It is recognized as having been written by the Apostle Paul with some help from Timothy. This book is another of Pauls writings that were written while he was in prison around A.D. 61. In Rome. Paul had earlier converted a jailer and his wife to Christ while being held in a prison in Philippi after he had been freed from that jail. Here now we read that perhaps the the church has grown some as Paul address “bishops (elders) and deacons” (Philippians 1:1). Paul acknowledges the gift of money from the church at Philippi. There is through the words of the Paul a letter written to a group of Christians who were especially close to the heart of Paul. Consider this…Many of you have heard the slogan “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” We will take a little liberty here…this letter might suggest that help can be found by Keeping God in our hearts, God in the forefront of our Minds and opening that Door to let in the joy of the Lord. Again…This letter was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, about thirty years after Christ’s ascension and some ten years after Paul first preached at Philippi. Paul has covered some vast ground and seen much trouble and personal suffering but in his heart there is still a fire burning for the church at Philippi and God’s people there. This letter is possibly one of the more personal letters of Paul.  One commentary breaks Philippians down this way:

Philippians may be divided as follows:

Introduction, 1:1-7

Verses…Rejoicing in Spite of Suffering, 1:8-30

Verses…Rejoicing in Lowly Service, 2:1-30

Verses…Christian’s Faith, Desire, and Expectation, 3:1-21

Verses…A Christian’s Strength: Rejoicing Through Anxiety, 4:1-9

Conclusion, 4:10-23

It has become a Cliché with me… “let’s go beyond the word” by taking a closer look at some of the verses we read here. We will start with Philippians 2:2-4

2.then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

3.Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

4.not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

These timely reminders could easily apply to our churches today and reduce the conflicts in our churches and the christian community overall. Paul rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed. 

Throughout this letter in spite of persecution and imprisonment, the joy of Paul’s love for the word and of God and his fellow christians overcomes all obstacles. 

Philippians 4:8…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I hope you are enjoying this series and it is my prayer that it will inspire you to come back for the rest of this series…also to make a point of Paul’s writings…the word of God will carry you through the rough times…Remember to do do what you have read in Philippians 4:8… “think about these things.” Stay above the fray, think in a Godly way. 

Life is Good

jk