“Philippians 1”

Saturday, May 13, 2017

The theme of the book of Philippians is joy. In what has been called the most positive book of the New Testament, Paul encourages them (and us) to realize the overwhelming joy of living for God.

This is all the more interesting when you realize that this letter was written while Paul was in prison for his faith. There are four letters that are commonly referred to as “prison epistles.” They are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Paul had fond memories of the Philippian Christians and longed to see them. The church had done well since its planting and they had matured to the point of appointing overseers and deacons. This is always a positive thing in the history of a congregation. He had been touched by their love and the joy can comes from this mutual relationship in Christ.

Rather than painting a picture of gloom and despair, Paul proclaims victory for the cause of Christ. His imprisonment was not going to bind the gospel. In spite of circumstances and mistreatment that would cause man to give up, the apostle Paul was greatly encouraged (verses 12-18).

Some were preaching Christ out of good will. Others were doing so out of envy and strife, desiring glory and recognition. They were jealous of Paul and hoped to cause him some additional problems. However, they were preaching truth, not error. Those who were converted by their message were genuine Christians and their purity was not compromised by the less than pure motives of their teachers. Paul was grateful they had become disciples of Christ. And his own faithful example was encouraging many others.

No matter what others do, serve God faithfully. Jesus did not allow the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes to make Him quit. The other apostles did not leave the Lord because Judas fell away. Paul did not give up because others fell short.

But Paul was “between a rock and a hard place.” He couldn’t decide whether he would rather live or die.

The overriding principle of Paul’s life was “to live is Christ.” Whatever else happened, he was a servant of the Lord, a disciple of Jesus Christ. Knowing the power of a positive influence, he was determined that, in everything he did, Christ would be exalted. And because Paul lived every day for Christ, he knew that “to die is gain.” Paul did not fear death. He knew the separation of his body and spirit would allow him to live in the presence of the Savior forever.

Paul hoped to visit the Philippians soon (Philippians 2:24). But, of course, he was still a Roman prisoner and could not know for certain that he would have that opportunity. So he wanted to encourage them to live godly lives, even in his absence.

--Roger Hillis

Share