Transcript Philippians – Christ In The Church Lesson 3

Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:12-18…
Continue to obey God’s law for Christians.
 Christ accepted a role of great responsibility in
heaven’s plan, and He fulfilled His obligations
without exception.

The salvation to be worked out is not the initial
remission of sins upon obedience to the gospel.
 God is pleased when His people are diligent in
their work.

Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:12-18…
Attitude is as important in serving God as
performance.
 Contrariwise, willing and cheerful obedience
will make Christians blameless and harmless
in their service.

The world in which Christians serve their Lord is a
world filled with wickedness.
 Good works often provide an entree to teach the
gospel.

Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:12-18…
The obligation of Christians to “hold forth” the
word to a lost world is often neglected in spite
of its great importance in God’s scheme of
redemption.
 Careful attention to their responsibilities
would bring about their own salvation and the
salvation of many other people.


Even if his present confinement ended in his
death, the reward of souls would be worth the
price.
Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:12-18…
Paul’s imagery relates to the practice both
under the Law and under pagan ritualism of
pouring out a drink offering on a sacrifice
before it was burned on the altar.
 These references to “JOY” and “rejoicing” in
connection with Paul’s death call attention to
the numerous times those and similar terms
appear in this epistle.

Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:19-24…
Timothy had accompanied Paul to Rome and
had remained there during the time of the
apostle’s imprisonment.
 Paul planned to send Timothy from Rome to
Philippi to gather information about the
welfare of the church there.


This would not be the first time that Paul would
use Timothy as his messenger.
Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:19-24…
There was no other companion qualified for
this task, in Paul’s opinion.
 During Paul’s confinement in Rome, numerous
companions were with him and provided
assistance to him in various ways.


Timothy’s character had been “proven” to the
Philippians, and they could have as much
confidence in him as Paul did.
Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:19-24…
Timothy’s heart was certainly well-known to
Paul.
 Timothy’s mission to the church at Philippi
would be undertaken just as soon as Paul
could determine what the outcome of his
impending trial before Caesar would be.

Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:19-24…

Paul’s “best scenario” would make two things
possible:

He would be able to send Timothy to Philippi
“at once.”

He would also be able to make a personal visit to
Philippi.
Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:25-30…
We know something about Epaphroditus as a
Christian...
 Epaphroditus had come to Rome from Philippi
to “minister to” Paul’s need.


While in Rome, Epaphroditus had fallen ill with
some undisclosed but very serious sickness.
Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:25-30…
As soon as Epaphroditus was well enough,
Paul had sent him home to relieve the anxiety
of the Christians who were waiting for news
about his health...
 Epaphroditus’ return to Philippi would be the
source of great happiness…


Men such as Epaphroditus were to be highly
regarded in the church because of their faithful
service in the Lord.
Philippians – Christ In The Church
Lesson 5

Verses 2:25-30…

It is significant that Paul had not employed his
power of healing [e.g., Acts 28:8,9] to intervene
in the case of Epaphroditus.