Philippi of Macedonia (Upper Greece)
·
A
“Colony” of Rome … explain what this means …
·
Famous
for one of the greatest battles of the Roman Empire:
o October 42 BC
o Octavian (Caesar
Augustus) and Mark Anthony against Brutus and Cassius
§ The supporters of
Julius Caesar’s reforms against the supporters of the Roman Republic
§ Decided the fate and
future of the Roman Empire
§ Octavian and Anthony
won …
·
Death
to the Republic
·
Long
live Caesar
·
Paul
first visited Philippi in about AD51
o Acts 16
·
Visits
again in about AD56
o Acts 20:6
The Book of Philippians is written from prison in Rome in about the year AD62.
This seasoned Apostle is about 57 years old. By this time it has been over 30 years since he first saw the Light on that Damascus Road. Paul has faithfully served his Lord Jesus with one enduring conviction:
Romans 1:16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
He desires to encourage the Believers in the city of Philippi, the same city where a decade earlier he and his companion Silas were stripped naked in the city center, publicly beaten and thrown into jail for proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to the citizens.
This morning we are going to take a brief look at this Apostle’s heart for those who were a part of the Church in Philippi and imagine how his words are meant by God to apply to our lives today.
In many ways the United States is not unlike the city of Philippi in Paul’s time. It wasn’t popular to be a follower of Jesus, to attend Church or to share the Gospel in an open way. It seemed difficult to see the benefits of following Jesus when those living in sin are doing ok. The economy was going well, and life had so much to offer. What difference does it make that I’m a Christian? Many of my friends claim to be Christians and they don’t act any different than the non-believers.
Paul hoped this letter would provide perspective and supply the strength needed to grow in Christ and experience the difference He can make in our lives and the lives of others around us.
With these things in mind, let’s begin with reading a few verses as we walk through the scriptures in the Book of Philippians. The message today is designed by God to change your life forever.
My job this morning will be to provide extemporaneous commentary and yours will be to catch one or two things the Holy Spirit wants to say to you today.
Philippians 1 NLT
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
27 ¶ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven …
Philippians 2
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble …
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 3
1 ¶ Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord …
8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 4
1 ¶ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord.
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice!
5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 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.
8 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.
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 ¶ Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
So … which point did the Holy Spirit highlight for you today? Take at least one thing and hold it tightly in your mind while I pray. Open your heart and I will believe God that His Word is planted in your life like a seed.
This Word will grow and produce fruit in your life. It will speak to you, guide you, protect you and bring you peace and increase. Are you ready? Let’s pray …
Now – Don’t worry anymore.
