The people in the city of Philippi who received this letter from their friend, Paul, were suffering from two of Christianity's greatest adversaries: self-sufficiency and complacency. While writing this letter from a Roman prison cell, Paul was able to provide a unique perspective on these enemies of our faith. Even as he faced horrific trials, Paul continued to encourage his brothers and sisters by declaring that his imprisonment was reason for joy. This letter also includes Paul's concerns for the church regarding spiritual and practical matters, such as unity and false teachers. He urges the believers to maintain their spiritual commitment and integrity as well as to continue to grow in Christ. The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.
Circumstances.They are not all they're cracked up to be. For instance, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from a Roman prison cell, yet despite those dire circumstances, his major theme in the letter was joy. How did Paul find joy in a Roman prison cell? He didn't He took his joy in Christ into jail with him. Paul's circumstances did not dictate his attitude. In this letter, he demonstrated several life attitudes that were rather shocking in their audacity and counter intuitiveness... Rejoice in the Lord, always Living means living for Christ, and dying is even better Think of others as better than yourselves Have the mind of Christ Do everything without arguing and complaining Whatever things were gain, count them as loss Forget what lies behind Be anxious for nothing You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you In the MacArthur Bible Study Series, pastor and teacher John MacArthur has undertaken in his definitive style to provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, explorations of complementary Scripture passages, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God under the guidance of a man whose expository preaching is unparalleled in its breadth and influence. Lessons include: The Epistle of Joy The Joy of Ministry Conduct Worthy of Christ Spiritual Unity The Incarnation and Exaltation of Christ God at Work in You Stop Complaining Model Spiritual Servants The