Philippians: Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi – an outline
- Introduces Paul and Timothy as servants of Jesus Christ, to the saints, bishops and deacons at Philippi
- He says he prays for them and considers them fellow bondservants in Christ
- He wishes them to abound in knowledge and judgment, sincere without offense until Christ’s return
- Paul explains that his suffering and jailing have served to further the cause of the Gospel
- He even welcomes those who preach about Christ out of envy, strife and contention with him
- “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul would rather be with Christ, but knows he still has work to do on Earth, spreading the Gospel and supporting churches like Philippi
- He explains the church is not only to believe in Christ, but to suffer for His sake, just like Paul.
- There is a consolation and comfort of love and a fellowship of the Spirit, that lets nothing be done through strife or vainglory but rather by having each person esteem others more than themselves.
- We should try to be like Christ Jesus, who even though he was God took on the form of a servant and was obedient unto death on the cross.
- Wherefore God has also highly exalted and gave Him a name above every other name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father.
- Therefore, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
- Do all things without murmurings and disputings, to be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.
- Shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, that we may rejoice in the day of Christ, having not laboured in vain.
- Paul explains that he will send Timothy, and plans to visit himself, but in the meantime he is sending Epaphroditus who has been sick and they should receive him with all gladness.
- Rejoice in the Lord. Beware of dogs and evil workers. Trust not in the flesh.
- Paul explains that as a strict Jewish man, he had more reason than most to put faith in the law, but he gave up all those things as worthless compared to faith in Jesus Christ.
- Forget the things that are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are ahead, even heaven.
- Beware the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, who glory in their shame, and who mind earthly things.
- Paul mentions several people by name: Euodias, Syntyche, Clement and beseech them to stand fast in the lord and to rejoice in the Lord always.
- Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report, if there be any virtue & praise in them, then dwell upon these things.
- He thanks the church for supporting him when they had the opportunity, though he has learned to be content in any state whether based or abounding.
- I can do all things through Christ which strengeneth me.
- Paul closes by thanking them on more time for their sacrifices brought to him by Ephaphroditus.
- All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.