Philippians Study 2
Study 2 – Preached on Sunday 4th July 2021
GRACE AND PEACE – Philippians 1:1-2
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Letters in Paul’s day (in Greek) would have a 3-word introduction – “sender to recipient, greetings”. Paul has similar, but “grace” rather than “greetings” - Why not refer to himself as an “apostle”? He was known by the Philippians - also his apostleship not challenged as at Corinth, so no need to stress his apostolic authority.
THE LEADERSHIP AT PHILIPPI
“Overseers” – same office and function as that of “elder” - can see this in Acts 2 v17,28 - Same people are overseers/elders. Same in Titus 1 v5-9. - combines rule and care - especially guarding the truth/teaching the truth. “Deacons”- important see that it arose out of situation of need - Main function of deacons is to provide relief for the poor – Acts 6 v1-2 - Should still see the diaconate this way, That is spearheading practical aid! “With”-significant word! A term of unity-has practical implications - reminds the leadership that they belong to the fellowship/church - They are not out with it or separate from it. They too are servants! - “companionate” leadership - neither obdurate nor loose! Quote from A Motyer - “both leaders and led share the same Christian experience: both are sinners saved by the same precious blood, always…wholly dependent on the same patient mercy of God. It involves putting first whatever creates and maintains the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…it involves putting the welfare of the body of Christ before all personal advantage, success or reputation…it is the leadership of those who are content to stand among the saints as those who serve.” (The Bible Speaks Today, Philippians, IVP)
Reminder to congregations - that they have overseers from God. 1Thessalonians 5 v12-13; We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. cf Hebrews 13 v 7; Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
GRACE AND PEACE
Where is the source of the ability for tasks/roles/leaders/congregation? - v.2 provides the answer. In the conjunction of “grace and peace”. “From” – only one use of "from" unites “God our Father” and “Lord Jesus Christ” - effectively ascribing deity to Jesus. He is God! - Contrast Acts 26 v9-11 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
“Grace” – God’s undeserved favour to us sinners - this is what changed Saul of Tarsus - this is free, unsought love giving us the exact opposite of what we deserve. 2 Corinthians 8 v9 - Jesus went from riches to poverty to make us poor rich! - but not just any poverty - the degradation of the cross. “Peace” – the first fruit of grace - shown so well in John 20 v19-20 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
(1) Peace with God – Romans 5 v1-2 –Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. God becomes our best Friend – What about you?
(2) Inter-human peace - Old Testament “shalom” - The conditions of wellbeing - has wide application -includes such as racism. Ephesians 2 v13-16 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Dennis E Johnson - “God designed us for togetherness and created us for community. But indifference, isolation, and competition have seduced us into thinking that freedom is found in “looking out for Number One,” keeping options open, and avoiding long-term commitments. Paul and Timothy challenge our self-defensive individualism, throwing their arms wide to embrace “all the saints in Christ Jesus.” None of us stands alone. Each needs the support and accountability of the rest of the body of Christ.” (Philippians, Reformed Expository Commentary, P & R Publishing) God had given Philippians grace and peace already in their salvation, but in v.2 they are given assurance that God’s mind remains unchanged - Hence v.6!
Follow Up Study:
1. God has stipulated that “Elders” and “Deacons” are to be appointed as leaders in the Church. What are the roles specific to each of these categories of leadership?
2. In what ways are the following relationships important in the life of the Church:
(a) Elders to Elders
(b) Elders to the congregation
(c) Deacons to Elders
(d) Deacons to the congregation
(e) Elders and Deacons to the wider community around the Church
3. From your own experience, how would you explain what God’s “grace” is, to someone not belonging to the Church?
4. What is required for there to be:
(a) “Peace” from God.
(b) “Peace” with God
(c) “Peace” between human communities
