To the Saints in Philippi
(Philippians 1:1–2)

 

           

To the Saints in Philippi
(Philippians 1:1–2)

 

Introduction
In Acts 16, Paul’s second missionary journey brought the gospel to Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. There, through providence and perseverance, the Lord established His church beginning with Lydia and the Philippian jailer. Paul’s letter to these Christians, written from imprisonment in Rome, reveals the heart of a servant. It teaches that unity in Christ flows through humble service to God and one another.

 

Bondservants of Jesus Christ
Paul begins by calling himself and Timothy “bondservants of Jesus Christ.” The Greek word literally means “slaves.” This was a deliberate and meaningful choice of words. In Philippi, a city filled with Roman citizens and slaves, this description carried great weight. Paul and Timothy had once been enslaved by sin, as all men are (Romans 6:17–18), but through obedience to the gospel they were freed from sin and became servants of righteousness. Every Christian shares this same calling. We have been bought with a price—the precious blood of Christ—and therefore belong wholly to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). To follow Christ is to submit to His authority and serve Him willingly and faithfully in every area of life.

 

Saints in Christ Jesus
Paul addresses his letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi.” The word saint means “set apart” or “sanctified.” Every Christian who has been cleansed through the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25–26) is sanctified and called to live a holy life. Peter reminds us, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Peter 2:9). Christians are not separated from the world for isolation but for purpose—to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. To be a saint is to live daily in service and devotion to God.

 

Bishops—Overseers of the Flock
Paul next mentions the bishops, also called elders or overseers. Their work is not a matter of title or authority but of service. They watch over the souls of the flock (Hebrews 13:17), shepherding the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Peter exhorts elders to “shepherd the flock of God which is among you… not by compulsion but willingly” (1 Peter 5:1–2). These men guard the congregation from false teaching, encourage the weak, and lead by example. A strong, unified congregation depends on spiritual shepherds who serve out of love for the Lord and His people.

 

Deacons—Servants in the Kingdom
Paul also greets the deacons, men chosen to serve under the guidance of the elders. Their name means “servant” or “minister.” These faithful workers carry out important responsibilities in the church—teaching, benevolence, evangelism, and worship. Their service strengthens the body and helps every member fulfill his role in the work of the kingdom. The church grows when every member serves with humility and purpose.

 

Grace and Peace Through Service
Paul concludes his greeting: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace flow naturally from service. When every member of the body of Christ serves one another, the result is harmony, favor, and calm assurance in God’s love. A congregation that labors together for the Lord is both beautiful and powerful—united in spirit and strengthened in faith.

 

 

To the Saints in Philippi Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Paul’s second missionary journey leads to the founding of the Philippian church (Acts 16). Theme—unity through service.

 

• I. Bondservants of Jesus Christ

  • Meaning of “bondservant” (Philippians 1:1).

  • Freed from sin to serve righteousness (Romans 6:17–18).

  • Bought with a price; belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

   

• II. Saints in Christ Jesus

  • All Christians are sanctified (Ephesians 5:25–26).

  • Purpose of sanctification: to proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9).

   

• III. Bishops—Overseers of the Flock

  • Role: watch over souls (Hebrews 13:17).

  • Called to shepherd willingly and eagerly (1 Peter 5:1–2).

  • Guard the church of God purchased by Christ (Acts 20:28).

   

• IV. Deacons—Servants in the Kingdom

  • Work in special capacities under elders.

  • Serve in education, benevolence, evangelism, worship, and visitation.

   

• V. The Blessing of Grace and Peace

  • Grace: that which is lovely and favorable.

  • Peace: calmness of heart through unity.

  • The fruit of serving one another in love.

   

• Conclusion: The church at Philippi thrived because its members served. Every Christian must live as a bondservant of Christ, a saint set apart, and a faithful laborer in His kingdom.

 

Call to Action
Have you been sanctified in Christ through obedience to the gospel? True sanctification occurs when a penitent believer is baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins. If you are in Christ, are you using your abilities in service to Him and His church? Let us dedicate ourselves to serving faithfully, so that grace and peace may abound among us.

 

Key Takeaways

• Every Christian is a voluntary servant of Christ (Romans 6:17–18).

• Saints are those sanctified in Christ, called to holy living (Ephesians 5:25–26).

• Bishops and deacons serve to guide and strengthen the body (Acts 20:28).

• Unity and peace come through service to God and one another (Philippians 1:2).

• Grace and peace are the natural fruit of humble obedience and fellowship.

 

Scripture Reference List

• Acts 16:6–34 — Establishment of the Philippian church.

• Romans 6:17–18 — Freed from sin to serve righteousness.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Bought with a price, belong to God.

• Ephesians 5:25–26 — The church sanctified by Christ.

• 1 Peter 2:9 — Called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

• Hebrews 13:17 — Overseers watch for souls.

• 1 Peter 5:1–2 — Elders shepherd the flock.

• Acts 20:28 — Elders guard the church purchased by Christ.

• Philippians 1:1–2 — Grace and peace through service in Christ.

 

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Expository Sermons and Lessons from the Book of Philippians