“Prayers of Joyful Thanksgiving” from njgrace.org, serving as the first message in a series on the Book of Philippians. It explores Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, emphasizing joy in the Gospel, and includes Bible verses, explanations, and discussion prompts.
– **Teaching Methods in the Bible**: Discusses two approaches—topical (examining the whole Bible for consistent truths) and inductive (studying books verse-by-verse to understand the author’s purpose). Both are beneficial for spiritual growth.
– **Historical Background on Paul and Philippi**:
– Paul converted in 35 AD (Acts 9), prepared for 12 years, then undertook missionary journeys.
– First journey: Antioch (45-47 AD).
– Second journey: Directed by a vision to Philippi in 51 AD (Acts 16:6-10), stayed 3 months, visited again briefly.
– Philippians written in 61 AD while Paul was under house arrest in Rome, as a thank-you for the church’s financial support over 10 years.
– **Key Theme – Joy**: The word “joy” appears 7 times in Philippians. Defined as “a deep enduring state of gladness and peace from the Spirit of Christ.” Paul expresses joy in remembering the Philippian believers as his spiritual family.
– **Paul’s Introduction (Philippians 1:1-2)**:
– Addressed to all saints in Christ Jesus, including overseers (elders) and deacons.
– Greets with grace and peace from God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
– Emphasizes all believers are saints (no special categories or ranks); identity shifts from sinner to saint upon belief.
– **Message Focus**: Examines Paul’s joyful prayer of thanksgiving (Philippians 1:3-11), highlighting **3 Joys from the Gospel** as a model for co-ministers of grace.
– **Joy 1: Participation in the Gospel (Philippians 1:3-5)**:
– Paul thanks God with joy for the Philippians’ ongoing help in spreading the Good News from day one.
– Spirit reveals the Gospel; faith comes from hearing (Romans 10). Paul preached in the Spirit’s power, not persuasion (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
– Gospel spreads by multiplication (believers sharing, not just pastors). All believers are responsible to preach, led by the Spirit, without relying on human techniques.
– **Joy 2: Defense and Confirmation of the Gospel (Philippians 1:7-8)**:
– Paul holds the Philippians in his heart, sharing grace in imprisonment and Gospel work.
– Core Gospel: Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Isaiah 53). Belief forgives sins (substitutionary atonement).
– Defends against “Good Person Theology” (salvation by works/deeds is false; only belief in Christ saves, per 1 Timothy 2:3-6). Christian life is lived by faith, not rules: “Christ + Nothing = Everything.”
– **Joy 3: Results of Believing the Gospel (Philippians 1:6, 9, 11)**:
– God completes His good work in believers until Christ’s return (conforming to Christ’s image, Romans 8:29).
– Prayer for abounding love, real knowledge, discernment, and fruit of righteousness through Christ.
– Illustrated by Mark 8:22-25 (blind man healed in stages): Initial belief opens eyes partially; continued revelation brings clarity (deeper truths like Christ in us, Colossians 1:27).
– **Discussion and Application**:
– Prompts sharing experiences of spiritual joy.
– Questions: What is the basic defense of the Gospel? Which of the 3 joys gives you the most joy as a Christian?
– Encourages abiding in Christ, seeking revelation; all believers to participate in Gospel work.
– Ends with promotion of more messages on grace at njgrace.org.
