Wow! I actually managed to read the book in the estimated time period - they must have got their watch fixed before estimating this one. About 20 min, easy reading.
Written to the Roman colony town of Philippi, Paul ministered there during both his second and third missionary journeys. He spent a bit of time in prison there - interesting, considering how prison is one of the topics in this letter. Written during his imprisonment in Rome, he had received a gift from the Philippians via Epaphroditus, and due to Epaphroditus having fallen ill during his service in Rome, Paul was sending him back to Philippi to encourage the people there, and sending this letter along with him.
There is a general theme of thanksgiving and praise in the epistle. Being in prison, Paul chose to elucidate further the reasons why he was content in prison - encouraging the Philippians not to think of it just as a bad thing, but part of God's plan. He also has words of explanation about their brother Epaphroditus, and a few greetings to other believers in Philippi. Small sections about contentment, the Christian walk, the humility of Christ, and warnings about false teachers constitute the teaching in this epistle. Unlike many of the other epistles, it's primary purpose wasn't the teaching, but as a letter of thanks. Paul simply uses the opportunity to encourage them with teaching.
This epistle teaches a lot about living for Christ in any situation we find ourselves in. Are people oppressing us? Praise God, be content, and look for situations within this hostile environment that we can use for the glory of God, especially those we might not otherwise have. Are people taking advantage of our suffering for their own ends, seeking to exalt themselves by taking our place or putting us down? Praise God for those situations where He is glorified despite their wrong motives.
The epistle begins with thanks, and Paul encourages them, relating his prayers for them, and his joy at their witness. Not that they should become complacent - he prays that their love will continue to increase. If we are not growing, we are moving backward! He also encourages them about his own situation, which I've covered above. He relates his confidence in Christ, and is ready for either continued service on earth, or dying to be in the presence of his Lord.
He encourages them twice to strive together, being of one mind, in humility, as Christ exemplified in His life. He was greater than all, and became the least of all for us. They must continue forward whether human mentors are watching (or hearing from) them or not, they are living for God, not man - continuing content in every situation.
Paul continues with an explanation about Epaphroditus, and praises him for his faithful service.
He exhorts them not to listen to false teachers, who seek to place our confidence in the flesh, but to keep our confidence solely in faith in Christ. Anything else is worthless, any efforts of our own - only faith can bring us to know Him. Knowing this, we press boldly on, exerting ourselves to all effort in order to please Christ - not for our salvation, but out of a desire to please God. He encourages us to use faithful men and women who have lived uprightly as our examples, in contrast to the world of animosity to Christ. We are proud to be citizens of Heaven. Many Philippians were proud to be citizens of Rome, but we have a far greater citizenship.
He mentions a couple of women who had worked with him when he had been in Philippi, and exhorts the other believers to help them resolve the animosity between them. He exhorts the whole church to rejoice, and not worry about things that the things of life - not to waste time and effort on fret and anxiety when we have the Lord with us - can we not have confidence in Him? He concludes with a final encouragement for the believers to follow Godly characteristics of life.
Finally, he declares His confidence and joy in the Lord in every situation, and for the gift from Philippi.
Lord, we thank You that You will supply all that we need to do Your will. Help us to learn to depend on You Lord - Jehovah Jireh. In this land, it is easy to think of our provisions being provided by our own efforts, but Lord we know You are the Source of all things - help us to appreciate You more for this. Our God, we seek Your peace in this life, trusting in You in all situations, whether pleasant or hostile. Thank You that we can be content in any situation, because our confidence is not in the situations of this world, but in Yourself and Your death and resurrection!
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