Opening Statement:
The book of Philippians is a positive book, it is a practical book, and it is a joyful book. In fact, joy is one of the predominant themes throughout its pages. However, I would not say it is the major theme. I would say the major theme is that of being “Partners in the Gospel.” Yes, Paul is full of joy, but his joy is based on the gospel and the fact that he and the Philippians are partners in the gospel together.
I) We are all Partners in the Gospel (Phil. 1:1-2)
A) The gospel brings people from different backgrounds together (Acts 16)
So, who were the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi?
Well according to Acts 16 you had people like Lydia, a wealthy, high status woman who dealt in purple cloth. You had the Philippian jailer and his family, who would have been much lower status. And you had people from the very lowest ranks of society like the slave girl out of whom Paul cast a demon.
B) We are all saints in Christ Jesus
The second thing I want us to see from Paul’s greeting is that we are all saints in Christ Jesus. The Bible says that we are all saints; all believers are saints; we have all been set apart for Christ and his gospel. There are not super-Christians and normal Christians. We are all saints in Christ Jesus.
C) Leaders and lay people are partners together
Paul doesn’t just address the leadership, and he doesn’t just address the people in the church. He addresses them together. This letter is addressed to all of them. Why? Because leaders and lay people in the church are partners together.
So, what do we see from Paul’s greeting in verses 1-2? We are all partners in the gospel together.
II) We are all a Work in Progress (Phil 1:3-5)
A) Paul is thankful for them (1:3)
Paul says he thanks God for the Philippians every time he remembers them.
Why? Paul thanks God, because it is God who began this good work in them. It is God who brought them to salvation, and so Paul is supremely thankful.
Does the mere mention of another believer’s name spur a spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving to God? Paul thanks God for the Philippians every time he remembers them.
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