme is encouragement to the church, and here are a few key verses and thoughts to highlight this:

(READ 2:3-5) Being Christian and humility – preferring the other person – go hand in hand. We are encouraged to adopt the same way of thinking and acting and responding to others as Christ. (READ 2:14 – 16) This teaches us something about valuing working together, the value of diversity. Being Christian and working together in our diversity go hand in hand.

(READ 3:13-14) Being Christian and having confidence in him, not in our own strength, go hand in hand. Relating to his own past and experiences Paul teaches that nothing is as important as devotion to Jesus There is a more subtle theme in the letter, that of the church’s relationship to the world around it. The societies Paul ministered in did not make his task easy, in fact, they were not friendly. At no point, however, did Paul teach that Christians should retreat from the world.

Paul’s “joy” was engaging anyone around him with the gospel, his chains advanced the gospel. His encouragement to the Philippians was to “shine like stars in the universe” (READ 2:15). Being Christian and engaging with the lost go hand in hand.

And in the final chapter, like a bookend, but really to be considered as the thread to apply to all his teaching:
Being Christian and prayer with thanksgiving go hand in hand (READ 4:4-7)

Philippians is a real letter, written to real people about real issues. Let’s give the Holy Spirit room to move in our
lives and simply ask: How can I grow in Christ?