Preaching the Word: Philippians—The Fellowship of the Gospel

by R. Kent Hughes

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2007

Overview

The four chapters of Philippians contain some of the most-quoted and beloved passages in Scripture: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” “Rejoice in the Lord always,” “Do not be anxious about anything,” “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Yet in our familiarity with the Apostle Paul’s words to his favorite church, we must be careful not to miss the deeper themes, says commentator R. Kent Hughes. Themes such as the robust fellowship and unity that Paul shared with the Christians at Philippi based on their mutual commitment to the gospel.

Theirs was a partnership we rarely see today—between people who were bound together in the great cause of unfurling the gospel flag in cities, countries, and other cultures—undergirded by Paul’s central call to let their “manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” It was a joyous cause, a unity, a manner of life that should be ours as well.

The characteristics of such true Christian conduct and spirit are detailed throughout this epistle and this commentary, with every aspect ultimately centering in Christ. Hughes’s faithful exposition and application will reveal how much Philippians is about Christ and about people in Christ Jesus, as well as about people who are in the joyful fellowship of the gospel together because they are in Christ.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The reality is, the more we come to know Christ, the more we will come to sense our need to grow.” (Page 146)

“Human friendship is a wonderful thing, but fellowship goes beyond friendship. Fellowship occurs among friends committed to a common cause or goal and flourishes through their common pursuit of it.” (Page 23)

“Further, his call for rejoicing in the Lord is ‘safe’ for them because it serves as a safeguard against the lures of those who would attempt to undermine their faith.” (Page 122)

“It comes from what the Lord has done in the past, from what he is doing now, and from the hope of what he will do in the future.” (Page 165)

“The suffering that comes to a Christian (as a Christian) is not a sign of God’s neglect but rather a proof that grace is at work in his or her life.” (Page 70)

Product Details

• Title: Philippians: The Fellowship of the Gospel
• Author: R. Kent Hughes
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 240

About R. Kent Hughes

R. Kent Hughes is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Hughes earned a DMin in 1981 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a DD from Biola University in 1991. Dr. Hughes’ 42 years of ministry consists of 10 years as a youth pastor, five as a church planter, and 27 as a senior pastor at College Church.

Hughes has authored numerous books, including the best-selling Disciplines of a Godly Man. He is also editor of and contributor to the 19-volume Preaching the Word series, including Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior, which received the E.C.P.A. Gold Medallion Book Award for best commentary in 1990.