STUDIES IN PHILIPPIANS – PART 22

                     April 3, 2005

 

Intro: Chap.3:20 “for our citizenship is in heaven…”  Word

For citizen is politeuma (see 1:27- politeu).  Philippi was a

colony and decidedly Roman and not Greek.

Some parallels develop:

I. A New World Order was being developed by Roman

Emperor of which citizenship was essential.

1) Rome fulfilled the dream of Dan.7-

2) God has a New World order under Christ- see Eph.1:4,

5, 10  2:14-16  3:6   Ecclesia=callout out (Gk.word)

 

II. Social & economic position in Philippi was deter-

mined by citizenship and relation to the elite of Rome.

Leading citizens = clothes, location of house, seats at festivals

 

1) Promises of exceptional privileges are made to NT believers

who overcame pressure & temptations of this world.

   Letters to 7 churches in Rev.2-3-

 

III. Retired Roman Army Officers were granted

property in Philippi as appreciation for royal service.

In that way, Roman culture/viewpoint dominated Philippi.

1) We are soldiers in Christ- see Col. 3:22-25- rewards

and Matt. 25:21.

 

IV. While many citizens of Rome exhibited loyalty,

service and sacrifice, some citizens were self-promoting

and sought self-aggrandizement.  Self-centered practices

brought Rome to destruction.

 

1) Col. 3:1-11- “But Christ is all and in all.”- our faith levels

societies divisions providing reward for citizens who serve

the King.