Topical Bible: Love to Man: Philippians

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The Epistle to the Philippians, authored by the Apostle Paul, is a profound testament to the theme of love among believers, emphasizing unity, humility, and selflessness as expressions of love to one another. This letter, written during Paul's imprisonment, reflects his deep affection for the Philippian church and serves as a guide for Christian conduct in love.

Joy and Partnership in the Gospel

Paul begins his letter with expressions of gratitude and joy for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel. In Philippians 1:3-5 , he writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This partnership is rooted in mutual love and commitment to the mission of spreading the gospel, highlighting the importance of communal love and support in the Christian journey.

Humility and Selflessness

A central theme in Philippians is the call to humility and selflessness, modeled after Christ Himself. In Philippians 2:3-4 , Paul exhorts the believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage underscores the essence of love as putting others before oneself, a radical departure from self-centeredness, and a call to emulate Christ's sacrificial love.

The Example of Christ

Paul presents the ultimate example of love in the person of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8 , he writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This Christological hymn is a profound illustration of divine love manifested in humility and obedience, serving as the model for believers to follow.

Unity and Harmony

Paul's letter also emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony among believers as an expression of love. In Philippians 2:1-2 , he appeals, "If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose." This call to unity is a reflection of the love that binds the Christian community together, fostering an environment where love can flourish.

Rejoicing in the Lord

The theme of joy, closely linked to love, permeates the epistle. Paul encourages the Philippians to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). This joy is not merely an emotion but a deep-seated confidence in God's love and faithfulness, which empowers believers to love one another even in the face of trials and adversity.

Generosity and Support

The Philippians' love for Paul is demonstrated through their generous support during his ministry. In Philippians 4:15-16 , Paul acknowledges, "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need." Their generosity is a tangible expression of love, reflecting the biblical principle that love is active and sacrificial.

The Epistle to the Philippians thus serves as a rich source of teaching on love to man, urging believers to embody Christ-like love through humility, unity, and selfless service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 4:15-19
Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philippians i. 22-26
... even hell, [563] ) but still remained in the contest on behalf of man. ... Did he remain
for the sake of the Philippians only? ... This is a proof of his great love. ...
/.../homily iv philippians i 22-26.htm

Philippians iv. 14-Oct
... up by hearing these things from him, whilst the Philippians did it ... true wisdom, his
superiority to earthly things, his love toward man, his mercifulness ...
/.../homily xv philippians iv 14-oct.htm

Philippians iii. 18-21
... Philippians iii.18-21 ... name: "whence," saith he, "we wait for a Saviour, the Lord
Jesus Christ." And this is an act of His kindness and love toward man. ...
/.../homily xiii philippians iii 18-21.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... against God and His Church, and puts a man in punishment ... beast, [1304]ib.; of Cain
from want of love, [1305]342 ... Paul, [1308]184; sent to the Philippians by St. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Philippians i. 11-Aug
... Philippians i. 8-11. Philippians i.8-11 ... Paul desires that the debt of love should
always be owing; "Owe no man any thing, save to love one another ...
/.../homily ii philippians i 11-aug.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... consider, how this blessed one entreats the Philippians concerning the ... is that love
waxes cold, when we love the praise ... for it is not possible for a man to be ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

That the Words Love and Regard (Amor and Dilectio) are in ...
... own soul;" [664] and the words of the Apostle John, "If any man love (diligere)
the ... are evil if the love is evil; good if the love is good ... [667] Philippians 1:23 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 that the words love.htm

A Good Will May be Small and Weak; an Ample Will, Great Love. ...
... thus speaks: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down ... of Christ,
which is heavy for our infirmity, becomes light to love. ... [3138] Philippians 1:6 ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 33 xvii a good will.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... Look at the prayer in Philippians (i.9-11 ... holiness and omnipotence of God and His
love, that such ... in holiness," "God sanctify you wholly""the man who believes ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiii paul a pattern.htm

Love is not Condemned, but Love in God, in whom There is Rest ...
... 16), "to them who love the indications of Thee rather than ... in another place, "became
a son of man, that the ... and put on the "form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6 ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xii love is not condemned.htm