Friendship today is all too casual. In the ancient world, friendship was a covenant, friendship was a matter of survival and held commitments and responsibilities.
Paul’s friendship with the Philippians was actually a three-way partnership because God is a partner.
Philippi was a very patriotic city, full of Roman citizens. A lot of retired military, etc., lived there.
N. T. Wright wrote a great biography of Paul. I’ve heard Wright on "Unbelievable."
Initially, Paul thought he would preach until the Second Coming. Then he realized he would be executed; but, he had faith that whatever happened, it ultimately worked to the good for him. There is reason to hope ... whatever happens.
The Gospel is the story of what God did through Jesus to reconcile us to Himself.
The Gospel is a greater reason to live because it is:
1. The story of the cross and resurrection.
2. The exaltation of Jesus.
3. The creation of the church.
4. The reconciliation of creation.
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