INTRODUCTION
The book of Philippians is an epistle of Paul to Philippi’s church that he wrote when he was in prison in 62 AD when in Rome. The book encouraged them to resist false teachings and threats from inside and outside the church. Some of the chapters like Acts 16 talks about the life of Paul in Philippi. The book mentions his opposition, which resulted in his and Silas’ imprisonment. They are miraculously released from prison, which led to the conversion of his jailors (Acts 16:24-34)
PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL (1:1-11)
Knowing that he and the Philippi were on the same mission, Paul had great joy because he knew God would bring to accomplishment what he had started among them (1:3-6), which meant God wasn’t through with them. There was more learning, maturing, and growing to do. Paul prays on their behalf; for the love of the Philippi to abound forever and for the infilling of the fruit of righteousness (Reumann .,2018, pg 110). As a result of this, the Philippi will be blameless and pure, will know what is best and that God will be glorified(1:9-11)
SUFFERING FOR CHRIST (1:12-30)
As Christians suffering is evitable, and at some point in life, we all have to suffer. Some may have to suffer more than others. The important thing is not how much suffering we have to bear, but if or not, the sufferings we go through are used to glorify God. In chapter1 verse 12 to 14paul mentions the result of his suffering and encourages Christians to be bold about their faith. Paul tells the Philippian that God will use the two groups, causing trouble in the church to work for good in their lives (1:15-18 1:27-28). He says in 1:18 that at least troublemakers inside the church preach Christ (Blevins.,2016, pg 320). However, he warns that God will destroy those causing trouble outside the church while the Christians will be saved. He encourages them that their suffering will be used to the glory of God. The book of Romans 8:28 reaffirms the idea that God can use all things for good to his kingdom’s glory.
CONCLUSION
No matter our worries in life, whether sicknesses, unemployment, or even family issues, the question remains ‘’is Christ being exalted in our lives?’’ And if so, we don’t have to worry about our life 0because they are based on the way God made us live (Philippians 1:21).therefore, in my first teaching, I aim to encourage all the believers to avoid worries and put Christ at the center of their lives.
References
Reumann, J. (2018). Philippians: a new translation with introduction and commentary. Yale University Press.
Blevins, J. L. (2016). Introduction to Philippians. Review & Expositor, 77(3), 311-324.
Hellerman, J. H. (2015). Philippians. B&H Publishing Group.