This Sunday we begin chapter 2 of our study of Paul's letter the Philippian church. But, we are not going to begin at the beginning. We will be studying chapter 2:12-30. Next week, we will look at chapter 2 up through verse 11.
Paul's primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his imprisonment at Rome. However, he makes use of this occasion to instruct them on several other concerns.
There are some amazing verses, in Sunday's text, as Paul exhorts the people of Philippi, and us, to "work out our own salvation" and to do everything "without grumbling or complaining" so that we "can shine among others like stars in the sky." These exhortations lead to a life-style "worthy of the gospel of Christ." He concludes this section with additional illustrations of himself, Timothy, and Epaphroditus, selflessly serving the cause of the gospel.
