Philippians 2:16
Philippians 2:16 — Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
ADDRESSED: Phil. 1:1 Paul and Timthy to all the saints, bishops and deacons at Philippi
1. The Church at Philippi was a "work in progress" 1:6
2. Paul Prays they would abound among other things in JUDGMENT (perception; discernment). 1:9
- approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
- many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
- Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; (The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:)
- and some also of good will: (But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.)
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
3. The testimony of the Philippian church was that they were steadfast in PERSECUTION. (purpose: furtherance of the Gospel; don't be greedy for prosperity when the Gospel can be furthered.)
Php 1:28 — And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Php 1:7 ¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Chapter 2,
- The theme of Philippians 2 could be understood as "HAVING THE MIND of Christ". And a Key to this is verse 16.
Philippians 2:16 — Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
- b) Paul would measure the succcess of his ministry among them as dependant on the church developing and maintaining "the mind of Christ", v. 16b-18 "that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
1. v. 1-11 Be Likeminded, Same Love
- v. 1 "Contention and Pride will get us"
- "Equal Love"
- "co-spirited" "similar in sentiment"
- v. 5 THE PERFECT EXAMPLE - brought himself "AS TO NOTHING"
2. v. 12,13 Work Out Your Own Salvation with Fear
- "Work" : work fully; accomplish; perform
- For it is God
3. v. 14-15 Do All Things without Murmuring and Disputing
- "a life without fault"
- This is not pride or denial, it is the influence of His grace upon us.
Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
4. v. 16 Holding Forth the Word of Life
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a) "Holding Forth the Word of Life
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hold up; retain; stay
Phillippians 1:27 — Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
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What could be threatening their grip on the gospel?
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logos: something said; (divine) utterance
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zoe: life; time
The Gospel is called the word of life, because of the effects which it produces.
- Paul was being persecuted -- still a "Word of Life"
- They were being persecuted, maybe even some dieing -- still it is a "Word of Life"
1 John 1:1 — That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
- The Gospel: GOOD NEWS