Gospel-Driven Ministers: Paul

Well we return this morning to our study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. And in our studies in the Book of Philippians over the past months we have been considering Paul’s instructions to us concerning the Christian life. At every turn in the opening of this letter, Paul expresses confidence in the salvation of his dear friends at Philippi, as well as in their understanding of the Gospel. And so rather than an evangelistic letter, or a full-blown defense of the Gospel, a key theme in the Book of Philippians has been the doctrine of sanctification—the way in which those who have already repented of their sins and who presently trust the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation are to bring the implications of that glorious Gospel to bear on their everyday living.

This is Paul’s chief concern as he writes to this dear congregation from Rome, while under house arrest, chained to an imperial soldier, and awaiting his trial before the Emperor, Nero. He assures them that despite these troubles and afflictions, he is rejoicing, because the very bedrock foundation of his joy is unshakeable. Whether he lives or whether he dies, he is more satisfied by Christ than by all that life can offer and all that death can take. For him, to live is Christ, and to die is gain because it brings him more of Christ. And because of the estimation of the Lord in his own affections, Christ will be magnified in his body regardless of his circumstances. And in this, Paul rejoices.

And so throughout the opening 26 verses of this letter...

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