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Ode to Joy

A Study in the Epistle to the

Philippians

By Samuel E. Ward

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Site of the Battle of GettysburgThee total number of men engaged in battle is estimated at over 165,000. Roughly one in three participants would become victims. No battle in the Civil War produced more casualties.

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Site of Battle of PhilippiOctavian and Marc Antony defeated Brutus (assassin of Julius Caesar) and his ally Cassius on these plains in 42 A.D.

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Aerial View of Ancient Philippi

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Paul’s Path to Philippi

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The Egnatian Way

Near Philippi

The road traveled by Paul to Philippi

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Philippi’s Christian Significance

1. First, the Philippian church is the first church to be planted in Europe.

2. Second, the church at Philippi is the only church suggested in the New Testament as a model for other churches.

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3. Third, Philippians is an epistle that gives us an entirely different standard for giving and fund-raising.

4. Fourth, the Book of Philippians helps us to define biblical fellowship.

5. Fifth, Philippians is a book that helps us get a proper perspective on unjust suffering, persecution, and even death.

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Site of the Baptism of Lydia in the Krenides River Near at Philippi

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Marketplace in Philippi: Paul and the slave girl possessed by an evil spirit

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The Bema Seat at Philippi

The Judge and Magistrates

The Accused: Paul and Silas

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Paul Writing a Letter While under House Arrest

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One might suppose from considering Paul’s circumstances might have had little to be joyful about. And yet, he wrote this letter of joy to his dear friends at Philippi. And so he begins this . . .

ODE TO JOY

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(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: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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I. This Letter Is an Expression of Joy

A. Paul’s Joy Is the By-product of Thanksgiving for the Philippians, Phil 1:3.

(Phil 1:3 NIV) I thank my God every time I remember you.

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B. Paul’s Thanksgiving Brings Joy from Two Precious Realizations, Phil 1:4-6.

1. The Philippians have been his partners in the gospel since “day one,” Phil 1:4-5.

(Phil 1:4-5 NIV) 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.

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Ponder the level of appreciation expressed in in these words!

a. “I always pray with joy for you.” What a compliment!

b. “You have been my partners in sharing the gospel from the first day.” What a commitment!

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2. God will complete His ongoing work in them until Jesus Christ comes back, Phil 1:6.

(Phil 1:6 NIV) [I am] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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Ponder the depth of confidence in the outcome of God’s work in the Philippians.

a. This is confidence that is beyond the “shadow of doubt” that has been fostered by the Philippians’ own proven confidence in God. Their faith has been back up by their works.

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b. This is confidence in God’s ability to finish what He starts in those who cooperate with Him.

c. This is confidence in God’s continuance until the all the work is done and Christ returns.

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Applications

1. As a church, we need to commit ourselves to be faithful partners with others in ministry—especially our missionaries.

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2. We must give ourselves over to the work that God wants to do in us as a church. Only in this does God have reason to continue His work toward completing all of what He desires to do in and through us. His working within us is not automatic.

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Consider Christ’s words to the church at Ephesus:

(Rev 2:1-5 NIV) "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: {2} I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.

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{3} You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. {4} Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. {5} Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

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Learn These Lessons from the Ephesian Church:

a. We cannot rest on the achievements of the past. Much of that work was done by others and we must take ownership of the present.

b. We cannot rest on the victories of the past. There are still spiritual battles to be fought for the welfare of souls lost and saved.

c. We must return to our first love, Jesus Christ, and let all other affections become take their proper place in submission to Christ’s will.

d. If we do not, our lampstand will be removed.