2014-06-29
Philippians-Part 5: To Know Jesus
Steve Lane

Review

Themes: joy, unity, humility as displayed by Jesus, growing in the character of Christ, true laborers/partners, knowing Him and having passion for Him, peaceful trust in God.

Paul’s Critical advice to the Philippians in his absence Phil 2:12a (1:27)

1. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling
the present experience of God’s power to deliver.
2. Shine like stars as you hold out the Word of life.
3. Follow the example of this relationship with Timothy
4. Follow the example of Epaphroditus

A. Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice and to be on guard against the Judaizars
Philippians 3:1-3
Rom 8:35-39, Eph 1:3, 2Cor 4:16-18, Phil 4:4-7 Joy, not in our circumstances but In Christ. This is not natural…
Joy is on the other side of the cross (for the believer and non believer)
The purpose of circumcision was a sign to Israelites (Rom 4:1-17)

B. Paul’s former life of self-dependence and religious activity
Philippians 3:4-6
He had zeal, the right talk and even the right image and religious righteousness but all of that and even his whole devoted life got him nowhere

C. Paul renounced all self-attainments and trusted only in Christ
The overflow of our lives. Jesus. The aroma of Christ. 2Cor 2:15
What are you presenting? Test: Are you drawing people to Jesus?
Philippians 3:7-9
He is giving an answer to the seeker and the long time believer
He finally came to a place of real humility and full repentance realizing his own sinfulness and complete inability to make himself righteous and acceptable to God.

His human effort was coming between him and God so he laid down his works and self dependence… in fact he laid down everything.