Genuine Christianity: Lessons from Philippians (Part 1)

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 1:6

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you^[a] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

(CSB)

Paul wrote the letter to the Church at Philippi during his first Roman imprisonment (AD 60-62).  Nine years prior, the Apostle Paul planted the church in Philippi in AD 51.  Philippi was a predominantly Gentile community, so few Jews lived in the city.  Named after the father of Alexander the Great, Philip of Macedon, the city served as the capital of the Greek empire.  Besides being predominantly Gentile, the Church at Philippi characterized women having significant roles along with their generosity and deep loyalty to the Apostle Paul. 

The letters contribution to Scripture is teaching about genuine Christianity with a focus on how it impacts life.  In addition, the Book of Philippians increases understanding of Christian commitment and what it means to be Christ-like.  A biblical demonstration of Paul’s Christ-likeness comes from his struggle with desiring separation from the flesh and being with Christ but understanding his present role was one of teaching those in the churches he planted (Philippians 1:21-26).  Since Paul wrote the letter while imprisoned, he must have understood that continuing to preach the Gospel came with the threat of death but did not allow that to stop him.  Similarly, Jesus left the glory of heaven to be with humanity and did it willingly even though it meant suffering pain, rejection, and death. 

The four structural parts of the book are,

1)      Living a Christ-like life of worthiness to the Gospel despite struggles and persecution (Philippians 1:12-30).

2)      Humble unified service to Christ following his example (Philippians 2:1-30).

3)      Understanding that Christ is the source of righteousness (Philippians 3:1-21).

4)      Standing together for the Gospel while rejoicing in faith (Philippians 4:1-23).

Paul begins the book in his typical manner with a greeting reminding the readers he is a servant of Jesus Christ.  He then offers a prayer of thanksgiving for the generosity of the church in its financial support of his ministry.  He also expresses hope that the good work of God that began in the church would continue until Jesus’ return.  This should be the prayer and hope for all Churches.  Unfortunately, many churches today act as if they are in competition with each other instead of members of the same team contributing to making disciples and spreading the Gospel until Christ returns. 

The Apostle Paul understood that his imprisonment could not stop the advance of the Gospel and why he wrote this letter of instruction and encouragement to the Church at Philippi.  One thing is for certain, struggles and obstacles to spreading the Gospel and fulfilling the mission of the Church will occur but help the church overcome and perseverance through living of a genuine Christ-like life.  My hope and prayer are also that through this study, the body of Christ will unite to fulfill the missional role of the Church.

Next Saturday we will begin our verse by verse study of this book.  Please invite your friends to follow along by sharing the link to this blog through email, social media, or by text.  May God bless everyone reading this post.