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The First-Century Church
The Church in Philippi -- Joyful and Devout


Introduction:


        1.    The New Testament contains a tremendous amount of information that was written "about" as well
               as "to" various congregations in the first century.
        2.    By examining this information we can learn the Lord's will for His church today.
        3.    This lesson is a study of the church in Philippi.
               a.     We read "about" the establishment of this congregation in Acts 16:6-40.
               b.     The apostle Paul wrote a letter "to" this congregation [Philippians].
               c.     We are especially concerned with two characteristics that are emphasized in Acts 16 and
                       Philippians -- "joy" and "devotion."

Discussion:


I.                   ACCORDING  TO  ACTS  16:6-40,  "JOY"  AND  "DEVOTION"  WERE  EMPHASIZED  WHEN
                     THE  CHURCH  IN  PHILIPPI  WAS  ESTABLISHED


        A.   Paul demonstrated his devotion by allowing the Lord to lead him to Philippi (vs.6-12).
        B.   Lydia and her household demonstrated their devotion when they were converted (vs.13-15).
        C.   Paul and Silas demonstrated their devotion and their joy when they were in prison (vs.16-25).
        D.   The jailer and his household demonstrated their devotion by being converted, and they demonstrated
               their joy when they became Christians (vs.26-34).
        E.   Paul demonstrated his devotion by comforting the brethren in Lydia's home (vs.35-40).

II.                LATER,  PAUL  EMPHASIZED  "JOY"  AND  "DEVOTION"  IN  HIS  LETTER  TO  THE
                   CHURCH  IN  PHILIPPI  [PHILIPPIANS]


        A.   Paul was joyful because of the devotion of the Christians in Philippi.
               1.    1:3-5
               2.    4:10
        B.   Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to continue in their devotion.
               1.    1:27-28
               2.    2:12-16
               3.    3:13-15
               4.    4:1
        C.   Paul also encouraged the Christians in Philippi to continue being joyful.
               1.    3:1
               2.    4:4

III.             "JOY"  AND  "DEVOTION"  PLAY  KEY  ROLES  IN  CHRISTIANITY


        A.   Many passages emphasize the importance of "joy," including:
               1.    John 15:11
               2.    Galatians 5:22
               3.    1 John 1:4.
        B.   Many passages also emphasize the importance of "devotion," including:
               1.    Matthew 6:33
               2.    Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38
               3.    Matthew 22:37
               4.    Revelation 2:10.
Webmaster Gary L. Wade