Philippians: Beginning A Great Work for God
A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. CHARACTER TO DO THE WORK OF GOD
A. RECOGNIZE THE SMALLNESS OF THE WORKERS
Philippians 1:1a “Paul and Timothy”
1. LITTLE
2. PAUL
(also Acts 7:58; 8:1; Acts 9:1-6; 22:3-4; Phil. 3:4-7)
3. CO-WORKERS
B. RECOGNIZE THE REALITY OF SERVANTS
Philippians 1:1b “bondservants of Jesus Christ”
1. REALITY
2. METAPHOR
(also Romans 6:17-18; II Cor 4:5; I Cor 4:1)
3. YOUR STORY?
II. CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND THE WORK OF GOD
A. RECOGNIZE THE SCOPE OF THE LETTER
A singleness of mind (1:21)
A submissive mind (2:3)
A spiritual mind (3:19-20)
A secure mind (4:6-7)
2. PURPOSE
To communicate his present situation of rejoicing in spite of suffering (1:12-26). To keep them up to date and relieve their anxiety concerning him.
To inform them of the visit of Timothy (2:18-24).
To communicate to them about Epaphraditus, their representative, ministered to him but had become ill, was recovering, and was a worthy servant (2:25-30)
To inform them of the danger of seductive tactics and doctrines of the Judaizers (3:1-4:1)
To communicate his affection for the Philippians (cf. 4:1). This is one of the most personal of the epistles of Paul. There is no question but that there was an intimate relationship between them and the Apostle
To admonish the spiritual immaturity of Euodias and Syntyche, and to hold to the unity of the faith (4:2-3); correcting division in their ranks.
To communicate his thanksgiving for their gift (4:10-20).
To send his greetings to all (4:21-23).
B. RECOGNIZE THE SETTING FOR THE WORK
Philippians 1:1b “to all the saints in Jesus Christ who are at Philippi, with the elders and deacons”
1. SAINTS
2. ELDERS
(also Acts 20:17, 28; I Pet 2:25)
III. CALL INVOLVED IN THE WORK OF GOD
A. RECOGNIZE THE SOVEREIGNTY BEHIND THE WORK
Philippians 1:2a “Grace to you and peace”
1. GRACE
(also Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 2:12; Rom.5:2; Eph 2:8-9)
2. PEACE
(also Romans 5:1; Phil 4:17)
B. RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE OF THE WORK
Philippians 1:2b “from God our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
1. BECAUSE of Jesus Christ
2. FROM God our Father
3. FROM the Lord, Jesus Christ