On Glory, Greetings and Grace
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Paul's closing words to the Philippians focus on the glory of God, the greetings of the saints, and the grace of Jesus Christ!
Text: Phil. 4:20-23
Date: 07/06/2025, the Evening service.
Series: "Evenfall; Sunday Evening Worship" Part 37
Description:
As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, his emotion and deep love for the church at Philippi continues to shine through his words. The major theme throughout the letter has been the importance of being "in Christ", both for salvation and especially (as far as the Philippians were concerned) for sanctification. There are three well-defined segments in these closing words: first a doxology extolling the glory of God the Father; then a variety of parting greetings, both to the saints in Philippi and from the saints in Rome; and finally a closing benediction focusing on his favorite subject-- the grace to be found in our Lord Jesus Christ. What a beautiful way to end this "love letter", and to encourage the church at Philippi-- as well as all of us who still benefit from these majestic words on Glory, Greetings and Grace!
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Phil. 4:20-23.
A. Context
B. Paul's closing doxology, greetings and benediction.
1. The doxology, vs. 20.
a. A very personal God.
i. Unified in Christ.
ii. Adopted through Christ, Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5.
b. Ascribing glory, Phil. 2:9-11; Isa. 42:8.
c. The eternal doxology, Rev. 5:13.
d. Affirming truth.
2. Focus on the saints, vs. 21-22.
a. Defining "saints", Phil. 1:1.
b. Paul's personal greeting to the saints.
i. A common ending to Paul's letters, 1Th. 5:26; 2Cor. 13:12; Phil. 1:1.
ii. Shades of the Gospel.
b. Proxy greetings from the saints, vs. 21b-22.
i. Greetings from the brothers; Acts 28:30; Phil. 1:14-16.
ii. Greetings from "all the saints", Phil. 1:15.
iii. The "household of Caesar", Luke 13:21.
3. Closing blessing, vs. 23, Phil. 1:2.
a. A common ending for Paul, 1Cor. 16:23; 2Tim. 4:22; 2Cor. 13:14; Eph. 6:24.
b. Focus on grace that is "In Christ".
c. Grace for the inner-self.
III. Conclusion
