PHILIPPIANS AS A MISSIONARY CHURCH
Philippians 1:3-7
Introduction:
PHILIPPI
Historical Background
The name of the city of Philippi was originally Krinides (lit. springs). It stood about 10 miles inland from the Aegean Sea in the Roman province of Macedonia. In 356 B.C. Philip II, king of Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great, renamed the town after him and enlarged it.
In 42 B.C. the Romans Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus defeated Brutus and Cassius in a battle fought just west of Philippi. After that battle Philippi became a military colony. Subsequent battles in 42 and 31 B.C. resulted in Philippi receiving even higher status. The citizens enjoyed autonomous government, immunity from taxes, and treatment as if they lived in Italy. Some commentators have seen indications of the pride the Philippians took in their city in Acts 16:20-21 and Philippians 1:27 and 3:20. Luke's description of Philippi as a "leading city of the district of Macedonia" (Acts 16:12) probably refers to its colonial status since it was the only colony in the area. Amphipolis was the capital of the district, and Thessalonica was the capital of the province.
The Philippian Christians were special favorites of the apostle Paul. Their response to the gospel and their subsequent progress in the faith were exemplary. However the connections between Paul and Philippi that the New Testament records, both in Acts and in this letter, reveal an interesting paradox.
Body:
1. PHILIPPIANS WAS THE PROOF OF GOD’S FAVOR TO PAUL V. 3-4
a. It moves Paul to thank God v. 3
- “Every time I think of you, I thank my God.”
b. It drives Paul to pray v. 4a
- “And whenever I mention you in my prayers,”
c. It makes Paul to be Happy v. 4b
- “it makes me happy.”
2. PHILIPPIANS PARTICIPATED IN THE BLESSING OF THE GOSPEL V. 5-6
a. They have taken part with Paul in spreading the Good News v. 5
- “From the first day they heard about it.”
b. They were influenced by God in doing Good work v. 6
- “God won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ returns”.
3. PHILIPPIANS PROTECTED THE EMOTIONS OF APOSTLE PAUL V. 7
a. Paul was warmly attached to them.
-“You have a special place in my heart”
b. Love was expressed by sending help
- “All of you have helped in the work that God has given me.”
Conclusion:
Philippian Christians as a missionary church expressed their contribution in doing mission by sending help to mission’s work that result a clear proof of God’s favor, a participation in spreading the Gospel and affects the life of a missionary to continue the work and accomplished the task of God.
