Philippians 1-4

After reading Ephesians, I realize that Paul's concern for others can only be described as "love". Philippians is another great example of Paul's Letters and his strong faith in tough times. At this point in his life, he is currently in a Roman prison, which lasted a total of 3 years, and he is writing this letter with his brother-in-Christ, Timothy.

Paul is a great teacher of principles and guidelines that many Christians use to lead their lives in a Christ-like manner. He begins with thanking the Philippians and praying for them. He goes on to explain that Paul's imprisonment has given him opportunities to "advance the gospel". Paul is goes on to rejoice in the preaching of Christ by others and for the prayers that his supporters provide him with. Paul then says in Chapter 1:

"22If I am to on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."

The letter to the Philippians is continued with Paul's description of imitating Christ. He tells us in Chapter 2:

"3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

These verses are great principles that any Christian would have no problem recognizing as important. But one verse caught my eye in the same Chapter:

"5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature [of] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

I've never looked at verses 5-7 as anything important enough to dwell on until I saw that Paul is giving us hints on how to be more like Jesus. This is incredible for a Christian who is strong in faith but sees Christ-like perfection as unattainable. Paul seems to be saying that we are not striving to be like God, we are striving to bring praise His glory by becoming what Jesus was: a servant, Jesus became "nothing". This explanation of God's desire for us described by Paul has most definitely strengthened my faith.

Paul tells us to "shine like the stars" and to:

"14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation..."

Blameless. That's a tough one. Impossible? Through Jesus it isn't. We follow the ways of becoming like Jesus and we can become blameless through God's grace, prayer/repentance, and servitude. Paul also tells the Philippians about "No Confidence in the Flesh", which gets a tad confusing in Chapter 3.

"2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh -- 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence."

He lists some reasons that he has "confidence in the flesh" (which seems to mean faith in earthly things or people or actions), which had at one time considered to be of high value. But he says that now "considers [them] loss for the sake of Christ". Paul continues on about "pressing on toward the goal" by:

"...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

We are to "join with others in following [Paul's] example, and take not of those who live according to the pattern..." and to not live as "enemies of the cross...[whose] destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." I find that these instructions pertain to our generation with our thirst for sense-overload. It hurts us more than we know and it will eventually destroy us.

Lastly, Paul tells us in Chapter 4:

"6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
"8Finally my brothers, 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. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put into practice."
"13I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

These little nuggets of truth are ways that Paul tells us will better the Kingdom of God. Great stuff.

Theme: "Rejoice in the Lord!"