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Bible Study beginning with Philippians chapter 1.
1 Philippians by Pnut From Behind Bars of a Mississippi Prison
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Bible Study beginning with Philippians chapter 1.
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Bible Study beginning with Philippians chapter 1.
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(Philippians 4:11 NKJV) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:12 NKJV) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV) For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you. (Philippians 1:1 NKJV) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Philippians 1:2 NKJV) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:1 NKJV) Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. (Acts 16:2 NKJV) He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. (Acts 16:3 NKJV) Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. (Acts 16:4 NKJV) And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. (Acts 16:5 NKJV) So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. (Philippians 1:1 NKJV) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (Acts 20:28 NKJV) Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:17 NKJV) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; (1 Timothy 3:3 NKJV) not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; (1 Timothy 3:4 NKJV) one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (1 Timothy 3:5 NKJV) (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); (1 Timothy 3:6 NKJV) not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. (1 Timothy 3:7 NKJV) Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (Titus 1:5 NKJV) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— (Titus 1:6 NKJV) if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. (Titus 1:7 NKJV) For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, (Titus 1:8 NKJV) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, (Titus 1:9 NKJV) holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. (Acts 6:2 NKJV) Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. (1 Timothy 3:8 NKJV) Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, (1 Timothy 3:9 NKJV) holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. (1 Timothy 3:10 NKJV) But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. (1 Timothy 3:11 NKJV) Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 3:12 NKJV) Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (1 Timothy 3:13 NKJV) For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (Matthew 28:16 NKJV) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. (Matthew 28:17 NKJV) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:18 NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:20 NKJV) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Ephesians 1:15 NKJV) Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, (Ephesians 1:16 NKJV) do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: (Ephesians 1:17 NKJV) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, (Ephesians 1:18 NKJV) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:19 NKJV) and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Ephesians 1:20 NKJV) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:21 NKJV) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:22 NKJV) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:23 NKJV) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Philippians 1:3 NKJV) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (Philippians 1:4 NKJV) always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, (Philippians 1:5 NKJV) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, (Philippians 1:6 NKJV) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:7 NKJV) just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. (Philippians 1:8 NKJV) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:10 NKJV) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. (Philippians 4:11 NKJV) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:12 NKJV) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:14 NKJV) Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. (Philippians 4:15 NKJV) Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. (Philippians 4:16 NKJV) For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. (Philippians 4:17 NKJV) Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. (Philippians 4:18 NKJV) Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:19 NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:20 NKJV) Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 2:25 NKJV) Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; (Philippians 2:26 NKJV) since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. (Philippians 2:27 NKJV) For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:28 NKJV) Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. (Philippians 2:29 NKJV) Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; (Philippians 2:30 NKJV) because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. (Philippians 1:3 NKJV) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (Philippians 1:4 NKJV) always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, (Philippians 1:5 NKJV) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, (Philippians 1:6 NKJV) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:7 NKJV) just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. (Philippians 1:8 NKJV) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. AI Generated Summary (May Contain Errors) The transcription is discussing the book of Philippians in the Bible. It mentions that the letter was written as a thank you to the Philippian church for a gift sent to Paul. It also talks about Timothy, who was with Paul at the time. The letter emphasizes joy, thanksgiving, peace, and the importance of having the right attitude. It also mentions the biblical organization of a local church, including the role of bishops and deacons. The transcription highlights the requirements for these positions and the importance of serving and being tested. It ends by stating that Jesus Christ is the head of the church. AI Generated Transcript (May Contain Errors) So we've got our readers, we've got our preacher. Chaz, you there? Yeah, I'm here. Alright. Okay. So... We've got our readers. I'm ready. Alright. Thank you, brother. Such a wonderful job. And tonight we want to look into the epistle of Paul, the apostle to the Philippians. Alright. And just a little background about Philippians. It was written as a thank you letter in response to a gift sent to Paul by the Philippian church, alright? And also Timothy was with Paul at this time and joined in the salutation to these brothers. And the Philippians had sent their gifts by the hands of a faithful brother named Epaphroditus, alright? And he stayed with Paul during the time that he had took Paul this gift and Paul was in prison. And he even remained with Paul to the point that he became severely sick, nearly to death, alright? But God spared his life and allowed him to live. And the letter to the Philippians is one of those grand little books that never seems to run out of lessons, alright? And as we begin the opening of Philippians, I want y'all to analyze some things as we read through this epistle. I want you to notice how the letter overflows with joy and thanksgivings, okay? So even though he wrote the letter while in prison facing possible death at the hands of the Romans, yet he speaks of learning contentment in whatever state he found himself. Could somebody read Philippians chapter 4, verse 11? Philippians 4, verse 11. So we see that though Paul was in prison facing the possible death sentence at the hands of the Romans, yet he speaks of learning contentment in whatever state he found himself, okay? And the key word is joy. You're going to see that six times as we study the book of Philippians. And rejoice, you're going to see 11 times, okay? And I want you to add to this thanksgiving, which you will see two times, and peace three times. And a total of 22 times this attitude is encouraged. So the secret for this attitude is another reason often repeated, okay? As you're going to see the word mind ten times, and think four times, and remember one time. Altogether makes 15 references to one attitude or thinking, all right? And let's read Proverbs 23, verse 7, and we'll begin with Philippians. Proverbs 23, 7. Continue. Okay. Proverbs 23, 7. Okay, just a minute. Okay. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Eat and drink, he says to you. This heart is not with you. Amen. Amen. So we see that Paul incurs a certain type of attitude with this Philippians epistle, all right? And we know Paul's circumstances. He was in prison and facing a possible death sentence, but at the hands of the Romans, and he had done no wrong. He was in prison for preaching the gospel, for preaching Christ, all right? And we want to look at the salutation of Philippians, all right? And we're going to see how Paul and Timothy address the saints, bishops, and deacons at Philippi. Could I first read or read Philippians chapter 1, verses 1 and 2. Sarah. Sarah, Philippians 1, 1 and 2. Paul and Timothy, born servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, who are filipi, the bishops and the deacons, grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Thank you. So we see here verses 1 and 2 as we begin to analyze. We know that Timothy joined company with Paul on his second preaching journey, all right? If you look at Acts, I want someone to turn to Acts chapter 16 and read verses 1 through 3. Acts chapter 16, verses 1 through 3. Okay. Okay. Then he came to Derbe and Lystra, and, behold, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconia. Paul wanted to have him go on with him, wanted to have him go on with him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, but they all knew that his father was Greek. Okay. So we see that Timothy had joined company with Paul on his second preaching journey, all right? Right there in Acts chapter 16, verses 1 through 3. Okay. And, therefore, he was with Paul when he came to Philippi. He knew of their faith from his inception, okay? And so we see that Paul, when we begin reading Philippians, Paul included Timothy in sinning greedily to these brethren. And we also are going to see that later in this letter he describes Timothy's deep care and concern for them, okay? Now, as we begin with verse 1 of Philippians chapter 1, we see the biblical organization of a local church, okay? And in this open insolitation, we find a biblical pattern for the organization of a local church. We see that the word saints, all right, are used. And saints describe all who have been set apart from the world through obedience to the gospel. Let's read 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verse 2. 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verse 2. Yeshiva? I got you muted. Let me unmute you. Yeshiva? To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. Okay. And when we look at the word saints, it describes all who have been set apart from the world through obedience to the gospel, okay? And the word literally means holy ones. And it's applied to all who are gospel, okay? And within the body of saints, the Lord has established a pattern of leadership, all right? And we see that pattern, okay? We see the biblical organization of a local church. In Philippians chapter 1, verse 1, we see that Paul says bishops, okay? And bishops are men who are overseers of the church, okay? Let's read Acts chapter 20, verse 28. Okay. 20, 28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. Amen. And the term elders, also presbyters, and shepherds, also pastors, are also used interchangeably to describe these spiritual leaders, all right? And we see that Ms. Patricia just read Acts chapter 20, verse 28. Ms. Patricia, I want you to read Acts chapter 20, verse 17 as well. Okay. From Elisha he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. All right. So we see that they are men who are mature in the faith and have proven themselves to be so by the spiritual requirements outlined. You have one minute remaining. In the Word, all right? There are certain spiritual requirements necessary for these officers, all right? And some of it is described in 1 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1 through 7, and also in Titus. So could our next reader read 1 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1 through 7? Thank you for using global telling. 1 Timothy 3 and read 1 through 7. 1 Timothy 3, verse 1. It is a trustworthy statement. If any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is the fine work he desires to do. The overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or possession, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity. But if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the Church of God? And how a new convert lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation encouraged by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the Church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. So we see here that there are men who are mature in the faith and have proven themselves to be so by the spiritual requirements outlined in 1 Timothy 3, verses 1 through 7. But also let's read Titus chapter 1, verses 5 through 9. Titus chapter 1, verses 5 through 9. Okay. That is chapter 1, verses 5 through 9. Okay. Okay. All right. So I want y'all to pay attention to something as we study this topic, okay? Never do we find a single bishop over a congregation or over several churches, all right? Amen. You won't find that in the Word of God, all right? And every reference in the New Testament always there was a plurality of men serving in a local church. See, deacons are special servants of a local congregation. It's the Greek word literally means to serve, all right? And I know you may know people that say, oh, this is deacon so-and-so. Deacon, this here, that there, but it's not some religious title to be thrown around, all right? The word deacon literally means servant. If I say that I fulfill the office of a deacon, this means that I'm a servant. I'm the Lord's servant. And as we look in the Word of God, I want to read Acts chapter 6, verse 2. Speaking of that. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, it is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. Amen. Amen. So we've got to understand that deacons are special servants of a local congregation, all right? And special requirements are also essential before one should be ordained to this position of duty as well. Now we can look at 1 Timothy chapter 3, verses 8 through 13. Can somebody read 1 Timothy chapter 3, verses 8 through 13? Tim? Likewise, deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not giving too much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. Let these also first be tested. Then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husband and one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Amen, all right. So it is important that we know that there were no headquarters on earth for God's people because Jesus Christ is head both in heaven and in earth, okay? But we see what Tim just read. We see the spiritual requirements, all right, that is essential before one should be ordained to this position of duty. And I'll never forget when I was, before I was sentenced to my time in prison and I wasn't as educated in the Word of God, I ran across this old fellow named Mr. Ed. And he was an older man. And Mr. Ed must have seen me reading the Bible or something. Mr. Ed told me he can give me my deacon license. I said, oh, for real? He said, yeah, I can make you a deacon. I said, oh, for real? He said, oh, yeah, just give me your address and give me your name and all that. And so I gave him my grandmother's address. I gave him my name and all that. And he said, you should get your license in the mail in such and such time. So that time went by. I called my grandmother. She said, yeah, I got something in the mail. Oh, baby, you got your deacon license. That's so good, babe. I'm so proud of you. And don't you know I thought I was a deacon all the way up until I learned the Word of God. I thought I was a deacon. I wonder if my grandmother still got those licenses in her house because I haven't been out since, you know. But I thought I was a deacon. Mr. Ed said he had me for, you know, so. But we see, according to the Word of God, that I was not and had not become a deacon, all right, because there are certain qualifications necessary to be a deacon, all right. These are not officers that you're just going to point yourself to. There are other spiritual requirements that are essential before you should be ordained to this position of duty, okay. But like I was stating, it's important to note that there were no headquarters on earth for God's people because Jesus Christ is head, both in heaven and in earth. Let's read Matthew 28, verses 18 through 20. Matthew 28, verses 18 through 20. And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I will be with you always to the end of the ages. We see that Christ is head, both in heaven and in earth, all right. And also Ephesians chapter 1, verses 22 and 23 follows this same thought. Could someone read that for us? Ephesians chapter 1, verses 22 through 23. Okay. And he put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. So, we see here, as we just broke down in Philippians chapter 1, verses 1 and 2, we see the salutation of Paul, okay. And Paul and Timothy address the saints, bishops, and deacons at Philippi, okay. And we see the biblical organization of a local church in verse 1 and 2. And then as we continue with verses 3 through 8, we're going to see Paul's reason for thanksgiving to the Philippians. Could I ask you to read Philippians chapter 1, verses 3 through 8. Okay. Philippians 1, 3 through 8. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart. Since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, and I long for you all the affection of Christ Jesus. Amen. So we see Paul's reason for thanksgiving to the Philippians in verses 3 through 8. And Paul continued to pray for them with thanksgiving for their partnership in the gospel, as we see in verses 3 through 5. And in 3 through 5, we see that in these opening words, Paul states the main purpose for writing. And many strong and tender ties existed between them, as we see in verses 3 through 5. And he always prayed to God with thanksgiving for the Philippians. And Paul stated that they had fellowship in the gospel, which means they had partnership with him. In the preaching of the gospel, and in his preaching of the gospel, they had supplied his needs from the beginning of their conversion to Christ. And even after he left, they had sent once and again to his necessity. If you read on through the book of Philippians, let's read Philippians chapter 4, verses 15 through 17. Okay. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving what you owe it. So even in Thessalonians, you sent aid once and again for my necessity. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. So we see here that even after Paul had left, they had sent once and again to his necessity. Now, even now, he was sending his letter back by Epaphroditus, who had come from Philippi and sent messages to supply his needs while in prison. So we see the sincere love, brotherly love that existed between the Philippians and Paul, the apostle. Let's read Philippians chapter 2, verses 25 through 30. Philippians chapter 2, verses 25 through 30. Yet I consider it necessary to send you, O Ephrathias, my brother, settled worker and settled soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my needs, since he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death, but God had mercy on him. And not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again, you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness and hold such men in esteem, because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. Amen. Alright, so we see how Paul speaks highly of Ephrathias, alright? And even now he was sending this little bad guy, Ephrathias, who had come from Philippi as their messenger to supply his needs while in Trips, okay? And as we continue with Philippians chapter 1, verses 6 through 8, we see that Paul had confidence in their continued faithfulness and yearned with affection for them, alright? And in verse 6, it states, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ. So if you're aware, as has been stated about their being partners in the fullness of the gospel, the good work was a reference to their fellowship with him over a period of time of about ten years, okay? And their willingness to support Paul had been stirred in their hearts by their love for the Lord. So, as I say, the book of Philippians never runs out of great lessons to the Christian, alright? Paul is confident that they will continue to participate and spread the gospel until the day of Christ, alright? And that means until Christ appears. In other words, they will not grow weary in well-doing and cease their labor of love. This is the type of confidence that Paul had in the Philippians. And as we close out with verses 7 and 8, in Philippians chapter 1, Paul states, Even as it is neat for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace, for God is my record. How great I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. So we see that Paul had reason to have confidence in them because his love for them had been bonded through their continued support. They had been partakers with him by sacrificing themselves to supply his needs as Paul defended the gospel in his trials and confirmed the truth of the gospel by his preaching. The Philippians have had a real and substantial part with him in the grace of God. Therefore, God has called his witness that Christ's love is his love for them and he personally longs for them. So just in verses 1 through 8, there are so many lessons and applications to be gleaned from this epistle. And that is why I will break it down in short verses so that you can shoot a cut, alright? That means that you can read it, and read it, and read it again, and you can chew on it, swallow it, and spit it back up and chew on it some more. Read everything out of it. You've got to chew the cud. So we see here in the Solitation of Paul's Epistles, how Paul and Timothy address the saints, bishops, and deacons at Philippi. And we see the biblical organization of a local church. And we see Paul's reason for thanksgiving to the Philippians in verses 3 through 8. And in verses 6 through 8, we see that he had confidence in their continued faithfulness and yearning with affection for them. And that concludes our study for tonight. I thank everybody for being patient and attending Bible Call. And Lord's willing, we'll continue with the Epistle of Philippians until we can close it out. And tomorrow, we'll be picking up and looking at verses 9 through 18 on tomorrow.
