Bible Study: Philippians Part I

We continue studying through Paul's curriculum of grace in Philippians. We'll see another example of the independent nature of the local church, and cover the fact that unlike Corinthians and Galatians, Ephesians and now Philippians are written to more mature believers. We'll also brifly discuss which imprisonment Paul was writing from.

Hear about the work Christ had "begun" in the Philippians, and why that can't be a reference to salvation, Paul's exhortation and celebration of the Philippians evident faith and walk, and his command to all of us to abound more and more in knowledge and all judgment.

While the words sanctification and justification do not appear in the book, we find that the latter topic is a focus of the book. We look at sanctification before the law, under the law, and under grace in hope of understanding how the work Christ began in every believer will be perfected by him, in us.

Maybe you've wondered if Paul's rejoicing in Christ being preached even in "envy and strife" is a tacit endorsement of even false teachers who name the name of Christ. Listen in to hear the verse in the context of Paul's warnings, and be convinced in your own mind of what we should rejoice in and what we must condemn.

Was Paul given a revelation (whether in Caesarea or in Rome) that he would survive his Roman trial and continue to stablish the churches (like the ones at Philippi) that he had established? For him, either way, to live was Christ and to die was gain. God help us all to get to that place!