Philippians 4:10-23

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.

Paul here is talking about the Philippian church who were concerned for him because of his imprisonment. Though as we read they had no way of showing their concerns for him.

1 Peter 4:12 “¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

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.

Here Paul explains why he mentions their concern for him in the first place. Not because he was in any need as God had taught him contentedness no matter his situation. That a person can continue to live the life they are called to whether they are poor or rich, hungry or fed, in want or in plenty. He alludes to the fact that he has experienced both sides of a coin and can survive either way due to the strength of God who is with him in all circumstances.

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

However, although he is content it was a relief for him and I suppose a comfort that he had brothers and sisters who in spirit were supporting him, sharing in his troubles (shown by their concern).

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.

And here is the reason for Paul’s gratitude for their concern and their gifts, that he may say unto God the works of their hands, how they had provided for him while on his missionary journey, giving him what he required while on the road. And it was apparent to Paul that the Philippians were the only church that had this heart for giving as can be seen by their actions.

Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. ²² All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Filed under: Philippians, Apostle Paul, Bible study, final greetings, gifts, God, Jesus, New Testament, philippians, Scripture

Philippians 4:1-9

¹ 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!

Paul’s last words to the church of Philippians ends with how he began his letter. Recalling his love for his heavenly brothers and sisters, also calling them his joy and crown just as he did with the people in Thessalonica. They are his joy because after all his hard work in evangelizing, preaching and undergoing trials and persecution, they were converted from the sinfulness of the world to belief in Jesus Christ. They are his crown as if to say he is proud of them as a church for their faith in Christ, and he was victorious in such an accomplishment that he is now crowned with this glory.

Philippians 1:8 “God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?”

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 seeks unity from Euodia and Syntyche, obviously two women who were faithful in the Lord in the church at Philippi, yet having shown differences, possibly in the way they thought regarding certain teaching. Paul then seeks the help of another of his companions whose name is not mentioned to be of help to both Euodia and Syntyche to resolve their differences.

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.

One of the prominent messages that Paul gives in this letter is to rejoice in the Lord no matter the circumstance. Here he continues to continue praying and request of God what they need, to give thanks, and not to give way to anxiety and thoughts that could lead them astray from their faith. In doing so, God will be with them to guard their hearts and minds from attacks from the enemy, from doubt, fear, etc.

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.

Lastly Paul encourages them to live lives that are fruitful and holy, pleasing to God and thus representing true faith by putting all things learnt into practice.

James 2:14-17 “¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Filed under: Philippians, Apostle Paul, Bible study, God, Jesus, New Testament, Pauls Exhortations, philippians, Scripture

Philippians 3:12-21

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 continues from the previous passage regarding wanting to know Christ and to become more like him in everything including his sufferings. In verse 12 Paul makes it clear to the church in Philippi that he has yet to reach perfection, and to obtain the prize, which is the resurrection and the glory of heaven. However, as a mature Christian he has been able to take hold of straining towards his goal and continuing to move forward learning and knowing Christ more, and no longer looking at his past life before he became a Christian (which he had to bring up in the previous passage to deal with the boasting of others). He has put his previous life behind him now and his focus in on Jesus.

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.

Paul calls all those in the church at Philippi to have the same mindset, no longer thinking about their sinful lives before coming to Christ, but to focus on Jesus and be made in perfection through him. If there are some who don’t agree with this teaching then God will teach them himself. However, Paul states to live up to what they have already received, with regards to their knowledge of truths about God, and a call on their lives to be Holy.

John 6:45 “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”

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.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.

Paul encourages the church to be united in living as true people of the faith by imitating how he has lived his life for Christ, and growing and bringing up the church together as a family. We can see Paul’s concern in verse 18 although he is warning the church of people who live their lives according to the flesh and therefore are enemies of the cross, he speaks of it with heartbreaking tears, at once knowing the deceitfulness of the world and the potential of their lives being destroyed if they keep living their lives away from God.

Isaiah 35:8 “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.”

Acts 20:31 “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”

Philippians 1:27 “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 one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel”

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.

So for those who live as the world lives, their fate is destruction, but for those who believe in Jesus Christ, their citizenship or their home is in heaven. And for those who believe, they now wait for Jesus to come again and resurrect all those who belong to Christ, being transformed from their earthly bodies (with all its limitations) to their glorified bodies just as Christ was glorified after his crucifixion.

Colossians 3:4 “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

1 Corinthians 15:50-53 “⁵⁰ I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ⁵¹ Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— ⁵² in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 “¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Filed under: Philippians, Apostle Paul, Bible study, Following Paul’s Example, God, Jesus, New Testament, philippians, pressing on towards the goal, Scripture

Philippians 3:1-10

¹ 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.

Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice in their saviour Jesus Christ. He is going back to what he had said previously in Philippians 1 due to his imprisonment. The believers in the church in Philippi needed the encouragement to rejoice with Paul despite his circumstances. And also in Philippians 2:18 despite Paul anticipating his martyrdom encourages them to rejoice still because of their saviour. It is a safegaurd to the believers so that they will remain faithful.

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—

He warns them to watch out for those that are trying to convince people to be circumcised in the flesh. As it was one of the laws that was given to the Israelites, there were some amongst them whom claim that to be a follower of God they should be circumcised in the flesh. This is a problem Paul faced with the Galatian church as well.

Galatians 6:13 “Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.”

Instead Paul states that it is actually the true followers of God who are the circumcision, being circumcised in the heart by Spirit and not by flesh.

Romans 2:29 “No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.”

⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence. 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, 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.

Those that were trying to convince others to be circumcised in the flesh have tended to be boastful so here Paul compares himself to the so-called ‘evildoers’ by stating his background before he became a Christian. In this way, they have nothing to boast about because Paul himself was according to their ways more accomplished than any of them. He was a born and raised Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised in the flesh, and a Pharisee, a man of the law. He compares his passion and zeal to them by stating that he used to persecute the church.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

And now Paul gives them his verdict. Of coming to the knowledge of Christ he has lost all his previous ways, thoughts, actions, possessions, etc for the truth that he found in Jesus.

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 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.

Not only does Paul recognize his previous life as a loss but now he considers everything that could possibly be attained in his life on earth a loss, if it meant he was able to know Christ. He understood the worth of life and that life which was Christ, of which nothing in the world could compare or live up to. And lastly the basis of his coming to Christ is by faith not by works of the law, for the law produced death and condemnation as no one could live up to its standards, all had fallen short. Paul understood his own self-righteousness and vanity by observing the law. But Christ brought life through his salvation and grace.

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 sees the importance of knowing Christ beyond what he has come to know already. He states here that he wants to know Christ intimately, to be conformed to his likeness, to his holiness, and to be just as he was so as to understand the greatness of his love, his power, his glory, etc. In so doing, Paul seeks to be in participation with Christ in the reasons for which he suffered by suffering also in the same respect. Paul did not consider it negatively but to suffer with Christ was to him gain and honorable, and thus attaining eternal life, resurrection from the dead, to be with Christ where he reigns victoriously.

John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Romans 6:5 “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”

Romans 8: 17 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Filed under: Philippians, Apostle Paul, Bible study, God, Jesus, New Testament, No Confidence in the Flesh, philippians, Scripture

Philippians 2:19-30

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.

Paul informs the Philippians that he is sending the disciple Timothy to them. Timothy was one of Paul’s companions and came with him on his missionary journey to several of the gentile churches. We are introduced to Timothy in Acts 16:1 “He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.” Here Paul sends Timothy to the church in Philippi to seek out what is happening with them and to be able to inform Paul of the matters that are existing within the church.

Because Timothy served with Paul we can also see the influence Paul had on Timothy’s actions as they are similar in nature. He was a man who looked out for the will of God rather than his own. He had also given his life up and worked for Christ just as Paul had as we can see from his willingness to accompany Paul on his missionary journey. He was left to help and minister to churches while Paul moved on to other places. Paul himself was confident in Timothy’s ability to serve, to be truthful in his discernment with the happenings within the churches, and spoke highly of him.

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.

In verse 22 Paul states “You know that Timothy has proved himself” identifying that Timothy had most likely accompanied Paul whilst he was in Philippi serving the church. Therefore we can allude to the church having already met Timothy prior to this letter, and should also welcome him just as they would have welcomed Paul, with the same regard for him as a minister and servant of God.

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.

Epaphroditus is mention here in this letter, a messenger from the church of Philippi was was obviously sent to assist Paul, bringing along with him gifts from the church (see chapter 4). He is only mentioned in this letter and nowhere else in the Bible. However we can learn some of Epaphroditus’ traits, that he was a Christian – a brother, someone who served and worked for Christ, and someone who fought for and defended the faith. Paul calls him a fellow soldier, whom almost died for the work of Christ. He is an example of someone who has devoted their lives for Christ just as Paul had mentioned earlier in his letter in verse 1:21 that for him to live is Christ and to die is gain, therefore whether he lives or dies he does so to glorify Christ and not himself. Paul also mentions here that Epaphroditus had become  ill and therefore Paul was eager to send him back to his church in Philippi to see his loved ones.

Philippians 1:21 “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Filed under: Philippians, 1 Timothy, Apostle Paul, Bible study, Epaphroditus, God, Jesus, New Testament, philippians, Scripture

Philippians 2:12-18

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.

At the beginning of Philippians we can see from how the apostle Paul spoke of the church how highly esteemed they were due to their continual growth in the faith and obedience to God. In verse 12 Paul re-iterates this point stating that they have always obeyed every word and teaching that he taught them. He continues to encourage the church to continue with their growth by doing what is right, as a sign of their salvation. This is in line with the teaching on renewing of the mind from previous sinful ways to continually changing and being made holy. In verse 13 Paul sates that for the believer it is God himself who works in you to give you the desire (will and act) to do what is holy and right, in order to fulfill his purpose. In this way the Christians aren’t stagnant after their salvation but are continuing to spiritually grow, learning, and equipping themselves with things from God.

2 Corinthians 7:15 “And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

1 Corinthians 12:6 “There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

Paul then addresses specific issues that were occurring amongst the church, such as arguing and grumbling as they worked. He tells them to be wholesome so that they will be blameless and pure. Similarly in Ephesians 4:22-32 Paul teaches them with the same instructions: “²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. ²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. ²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

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.

Paul quotes a song that Moses had spoken of at a hearing to the people of Israel. It is due to the foreseen rebellion against the Lord that in the song Moses calls the Isrealites corrupt and not his children, warped and a crooked generation. In contrast Paul is telling the Philippians to not be rebellious and corrupt, but to be blameless and pure, without fault, although they are living amongst the results of the warped and crooked generation before them. The result in keeping with God’s word is that they will “shine like stars in the sky”, or they will stand out as children of light amongst the darkness that surrounds them.

Deuteronomy 32:5 “They are corrupt and not his children; to their shame they are a warped and crooked generation.”

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

One of Paul’s concerns for the communities he had evangelized to was that his labor would end with nothing to show for it. He had the same concern for the church of Galatia. He makes a statement in this letter telling the church in Philippi that on the day Christ is to appear, he would like to be able to boast to God regarding the faithfulness of the church and the amount of his toil and labor in helping the church to grow.

Galatians 2:2 “I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race 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.

Paul gives them an analogy from the way Israelite’s used to give offering to God by “being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service”. In Numbers 28 it describes God’s commandments on food offering and the drink offering that would accompany the sacrificial lamb, ram, and bull.

Numbers 28:6 “The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the Lord at the sanctuary.”

Similarly Paul sees himself as being poured out like the drink offering because he is aware of his own martyrdom that is to come of his life for the gospel. The accompanying offering which was the sacrifice and service of the Philippians for their faith in God was enough for Paul to accept his fate if it meant that he was supporting the cause. He tells the Philippians to rejoice and be glad although his fate is martyrdom, because this cements the cause of Christ and the importance of the message.

Romans 15:14 “¹⁴ I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. ¹⁵ Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me ¹⁶ to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Filed under: Philippians, Apostle Paul, Bible study, Do Everything Without Grumbling, God, Jesus, New Testament, philippians, Scripture

Philippians 2:1-11

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. 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.

Continuing from the previous passages Paul calls all of them to be united in love and instead of using his imprisonment as a means to draw people away from him and gain disciples for themselves, Paul teaches them not to be selfish or vain but rather to be outward looking and thinking of others.

Romans 12:9-16 “⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”

Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

In these next verses Paul gives the Philippians an example of how Jesus related to the Father so as to conclude his teaching on humility.

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped;

Paul states  that Jesus is God in his very nature i.e. he is equal to the Father God in all his ways: has power, authority, creates life, omnipresent, etc.

However due to the fact that he was made human with the associated limitations of the flesh, Jesus’ ‘equality’ to the Father was now diminished because of his human form. In the bible it is often cited as Jesus having ‘humbled’ himself. If we look at the hierarchy of beings (God > Angels > Humans) we can see that for Jesus to be on ‘equal’ with the Father God he can’t be human. Because Jesus humbled himself  in human form he always considered the Father God being greater than him. It is this reason that Paul states that Jesus didn’t seek to be on the same level as the Father God so as to take advantage of his position.

John 14:28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Hebrews 2:9-11 “⁹ But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Paul states that Jesus had humbled himself from the Father by first becoming human, second by serving humans, third by being obedient to his death. This is the same humble mentality Paul is trying to teach some of the Philippians who were obviously knowledgeable in God and were able to teach just as Paul was, yet who were trying to use Paul’s imprisonment as a means to gain followers for themselves. In other words although they may in essence/or in reality be just as great as their fellow brothers and sisters, they should not consider their equality to be used to take advantage of each other, but rather to humble themselves and serve one another in love just as Christ had done.

Hebrew 2:14-18 “¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The conclusion is seen in verse 9 where the Father God sees the humble state of Jesus and exalts him to the highest position where every being from both heaven and earth will worship (bow down to, kneel before, confess) Jesus as Lord their God.

John 17:5 “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

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Philippians 1:27-30

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. 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.

Continuing from the previous passage Paul encourages the church members at Philippi to keep themselves in line with the gospel and not to be afraid, just as he is not afraid of death or imprisonment. Having the strength and courage that comes from God will show those who oppose them that they are not fearful of this world and what it throws at them, because God has saved and will deliver them. We see in verse 30 why Paul had mentioned in the previous passage his purpose for living for Christ in the first place. It was due to the fact that there were some who were experiencing the same struggles with opposition, persecution, etc as he was. He writes this hoping to inspire them to not lose hope in God and not give way to the world.

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Philippians 1:12-26

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

Paul declares that his imprisonment helped spread the gospel, thus it shouldn’t be considered a bad thing that he is in prison. He tells his fellow Christians in Philippi for assurance and comfort.

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.

As we can read from the book of Acts, when Paul and Silas were imprisoned there was an earthquake which set them free from their chains. The guard that was watching them and his entire family became Christians the same day. Such an incident would have confirmed Paul’s calling, and of hearing about what God had done the church would have been strengthened in their spirit to continue with proclaiming the gospel after considering the positive outcome of Paul’s ordeal.

Acts 16:22-34 “²² The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. ²³ After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. ²⁴ When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. ²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.”

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. 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.

Here Paul seems to be in response to a situation that was occurring in Philippi while he was imprisoned. Paul eludes to the preaching of those that were trying to gain recognition for their own selfish ambition rather than a pure heart. The preaching circled around the fact that Paul was imprisoned. There were some who would use this as a reason to proclaim the gospel out of love, while there were other false preachers who would use Paul’s imprisonment as a way to gain disciples and followers for themselves out of envy. Either way, Paul says that although it may be false motives, it wasn’t false preaching, and so he rejoices that Christ is preached among them. In verse 19 we see why Paul is not so much concerned by the issue as one of the strengths of the church is by praying for each other and the help of the Holy Spirit.

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.

We can see here how Paul has totally devoted himself to Christ, that whether he lives or dies his life would have existed at all to honor God no matter the situation he was in. And in this he hopes that he won’t be ashamed of himself because he has stood up for the gospel and that Christ is glorified because of it.

Romans 5:5 “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

1 Peter 4:16 “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

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.

In every way we see how Paul’s zealousness for Christ exudes in how he thinks of his own life. That if he were alive he would live for Christ and the ministry to which he is appointed. If he were to die, he would depart and be with the Lord, something he desires more than living in the world. He recognizes however his mission and his calling, that by staying alive in the world God may work through him to reach people who require teaching to grow and understand faith in Jesus.

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Philippians 1:1-10

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.

Paul begins his letter to the church in Philippi with a blessing as is commonly found in Paul’s letters, always mentioning the Father and Jesus Christ. We can see that Timothy, one of Paul’s companions whom Paul often left in places they ministered to assist with leadership, is also with him as he writes this letter.

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.

We can see in these next verses that Paul is happy to know that the church in Philippi are still strong in their faith and walk with God. He specifically mentions that it is because he is confident that they have not let go of the gospel teachings that he first preached to them on his second missionary journey to Philippi, that he believes God will continue to cause them to grow fruitful and to know Jesus more and more. Because of this Paul prays joyfully in regards to them, in comparison to many of the other churches Paul visited where he is troubled by false teachers and people turning back to old ways (eg. Galatians, Ephesians). Paul can rest assured that the church in Philippi are growing and no one is causing him trouble while he is in prison.

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.

We can see Paul’s love for the church, stating that he has them in his heart as a sign of his affection. We get the sense that this church was as a family to him and on par with how Paul envisioned how a church should be. Paul compares his longing to be with them with that of Jesus, which is a high call, seeing as Jesus’ death on the cross, if anything to go by, indicates how much he longs to be with those he has called and those who are his lost sheep.

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.

He ends this passage with a prayer that asks God for increased favor in love, further growth in the church, to reach a solid level of knowledge in God and to be filled with righteousness. In this way each of them are able to carry out their lives with understanding and knowing what God would want them to do. Paul would often pray for these things in his letters to the churches. For example in Colossians 1:9 “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.“

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