Philippians 1:1-2 - Homiletics

The address.

I. ST . PAUL 'S DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF . He is a servant of Jesus Christ.

1 . He does not here style himself an apostle. The title was unnecessary in writing to the Philippians; he does not assume it needlessly. He associates Timotheus with himself. In the presence of the blessed Lord and Master distinctions sink into insignificance.

2 . Paul and Timotheus are alike " servants ." But that name, in its inner meaning, is a lofty title. He who belongs wholly to Christ, who is the slave of Christ, bought with the blood of Christ, is free from sin; he must be free, says St. Chrysostom, from all other masters, or he would be only in part the servant of Christ.

II. HIS DESCRIPTION OF THE PHILIPPIAN CHRISTIANS . He calls them "saints in Christ Jesus." It is true that the word "saint" may be used here in an official sense, as equivalent to "Christian." But:

1 . It implies the necessity of that which all who are to see God in heaven must possess , holiness of heart and life. We believe in the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth the elect people of God; that belief pledges us to follow after personal holiness. We have been once dedicated to God; the great aim of life should be self-consecration—the entire consecration of our whole nature, spirit, soul, and body, to his blessed service.

2 . S aints are such only by being in Christ Jesus. The living branch abides in vital union with the vine; the saint abides in spiritual union with the Savior. God taketh away the unfruitful branch; the unfruitful branch is the ungodly Christian—a branch, indeed, but without fruit, withered, dead. Spiritual life is sustained only by union with Christ, by the abiding presence of Christ, who is the Bread of life, the Life of the world. If we would be saints, not in name only, but in heart and in truth, we must strive above all things to live habitually, consciously, lovingly, in that "fellowship which is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

III. THE SALUTATION — WHAT CHRISTIAN GOOD WISHES SHOULD BE .

1 . Grace. Grace is the favor of God, unbought, undeserved, freely given, out of his generous bounty. That grace is the origin of our salvation: "By grace ye are saved." It is the source of holiness: "By the grace of God I am what I am." It is an unfailing support in all troubles and distresses: "My grace is sufficient for thee." It should be our earnest effort not "to receive the grace of God in vain," but "to continue in the grace of God;" for that grace "bringeth salvation."

2 . Peace . Peace is

Learn:

1 . To be servants, slaves, of Christ; wholly given up to him; content with that service which is perfect freedom.

2 . To think the best of others, to esteem them better than ourselves.

3 . To wish them the best wishes—grace and peace.