BASICS FOR BELIEVERS: AN EXPOSITION OF PHILIPPIANS, by D. A. Carson

A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance

by Steve West

 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Put the Gospel First
Chapter 2 Focus on the Cross
Chapter 3 Adopt Jesus’ Death as a Test of Your Outlook
Chapter 4 Emulate Worthy Christian Leaders
Chapter 5 Never Give Up the Christian Walk

 

Summary

 

Chapter 1: Put the Gospel First
Philippians 1:1-26

Although we won’t admit to wanting a gospel that saves us and improves our lives without challenging our most-cherished sins, selfish ambitions, and prejudices, this is in fact the kind of domesticated gospel that many want to accept. In the Western world, secularization continues to push Christianity to the margins so that what seems important for living is not the gospel but the power structures and priorities of the world. Even in the church self-indulgence is rampant, and security and comfort are more highly prized than self-sacrificial service. Pluralism continues to challenge the church at multiple levels. Society is in decline, as was the case in Rome when Paul wrote this letter. Paul was in jail and facing death, so his words carry special significance. The first thing that Paul writes about is the need to “put the gospel first.” We can look at this theme in four points.

First, “Put the fellowship of the gospel at the center of your relationships with believers (1:3-8).” Verse 3 is ambiguous in the original, but it seems best to take it as Paul giving thanks for their remembrance of him. Paul prays with joy for them because they have partnered with him in a deep way, sharing their lives and resources to support him. He also has joy because they demonstrate genuine conversion and the fruits of saving faith. Paul has confidence that they will abide in Christ, and that Christ will complete their salvation. Even though he is in chains, Paul delights that they share together in the grace of God. His relationship with them is not professional, it is personal. What unites them and binds them together is the gospel itself; the gospel is to be at the heart of our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. . . .

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