Class Notes, Phil 2:12-30

Phil 2:12-13 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

• Why should Paul mention obedience in his presence compared to obedience in his absence?
• Some other translations word it differently:
• (NCV) … you have always obeyed God when I was with you. It is even more important that you obey now while I am away from you. ...
• It does not appear that they were duplicitous, but rather that the future would require their obedience even more
• In context, some of this may refer to the issues of unity.  While Paul's presence may help to deal with issues, ultimately they need to exercise obedience in this area without the help of an outside mediator

• What does it mean to "work out" your salvation?
• He does not say "work for"
• Greek word, katergazomai, means to accomplish; by implication, to finish or fashion
• God started the work by their salvation (they are justified), and while God is also the one who sanctifies us, we are required to exercise obedience to grow to maturity in Christ
• Obedience to God's word is how we are sanctified and how we finish the work of salvation which God started

• How does fear (alarm or fright) and trembling (quaking with fear) fit with working out one's salvation?
• In Hebrews, the writer warns about missing the rest that God offers to Christians.  The "life-rest" is equivalent to entering the "land" which the Israelites missed because of disobedience
• Heb 4:9-11 (NIV) There remains, then, a Sabbath — rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
• Hebrews includes warning about loss, not the loss of salvation, but of blessings.  As believers we are warned about how we are to live our lives on earth
• Heb 6:7-8 (NIV) Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
• Heb 10:28-31 (NIV) Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."  31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
• APPLICATION: Our obedience to God as believers is a serious matter
• Appreciate the discipline of God. He is both your upholder and, in the last analysis, your environment. All things come of him, and you have tasted his goodness ever day of your life. Has this experience led you to repentance and faith in Christ? If not, you are trifling with God and stand under the threat of his severity. But if, now, he (in Whitefield’s phrase ) puts thorns in your bed, it is only to awaken you from the sleep of spiritual death—to make you rise up to seek his mercy. 

   Or if you are a true believer, and he still puts thorns on your bed, it is only to keep you from falling into the somnolence of complacency and to ensure that you “continue in his goodness” be letting your sense of need bring you back constantly in self-abasement and faith to seek his face. This kindly discipline, in which God’s severity touches us for a moment in the context of his goodness, is meant to keep us form having to bear the full brunt of that severity apart form that context. It is a discipline of love, and it must be received accordingly. “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline” (Heb 12:5). “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Ps 119:71).  (Packer, Knowing God, p. 146, 1973)

<http://www.thirstytheologian.com/2009/01/20/goodness_and_severity.php>

• What does it mean for "God to work in you to will and to act?"
• I think verse 13 is the counter-weight to verse 12.  Yes, we must act and choose obedience, but God is at work in us to do two things: to act and to choose
• God chooses not to force us to act or force us to choose
• God works within us.  In other words, God provides strength.  God has given us the Holy Spirit.  God speaks to our spirit and through our conscience
• We are not without resources, only excuses for a lack of spiritual maturity

Phil 2:14-18 (NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

• In verse 14, if Paul had left out the word  "everything," how would the application change, or how might we interpret it?
• Response might be "do less grumbling or complaining"
• In everything means that there is no occasion for grumbling or complaining (it needs to be completely excised from our life)
• APPLICATION: if you want to improve your witness, do this one thing

• Why does Paul want us get rid of the grumbling and complaining?
• Blameless -- when grumbling and complaining are absent, we seem appear as if we have done nothing wrong
• Pure -- we appear unstained
• Without fault -- we appear as if we have no faults when we are not highlighting other's faults (opposite happens as we mention other's faults)
• Set apart from a crooked and depraved generation -- it makes us distinct, separate, set apart (holy) from the generation we live in.  One would think that Christians would have no problem being different from today's generations, but the opposite is true
• Shine like stars in the universe -- we appear beautiful

• Once we establish our witness, it is a lot easier to hold out the word for others to see -- it is our obedience to the word that changes us and makes us different
• Paul offers two perspective on their obedience and the implication to him
• One.  He didn't run or labor for nothing
• Two.  Even if he does die, it will be worth it

Phil 2:19-24 (NIV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

• Paul seems to switch gears here, but he really isn't.  What is another purpose for bringing up Timothy, and later, Epaphroditus?
• Timothy is a partner (serves in the work of the gospel)
• Timothy is a witness (has proved himself and has the interests of Jesus Christ)
• Timothy and Paul are united (Father and Son)

• Timothy (and Epaphroditus) serve as examples of the life that Paul challenges them to live

Phil 2:25-30 (NIV) But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

• How is Ephaproditus characterized?
• Roles
• Brother -- believer
• Fellow worker -- he ministers in the Christian faith
• Fellow soldier -- he serves in the Lord's Army
• Their messenger -- he was their messenger to Paul
• Character
• Longs for the church -- cares deeply for them
• Recent events
• Ill and almost died
• Illness almost resulted in his dying for the work of Christ.  Risked his life to help Paul
• Attacks the health and wealth gospel -- Serving God, even risking his life, and yet he almost dies.  Fits with Phil 1:29 where suffering is considered part of the Christian life
• Attacks the wholeness gospel as well -- Paul says he almost died, why would there be any doubt (ie., almost) if we are to be whole.  He was ill not persecuted
• Equates illness with spiritual service (hardly persecution, but treated the same in Paul's eyes)

• What does Paul command the church?
• Welcome him with great joy
• Honor men like him

Class Notes, Phil 2:1-11

Phil 2:1-2 (NIV) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

• Paul starts out with four "if any 's." Without discussing the reasons, why should he start out "if any," what is he suggesting, what does it sound like he is doing?
• He seems almost sarcastic (you should already know this) or maybe rhetorical (super obvious)
• It is a harsh reminder that we have experienced a lot by being united in Christ
• Constable suggests that "since you have" might be a better reading

• "Love begins when someone else's needs are more important than my own" (anonymous).  Paul lists four reasons for taking a particular action, how might believers experience these?
• Encouragement from being united with Christ
• Seeing Christ change another person's life
• Seeing another's enthusiasm to walk with God
• Listening to how God spoke to another believer
• Comfort from his love
• God loves us despite our sin
• God's love is unconditional
• God's love is never ending
• Fellowship with the Spirit
• Hearing God speak to our heart
• Seeing God lead or give direction regarding some matter
• Tenderness and compassion
• Recognizing that God deals with us in mercy and grace -- not giving us what we deserve but what we don't deserve
• Experiencing tenderness and compassion from other believers when going through a tough time

• Assuming that at least one of those characteristics is true, what does Paul ask?
• To make his joy complete -- suggests that if he has any fault with them, and it would not be many faults, the one area to grow is this area, i.e., whatever follows
• To be like-minded
• Suggesting that some persist in goals that are at odds or cross-purposes with the church.  Example of hiring music pastor in old church
• If related to previous 4, then like-minded is a reminder that we are all united with Christ, and we should seek Christ's mind in the matter
• To have the same love
• Not sure how the negative might look
• If related to previous 4, then it is for everyone to be comforted by the fact that we are each one equally loved by Jesus -- no one is loved more or less
• To be one in spirit
• This sounds like a lack of unity
• If related to previous 4, then it is a realization that all members fellowship with the same Spirit.  If there is disagreement over an issue, it cannot be that the HS is giving two different answers to two different persons
• To be one in purpose
• This sounds as if there are multiple purposes, that are in some way conflicting with each other in the church
• If related to the previous 4, then there multiple purposes do not result in tenderness or compassion to those with different purposes, but rather rudeness and hostility

Phil 2:3-4 (NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

• Paul gets to the roots of most issues of disunity, what are they?
• Selfish ambition -- seeing something as an opportunity to gain (respect or material gain)
• Vain conceit -- thinking that I know better what is the right course because of my spirituality, wealth, knowledge, or status

• Paul suggests corrective actions
• Exercise humility
• Consider others as more important (RSV) than yourselves
• Look to others interests (in addition to our own)

• APPLICATION: Ask a series of questions
• What am I expecting to get out of this decision?
• Why am I so emotional about this decision?
• What is the person who is adversarial wanting to get?
• Why is that person so adamant about his position
• How could help the person, assuming it is not unscriptural?

Helper	Servant
A helper helps others when it is convenient	A servant serves others even when it is inconvenient
A helper helps people that he or she likes	A servant serves even people that he or she dislikes
A helper helps when he or she enjoys the work	A servant serves even when he or she dislikes the work
A helper helps when the circumstances are convenient	A servant serves even when the circumstances are inconvenient
A helper helps with a view to obtaining personal satisfaction	A servant serves even when he or she receives no personal satisfaction
A helper helps with an attitude of assisting another	A servant serves with an attitude of enabling another

(Constable, Notes on Philippians, 2010)

Phil 2:5-8 (NIV) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7 but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death —

even death on a cross!

• Paul then uses Jesus as the supreme example for us in the area of humility.  First of all, he calls it an attitude
• What do we see in Jesus' example
• He was God -- He didn't make much of that claim (interesting he does, but it just lacking enough that people criticize believers that Jesus didn't claim to be God)
• Contrast is Adam who considered equality with God something to be seized (Constable, 2010)
• He made himself nothing (Greek word, kenosis) -- He didn't just drop down a step or two on the ladder, he went all the way to the bottom and became a servant
• Finally, he expresses his humility through his obedience unto death.  Why is that significant?
• Because he was unjustly accused and tried
• It is one thing to exercise humility but quite another thing when you are the victim of injustice

• APPLICATION: Humility is an obedience issue, not just a nice to have thing to add to our Christian life when we make it to that level

Phil 2:9-11 (NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

• What is the result of Jesus' humility?
• God the father rewards him with ultimate status

• Three things
• God is our rewarder.  One can not please God without that realization:
• Heb 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
• God is our judge -- he will pay back the wicked for injustice
• God is our example.  Jesus set us an example for how we are to live

Class Notes, Phil 1:12-26

Phil 1:12-18a (NIV) Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

• As you read verse 12, what insight do we get into the possible purpose for the letter?
• It appears to be a progress report or update on Paul's situation
• Why would Paul feel it necessary to give an update?
• Because they were partners in ministry through their giving

• What is Paul's situation?
• He is in chains
• He is a prisoner because of his belief in Christ
• He faces opposition from those in the area

• What are some positive aspects of his situation?
• The whole praetorian guard knew of his situation (he got to witness to quite a few of the soldiers)
• The praetorian guard were a handpicked group of soldiers originally started by Tiberius.   They had double pay and special privileges.  The became so powerful that later emperors had to court their favor

• Who else beside the guard, i.e., "everyone else" had heard Paul's story?
• Doesn't say, be we can speculate or use other passages
• Jewish community (Acts 28:17-29)
• Gentiles (Phile 10)
• Fellow believers in Rome

• Other positive aspects?
• Believers were more bold for Christ

• Two kinds of believers apparently and they were differentiated how?
• Motivation
• Love, good will
• Selfish ambition, stirring up trouble
• The second group may very well be the Judaizers, Phil 3:2-3

• Paul's view of the situation?
• "What does it matter?"
• "Christ is preached"
• Paul found reason to rejoice where someone might have been bitter

• APPLICATION: Our attitude toward life and how we view the events can make the difference whether we live joyfully or not.  Do we see God in control, not matter what happens?  Or do we allow the world to make us angry and bitter?

Phil 1:18b-26 (NIV) Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

• No Paul focuses on the future.  What is going to happen?
• Trial before Caesar
• Probably deliverance
• Early church fathers wrote than Nero released Paul in 62 AD, he was later re-arrested and executed in 68 AD

• What is Paul counting on?
• Their prayers.  APPLICATION: Partnership in the gospel includes the fact we are praying for the individuals that we are also supporting.  Which is another reason why it is good to support people you know individually as opposed through the church, because we rarely pray for people we do not really know
• He won't be ashamed
• He will probably live instead of die

• Why is concerned about being ashamed?
• I remember in some AF training, and also from people who have gone through SERE, the everyone can be broken through torture.  It is not possible to withstand torture
• I don't think Paul fear dying or even torture, but he feared responding to pain in such a way as to disgrace Christ

• APPLICATION: When people are suffering, we need to be especially lenient.  They will say things that are not true.  They will fly off the handle.  They will even deny their own faith.  But sometimes, it is just emotion that is bubbling to the surface.  Don't be quick to rebuke or correct.  Give them time

• Paul was pretty sure (he says confident) that he was going to live, although his reasoning could always be true
• How did he consider heaven as compared to living on earth?  Better by far.  Why?
• I think Paul's glimpses of heaven had made him realize that there was nothing on earth that he would miss in comparison to heaven
• I don't think most people believe this

Phil 1:27-30 (NIV) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

• When he says "whatever happens," what does he mean?
• He really doesn't know what the future holds

• What does it mean conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel?
• Note the Greek word is politeueste literally means to behave as a citizen
• The Philippians took great pride in their unique position in the Roman empire.  As a Roman colony, most were probably Roman citizens

• What does Paul expect?
• Stand firm in one spirit (unity)
• Contend, as one man, for the gospel (unity)
• Not being frightened (courage)

• What does Paul promise them?
• They word for granted is echaristhe (to grant as a favor), and comes from charis (gift or grace, divine influence on your heart)
• In other words, the blessing for believers is to suffer for Christ

• Verses on Christian blessings
• Acts 5:41 (NIV) The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
• Rom 5:3-4 (NIV) Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
• James 1:2 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
• 1 Peter 4:13-17 (NIV) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
• John Piper
• 2:50, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPEWWa2KaPo
• 3:36, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqDXK9lE9cA
• Also Luke 21:17; Rom 8:17; 1 Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 12:10; Heb. 10:32; 1Pet 4:16

• APPLICATION: Suffering advances the gospel.  Where is God calling me to suffer for his name's sake?

Class Notes, Phil 1:1-11

• Background (Constable, Philippians, 2010):
• Closer to a Roman military colony.  Enjoyed autonomous government, immunity from taxes, and treatment as if they lived in Italy (F. J. Foakes Jackson and Kirsopp Lake, eds., The Beginnings of Christianity. Part I: The Acts of the Apostles, 4:187-90.)
• First city in Europe that Paul preached in after crossing the Aegean Sea
• Acts 16:15 first converts were Lydia and the Philippian jailer (~AD 50)
• Luke may have stayed in Philippi to establish the new believers since he drops the use of the pronoun "we" in Acts 17:1-20:4
• Paul visits again in AD57 during third missionary journey
• Paul is a prisoner (1:7,13,16). References to palace guard (1:13) and Caesar's household (4:22) suggest Rome as the point of origin (prob AD 60-62)
• Purpose
• Reassurance of his condition
• Buildup of Epaphroditus (maybe he was perceived to not be on the same level as Luke)
• Thank you note
• Deal with the reconcilement of two women in the body
• Uniqueness
• Lacks theological argumentation
• No rebukes
• Emphasis on living joyfully in spite of circumstances
Phil 1:1-2 (NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, // To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:  // 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Very typical Greco-Roman threefold salutation: The Writer, to the Addressee, and the Greetings.  Oftentimes a wish or prayer for the health or well being of the addressee would follow (Gordon D. Fee, Paul's Letter to the Philippians, p. 37)
• Paul is the author.  Timothy is most likely the scribe
• They call themselves servants or bond-servants
• "Undoubtedly the background for the concept of being the Lord's slave or servant is to be found in the Old Testament scriptures. For a Jew this concept did not connote drudgery, but honor and privilege. It was used of national Israel at times (Isa 43:10), but was especially associated with
famous OT personalities . . ." (NET Bible Note on 1:1)
• Who are the addressees and how are they described
• The saints in Christ Jesus (saints are clearly referring to others besides the leaders, and not to spiritual giants)
• The overseers and deacons (this is descriptive, not prescriptive, but nowhere in the NT do we not see a plurality of leadership -- never one person heading up the church)
• The greeting is a variation on the typical salutation.  Charis (grace) is used instead of chairein (meaning greetings)
• Num 6:24-26 (NIV) "The Lord bless you // and keep you;  // 25 the Lord make his face shine upon you // and be gracious to you; // 26 the Lord turn his face toward you // and give you peace." '
Phil 1:3-6 (NIV) I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
• First of all there is a lot we can learn from the pattern of prayer we see of the apostles.  What do you notice in this passage?
• Thankfulness
• Focus on spiritual needs and growth, and not material or health concerns
• Why was Paul thankful? Their partnership in the gospel
• What was their partnership in the gospel?
• Probably threefold: One, they were witnessing within their own city and region
• Secondly, they had just sent a gift
• Phil 4:10-11 (NIV) I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
• Phil 4:14-18 (NIV) Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
• 2 Cor 11:9 (NIV) And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
• Third, they provided hospitality
• Acts 16:15 (NIV) When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
• Acts 16:32-34 (NIV) Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family.
• In light of their financial support in his ministry,  how might we understand verse 6?
• The good work, was their financial support of Paul's ministry and their partnership in the gospel
• Phil 1:3-6 (Wuest NT) I am constantly thanking my God for my whole remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making supplication for all of you with joy. I am thanking my God constantly for your joint-participation [with me] in the furtherance of the good news from the first day [when Lydia opened her home for the preaching of the Word] until this particular moment [as characterized by the gift which you have sent], having come to this settled and firm persuasion concerning this very thing, namely, that He who began in you a work which is good [their financial support of Paul] will bring it to a successful conclusion right up to the day of Christ Jesus.
• APPLICATION: Giving to missionaries, especially individually or people you know, captures your heart in a very special way.  You become partners with them in the gospel.  We don't give so that we are rid of our responsibility to take the gospel to the whole world, but it is a commendable practice.  In this case, giving was key to Paul's ministry
Phil 1:7-8 (NIV) It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
• Why is Paul so confident about them?
• Because they have taken a personal interest in the gospel
• They are joint partners with Paul's ministry.  They are sharing in the ministry
• Paul loves them deeply, and it must fill his heart with joy to see them giving and supporting his work.  It testifies that the gospel is established in their hearts
• APPLICATION: How a person uses his money is one of the best measures of a person's spirituality
• Jesus said that a person cannot love God and money at the same time
Phil 1:9-11 (NIV) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
• What does Paul specifically pray for these believers that are doing well, and that he loves so much?  These are maturing believers, true disciples of Christ Jesus
• Number one thing is love to abound more and more (giving is one way we express our love; not giving is one way we show our selfishness)
• But the love has to abound in a certain way …
• In knowledge (God's word)
• And depth of insight (not a surface understanding of God's word but a studied understanding)
• And the purpose …
• Discernment of what is best
• The enemy of the best is good or good enough
• Pure (holy life in our actions and  thoughts)
• Blameless (never bring shame to the gospel)
• Our witness is so key
• We are here to bring glory to God, and if we fail in that as believers, why does he need to keep us here (that is part of the message of Hebrews)
• "Aproskopos has to do with being 'blameless' in the sense
of 'not offending' or not causing someone else to
stumble." (Fee. p. 102)
• "There are people who are themselves faultless, but who
are so hard and harsh and austere that they in the end drive
people away from Christianity. There are people who are
good, but they are so critical of others that they repel other
people from goodness. The Christian is himself pure, but
his love and his gentleness are such that he attracts others
to the Christian way and never repels them from it." (William Barclay, The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians, pp. 23-24.)
• And the result ...
• Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus
• I think this is the Holy Spirit, and really is the only way to live a pure and blameless life
• To the glory and praise of God
• Phil 1:9-11 (Wuest NT) And this is the constant purport of my definite petitions, namely, that your love [divine and self-sacrificial in its nature as ministered to you by the Holy Spirit] yet more and more might overflow, but at the same time be kept within the guiding limitations of an accurate knowledge [of God's word] gained by experience, and those [guiding limitations] of every kind of sensitive moral and ethical tact, so that you may after putting them to the test [of God's word] recognize the true value of the finer distinctions involved in Christian conduct and thus sanction them, in order that you might be unadulterated [by evil] and thus pure and not a stumbling block in view of the day of Christ, having been filled full with the fruit of righteousness and continue in that condition of fullness, which fruit is through Jesus Christ, resulting in the glory and praise of God.