After this coming Sunday in which we will host our beloved Brit, Steve Timmis, we will begin a new series on the book of Philippians. Paul loved the church in Philippi, and referred to them as his “joy and crown” (Phil 4:1). You can read about the founding of the church in Philippi in Acts 16.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul commends the saints for their generosity and for their loyalty. In addition to saying thank you for these positive virtues, Paul also addresses some problems in the church, namely the need to pursue unity in the Gospel. Paul also warns them of the threat of false teachers (or “dogs”). As a result of diminishing unity and the various challenges surrounding them, Paul reminds the church that they are also at risk of losing their joy. The concept of joy is discussed repeatedly in this letter. Where is joy found? It’s not found in one’s circumstances; it’s found in Christ. Paul could himself rejoice even though he writes from a prison because of his union and communion with Christ.
So this letter has much to teach us about: friendship, finances, doctrine, mission, unity, and the centrality of Christ. So let’s go.
Below is our tentative schedule for the study:
Feb 16: Philippians 1:1-2; Acts 16:1-40 – Tony
Feb 23: Philippians 1:3-8 – Tony
March 2: Philippians 1:9-11 – Tony
March 9: Philippians 1:12-18 – Nate
March 16: Philippians 1:19-26 – Tony
March 23: Philippians 1:27-2:4 – Tony
March 30: Philippians 2:5-11 – Tony
April 6: Philippians 2:12-18 – Duce
April 13: Philippians 2:19-30 – Nate
April 20: Philippians 3:1-11 {Easter} – Tony
April 27: Philippians 3:12-4:1 – Tony
May 4: Philippians 4:2-9 – Tony
May 11: Philippians 4:10-23 – Tony