Through The Bible - English - 55 (Philippians) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The central theme of Philippians is maintaining the attitude of Christ, which is exemplified by joy even amidst severe hardship, as Paul demonstrated from prison. Paul teaches that true joy comes not from comfortable circumstances, but from living a life devoted to the Lord and using one's strength for service. Furthermore, he emphasizes that Christian love must grow in discernment to recognize and pursue the 'best' ways of serving God, rather than settling for merely 'good' ways.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The theme of Philippians: The mind of ChristThe letter to the Philippians centers on having the attitude and mind of Christ Jesus, with a heavy emphasis on experiencing joy under all circumstances.Philippians 2:5
Joy in the midst of sufferingPaul writes about joy not from a comfortable easy chair, but from a dark, difficult prison dungeon, proving that true Christian joy transcends circumstances.
Carrying God's people in your heartA true servant of God must carry both God's word and God's people on their heart in order to speak a prophetic word that blesses others.
Growing in love and discernmentPaul prays that the believers' love will increase with discernment so they can approve what is excellent rather than merely what is good.
How imprisonment worked for the progress of the gospelPaul's imprisonment turned out for good because it gave him the forced quiet time to write scripture and allowed him to witness directly to the praetorian guard.Romans 8:28
Rejoicing when Christ is preached with wrong motivesEven when some preach Christ out of jealousy or selfish ambition to cause Paul pain, Paul simply rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed.
Peeling off the layers of selfishness and spiritual prideSelfishness and spiritual pride are deeply rooted like layers of a large onion, and we must continually seek light from God to cleanse ourselves of them.
The unselfish attitude of ChristChrist left heaven's glory, humbled Himself, and took the form of a servant because He wanted to bring what He had to those who lacked it.
Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of unselfish workersWhile most Christian workers seek their own interests, Timothy and Epaphroditus stood out as faithful men who did not seek things for themselves.
Counting everything as garbage compared to ChristPaul considers all earthly achievements, money, and human honor as mere garbage or rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ.
Understanding earthly perfection and pressing onWhile absolute Christ-likeness is a goal we press toward until Jesus returns, we can attain perfection on earth in the sense of having a clear, cleansed conscience.
Rejoicing always and casting away anxietyBelievers are called to rejoice in the Lord always, remain anxious for nothing, and bring every request to God with thanksgiving.
God supplying all our needs through ChristThrough Christ who strengthens us, we can do all things, and God is able to supply every spiritual and practical need according to His riches in glory.
