Rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians)
This sermon unpacks the heart of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a message surprisingly filled with joy despite the apostle's imprisonment. It invites readers to understand how a life anchored in Christ's identity and work can yield steadfast rejoicing and purposeful partnership.
This sermon explores Paul's letter to the Philippians, emphasizing that true joy is rooted in Christ and independent of circumstances. It also highlights the importance of corporate partnership in advancing the gospel.
Overview
The sermon introduces Paul's letter to the Philippians, noting its special place for many due to its themes of joy and encouragement. It sets the context of Paul writing from imprisonment, likely Rome, around 60-63 AD. This backdrop is crucial as it shapes the surprising call to rejoice despite difficult circumstances.
The letter begins with Paul's affectionate prayer for the Philippians, then details how his imprisonment is paradoxically advancing the gospel. Paul contemplates his future, expressing confidence in continuing his ministry, before issuing the foundational imperative in Philippians 1:27: to live as worthy citizens of God's kingdom.
The "Christ hymn" in Philippians 2:6-11 is presented as the letter's theological nerve center, illustrating Christ's self-humbling and exaltation. This serves as the model for believers to "work out their salvation" with humility, exemplified by Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Paul himself, who counts all things as loss for Christ.
Paul then addresses practical issues, notably the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche, underscoring the need for unity. The letter concludes with a call to rejoice, instruction on purposeful thinking, and a unique thank-you to the Philippians for their financial support, framed by Paul's learned secret of contentment in all situations.
Key points
- Paul's letter to the Philippians, widely accepted as his authentic writing, was penned from imprisonment (traditionally Rome, 60-62 AD).
- A central theme is rejoicing in the Lord Jesus, which is a conscious choice rooted in God's unchanging character, not fluctuating circumstances.
- The "Christ hymn" in Philippians 2:6-11 is identified as the letter's theological nerve center, emphasizing Christ's humility and subsequent exaltation.
- The sermon highlights fellowship and partnership, underscoring that gospel advancement is a corporate project requiring active participation and unity among believers.
- Paul calls believers to count all personal accomplishments and perceived gains as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ.
- The letter encourages intentionality in thought, urging believers to fix their minds on what is true, honorable, and pure (Philippians 4:8) and to avoid anxiety.
- Paul models contentment in all circumstances, expressing gratitude for support while clarifying that his joy in the Lord remains constant whether he has much or little.
In Rick Warren's words
“His joy is not determined by his circumstances.”
“Paul isn't sitting down to write scripture. Paul is sitting down to write letters to these churches, to these people who he knows.”
“Jesus himself is the ultimate treasure.”
Outline
- I. Introduction to Philippians
- A. A Special Place in Many Hearts
- B. Paul's Authorship and Imprisonment Context
- 1. Traditional view: Rome (60-62/63 AD)
- 2. Alternative view: Ephesus
- C. Tone and Theme: Rejoicing Amidst Hardship
- 1. Paul's special bond and affection for the Philippians
- 2. Joy increasing despite potential cynicism toward life's end
- II. Summarizing and Tracing the Flow of Philippians
- A. One-Sentence Summary: "Rejoice in the Lord Jesus and partner in the advancement of his gospel."
- B. Trajectory of the Letter
- 1. Greeting and affectionate prayer for the Philippians
- 2. Paul's circumstances: Gospel advancing despite imprisonment (Philippians 1:12ff)
- 3. Main imperative: Live worthy of the gospel as citizens of God's kingdom (Philippians 1:27)
- 4. Theological nerve center: The Christ Hymn (Philippians 2:6-11)
- 5. Examples of Christ-like humility: Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Paul's own life
- 6. Call to count all things as loss in comparison with knowing Christ (Philippians 3)
- 7. Reminder of heavenly citizenship and future hope of Christ's return
- 8. Practical issues addressed: Conflict between Euodia and Syntyche
- 9. Final call to rejoice and instruction on daily thinking (Philippians 4)
- 10. Thanking them for financial support, while modeling contentment
- III. Major Themes of Philippians
- A. Joy and Rejoicing
- 1. A choice rooted in God's unchanging truth, not circumstances
- 2. Anchored in who Jesus is and what he has done (Christ hymn)
- 3. A corporate project, not solely individual
- B. Fellowship and Partnership
- 1. Sharing in the benefits of Christ and partnering for gospel advancement
- 2. Active participation beyond financial support
- 3. Unity for effective partnership
- IV. What Philippians Teaches About God
- A. Identity as the Triune God (Father, Son, Spirit)
- B. Christ's Identity in the Christ Hymn (Philippians 2:6-11)
- 1. Emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant (referencing Isaiah 53)
- 2. Obedient to death, highly exalted by God (alluding to Isaiah 45:23)
- 3. Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh
- V. What Philippians Teaches About Us
- A. Counting all things as loss for Christ (Philippians 3)
- 1. Knowing Christ as the ultimate treasure and true satisfaction
- 2. Paul's call to imitate his pursuit of Christ
- B. Intentionality in daily life (Philippians 4:6-8)
- 1. Not being anxious, directing thoughts to what is true and honorable
- 2. Surrenderedness to God's will (Paul's example)
- C. The corporate element of the Christian life
- VI. Sticky Parts of Philippians
- A. "Emptied himself" (Philippians 2:7) – interpreted as taking on servant form, not giving up divinity.
- B. Warnings against "dogs" and "evildoers" (Philippians 3) – referring to false teachers.
- VII. Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways
- A. The source of joy is Jesus Christ himself, the ultimate treasure.
- B. Calls to action are rooted in relationship with Christ, not merely rules.
- C. Living in a way that maximizes joy and positions for God's goodness.
Scripture references
- Philippians 4:8-9
- Philippians 1:12
- Philippians 1:27
- Philippians 2:6-11
- Philippians 3
- Philippians 4
- Philippians 4:6
- Philippians 4:8
- Isaiah 53
- Isaiah 45:23
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Insights
Joy is not determined by our changing circumstances.
Our ultimate joy is anchored in who Christ truly is.
Rejoicing in the Lord is a journey we share together.
Questions & answers
What is the main message of Philippians, according to this sermon?
The sermon highlights Philippians' core message as rejoicing in the Lord Jesus and partnering in the advancement of his gospel. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in Christ.
What is the significance of Paul's imprisonment in Philippians?
Paul writes from prison, which sets a surprising tone for a letter about joy. His imprisonment actually serves to advance the gospel, rather than hinder it, demonstrating that joy is possible even in difficult circumstances.
What is the "Christ hymn" in Philippians 2:6-11?
The Christ hymn is presented as the theological nerve center of the letter. It describes Jesus humbling himself by taking the form of a servant, being obedient to death, and then being highly exalted by God.
How does Philippians teach about joy?
Philippians teaches that joy is a choice rooted in the unchanging truth of who God is and what Christ has done, rather than in fluctuating circumstances. It is also presented as a corporate, not merely individual, pursuit.
What does Paul mean by "emptied himself" in Philippians 2:7?
According to the sermon, "emptied himself" does not mean Jesus gave up divine attributes, but rather "by taking the form of a servant." He took on something (servant form) rather than giving up divinity.
What does Philippians 4:8-9 instruct us to do?
Philippians 4:8-9 calls believers to fix their thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. This is presented as an intentional way to direct one's thoughts and find peace.
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