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.
