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Living for What Really Matters
PHILIPPIANS
WEEK 1
DAY 3
Read
Philippians 1:1-2
When reading the opening of this letter in Philippians 1:1-4, you might think Paul is simply
greeting the church. And yes, that is true—but let’s look closer. We’ll find intentionality and
specificity behind the words he chooses to use:
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at
Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2, ESV)
Head to Philippians 1 in the BLB. Once there, tap on the verse, and then select
Interlinear/Concordance, where you’ll see the verse broken apart word-by-word. Scroll down to
the term bond-servants, and tap on δολος doulos (pronounced du-los).
What does the word bond-servant mean?
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Paul and Timothy aren’t held captive by Christ Jesus, working for Him under duress. What
Paul is saying instead is they were purchased by Christ for a price—one that He paid on the cross.
In the same way, each of us who follows Jesus is now free, slaves (to sin) no more. But, while
acknowledging that freedom, Paul also uses this word to illustrate his wholehearted commitment
to his Master (Jesus). In other words, because of his freedom, he obediently serves.
As we continue on, we see Paul refer to the body of believers in Philippi with an interesting
term: saints.
What does this word saint make you think of?
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When I hear the word saint, I’m reminded of my Catholic friends talking about patron saints of
things like illnesses, places, or occupations. In fact, Lydia is the patron saint of dyeing because of
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