Philippians 1:1-30

Sep 28, 2025
Meeting Sep 28, 2025 at 14:27 MDT
Meeting records Recording

Summary
Matthew Miller presented on the prophetic nature of Philippians, emphasizing that it discusses prophecy and the singular return of Jesus Christ, debunking the dispensationalist belief in two returns of Christ and a "partial cowardly return." He highlighted that the book of Philippians contains three primary topics of end-time Bible prophecy linked to the Greek text, asserting that the "gospel" encompasses Jesus Christ's entire agenda, from His first advent to His return. Matthew Miller discussed the translation of "affection" in Philippians 1:8, explaining that in Greek, it is G1721, meaning "in" the affection of Jesus Christ, and clarified that Paul's affection for the Philippians is "in the affection of Jesus Christ." Matthew Miller also connected the word "perdition" in Philippians 1:28 to Judas Iscariot, the "son of perdition," explaining that this signifies an "indication of their perdition" among infiltrated clergy. Carol Lee and Matthew Miller discussed the contemporary relevance of these biblical insights, particularly concerning divisions within the church and the fear of losing a pastor, which can lead congregations to tolerate false teachings.

Details
Prophetic Nature of Philippians Matthew Miller highlighted that the book of Philippians is profoundly prophetic, particularly emphasizing that it discusses prophecy and the singular return of Jesus Christ. He stressed that the first ten verses establish this concept, debunking the dispensationalist belief in two returns of Christ and a "partial cowardly return". Matthew Miller explained that the Greek text clearly indicates only one return of Jesus Christ, contrary to interpretations that suggest multiple advents.
Gospel and End-Time Prophecy Matthew Miller explained that the book of Philippians contains three primary topics of end-time Bible prophecy that are inextricably linked to the Greek text. He clarified that the "gospel" encompasses Jesus Christ's entire agenda, from His first advent to His return, and that any deviation from this timeline, such as the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, distorts the true gospel. Matthew Miller also noted that the mention of "bishops and deacons" in verse 1 indicates that the false teachings about multiple days of the Lord have infiltrated the clergy.
Understanding "Affection" in Greek Matthew Miller delved into the translation of "affection" in Philippians 1:8, explaining that in Greek, it is G1721, meaning "in" the affection of Jesus Christ. He clarified that Paul's affection for the Philippians is "in the affection of Jesus Christ" and that this connection to the gospel signifies prophecy, as the gospel is the "apocalypse of Jesus Christ," which is the knowledge of Him from beginning to end.
The Singular Day of Jesus Christ Matthew Miller repeatedly emphasized that the book of Philippians underscores the truth of "one day of Jesus Christ," not multiple. He argued that believing in multiple returns of Christ, as some rapture theories suggest, diminishes the significance of that singular day, similar to how celebrating Christmas every day would diminish Christmas Day itself. Matthew Miller asserted that the Greek text makes this singularity clear, which is not as evident in English translations.
Distortion of Truth by "God Haters" Matthew Miller explained that those who invent "more days of the Lord" are "god haters" who have made the concept of Christ's return plural, falsely asserting a secret, partial return of Christ. He contended that these false teachings, such as the pre-tribulation rapture, create confusion, and that understanding the Bible through a "plain reading model" untangles this confusion into a straightforward understanding of the one day of Jesus Christ.
Paul's Prophetic Declaration Matthew Miller pointed out the prophetic nature of Philippians 1:26, where Paul speaks of his "paria" or "coming to you again". He interpreted this as Paul prophetically stating that he will die before the Philippians and return with Christ in His singular advent, negating any false narratives of a secret, partial return. Matthew Miller further clarified that this implies all saints who have passed away will return with Christ to rescue those who remain alive.
The "Mark of Perdition" in Clergy Matthew Miller identified a connection between the word "perdition" (G684) in Philippians 1:28 and Judas Iscariot, the "son of perdition". He explained that this word, translated as "proof" or "indication," signifies that the people Paul is addressing, specifically referring to infiltrated bishops and deacons, bear an "indication of their perdition". Matthew Miller concluded that this passage serves as a warning to be prepared for end-time clergy who will be "sons of perdition," similar to an apostate who rejects their faith after believing.
Relevance to Contemporary Church Issues Matthew Miller and Carol Lee discussed the contemporary relevance of these biblical insights, particularly concerning divisions within the church and the fear of losing a pastor, which can lead congregations to tolerate false teachings. Carol Lee highlighted Jesus's teaching in Mark 9:38 about not forbidding those who cast out devils but do not follow, linking it to Paul's message of standing steadfast in the gospel without contention. Matthew Miller agreed, emphasizing that even those preaching lies, like the "pre-tribers," inadvertently cause people to talk about Jesus, and when their prophecies fail, new converts may seek truth in God's word.

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