Philippians #075 - Learn the Bible Broadcast - Philippians 4:20-23
Pastor Andrew B. Ray

Antioch Baptist Church
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Knoxville, TN 37918
http://www.LearntheBible.org

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Philippians #075 - Learn the Bible Broadcast
Philippians 4:20-23 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians
The Salutation

I. THE PURPOSE OF ALL THINGS (Philippians 4:20)

A. God Cares for His Glory

1. All glory belongs to God (Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21; Colossians 1:16; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:18; 1 Peter 5:11; 2 Peter 3:18; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:6).
2. He does not share His glory (Isaiah 42:8).
3. Note: Consider the connections of the “Amen” and God’s glory. This reminds us of the importance of proper understanding in the scriptural use of Amen.
a. Defining the Amen
(1) It can be a response—“...And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.” (Deuteronomy 27:15).
(2) It can be a statement—“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:33).
(3) There are other unique uses throughout scripture.
b. The purpose of the Amen
(1) To proclaim understanding or acceptance (Deuteronomy 27:15; Nehemiah 5:13)
(2) To proclaim agreement or approval of something said or done (1 Kings 1:36)
(3) To praise the Lord (Revelation 7:11-12; Revelation 19:4)
(4) To request action from God (Jeremiah 28:6; Revelation 22:20)

B. All Things Are for Him

1. They were created by Him (John 1:1-3)
2. They were created for Him (Colossians 1:16)
3. They were created for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11)

C. His Glory Is Our Purpose

1. Our works should bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16). Note: Though our works that bring glory to God ought to be good works, all good works do not bring glory to God.
2. Our troubles should bring glory to God (John 11:4; John 21:19)
3. Our being should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31)

II. THE PRACTICE OF SALUTATIONS (Philippians 4:21-22)

A. The Salute from Paul (Philippians 4:21)

1. To every saint
2. In Christ Jesus

B. The Salutes from Paul’s Companions (Philippians 4:21-22)

1. The brethren which are with me greet you (Philippians 4:21).
2. Chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22)

III. THE SALUTATION OF PAUL (Philippians 4:23)

A. Its Content

1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
2. Amen.

B. Its Location—Always at the end

C. Its Purpose

1. Others were writing letters in Paul’s name (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).
2. Paul did not personally pen most of his letters. One letter from Paul could vary in handwriting from a different letter from Paul.
3. In order to give a token, or point of proof that a letter was from Paul, he personally penned a salutation of grace, even if he had not personally penned the epistle (2 Thessalonians 3:17).