Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Philippians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in Philippians.
Authored by the Apostle Paul, the Epistle to the Philippians showcases what joy in the Lord Jesus Christ looks like, while also highlighting the importance of the Gospel in Christian life. Despite writing from a Roman prison, Paul radiates hope, demonstrating how the Gospel transcends human circumstance and brings contentment through peace in Christ. Philippians highlights the essence of salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross.
This sentiment is brought forth in Philippians 1:21 when Paul declares: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This shows us the apostle’s commitment to Christ and his assurance in the hope of eternal life. This verse shows us the truly transformative power of the Gospel, which gives believers a new perspective on life and death, rooted in their relationship with Christ.
Philippians brings the humility of Christ as the foundation of the Gospel, into light. In one of the most noteworthy Christological passages in the New Testament, Paul describes in Philippians 2:6-7: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
In this guide to the Gospel in Philippians, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how Philippians presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel in Philippians
The Gospel in Philippians Showcased in Scripture
- Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 expresses Paul’s confidence that God, who began a good work in the believers, will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 succinctly states that for Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
- Philippians 2:5-8: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2:5-8 describes the humility and sacrificial nature of Christ. It instructs believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He took on the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
- Philippians 2:9-11: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11 reveals the exaltation of Christ following His humility and obedience. It states that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 3:8-10: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
Philippians 3:8-10 expresses Paul’s profound commitment to knowing Christ. He counts all things as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. For Paul, the loss of all things is considered gain because it allows him to gain Christ and be found in Him, not having his own righteousness from the law but the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Paul desires to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, sharing in His sufferings and becoming like Him in His death.
- Philippians 3:20-21: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Philippians 3:20-21 contrasts the earthly focus of those who are enemies of the cross with the heavenly citizenship of believers. It states that our citizenship is in heaven, from where we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself.
These verses from Philippians emphasize the grace of God, the humility and obedience of Christ leading to His death on the cross, and the transformative power of faith in Christ. They highlight the believer’s confidence in God’s continued work, the supremacy of Christ, and the righteousness that comes through faith in Him.
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Moreover, Philippians speaks to the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ. Paul, who once took pride in his adherence to the law, counts all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8-9). He emphasizes that true righteousness is not based on the law but is received through faith in Christ, who provides believers with a right standing before God.
The epistle also encourages believers to live out the Gospel in practical ways, fostering unity and service within the Christian community. Paul exhorts the Philippians to “let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27) and to “do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Philippians 2:14). This call to unity and harmony reflects the communal aspect of the Gospel, which transforms not only individuals but also entire communities.
As we delve into these key passages, it becomes evident that Philippians offers a rich and deeply personal presentation of the Gospel. The epistle not only emphasizes the joy and peace that come from a relationship with Christ but also calls believers to embody the humility and selflessness of Jesus in their own lives. Through its heartfelt exhortations and theological insights, Philippians provides a compelling vision of the Gospel’s power to transform hearts and minds, fostering a community of believers who live in joyful, humble service to one another and to Christ.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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