River of Life Church
Pastor Greg Temke
www.rolfamily.com
Study of The Book of Philippians
THE MARKS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH
Text: Philippians 1:1-2 (AMP)
PURPOSE OF PHILIPPIANS:
- Paul wished to prevent criticism of Epaphroditus. He became sick unto death, and it
took a long time for him to return to the Church.
- Paul wished to thank the Church for its help in the ministry.
- Paul was calling the Church to unity because two ladies were quarreling.
- Paul wanted to deal with some of the false teachers affecting the Church.
1. WHAT WAS THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS ALL ABOUT?
(Acts 16-Background)
- Paul the Apostle, in prison, wrote the book of Philippians.
- Written to: The elders and bishops of the church.
- 60-63 AD
- Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon were all written from the same prison.
JOY IS THE MAIN THEME OF THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS
Key Verse: Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!”
Paul’s Joy
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain
Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 3:8, “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
Philippians. 4:13, “I can do all things through [f]Christ who strengthens me.”
2. THE MARKS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH. 1:1-2
- HEALTHY CHURCHES ARE INTENTIONAL ABOUT DISCIPLING YOUNG PEOPLE.
It is the adults’ responsibility to find and disciple young people. Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 16:1
- HEALTHY CHURCHES SEE THEMSELVES AS SERVANTS.
We are slaves. [Greek=Doulos] -A healthy Church serves Christ.
SLAVE: A slave is bought and paid for.
SERVANT: A servant is free to work for whomever he wishes.
What are we? [SLAVANT] We are bought with a price, but we choose to serve by grace.
II Corinthians 10:3-5 ; Colossians 4:12
- HEALTHY CHURCHES HAVE SAINTS
A healthy Church has SAINTS = “Set apart.”
- HEALTHY CHURCHES ARE ORGANIZED FOR MINISTRY.
A healthy Church organizes for ministry and has leaders who lead by example.
Bishops or overseers are the same as elders. There are local elders and area elders.
Deacons are spiritually minded men and women who dedicate their lives to minister to the saints.
Church Leadership must be servants as we expect others to serve.
I Peter 4:11
- HEALTHY CHURCHES HAVE GRACE.
Lots of it!
Conclusion: Paul’s prayer for us: “That our joy would abound more and more!”