Philippians

Why was this book written?

      Paul was grateful to the Philippian church because of the they had financially supported him. They held a special place in Paul's heart because of their support of him and his ministry (1:7). He spends a lot of time simply encouraging the church. Sometimes complimenting them and sometimes encouraging them to keep on keeping on (1:10-11, 26, 29-30). There were also false teachers here and Paul writes partly to warn them of the lies that are being spread and who Christ is (3:2-3)

What is the main idea of this book?

      The main idea in Philippians is to be set apart as Christ holy people and to know and understand who Christ really is. There were false teachers trying to discredit Jesus. Paul writes to encourage them to live like Christ and affirming Jesus as the Son of God. Paul spends a lot of time in telling them to be set apart. Because they are Christians he calls them to live in a way where no one can say anything about them (2:15). He continues to explain to them what it means to be a Christian and how to set themselves apart from their Pagan culture (3:19-21, 4:8-9). He finishes by telling them that it is by God's power that they can do this (4:13).