Philippians 1

There are some New Testament letters, like Ephesians, that seem like they could be just as much directed to any church as to the church referenced in the name of the letter. Others, like Philippians seem to have a specific purpose in addressing a situation in one particular church. This purpose is sometimes very obvious, as when Paul writes so forthrightly to the Galatians about the serious danger from those who insist that the law concerning circumcision is still in effect and needs to be applied to Gentile converts. In other cases the matter may be more delicate, requiring some reference of concern that will hopefully lead certain people in a better gospel direction. In the church in Philippi, there were two women who had served faithfully together for the cause of the gospel, Euodia and Syntyche. These women were not getting along, and Paul was concerned about the impact that this might have more broadly in the church, so he called upon the leaders there to help these women move toward fuller Christ-like living.

The first three chapters of the letter seem to prepare the way theologically for the repentance that was necessary, whether they were intended this way by the apostle or not. The letter teaches us about a humility of life that is supremely displayed by our Savior and is worthy of our every imitation.

Paul addresses this letter to all the believers in this city, but he makes specific mention of two biblical offices in the church, overseers and deacons. Christian humility needs to be displayed by the leaders in charge of spiritual oversight and the ministries of mercy and administration if the church is to be an environment within which Christian lowliness seems plausible.

This is a church for which the Apostle has a special affection. They have been willing to give sacrificially to his work of kingdom proclamation, and are counted as his partners in the good news of Jesus Christ. God has begun a good work in them, and Paul assures them that the Lord will bring that work to a wonderful fulfillment at the day of the return of Jesus Christ. Paul has full confidence in their love for him. Writing this letter from prison, Paul is aware that some would try to take advantage of his confinement in order to speak against him and even to pursue their own private agendas. Yet he is determined to rejoice in this providence of his imprisonment, since he sees that it is causing more and more people to step forward and to preach Christ, even though some may do this with improper motives. It is also a plain fact to Paul that his imprisonment has enabled the message of Christ to circulate more fully among the ranks of his captors. He sees all of this as a big win for the advance of the gospel.

Though Paul cannot be with them in person at this moment, he assures the church that his love and affection for them in Christ is strong, and that he is praying for their own growth in love and discernment. In all of this, the Apostle is displaying to the church that the way that the Lord is using him is not about Paul having preeminence in some contest of pride. This should help others to humbly seek peace with one another in the church before factions develop on the various sides of any quarrel that could unnecessarily trouble the church.

Our message and our methods must be all about the one Messiah who gave Himself for us, or they will prove to be disruptive to the cause of the gospel. Paul’s attitude about the progress of the cause of Christ despite his own imprisonment is deeply instructive to the church in all times and places. Even more profound than his charitable and hopeful comments in the light of his unjust incarceration, Paul is able to put the right perspective on the more ultimate question of how he is to react in the face of the possible loss of his life. He knows that for Him, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

To be with the Lord in the present heavens is better than to remain here on earth. If Paul’s life is taken away by some enemy of the faith, the apostle is prepared to trust God in such a moment. Better still, he is able to trust God if the Lord chooses that he remain here on earth for the further encouragement of the churches who are praying for his release. If he lives, he lives for fruitful labor in the Lord’s vineyard. If he dies, he will have a still greater communion with Christ, which is certainly far better in so many ways. Yet with exemplary humility and lowliness, Paul is able to leave this matter in the hands of the Almighty.

Each of us is called to have this kind of heart and life, a way of joyful humility that makes sense for those who love the message of the cross. There can be little question where our strength comes to live in this good way. Christ has travelled this road before us. He has proven the power of living for God’s glory and pleasure in a way that may seem to be weak to the enemies of the gospel. He wants to hear that the Philippians are devoted to that way of life that allows the Lord to be first in our hearts and our life choices. There is a yieldedness to God that only makes sense in light of the cross. The person who tries to follow such a pattern of life can only do so over the long haul by the strength of God’s Word and Spirit. Such a person has learned that it is a great privilege to suffer for the sake of the Lord and his church. It is this kind of love that must be added to our profession of faith if it is to serve as a witness to those who claim to seek Jesus.