Philippians was written by Paul, as he was imprisoned in Rome in approximately 60 A.D. This imprisonment is verified in Acts 28:14-31 (see also Phil 1:13, 4:22). Although some claim that Paul could have been captive in Caesarea or Ephesus, the record corroborates Rome as the most likely place where he awaited trial. While in this “house arrest” situation, Paul writes this beautiful letter or perseverance and encouragement to the people of Philippi, a Roman colony. In Philippi, the people of this region prided themselves as being Romans. They dressed like Romans and also spoke in Latin. Much of the inhabitants of the Philippi colony were military, given the land in exchange for patrolling it and enforcing the laws of Rome. In this letter Paul addresses a number of important items to the believers of Philippi. Most notably, it is a letter of encouragement and a treatise to live a more joyful life in the face of circumstance. Faced with persecution, the believers of Philippi are to remain joyous and to rejoice. It is also meant for the believer to note and stand firm, in unity, against the hand of legalists that are actively infiltrating the church, and are even among them.
As we explore this letter, there are a number of truths Paul explores:
1. The importance of progress in the life of a Christian 2. The importance of a good spiritual outlook 3. Service as mentor to others, using Christ as an example 4. Trials and circumstance reveal our faith 5. The importance of prayer 6. Sharing the gospel individually and globally 7. God’s saving grace through Jesus
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippi’s church was founded by Paul 11 years before this letter was written, during Paul’s 2nd missionary journey and was the first Christian church established in Europe (Acts 16:11-40).
Although Timothy is announced along with Paul, it is widely acknowledged that Paul himself wrote this letter. Timothy and Paul stand in unity as mentor and student in the faith.
This letters addressed to essentially three different groups:
God’s Holy people: This is an address to Christians, people who are in the faith. In Paul’s day it is the Christian’s of Philippi, but it is also meaningful and important to us.
Overseers: In KJV and other translations, it is written as Bishops. But the original Greek is more in line with the general oversight of people, meaning those in a leadership role of other Christian people.
Deacons: Deacons are those who are recognized as people of service.
You may look at these three groups and attempt to find where you fit. A Christian can fit in all of these categories, but must fit into the “God’s Holy People” section. This is also often referred to as saints. This is the body of Christ, made up of many different people with many different gifts working for the glory of God in the way they were designed to work. When the body of Christ is truly moving in a unified fashion for the kingdom, then much can get done. As we read on, we’ll see that in the church of Philippi there are many who do move toward God fully, while others struggle, and still others are among them, infiltrating the masses and sowing seeds of discontent.
Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It wasn’t just that Paul ministered to the Philippians, but the Philippians were also very grateful to Paul and helped him too. This bore a symbiotic relationship that helped both parties, that continued whether Paul was with them (Acts 16:15,16:32-34), or when they were apart (2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:1-4). Because of this, Paul was filled with joy in his prayers for them. He saw their progress.
It could be easy for Paul, or any one of us, to develop an ego based on what we have accomplished in life. Anything we build can give us a false sense of pride, that we did it, on our own, with our two hands or our own mind. But this is not the case and Paul acknowledges that here. Instead of swelling with pride for the building and success of the church, he returns it to God. Paul understands that he is a caretaker for the time, a person meant to carry a message, to spread its seeds along the ground, until the ground is fertile enough for God to do what He needs to do. The scope of this understanding is important, for God’s important work, done by human hands, is necessary to be understood as His work, not ours. When we adopt a caretaker mentality, we can more fully understand that the work that God began in us will be carried forward and completed in our relationship with Christ.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Paul’s spiritual and emotional commitment to the Philippians is evidenced in these passages. The symbiotic relationship of respect and love is obvious to both Paul and this congregation.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Paul’s prayer is not as as simple as it first appears. He first calls on the Philippians, who already have the ability to show and give their love to others, increase that love. But it isn’t just about increasing their love, but sourcing it through discernment. Discern is derived from the Greek word Anakrino, which means “to distinguish, to separate out by diligent search, to examine.”
Discernment is an important concept to understand, for it is deeply linked with wisdom. It is the ability to enter a situation and have the insight and wisdom to make a determination about the situation. It is the ability to understand the good or bad in a moment.
It is obvious that most people operate with some sort of discernment. But if the ability to recognize good or evil in a situation is on some level in everyone, how does one increase it? How can a person grow his/her level of discernment in order to deepen the ability to recognize it?
First, a person who wants to develop their discernment must first understand truth. Is there an absolute truth or is truth a sliding scale based on the modern climate? From a Christian perspective, there is moral absolute truth. There are things that are right and things that are wrong. This is the elemental basis of the Christian faith. Discernment can be grown by connecting to the word and growing in an understanding of who God is, how Jesus and the Holy Sprit relate to God, and how this trinity relates to humanity.
This is what Paul is beginning to elude to: that true discernment only begins with love. Love is the basis of everything a Christian does. It is our motivation. And to grow in discernment is a by-product of growing in love, abounding in it. It is only through the ability to love more and to discern greater that we can understand who God is and grow towards Him.
When we grow in love and discernment, we identify what is important to God. We begin to understand what is best not only for us but the others in our life. When we understand what God wants for us in this world, then we can move toward the purity that God desires for us. This is all in an effort for the Day of Christ, the day when Christ will gather those into his kingdom and judge those in opposition to Him. If we move toward that day with a desire for purity, motivated in love, developed in a discernment that helps guide us to that goal, then when that day comes, we will be filled with the fruit of righteousness. That means that we have come to the point of doing right. Of desiring right. But it isn’t our own doing but through the glory of Jesus, who called us into the life.
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
While Paul was imprisoned during this time, he wrote Philippians, Ephesians and Colossians. During his last imprisonment he wrote both the books of Timothy. Because Paul was imprisoned didn’t mean that God couldn’t still use him in a giant way. Paul sees it. He realizes that his imprisonment is a tool in advancing the gospel. You’ll notice something extraordinary here: Paul doesn’t say it is for his benefit. In fact, his entire focus is to advance the gospel and he sees his imprisonment as an opportunity. The opportunity is:
1.The further the Gospel 2.Followers see his position and become more confident 3.Followers can proclaim the gospel without fear
The big question is this: do we use our situation as a deterrent to sharing the gospel? Do we say things like, “when I retire I’ll start sharing the gospel” or “Once I sort out my life I can begin”? God works in our situations, good and bad, inside and outside our trials, in order to exact his plan. Our job is to understand that even in our most dire situations we have an opportunity to share and grow others. Remember, trials, situations and circumstances are allowed into our life by God to test our faith, to build us stronger, so we can become the people He wants us to become. To become stronger and more mature. To grow our faith and understand His provision (James 1:2-4).
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Paul’s idea here is a simple one: he can rejoice in the preaching of the gospel, regardless of the motive behind it. This is different from preaching a gospel that is not true (Galatians 1:6-9). In Philippians, Paul is addressing the motive and comes to the realization that he cannot make a judgment on the motive. God will deal with the motive. Some are operating selfishly, others in good will. It isn’t for Paul to decide who wants to work against him and who is in support of him. It only matters that the gospel reaches as many as possible.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul was confident that the prayers of the Philippians aide his deliverance from prison. The Philippians already knew how the spirit of God moved, for may miracles happened among the Philippi people during Paul’s missions (Acts 16:11-40). Again, Paul’s aim isn’t to get out of prison but to serve God’s will. God’s exalting is the foremost object in Paul’s mind. This is the definition of submission: understanding that life isn’t about the attainment of our goals and needs, but to move forward in service to the Creator. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Paul saw death as gain for a number of reasons. First, it would glorify Jesus. It would also mean that he was immediately in the presence of God. Neither of these are bad for the Christian, for death is a natural step into the Christian’s place in eternity. If we truly operate with an eternal outlook, then we can operate without a fear of death, understanding that it is a new step into the kingdom that we serve.
Paul saw death not as a fearful thing but as a source of conflict: on one hand, he would be with Jesus, which is so much better than life on earth. But on the other hand, he also saw that continuing in his life had a great value to others.
Life Worthy of the Gospel 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
The conduct Paul talks about is a citizenship in Christ that pours into the human citizenship. Conduct is important for the Christian. Good conduct shows a movement toward purity, a desire to live righteously and show others this valuable trait. It was important for the people of Philippi to conduct themselves in this manner, because word would eventually get to Paul. He would understand their authenticity or lack thereof. They were accountable to Paul in their move toward purity.
But this movement toward purity was as much an individual endeavor as it was a community endeavor. Each person was also working collectively, in unity, helping one another in deep and abiding ways to reach for the understanding of eternity through their own striving for personal purity.
The sharing of the gospel was not meant to stir fear in them. In fact, a maturity that is grown in a believer begins to chip away at the fear of sharing. Adversaries will always be there, but the moment to share the gospel will come to believers in moments of opposition and it is our duty to share it even then.
This is the boldness that God gives us, but it isn’t natural to most of us. It comes after a long line of failures and attempts. But as we grow and become stronger, our boldness becomes a sign of the salvation.
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
This is an exceptional way to look at faith: if we believe in Him, then we will struggle and suffer with Him. it doesn’t seem right, does it? It seems as though if we’ve made the leap to follow, then we should be protected from everything and never experience hardship again.
This, of course, is a selfish way to view our relationship with Christ. For instance, if you have been married, you know the vows: for richer, poorer, in sickness and in health, etc. But when we get married, we don’t think of those things. We only consider the happy times. We don’t necessarily build in the fights, the discontent, the disappointment. We don’t build in the adversity, the bad times, the hard times. But they still come, even in the best relationships.
Jesus said that in this life we will have trouble (John 16:33). He didn’t promise that we would be exempt from it. But we must lean toward Christ in order to understand why we are going through the hard time and what we must learn from it. This is also the concept of suffering. A Christian is from time to time is ostracized, is humiliated, is ridiculed for his/her faith. In that, the Christian must understand that this is a natural part of the relationship, just as a fight may be a natural part of a married couple’s life. Paul is not exempt from this either. His life is a blueprint for the people who study it.
Instead of wishing away the suffering, Paul put it in these terms: it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ. God, through Christ, has allowed it into your life. It is a natural part of the Christian life. It will get better, it is a wound that will scab over, but it will hurt when raw. It is there to teach us about God’s mercy and glory.
Philippians 2
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Webster’s dictionary defines consolation as “the comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.” In the KJV, consolation is translated in the place of encouragement. Although the translations of KJV and NIV differ in word choice, combining of the two gives us a more solid picture of what Paul is saying. The consolation (comfort) and the encouragement (in the (relationship) helps us to realize that Christ’s comfort is an attribute important to understand and lean towards in the midst of our troubles in this world. The consolation of Israel, as Simeon refers to in Luke 2:25, was the name given to the Messiah, the person who would rise up and bring Israel back into its splendor.
The questions in Paul’s opening statement are all rhetorical and all meant for us to understand the depth of Christ’s love. As a Christian, we should move forward with an ever-expanding understanding of Christ’s consolation (his redeeming of the individual) and His comfort (the love from which the comfort is derived), and the sharing in the spirit (fellowship). This fellowship is the part implanted into us, the Holy Spirit, who guides us and reforms us into the new self.
Tenderness and compassion (mercy), the final rhetorical question posed by Paul. As a Christian follower, we should all have a desire to emulate Christ’s love and mercy through the teaching of the spirit and through the example of others. These gifts are from Christ to the authentic follower.
Paul’s mission here is clear: if you understand these concepts, then live them out both internally and externally. We can’t continue on a selfish path if we are in community with the spirit and with others.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Paul lays out a stepped process for finding a deeper understanding of how to develop the spirit and mind that God desires. It is easy to say “I follow God and all His tenants” without really doing so. In this verse, Paul shows us a way to test our own pride.
First, he says to do nothing out of selfish ambition. Not all ambition is selfish, but when we begin to analyze not only the things we do but why we do them, it brings us to a new introspection that can be very helpful in tearing down the constructs we have built over the years. How much do we do out of selfish ambition? Selfish ambition is simply those things that we do for our own benefit. We want something so we develop an agenda to get it. Is someone in the way of it? Move them out of the way. Do we need to get around the correct way to get to what we want? Find a new route. This can be very destructive for us.
The second item he tackles is vain conceit. Conceit is when we think highly of ourselves. It is another way that pride manifests itself. Do we do things out of the belief that we are right and others are wrong? If we are the smartest guy in the room, then where does that put everyone else? Our selfishness and vanity are great thwarts to us an our relationship with Christ.
But how do we conduct ourselves? It’s through the counter-intuitive practice of humility. The world tells us that we’re number one, we have to look out for ourselves find a way to the top, create our own world. But that isn’t how God views it. Remember that Christ took the place of the servant (John 13:1-17). In Jesus’s washing of the disciples feet, the most humbling job of the old world, Jesus displays to us that humility, not thinking too highly of one’s self, has more value in eternity than does the ambition and self-assuredness the world values. That development of humility becomes the cornerstone of how we treat others, for if we value others ahead of ourself, we it turn are following the very principles of Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37-40).
The next verse is an eloquent passage in which Paul helps us to understand the mind of Christ. Why should we study such a thing? Because we must know Christ in order to emulate Christ. So, when we deal with other people, it is important to emulate Christ so that those people we interact with get a taste of who Christ is through our example.
The question becomes this: do we have a choice in allowing Christ into our lives in order to emulate Him? Yes, of course we have a choice. Life, and our relationship with God, is nothing more than a series of choices. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says this: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ (KJV). When we make the choice to enter into a relationship with Christ, we have been given the tools to understand who Christ is and to develop our understanding, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, of what is important to God through Christ.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Once we understand the importance of knowing who Christ is, then we can understand what is important to Christ. This is the idea of understanding Christ’s mind.
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
This is about the divinity of Christ. First, if Christ is the very nature of God, that nature did not change when was born in human form; it always existed. So, Jesus existed in human form yet retained all of the spiritual divinity of God.
Secondly, when Jesus came to earth it wasn’t for the purpose of gaining equality with God; he already had that. He wasn’t on a mission to be worshipped in addition or instead of God, but he came here to reveal God’s heart to us. Up until this time God was viewed harshly in many circles, a cruel and vindictive God. The people of Israel, under the religious rule of the Pharisees, could see God as hypocritical, unjust and uncaring to their daily plight. But Jesus came to reveal to Jews and Gentiles alike that God was a God of mercy, love and righteousness. 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Jesus made himself a servant to others. Through the story of Jesus’ ministry, he never seeks fame or fortune for what he accomplishes. Instead it is a steady ramp up to showing God’s love to others through humility. He didn’t relinquish His powers of deity but added humanness to them.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Jesus humbled himself in order to understand the human condition. Through this humbling, or obedience, He had to succumb to the authority of His times, of His government and world, even to the authority of death, even though He was sinless. This sacrifice showed God’s love for us, in that Jesus was used as a sacrifice for our sins.
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
As a header for the next three verses, we learn that God exalted Jesus. God brought Jesus to that place of kingship. Jesus did not do it Himself. His character, and person, rises above all else.
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
God has exalted the son. The son brings the world under submission to Him. All creation (Heaven and Earth and under the Earth) is in submission to Christ.
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
All creation must come to this conclusion: that Jesus is the Lord over all and their submission to Him is essential for their salvation. God reflects light through the son. That is how we understand the heart of God. By understanding who Jesus is.
Do Everything Without Grumbling 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
In the above verses we see that Jesus was submissive to God and to His earthly appointment. Jesus obeyed the father. In the same way we must understand that we too are expected to obey and submit to the father.
Next, Paul says to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. It is very important to understand what Paul is saying here. He is not telling us to collect a life of works to present to God as good deeds. What Paul is saying is this: continue to work hard at your Christian lives. This speaks to effort.
Some Christians believe that once they accept Christ, it is a done deal. They are saved and God will give them grace when they sin and they can put their life on cruise control. They don’t have to think too deeply about God or about anything remotely Christian. But this is a fallacy. The Christian life is a difficult one. It is about introspection, about diligent work about recognizing flaws and working them out of your life. It is about constant change and growth, about repentance and prayer and yearning to understand who God is.
When Paul says to work out our salvation, it is a call to use each day as a stepping stone to better understand who God is and who we are in God. It is about bringing God into the central part of your life, instead to keeping Him at the periphery. Too many of us compartmentalize God, make Him an element instead of the core. Remember, salvation is a gift if we are willing to take it, and it is the beginning of the journey, not the end.
God started a work in you. He began this during your life, perhaps brought you out of a life of sin to show you a better path. In that, God began to work inside you for His purpose. He wants you to take the culmination of your experience, your location, your talents and gifts and work for Him in a grand way for others. God does have a long-range plan for you, and to see it, you must first engage God in a relationship.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
It seems natural for some to complain. The world certainly accepts it and it becomes a core tenant for most. What Paul explains here is to take a completely different outlook. Complaining and disputing things adds to a spirit of impurity. If we are to shine like lights to the world, then we must stand in opposition to what everyone does.
If we believe that God is providential (God is in charge of everything and knows what He is doing), then who are we to complain about how life unfolds for us and others? Do we really believe God is in charge and know we will be protected? These verses strike us at the heart of our faith and trust. If we are complaining and grumbling about situations, or each other, we are forgetting about the providential nature of God.
Grumbling against God: When we do this, we are saying to ourselves that we don’t trust the care and protection God gives us. A good to examine this is to think back in your life of four or five times you thought you weren’t gong to make it out of a situation. Maybe it was physical or emotional at its base, or financial. But if you recall, you survived it. Perhaps not unscathed, but you are here today as proof that you were provided for, by God, in a variety of ways. If you continue to think about these close calls and how God provided for you, you will begin to see a roadmap of how God has provided. We may not like the situation or the time it took to resolve, but each of these moments taught us something. God is 100% accurate in providing and teaching us as we wander through life.
Now, in each of these circumstances, you did not know when the end was or how the end would come. But it did come, perhaps not how you thought. In that, God has a perfect way of protecting us in the way we need protection in the moment. To grumble as we go through the training isn’t proper, for it shows our unfaithfulness. Our lack of trust, even when we can see God’s track record in our life. Our lack of grumbling shows a deeper trust in God’s plan, and ultimately how we trust.
Grumbling against other people: This is very easy to do, but as Christians we need to look a little deeper into it. If we believe God is providential, then we must also believe that He has put people into our lives to grow and to help us grow. So if God (Providential) has allowed problems into our life, as well as opportunities, it is easy to believe that God has also allowed people into our life. If God is truly providential, then the people who have been brought into our life are also there for a reason, just like the trials, problems, and opportunities.
If God has allowed people into our life, then it is for a reason. Perhaps the reason is for us to grow them, but also for certain people to grow us. Whatever the reason a person is in our life, it is God-ordained. God is not coincidental, so someone doesn’t slip into our life as a mistake. God allows relationships to grow for mutual benefit. It is, however, up to us to see the potential in the relationship, and ultimately to learn and grow from it.
So when it comes to grumbling, or complaining about others, we are complaining about the very providence of God. We are in opposition to His plan for us. If we are in opposition to God’s plan, then how can we hope to understand the deeper nuances of what we are to learn? The “warped and crooked” generation Paul talks about is the world dynamic. Have you noticed that the world applauds a complainer? It is somehow deemed socially acceptable to grouse about our unfolding life, about our bosses, spouses, kids and government. The world will not hold you in contempt for this. If we buy into the world viewpoint, we become like the world.
Although we live in the world, the real struggle is to remain pure. To remain a shining light to the world. As it stands, the world is spinning toward destruction. It always has been. But part of that destruction is self-inflicted. When we buy into the ways the world, or temporal thinking asks us to act and conduct ourselves, we are no different from it. We cannot stand out. Paul is asking us to look at ourselves and understand that when we turn from the world dynamic, not just in the case of grumbling, but in many aspects, we will be different. We will appear different to those around us and we will be moving toward the purity that God desires in us.
Paul desperately wants to see this amongst the Philippians, as God wants to see this over the body of all Christians. He wants to take pride as a leader in that people listened, grew and moved toward the purity that Paul taught. Even though Paul understands that his life is ending (being poured out like a drink offering), the sacrifice is an acceptable one if it brings people to an understanding of who Christ is.
Timothy and Epaphroditus 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Timothy was the one student of Paul who stands out as Paul’s prize student. Paul knows Timothy intimately and knows where Timothy’s heart is. He wants to send Timothy to the Philippians, but knows that God’s timing is not Paul’s. Timothy’s heart, and God’s timing, are in direct contrast to verse 21, which shows how the world dynamic often gets into the church, so much so that the heart turns away from God, turns toward the selfish heart. Paul knows the treachery of the heart, but he also knows that the remedy is found only in God’s timing, whether it brings Timothy to them or Paul himself.
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
We don’t know a lot about Epaphroditus, but Paul does give us some clues about him. 1. He was a messenger: It is widely believed that Epaphroditus was the messenger who brought Paul’s message to the Philippians. Epaphroditus brought an offering to Paul to take care of his needs. In that, Paul wanted to return Epaphroditus to the Philippians due to the Philippians love for him and his love for them.
2. Brother, Co-Worker, Fellow Soldier: Brother is a term which endures him to Paul. He is a close relation, a fellow man for Christ who, shoulder to shoulder, meets the criteria for a believer in Christ. Co-worker: This is the day-to-day work that he and Paul did during their time together, the boots on the ground attitude as they worked to spread the word of God.
3. Fellow Soldier: This implies that there were stakes in the ministry they shared. Epaphroditus had to go to battle for the word of God and Paul recognized this.
4. Epaphroditus nearly died for the Gospel: Paul says that Epaphroditus was very ill. But Paul sees his illness and subsequent recovery as a subset of God’s mercy. In God’s mercy Epaphroditus was healed, and that mercy in turn helped ease the anxiety of not only the Philippians but of Paul too. His illness, whatever it may have been, was because of the gospel. This speaks to a reckless abandon. The help the Philippians gave Paul was of a monetary nature, but Epaphroditus gave the human element, the boots on the ground that Paul needed to secure more for Christ.
Philippians 3
3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
Paul pulls no punches in the start of this chapter. His target: the legalistic Jews of his time. Sometimes referred to as Judaizers, they were a sect of Jews who may have believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but also believed that a person had to become a Jew before they could become a Christian. In order to keep the law, a Christian, under the terms of the Judaizers, had to keep both the law and their Christian ideals. This would include circumcision. Why is this a problem? Can’t a Christian follower simply hedge his bet and adhere to the laws of many faiths in order to be truly “covered”? Remember, Paul is writing to safeguard his flock. Paul, acting as a shepherd, is teaching a great truth to both the Philippians and to us. When one becomes a Christian follower, that person becomes a follower of Christ. Being a follower of Christ has a few implications:
1.Christ is the main focus of your life (Luke 14: 25-27) 2.Christ died for your sins (1 Peter 2:24) 3.In dying for our sins, He created a new paradigm between us and God (Romans 8:1-39)
In this New Covenant, a follower of Christ is not responsible for the law of the Jewish nation. The law of love, forgiveness and righteousness is the new law. This illustrates the importance of understanding that Christ’s law is not based upon works but upon grace. Therefore, a Christian does not need to be circumcised via Jewish Law. The two items are incompatible.
This is what Paul is concerned with. Jewish legalists have stolen into the church and are confusing people. Paul’s warning is sharp. He notes three different types:
1.Dogs: Dogs is the same designation given to Gentiles by the Jews. By using this term, Paul is showing how reviled these people are. In the same way the Jews detested the Gentiles, Paul detests the legalists who insist of muddying the proper word of God. 2.Evildoers: Evildoers (or Evil workers in KJV) is a comment on the action of the legalists. An Evildoer is someone at work, choosing to work against the righteousness of God for their own motivations. 3.Mutilators of the Flesh: This is the very act of circumcision. In Paul’s assessment, this “work” has nothing to do with the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29). This inner circumcision is that of a changed, righteous and healed heart. Outward circumcision, therefore, has no value if the inner work hasn’t been done. According to Paul, this is simply mutilation.
If we are true followers, then there is a deep desire to serve God and others. When the spirit works within, there are outward signs of that inner working. It manifests itself in how we treat others, what we value and how we act. It doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean that we begin to value what God values and those values reach outward, into other people’s lives. This power is always given back to the source - Christ.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Paul looks at his past life, as a Jewish legalist, and recounts why he has reasons to put confidence in the world, in his flesh and circumstances:
1.Circumcised on the 8th day: Leviticus 12:3 lays out the rite for Jewish-born boys. 2.Of the people of Israel: Paul was an heir to God’s covenant. He was a descendant of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. 3.Tribe of Benjamin: Benjamin was a tribe in Israel with the distinction of giving Israel Saul, its first king (1 Samuel 9:1-2) and also was an ally to Judah during the split kingdom (1Kings 12:21). 4.Hebrew of Hebrews: Paul was a proud Hebrew, which was the original Jewish cultural and racial profile. It was the Jewish profile that came out of Egypt and wasn’t maligned by any of the mixed lines during the time of the Judges or during Greek influence. 5.In regard to the law, a Pharisee: The Pharisees were the spiritual leaders amongst the Jewish people. Pharisee means “to be separated”, which meant the Pharisees were an elite group that separated themselves from the Jewish masses. 6.As for zeal, persecuting the church: In Acts 8:1-3, Paul (known then as Saul, before his conversion), puts Stephen to death and begins tormenting the church. He is besieging the church all the way to the Road to Damascus, when he has his miraculous conversion. 7.As for righteousness based on the law, faultless: Based on the very tenants of the law Paul now finds in fault, as a Jewish Pharisee he kept all of the laws.
Based on this list, Paul was quite accomplished. He excelled in following the tenants of the law, excelled to a Pharisee and became quite zealous. But what was it worth?
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
Those gains Paul now counts as loss. Why? Weren’t they good things? Weren’t they beneficial to many? Perhaps, but they were done in the flesh of trying to please God with our works. When we try to please God via our accomplishments, we fall into the same trap. We are, in a sense, bargaining with God. If I do all of these good things, then God doesn’t have a choice but to accept me into His kingdom. But that isn’t how God operates. He requires the relationship first, and from he relationship all good works spring from it.
8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Everything Paul conquered in his past life, all that he achieved, Paul considers garbage. It was spent in a life devoid of Christ. Garbage in itself is bad, but Paul uses it to mean excrement. He sees the former life he was in as completely worthless and his gain of Christ in his life is everything.
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Paul had to give up the prideful righteousness he had, based on his own life. This is something many of us are guilty of. We can fondly look to our accomplishments and call that a true and robust life. But what Paul discovered, and we need to, is that true righteousness is found through Christ. It means that we have to understand who Christ is, and as He works through us, we begin to understand what righteousness (doing right) really is. This is only through understanding Christ and developing a motivation based in love.
10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul truly wanted a relationship with Christ. He wanted to understand him and be a participant in his suffering. This is the difference between Paul and a legalist. A legalist most likely doesn’t yearn for a relationship with Christ, simply because a legalist doesn’t need the relationship; he only needs to complete the tasks of the law. In Paul’s assessment, understanding Christ and relating to Him meant he could understand the deeper issues of the spirit world, of death, and in that knowledge he could blaze toward it, realizing that the suffering he endured would be worth the ultimate prize.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s humility shows us that he, like us, hadn’t attained perfection by any means. He was still learning and growing in his knowledge and relationship with Christ. And even though he had not gained complete understanding, Paul’s reaction was to continue, to press on, to find the answers and do God’s will as he learned, grew and achieved through the foundation of Christ. In this, Paul realized the importance of looking forward, not back. Paul, like all of us, started from a place that wasn’t ideal and through trial and error grew to a place when it was time to meet Christ and follow. That place has tendrils that reach for us and aim to pull us backward, into the muck, the garbage, the excrement that we once lived in. But we are to press forward, remembering that all of those terrible examples helped form the person we are, and now, since meeting Christ, we now go forward, as a new person, with a new set of values and goals. In Paul’s prose, the prize is the goal. It is the attainable crown awarded to the victor, the person who forges forward and lives a life of work and righteousness.
Following Paul’s Example 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
The maturity that Paul eludes to is that mind he spoke of in the previous verse: the mind that is made up to forge forward, to cement the relationship and let the fruits of the spirit flow forward. And if there is a stumble or a lack of trust, then it is Paul’s prayer that God will clarify. The unity of the church, of those around you, is important.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Unity of believers is important. This strengthens the individual and the body. Part of the responsibility of the body is to watch and help those around them, not in a legalistic way but a caring and loving way, so that the body can become strong through the individual ligaments (1 Corinthians 12)
18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
One of the reasons for unity is to build up a strong resistance to satan and the worldly influences. There were many active enemies to the Christian church in Paul’s time, just as there are today. What Paul talks to in this passage is the motivation of the enemies of God. They have earthly motivations. They are not motivated by love.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Our citizenship is in Heaven. We, as Christians, believe Jesus will return and create a new paradigm on earth. Just as the Philippians were proud Roman citizens, we are citizens of heaven and should treat our life as “temporary aliens” in a land that is not our own. Does that mean we shouldn’t abide by the laws? No, we must abide by the laws. Does that mean we should force our views on others, like an alien may want to force their culture in the land they reside in? No. If we are to be the light to unbelievers, we must spread the word with grace and love until the return of Christ.
Philippians 4
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul’s final mission is to remind us that our true citizenship is in Heaven so, therefore, we are to stand firm in this truth and remember that Heaven is the true prize in this life. This is the reason to stand firm in the Lord. This finishing of the race, this crown that will be given (Stephanos, in Greek, meaning the crown given to a victor), is the trophy given to those who finish and win the race.
Our security is only found in one place: the Lord. We must be cautious about placing that trust anywhere else. Oftentimes, as human beings, we tend to drift into other places of contentment. This could be career, family, status - but even these things crumble and aren’t firm enough to place our entire lives upon. True security, or foundation, is only found in one place.
Although we know nothing about Euodia and Syntyche, it appears there was a problem in the church of Philippi that divided them. The call by Paul isn’t to take up sides but for the two women come together, united under the foundation of Christ.
True companion: there was someone in the church Paul tasked to bring these women together and remind them of the faith they shared in common, not the differences that divided them. These women, as Paul puts it, are contenders for the gospel. They have affected people and whatever their spat is, it isn’t a case of departure from the truth but of difference of opinion. So in that, it is important that one of the strong members of the church, this true companion, can help bring them back to a united understanding.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Some can mistaken this passage as blind optimism. But that isn’t the case. Remember, Paul was writing this while in prison. His true fate was unknown. Yet, Paul was able to project a deep joy. How did he do this? Paul surrendered himself to God and knew God was in charge. Instead of trying to run the situation in his strength, Paul was able to operate in the joy of knowing that God was protecting and guiding his life in the perfect way it needed to be guided.
To help us move toward that state of understanding, Paul gives us a few items to consider:
Let your gentleness be evident to all: Gentleness is an evidence of the spirit working inside us. Our gentleness of spirit, in any situation, shows the world a calmness it desires and yet does not understand. If we, as Christians, are able to understand that God is in charge of all, then this will help us to truly release control to Him. This will aid in stress relief and help us to concentrate on the things that God wishes us to do: to affect others for God.
Do not be anxious about anything: Paul isn’t making a suggestion here. When we are unduly concerned with items in our world, we are forgetting that God has charge of it.
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God : Paul is telling us to get reattached to the vine (John 15). Our lives, our entire lives, are under the jurisdiction of God, so all is proper for prayer and supplication. Prayer is the communication with God and supplication is the direct asking of something from God. If we come with a heart of thankfulness, God guarantees that our needs will be met.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus: God’s peace isn’t something we can outrightly understand. It is something we can’t attain on this earth, but we can strive for peace through God. His peace is something we can draw from, and this peace is a guard - a barrier- against the world influence that causes us to fall into the problem of cynicism. This peace brings us into a deeper understanding of Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Consider Paul’s words as a place to begin to change your life. How much of our life is about the consumption of bad or destructive information. How often do we fill ourself with the troubles around us? Do we consume hate, cynicism, judgment, anger? What Paul is saying is crystal clear: concentrate on the things that are indicative of God’s peace. If we retrain our thoughts to concentrate on the beauty of God’s peace, then it will radiate into our life. Put them into practice. If we do that, then our life begins to change to reflect God rather than our own corrupt hearts.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In Philippians 2:25, we see that the Philippians administered to Paul in a financial way. Here. Paul is referencing that, but also making certain that the Philippians understand that even though Paul is in need of financial support, God has shown him the wonderful lesson of provision.
1. He is content whatever the circumstance: How often do we get derailed by our circumstances? When adversity visits us, we tend to either fold up ( succumb to the trial), try to fix the situation or become consumed by it. Paul, writing from prison, understands that if God wants him to affect people and wants His message taken to others, it will be. His personal circumstance is small in God’s large vision.
2. He knows what it is to be in need, and knows what it is to have plenty: In our society, we tend to believe more is always better. To lose all is unthinkable. Paul lost everything. He was once a zealous Pharisee, the top of his class, highly- educated. He lived a life of opulence until Christ stripped it away on a dusty road heading toward Damascus. Paul understood both ends of the spectrum, wealth and poverty, and both ends have a teachable factor. When wealthy, Paul was provided for by earthly means. When an apostle for Christ, he was provided for by spiritual means. The spiritual provision is more important. It supplies all of life
3. I have learned the secret of being content: This is also a problem in our society. We are restless, unable to be content with our homes, our cars, our status. Yet Paul, understanding both ends of the spectrum, has come to a conclusion: his life experience has taught him the value of contentment. This contentment is only achieved through his relationship with Christ. This fundamental truth is about filtering his life through the relationship.
In life, we often look at Christ as an element. He’s one of many things we are about. When we compartmentalize the relationship, we lessen the power that Christ has in our life. Christ isn’t the center of our life but an element. We continue to struggle, we are restless, listless, fearful and compromised.
But if we are to view that relationship as the main relationship in our life and allow everything else to be a byproduct of it, then it changes everything. Suddenly we’re looking at our career with eternal eyes, our relationships, the way we spend our time. It gives us purpose and direction.
God wants to provide for us. But He also wants us to understand the relational aspect of it. If we are able to filter our lives through our relationship with Christ, then we are truly dependent on the vine, truly submitting our lives to Christ. And in that, Christ straightens our path so we can see the purpose for which we were created.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s assessment of Philippi’s help is not that he truly needed it (for Paul understands that he will be provided for regardless), but that it is an opportunity for Philippi to desire to help. Their offering, as Paul notes, is not so much for him but for the “crediting of their account.” In other words, Paul is saying that the altruistic attempt to help Paul is more valuable than the actual gift. That is the fragrant offering spoken of in verse 18, which reminds us of the sweet-smelling fragrant offerings of the Old Testament (Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:41). This is also echoed in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, as Paul referenced the graciousness of the Philippians. For their sacrificial offering, God will supply them their needs. Not everything they would ever desire, but the needs that they require at the time, echoing Jesus’ promise in Luke 6:38:
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”