18: “I Have You in My Heart” (Php 1:1-11)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

In the opening of this letter, Paul gives thanks for the Philippians and prays for them. He expresses his great joy at the thought of these believers and his deep affection for them.

B.     Key Verse

“For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ” (1:8).

C.     Did You Know…?

1.  Philippi (1:1): “The city of Philippi was named after King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. It was a prosperous Roman colony, which meant that the citizens of Philippi were also citizens of the city of Rome itself. They prided themselves on being Romans (see Ac 16:21), dressed like Romans and often spoke Latin.” ^4/1801-1802

2.  Bishops (1:1): “In the Greek culture the word was used of a presiding official in a civic or religious organization. Here it refers to a man who oversees a local congregation. The equivalent word from the Jewish background of Christianity is ‘elder.’” ^4/1838

3.  Deacons (1:1): “In its nontechnical usage, the Greek for this word means simply “one who serves.” The men chosen in Ac 6:1-6 were probably not only the first deacons mentioned in the NT but also the first to be appointed in the church… Generally, their service was meant to free the elders to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the word (Ac 6:2,4). The only two local church offices mentioned in the NT are those of overseer (also called elder) and deacon.” ^4/1838

4.  Fellowship (1:5): “The Greek word so translated comes from a root meaning common. Two of the ideas it expresses in the New Testament are: a communion, or association, of like-minded people (Ac 2:42); and a contribution to a cause (e.g., 2Co 8:4).” ^1/26

5.  Affection (1:8): The Greek word also means “intestines.” “The metaphor represents tender affection and love. Ancient writers used this metaphor to recognize that such tender affection comes from the inward parts.” ^1/26

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(1:1-2)

(1:3-8)

(1:9-11)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     1:1-2

1a.   Paul often greets with “grace and peace.” What do these terms mean?

1b.   Do you experience grace and peace in your life? If not, why not?

2.     How does Paul identify the Philippians? What does this identification mean?

B.     1:3-8

3a.   What are Paul’s feelings for this church?

3b.   Why does he feel this way about them?

4a.   In what ways have the Philippian believers shared with Paul fellowship in the gospel? (see also other chapters of this epistle)

4b.   In what ways can you also partake in the work of the gospel?

5a.   What does verse 6 teach us about the work of God in believers?

5b.   How does this verse encourage you in your life and your ministry?

6.     What does “the day of Jesus Christ” refer to? (cf. 1Cor 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor 1:14; Phil 1:10; 2:16)

7.     Based on this paragraph, what can we as servants of God learn from Paul’s relationship with the believers?

C.     1:9-11

8.     In what aspects does Paul pray that the Philippians may grow?

9.     Why must love abound in knowledge and all discernment (9)?

10.   Explain the phrase “approve the things that are excellent” (10).

11.   What are “fruits of righteousness” (11)?

12.   What have you learned from this paragraph about Christian growth?