Living for Christ: Insights from the Book of Philippians

Living for Christ!! For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain . Philippians 1:21 Philippians 1:21

The book of Philippians. Philippi was a city with strong roman influence and hosted the first church Paul started in eastern Europe after staying there for about three months on his second missionary journey. (Acts 16) Paul wrote this letter from prison to the church in Philippi who were facing resistance and persecution after Epaphroditus visited him to give a financial gift on behalf of the church to say thank you and encourage the church. The book of Philippians emphasizes the fact that if we can experience true joy if we live a Christ centered life!!

The book of Philippians. Living for Christ -Greetings -Thanksgiving & prayer -The advance of gospel -To live is Christ Thinking like Christ -Humble like Christ -Light in the world -Timothy & Epaph Knowing Christ -Righteousness by faith in Christ -Focus on the goal Resting in Christ -Exhortation , prayer & encouragement -God s provision -Final greetings Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Key verses Let your life be worthy of the gospel - 1:27 Have the mind of Christ - 2:5 Press on towards the mark - 3:13-14 I can do all things - 4:13 Key words The Lord, Jesus Christ 47x think, consider, attitude, mind 16x Joy, rejoice 15x Theme we can experience true joy if we live a Christ centered life!! Key verse For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain 1:21 Christ in Philippians Jesus the Son of God from heaven humbled himself and suffered is exalted over all creation.

Jesus our Savior and Lord 6. 6. who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7. 7. but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.(Isaiah 42:1 found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9. exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,(Isaiah 52:13 Isaiah 52:13) 10. 10. so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(Isaiah 45:23 every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Isaiah 42:1) 8. 8. And being 9. Therefore God has highly Isaiah 45:23) 11. 11. and

Living for Christ Accepting Christ as our Savior establishes the work of redemption in our lives and accepting Him as our Lord establishes the revelation of the kingdom of God through our lives. 1. Suffering Paul s imprisonment 1:12 2. Discipleship Following Jesus 1:27 3. Examples of Godly people Timothy, Epaphroditus & Paul 4. Prayer & focus The mind and peace 4:2 5. Contentment 4:12 4:12- -13 13 1:12- -26 1:27- -2:18 26 2:18 4:2- -9 9

Living for Christ Romans 10:9 Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved John 17:3 John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Matthew 16:24 Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain . Philippians 1:21 Philippians 1:21

The call to discipleship Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, is a call to discipleship. It s a call for the very life of Christ to be seen in us believers in this age and unto the resurrection as we desire to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, as we conform unto his death. Let us pray