Philippians
Joy in Partnership in the Gospel
Finding Joy amid Suffering: A Study in Philippians
Chapter 1, Part 1: Rejoice in the Gospel's Partnership
New Hope Christian Church, 5/7/23
For many of us, when it comes to suffering, the light at the end of the tunnel has frequently turned out to be the headlight of an oncoming locomotive! We look to God for relief from our troubles, but Jesus never promised us freedom from suffering in this life. In fact, Scripture is full of warnings that suffering comes from living on the earth, and sometimes even more so for Christians. Scripture does, however, show us how we can rejoice in spite of our suffering. As we take our journey through the apostle Paul’s letter of thanks to the church in Philippi, we will see that joy (producing many occasions of happiness) comes from the Lord. Therefore, as we read in James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
In this first part of our journey, we see that joy can be found even in the midst of suffering when we consider that we are partners in the gospel of Christ. We will look at five keys to understanding this partnership that elicits joy.
We Are Not Alone but Rather Partners with Many.
When you were baptized into Christ, that was not the end of your spiritual journey but rather the beginning of an eternal relationship with God. This relationship is that of a family, but also a family business. God’s family is involved in His business, an enterprise with the goal of saving sinners. The success of His enterprise depends on a great partnership. In a law firm, everyone wants to climb the ladder to become a partner, but we begin as partners with God.
Paul addresses his letter to the partners in Philippi: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers [traditionally bishops] and deacons” (1:1). Of all the churches mentioned in the New Testament, in this one we have the most complete listing of the human components of a local congregation. Paul (apostle) and Timothy (evangelist) were church founders or planters, the overseers (elders) were the local spiritual leaders, the deacons were official servants (helpers), and the saints were the rest of the congregation—of course, all were saints. (No prophets are mentioned, perhaps implying that no one in this congregation had the gift of prophecy.) All were partners in God’s work in the geographical area in and around Philippi.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6-10, Paul writes of two basic kinds of church leaders, those who found (establish) or plant local congregations and those who build on the foundation or water the plants. Both kinds are “God’s fellow workers”; however, “ neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
The saints, too, are partners in this work. There are no mere spectators. The leaders are tasked with preparing “God’s people [literally, the saints] for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). Regardless of your position in the church, you, as a baptized believer in Christ, are a saint. What is a saint? Someone who has been set apart by God as one of His one. To refer to a select group of people in the church as saints is an insult to you! All of us, leaders and followers alike, are saints, partners in God’s enterprise. From Him, “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (4:16).
The work of apostles (testifying to the resurrection of Christ and teaching authoritatively on His behalf) and prophets (providing Spirit-inspired words from God) was necessary in the first century of the church since they did not have a completed New Testament, but their work in laying the foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 3:5-11; Ephesians 2:19-22) was accomplished. Their teaching is available in the Spirit-inspired word which we call the New Testament. The work of evangelists (preachers), pastors (shepherds, elders), and teachers continues as they lead, with the aid of deacons, the local churches in developing Christ-like character, working together as the family of God, and being God’s messengers of reconciliation in daily life—all of which works together to lead others to the salvation that is in Christ and in Him alone.
God Is an Active Partner in this Work.
The work, though intrusted to many hands, is a gigantic task. We are not left only to our own abilities, however. God is actively at work in and for us. First, God grants us grace and peace (Philippians 1:2). These words were common greetings in the Roman and Jewish cultures, but their use in the New Testament letters implies much more than saying, Greetings. In our personal lives and in our service for Christ, hardships and even suffering arise to thwart us from the task. We need peace, and God grants it. “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33). And surely these words of Jesus to the apostles also apply to us, “‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’” (John 14:27).
More than peace, God gives us grace. Grace is much more than undeserved favor. Frequently, if not always, in the New Testament it implies, along with the favor, a divine power. In other words, God does not just forgive us; He empowers us to do His will. He works in us. Paul wrote, “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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” (Philippians 1:4-6). He had earlier written to the Corinthian saints (believers): “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
Therefore, we can draw strength and confidence from the fact that God is actively at work in our partnership with Him.
We Share in God’s Grace.
Our partnership with others in Christ’s church is empowered by our partnership in God’s grace. Paul wrote, “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me” (Philippians 1:7). God’s grace comes in three forms. First, in Christ we have come into the grace of salvation: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This form of grace is the one we most often hear and think about. God’s grace does not end there, however.
The grace of salvation involves more than God’s forgiveness of our sins. It brings us into partnership with Him in the work of helping others to find the gift of life. This second form of grace is the grace of ministry. We are empowered for the work of fulfilling the mandate to make disciples of all nations. This grace of ministry itself comes in different forms. Peter writes, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11). Each of us has different gifts (Spirit-given and enabled abilities or talents), and these gifts are to be used in the service of Christ. We are to be faithful to Him as we “administer” these different forms. Peter categorizes these ministries (forms of grace) into two broad areas: “speaking” and “serving.” Although all Christians are to speak for Christ and to serve Christ, Peter seems to be using these terms in special ways. “Speaking” probably refers to the work of preaching and teaching (and in the first century the work of apostles and prophets), and “serving” would include other ministries such as encouraging, contributing to others’ needs, leadership, and showing mercy (Romans 12:7-8). Now, obviously, we can all do some of these kinds of ministry when and where needed, but some people have a special knack (gift) in these areas of service. Your gifts determine what kind of ministry you should give most attention to.
We all share in the grace of giving, that is, opportunities to help spread the gospel by tithes and offerings through the work of the local church and also through missions, preaching the gospel in other places (Philippians 4:15-16). The grace (ministry) of giving also includes helping fellow believers in financial need, whether at home (Acts 6:1-6; James 1:27) or abroad (2 Corinthians 8:1-8).
We Share in the Work.
“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” (Philippians 1:27). The work of making disciples is not just for preachers; it is the work of all Christians. This work is not always easy or without opposition, for Paul uses the word “contending” to describe it.
First, our work is to be conducted in a manner worthy of the gospel. We must be good examples of what it means to be God’s saints. A manner worthy of the gospel is being aware of opportunities that arise for speaking out for Christ. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6). Peter expresses the same thought, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
This sharing in the work calls for us to stand firm in one spirit, that is, together; or Paul may mean to stand firm in the power of the one Spirit. Or perhaps both! Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us of the importance of working together: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! . . . Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Working together requires acceptance, encouragement, and endurance “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:5-7). Speaking for Jesus, serving Him, and pressing on together for eternity—that’s what life is really about.
We Share in the Suffering.
With Paul, the apostles, the martyrs, and all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12), we are partners in the suffering of Christ (Philippians 1:28-30). We will be opposed in our partnership with Christ. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” We rejoice in the first gift, the opportunity to believe on Him; but do we rejoice in the second gift, the opportunity to suffer for Him? Paul did. “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).
Conclusion
We can draw the following two conclusions from Philippians 1 regarding joy. To have joy, we need to promote the Gospel, and we need to work together for the Gospel.
Joy in the Progress of the Gospel
Finding Joy amid Suffering: A Study in Philippians
Chapter 1, Part 2: Rejoice in the Gospel's Progress
New Hope Christian Church, 5/21/23
As the returned-from-exile Israel sought to reestablish their worship, they rebuilt the altar (537 BC) and then set out to rebuild the temple (536 BC). It had been fifty years since the Babylonians had destroyed the Temple of Solomon. At this laying of the new foundation, there was great joy, for progress was at last being made toward restoring worship in the Temple of God (see Ezra 3:10-13).
Setbacks in any project can disappoint and discourage, but progress lifts our spirits. However, progress is often interrupted by setbacks. In our minds, regarding any of our concerns, we often have two lists: one list includes items that give satisfaction and even joy, whereas the other list includes items that hamper our joy. When someone asks, how are you doing, which list do you choose from? “Doing well” may speak of your overall health, mood, or other items on your “what’s good in my life” list; “I haven’t been sleeping well” may speak of an item on your “not so good” list. We all want to be happy, and we want to know the joy that can well up in our souls even amid difficult times. Regarding our two lists, to which one will we go to find joy?
Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi (a Roman colony-city in what is now northern Greece) is a letter of thanksgiving but also a treatise on the joy we can have amid suffering. One of the items on our joy-filled list is found in 1:12-18. Looking at the world around us and considering how little impact the gospel seems to have on it, we might and often do get discouraged. However, we can rejoice at the prospects of the spread of the gospel by looking at places where the gospel has been and is progressing in its impact on our world. In this message, we will examine three keys to rejoicing in the progress of the gospel.
Understand Factors Affecting Progress
The first key is to understand factors that may affect the spread of the gospel, and to understand these factors as Paul understood them. First, Paul contends that the gospel advances in spite of, and sometimes because of, suffering. He was writing from the standpoint of a prisoner, under house arrest and chained to a Roman guard (Acts 28:16). He writes, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (1:12-14). Through his writing—four of his letters in Scripture were written during this time, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, in addition to Philippians—he was able to spread the word through his contacts. It seems that even some of his helpers spent some time in voluntary confinement with him in order to meet his needs (for example Aristarchus, Acts 27:4; Colossians 4:10, and Epaphras, Philemon 23).
In addition to his writing, Paul’s example of staying faithful to his mission of spreading the gospel in spite of his many sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:23-27), and now in prison on account of his ministry, was providing encouragement to others to continue spreading the gospel in spite of possible dangers. Even the soldiers who spent time guarding him understood that he was there on behalf of Christ. Through his imprisonment the gospel was becoming known even to the elite Praetorian Guard. Through Paul’s eyes we can see that even suffering cannot thwart the gospel.
Another way that the gospel was advancing was through preachers—we don’t know who they were—who were envious of Paul’s success in spreading the gospel. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. . . . The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains” (Philippians 1:15,17). Paul may be hinting that some were trying to elevate themselves by putting him down, with the purpose of gaining more disciples. At any rate, the gospel was being preached. It can advance even through rivalry. There is no indication here that these preachers were not preaching the true gospel; it was only their motives that were not pure. And so, Paul concludes, “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” (1:18). To him, who was making the most disciples was not important. The important thing was that the gospel was advancing.
In contrast to those who were preaching out of rivalry with Paul, others were motivated by love. “The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (1:16). Although love for Christ is a strong motivator (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-20), in this case it seems that Paul is talking about these evangelists’ love for him: since he could not currently take the gospel to new places, they would. Love may be the only motivator that enables us to persevere when the going gets tough.
Remember the Progress in the Apostolic Age
The second key is to remember the progress of the gospel in the apostolic age (first seventy years) and even into the first three centuries. The growth at that time has been described as spreading like wildfire.
Here are some scriptural notices of this geometric spread of the gospel in the first century.
* “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41).
* “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47).
* “But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand” (4:4). Generally, numbers of men may refer to families. Win the man, and you’ll win his family.
* “Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number” (5:14). The numbers increased even after the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, which resulted in the hesitance of outsiders to join in the church assemblies (5:1-13).
* “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of [Jewish] priests became obedient to the faith” (6:7).
* “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (9:31). “Grew in numbers” could be translated “multiplied.”
* “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (11:19-21). The conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, opened the door to preaching to Gentiles as well.
* “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers” (16:5). Actually the Greek says “in number,” so the writer (Luke) may mean that there were not just increasing numbers of believers but also an increase in the number of congregations.
* “‘When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: ‘You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed’” (21:20). The word here for thousands is myriads, which literally would mean tens of thousands.
* Writing to the believers in Thessalonica, ca AD 52, Paul says of them, “And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it” (I, 1:7-8).
* And writing to the believers in Rome, ca AD 57, Paul says of them, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world” (Romans 1:8).
* To the Colossians, ca AD 63, he wrote, “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth” (1:6), and again, “This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven” (1:23). The reference to “every creature” is either an exaggeration, emphasizing the many people to whom the gospel had been preached, or perhaps that it had been proclaimed in all the nations within the Roman Empire. Either way, we can see that the gospel had spread far and wide in just over thirty years!
Indeed, perhaps as proof that the Way (true Christianity) is divinely empowered, the gospel has continued to grow, spreading around the globe for almost 2,000 years in spite of persecution from without and corruption within the church.
Look to Our Present: Progress Through New Hope?
As we look for reasons to rejoice in the spread of the gospel, the question naturally arises among us here at New Hope. Although we began (anew, from Rittman) in 2005, we are still a store-front church. Is this anything to rejoice about? I say, yes! First, in spite of all the setbacks we have had, we are still here, to the surprise of many. We enjoy meeting and working together as brothers and sisters in the Lord. But more than that . . .
New Hope has always been and continues building lives through our assemblies, youth work, Bible studies, and special programs. In addition, here are other ways in which the Lord is making a difference through New Hope:
* Individual personal contacts with outsiders, many of whom do not and may never attend.
* Ministries of individuals taking place outside of our meeting place: just a couple of examples, the writing ministries of our preacher and his wife.
* Missions—from the beginning we have had a strong emphasis on missions, especially in southeast Asia. Our giving has been generous, certainly beyond that of the average congregation. And in recent times we have greatly increased our participation in the Matthew 25 Coalition, helping people with various kinds of material/financial needs in our area. We have been supporting them through private donations (that is, not through our regular offerings).
Conclusion
Two lessons from this section of Philippians 1: It is a joy to promote the gospel, but to have this joy, we need to work together for the gospel. “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 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (1:27-28).
Joy in the Product of the Gospel
Finding Joy amid Suffering: A Study in Philippians
Chapter 1, Part 3: Rejoice in the Gospel's Product
New Hope Christian Church, 6/11/23
In 1932, much of the country was singing, Happy days are here again! The election of FDR promised an end to the depression as well as the death knell to the 18th amendment. Ask the people who lived through the 1930's—were those times of joy? In November of 1994, Rush Limbaugh played it again: Happy days are here again! The congressional election meant the overthrow and defeat of liberalism! What would he say about 2023? Liberalism and difficult economic times are alive and well on planet Earth, “here again.”
Times of joy come and go in our national and personal lives, but what we want is continuing joy. Where can such joy be found? That’s what Paul’s Letter to the Philippians reveals. We have already looked at two aspects of the gospel that bring us joy. We have seen that the things of this life may bring us momentary satisfaction and even occasional times of happiness, but the gospel brings greater and lasting joy. A third aspect of the gospel demonstrates that joy is built into our lives. We will find joy as we consider three results of sharing the gospel with others.
Saving Souls
From our perspective, the most important result of the gospel of Christ is, of course, that souls are saved by believing and obeying the gospel. That’s why the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me” (1:22). In other words, preaching the gospel that souls might be saved gave him a reason for continuing to live in this world. He knew that he would personally be in a much better place if he could just leave this life and go home to the Lord. “Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (1:22-23). Had Jesus actually given him a choice? Something like, “Faithful servant, you have done well. You have finished your work. You may come home if you wish”? If he had been given a choice, what a great example for us! He chose to win souls rather than retire from the field (which meant, for him, martyrdom)!
Many people today do not even think about why they should continue to live. They just cruise along, living like they do not really expect to die. Some others, however, realizing the futility of living without any purpose, wonder, what’s the use? The gospel gives everyone a purpose: serve God, live for Christ, get actively involved in church, and find what you can do to make the world a better place by bringing the peace of Christ to others.
This work that comes in spreading the gospel is not an easy one, however. All kinds of obstacles stand in the way. Personal desires, family responsibilities, earning a living, and the distractions that face us in a fallen world—all work against an all-out commitment to the gospel. On top of it all (or maybe behind it all) is the spiritual contest between God and Satan, a contest that involves every one of us. These obstructions were no doubt in Paul’s mind as he wrote, “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” (1:27). It is a war, and so we must approach it as such. We must not be spectators or fans. We must be soldiers for Christ.
Paul recognizes that our participation in the spread of the gospel comes with opposition. Therefore, we must move out into the battlefield “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. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have” (1:28-30). We join the fray in spite of the suffering that may and surely will come, for “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12) in one form or another.
Edifying the Saints
Saving souls is not the only result of sharing the gospel with others. The work itself helps to edify (build up) the saints (believers). As we encourage, strengthen, and equip one another, we are all rewarded. After contemplating his choice—go to Heaven now or continue his ministry on earth—Paul wrote (1:24-26) that “it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 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, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” His work with these believers (even from a distance and in chains) would result in their progress in the faith and even overflowing joy in Christ.
The edification of the saints or, in more modern terms, the spiritual growth of God’s people, would result in certain changes in their lives. In 1:9-11 he had mentioned several of these changes: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” He prayed for a growing understanding of the love of Christ and how that love is to be demonstrated in the believers’ personal spiritual growth and action. This growing understanding of the love that comes only through Christ would produce the “fruit of righteousness,” resulting in the glory and praise of God.
Sometime within the next year or so Paul would write to the believers in Colosse, being more specific about the results of spiritual growth:
For this reason . . . 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. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:9-12)
Here he prays that the believers would come to know better the will of God—is this just another way of referring to God’s love, as in Philippians—a knowledge that comes through greater “spiritual wisdom and understanding.” The result of such a knowledge (rather than merely their own natural understanding) would enable them to “live a life worthy of the Lord.” What is that kind of life? It is one that pleases Him in every way; that is,
(1) a life that bears fruit in their good works,
(2) a life that grows in the knowledge of God,
(3) a life that is strengthened by the power that comes from His glorious might,
(4) resulting in great endurance and patience and
(5) joy that gives rise to thanks to the Father for qualifying us (by His grace through the blood of Christ) to share in the kingdom of light, along with the saints down through the ages.
Great and overflowing joy comes through our continual spiritual growth.
Glorifying Christ
The third (and really, the most important) result in sharing the gospel with others is this: Christ is glorified. After all, it is the work of Christ on our behalf described in the gospel that makes everything else possible, especially our joy.
Paul says that glorifying Christ is so important that he was willing to overlook the fact that some were preaching the gospel with less than noble motives: “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. . . . The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 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” (Philippians 1:15,17-18). He was not commenting on their message—he assumes that they were indeed preaching the gospel—only their motives. Apparently some preachers were more interested in increasing their own numbers of converts than in the overall mission of the church. (Of course, none of them could possibly have had more converts worldwide than Paul had.)
Christ is glorified in sharing the gospel not just by what He has done for us in the past but also from present help. This help comes from two sources: Christ’s people and His Holy Spirit. In Paul’s specific case, he needed help to be released from confinement so that he could continue planting churches. “I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance” (1:19). In addition to their own partnership in the gospel, the believers provide help by praying for others who are, like Paul, preaching the gospel. We go again to Colossians for more on this matter: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (4:3-4). Christ is glorified when His disciples (followers) lift up in prayer those who are preaching the gospel.
In addition, Christ is glorified through the help given by His Spirit, for He sent the Spirit to work through the disciples after Jesus returned to Heaven. “I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). The Scriptures tell us of some of the ways in which the Spirit works in us, but they are vague on some of the specifics. Nevertheless, we can count on the Spirit to give us help in spreading the gospel, maybe not in all of the same ways He did in those early days of the church, but still in the ways that help us, resulting in glory to Christ. “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31).
Paul’s ultimate goal was for Christ to be exalted whether in life and or by dying for Him: “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. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). While living here on earth, true life is found in service to Christ. And if that is our priority while here, then death will not result in loss but rather gain. Is that the way you look at life and death?
Conclusion
How do these results that come from spreading the gospel bring us continuing and everlasting joy? They continue because they are tied to eternity. They bring joy when we realign our priorities with eternity. If you do not know this joy, then it says something about your priorities in life.
Will you join the movement of Christ, bringing joy to others and yourself?
Joy in the Mind of Christ
Finding Joy amid Suffering (Part 4)
New Hope Christian Church, 6/25/23
Paul’s letter to the Philippians does not present us with what we usually consider to be the things that bring us joy. For several weeks now we have seen that we should rejoice in the midst of suffering when we consider the gospel of Christ and our partnership in its progress and fruit. We will not likely find joy in these aspects of the gospel if we do not have the right attitude. In today’s message we will encounter the essence of the proper attitude for Christians, which is one of the most difficult life-changes we can make. What life-changing attitude is necessary in order to find true and lasting joy, even in the midst of suffering? Developing the mind of Christ, as His apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (2:5).
Indeed, we can find true and lasting joy in a proper relationship with one another (our fellow believers), a relationship that begins with having a right relationship with God. That relationship requires us to have the mind of Christ. Here we will explore three ways to consider this attitude known as the mind of Christ.
The Mind of Christ Defined
The “mind of Christ” is defined in Philippians 2:2-4. Paul urges the believers to make his joy complete “by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (2:2). He does not mean that they should always agree on everything, for that would be an impossible expectation. As W. Carl Ketcherside (20th century preacher) often said, we can no more all think alike than we can all look alike. We have different levels of learning as well as different levels of intelligence. We have different levels of what we know and different ideas regarding the best ways to put what we know to work. Even Paul and Barnabas, without breaking fellowship with or losing respect for one another, had at least one major difference of opinion, that is, regarding the work of Mark: “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord” (Acts 15:39-40).
So what does it mean to be like-minded? Paul defines it himself: “having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” The “same love” would be love for God and neighbor. The one spirit and purpose would be the desire to put first in our lives the kingdom of God (the church taking the gospel to all nations) and His righteousness (not our will, but His be done, on earth as in heaven).
Paul also said, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (2:3). Ambition for the sake of Christ is virtuous, but for one’s selfish desires it brings only trouble, for “where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Now, the NIV translation, “better,” could be easily misunderstood, for there are many ways that we might rightly consider ourselves better than others (better skilled, better educated, even more mature spiritually). The Greek word in the original text could “better” (pun intended) be translated here, more important or valuable than. Humility leads us to “lay down our lives for our brothers” in imitation of Jesus laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16). Paul wraps up this point: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (2:4). Or, as he wrote to the Galatians (6:2): “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Mind of Christ Developed
When we consider the characteristics of the mind of Christ, it become obvious that such a mind in mere human beings is rare indeed. The mind of Christ is not a one-time, all at once, attitude. Even with studying how it is defined (above section), we cannot just say, sounds good—let’s do it! This mind (attitude) comes through development: first, through the desire and will to have this mind in us—that’s pretty much the meaning of the command, “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.” Then this mind is developed through the spiritual disciplines: prayer, Bible study, fellowship and service. Paul, however, gives us a quick look at what we should expect from constantly exercising those spiritual disciplines. (If these expectations are apparently not being developed in our lives, then maybe we are not exercising these disciplines properly.) What are those expectations? Philippians 2:1 tells us: encouragement from being united with Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship with the Spirit, and tenderness and compassion.
Encouragement comes as a result of being united with Christ. First, we need to understand how one becomes united with Christ. “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27); “having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the [working] of God, who raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Paul put it another way in Romans: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (6:3-4). Therefore, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Then, united in Christ, how are we encouraged? We receive comfort from His love. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).
In addition, Paul assures us that we have fellowship with the Spirit. If you have been baptized into Christ, then you have the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) living in your life. We know that He has been given to us as “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (Ephesians 1:14). He also intercedes for us in our prayers, helping us in times of weakness (Romans 8:26). Furthermore, Paul writes that “those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” and that “the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (8:5-6); that is, following the Spirit brings life and peace. How does the Spirit lead us? Through the word of God. The scriptures came through the inspiration of the Spirit (2 Peter 1:21), but they are not clear as to what other ways He may work through those scriptures in our lives.
Tenderness and compassion are the final ways mentioned in Philippians 2:1 as playing a part in the development of the mind of Christ. Christ set the example in fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice” (42:1-3). Jesus led no crusades down the streets of Jerusalem. He made no marches on Rome. He took the children, the poor, the helpless, the weak, the sinful into His loving embrace. Even in His prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction as the punishment of God for their failure to follow Him, He wept over the city. “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes’” (Luke 19:41-42). As we learn to look at people through the eyes of Jesus, we grow in developing His mind.
The Mind of Christ Demonstrated
Spiritual concepts are more readily understood and adopted when we see examples. Philippians 2 provides us with four examples of persons who had the mind of Christ.
Paul himself was such an example. “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. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me” (2:17-18). Drink offerings in the Old Testament system were supplements to the animal sacrifices. Wine would be poured upon the sacrifices. (See also a drink offering of water in 2 Samuel 23:16-17.) Paul pictures his life as such a supplemental sacrifice since he expected to die as a result of his ministry to these believers in Philippi and elsewhere.
Another example was Timothy. Paul spoke highly of him: “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 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” (2:19-22).
Paul also recommended Epaphroditus, who had been helping him and who was from the church in Philippi:
I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 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. 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. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me. (2:25-30)
We know nothing else about him, but he is one of those persons mentioned in the Bible that we would really like to know more about. Maybe we will get to know him better in Heaven, and he can tell us the background to this passage as well as what happened later.
Of course, the best demonstration of the mind of Christ is Jesus Himself. In 2:5-11 Paul says of Him that He was the eternal God but relinquished some of His glory and power to become temporarily a Man. He did not come in royal garb, but took on the form of a servant. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” The mind of Christ, we see, is love for others. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16).
Conclusions
This passage on the mind of Christ calls for at least two conclusions. First, we must work out our salvation (2:12), i.e., to develop the mind of Christ so that we live a life consistent with the salvation we have received. This concern with our salvation, accompanied by our service, our good works, is to be “with fear and trembling,” i.e., not to be taken lightly or half-heartedly. Why? Because “it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (2:13). We must not let Him down.
Furthermore, Paul insists that the believers must stop complaining and arguing with God or one another, “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing” (2:14-16). Otherwise, they will continue to rob us and everyone around us of our joy. Complaining and arguing run counter to the mind of Christ.
Joy in Knowing Christ
Finding Joy amid Suffering (Part 5)
New Hope Christian Church, 7/9/23
Philippians 3:1-4:1
What does it mean to know the Lord? Jeremiah 22:15-16 asserts that all went well with King Josiah because he knew the Lord; and knowing the Lord in his case meant that Josiah had reigned in a way that was right and just, defending the cause of the poor and needy, “so all went well with him.” We can infer, then, that knowing the Lord is much more than just knowing about Him. Knowing the Lord, then, seems to be at the heart of true religion. James 1:27 affirms, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
To many, Christianity, acknowledged as their religion, affects only a part of their lives. It teaches them the difference between right and wrong, and they attend church regularly or occasionally to express their worship of God. They pray often or occasionally, especially when they need something from God. However, most of their daily lives are lived with little thought about the church or God’s will for their lives. After all, we live complicated lives in complicated times. So many things demand our attention: work, family, recreation, paying the bills.
True religion is much more than that. True, Biblical Christianity is a relationship, a relationship with God, specifically a relationship called “knowing Jesus.” And knowing Jesus produces joy in the life of the believer. Knowing Christ brings us joy in spite of all the troubles of this world. The apostle Paul wrote about this joy to the believers in Philippi: “Finally, my brothers, 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” (3:1). Then he distinguishes between those who worship Christ and those who put their confidence in “the flesh,” i.e., those things that human beings so often consider important in their religion.
Paul writes that he has quit counting on that kind of religion, laying aside his previous achievements in such. “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (3:7-8).
In this chapter Paul describes two aspects of knowing Christ. What does it mean to “know Christ”?
Standing in Grace
The first necessary understanding of knowing Christ is that we stand in that knowledge by grace, not in the flesh, i.e., by our own works. Paul lists several items that do not help us in standing right with God. "For it is we . . . who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 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; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless" (3:3-6). Our heritage does not help us with God. it does not matter what race, nationality, or family we come from. We may even be among the best of them, but it will not help. Our moral goodness does not help. Paul was a sincere member of the Pharisees (not one of the hypocrites) who made an effort to abide by the law of God to the very best of their ability; but it was not enough for salvation.
No one could have been more zealous for the Law of Moses than was Paul. He had persecuted the followers of Christ before he came to understand the Way of Christ, mistreating and even imprisoning them for their supposed blasphemy of his God. He wrote of the Israelites of his day, “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness” (Romans 10:2-3). But zeal is not enough.
Finally, he writes, legalistic righteousness is not enough. God had said the same thing through the Old Testament prophet Amos (5:21-24): “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
Grace is how we come into the New Covenant that was promised in Jeremiah 31. Hebrews 8:10-12 refers to “knowing the Lord” as the essence of this covenant between God and His people. Israel’s children had to be taught to know the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:1-9); but everyone under the New Covenant already knows the Lord, for knowing the Lord is the result of being included. Hebrews says, quoting from Jeremiah: “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Certainly they must be taught about God and the gospel of Christ before entering the covenant; but upon entering the covenant, they “know the Lord”! That is, they have an intimate, personal relationship with Him, a relationship that includes, among many other things, forgiveness for their sins, a forgiveness that is so complete that God says, “I will remember their sins no more.”
This covenant, in which we “know the Lord,” is entered by grace through faith. Paul writes that he wanted to 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 and is by faith” (3:9). By faith we are given righteousness (a right standing) from God, as a gift not as something earned or inherited. The saving power of faith does not rest in faith itself; but rather, in the sacrificial death of Christ: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
When does this faith take effect, bringing us into the New Covenant? Not immediately, for, again, the power is not in faith itself.* Faith is simply trusting God/Christ to keep His word. And His word tells us at what point our faith becomes effectual. What word has Christ given us regarding entering into this saving relationship with Him? The apostle Peter made that word very clear in the first public proclamation of God’s offer of salvation in Christ: “‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38). And so, Paul concludes, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). What an intimate relationship this is, described as being clothed with Christ! And that is what it means to “know Christ.”
Striving Toward the Goal
The second aspect of knowing Christ is striving toward the goal. What is the goal? Paul writes, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). Paul identifies the goal of knowing Christ as knowing “the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.” The goal of the former is to “attain to the resurrection from the dead.” We all want that, don’t we? Now, Paul is not referring to the general resurrection from the dead, which all will experience, “‘a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked’” (Acts 24:15). Paul speaks of the resurrection unto life that Jesus spoke about in John 5:29, “‘those who have done good will rise to live.’” (In fact, Paul uses a word that is used only once in the New Testament, a word that might be translated “the superior resurrection.”) We’re looking forward to that resurrection.
However, do we really look forward to “the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings”? A case could possibly be made for Paul, that, because of his previous persecution of the church, he actually wanted to suffer for Christ. Regardless of this aspect of his desire to suffer, there was much more. We can identify with Paul’s desire to share in Christ’s sufferings in one respect, for, even though we do not desire suffering, we should desire the life that inevitably brings suffering. What kind of life is that? “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Furthermore, as a result of our suffering for Christ, we can bring comfort to others who are suffering (2 Corinthians 1:5). In addition, the gospel can advance only when we are willing to put ourselves in harm’s way for the sake of Christ, as Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church” (1:24). Jesus suffered in order for our sins to be forgiven, and sometimes we must suffer hardships, sacrifices, and even persecution in order for others to learn about Jesus’ sacrifice for them.
So we have identified the goal, what is included in knowing Christ; but we must keep moving forward toward that goal. We will never arrive at the goal in this life, but we must keep moving on (3:12-14): "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." We too must put the past behind us: our failures, sins, disappointments, achievements. We must neither wallow in nor bask in the past. There is more to be done and no time to waste. 2 Peter 1:3-8 assures us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge [emphasis added] of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Peter then urges us to keep up our personal growth in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul recognized that we may be slow in coming to his understanding of what it means to know Christ: “All of us 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. Only let us live up to what we have already attained” (3:15-16). Therefore, we must stay on track. Part of staying on track is watching out for those who would distract, even destroy, us. “Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh” (3:2); harsh language, for sure, but Paul knew more than we ever will that the opponents of the gospel can be vicious in their efforts to stand in our way to promote it. He draws the line between two camps: “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:17-18). He also points out their destinies: “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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” (3:19-21).
Peter assures those who pursue their personal growth in the knowledge of Christ: “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).
Conclusion
Paul concludes this section, “Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” (4:1). Knowing Christ brings inexpressible joy. The more we know Him, the less anything else can mar our joy.
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*Three examples of this point: (1) Naaman trusted the prophet’s word, but he was not cleansed until he actually obeyed the command. 2 Kings 5:14. (2) The woman with the bleeding issue was not healed until her faith actually brought her into contact with Jesus. Mark 5:27-28,34. (3) Jairus’s daughter was not raised until Jesus actually spoke the words. Mark 5:36,41.
Joy in the Peace of Christ
Joy Amid Suffering (Part 6)
Philippians 4:2-20
New Hope Christian Church 7/16/23
We have all heard the stereotypical Miss America’s answer to the question: What is your greatest wish? The answer, of course, is world peace. In one X-Files (TV show) episode FBI Agent Mulder found himself in control of three wishes to be granted by a genie. Mulder’s first wish was for, you guessed it, world peace. His wish was granted, but it required the elimination of all other human beings! He quickly made his second wish, to bring them back!
The concept of peace is found throughout scripture, but we probably do not give it the attention it deserves. We know that peace comes in several forms: peace with God, among nations, between families, between individuals, and inner peace. (Indeed, much literature deals with the lack of peace, i.e., conflict in these and other areas.) It may be that we relegate peace to portions of life as though it were simply one among many other qualities of our lives. The presence of peace in scripture (not always using this specific word) indicates that we need to study, understand, and apply it much more than we do.
In our study of Philippians, we have been examining principles that help us to find joy even as we encounter suffering. Joy is so rare because there are so many things that rob us of our joy. This present study delves into another of these principles: God intends for us to be filled with joy. The peace that Christ gives us enables us to rise above the life-circumstances that rob us of joy. In this chapter of the apostle Paul’s letter, we can discern four principles for personal peace.
Concord: Agree with One Another in the Lord
Paul writes (4:2-5) about two women in the church who had let personal opinions disrupt the fellowship: "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." First, he pleads with them to agree with each other “in the Lord.” When we disagree, we must remember that our relationship in the Lord is more important than any disagreement. Paul reminds these sisters of the work they had both been engaged in. We too must remember that the cause of the gospel is more important than getting our own way. Paul also reminds them of the necessity of gentleness, for the gentle Lord Jesus is standing close at hand; and He is watching how we treat one another. (It is unlikely that Paul meant that the Second Coming was about to come to pass.)
How, then, should we come to agreement and thus maintain peace within the congregation? Experience and common sense suggest at least these three ideas: (1) We need to learn the art of compromise—sometimes you get your way, sometimes I get mine, and sometimes we both give a little in order to accomplish a lot. By the way, methodology (how best to reach a goal) is nearly always a matter of opinion. (Explicit and express scriptural teaching and principles are not matters for compromise, for they are not “your opinion or mine,” but God’s.)
(2) Often, peace is marred by past mistakes or personal disagreements. In any such case, forgiveness is called for—just let it go.
(3) Sometimes, it is best to keep our opinions to ourselves. “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves” (Romans 14:22). If it is something we feel strongly about, then it is okay to bring it up for consideration and/or study; but if my opinion is rejected by others, I must not make a big deal out of it, and, instead, support the group’s decision. Often the second best opinion (that of other persons) works just as well. If you choose this route, make sure you keep it to yourself—don’t complain to third parties—and let it go! And if the chosen way does not work out, we must avoid saying, “I told you so.” After all, we can all learn from our mistakes.
When we feel compelled to express disagreements (or even rebuke others for their attitude), our gentleness must be evident to all. There is no room for losing our temper or using harsh language. When we find ourselves getting angry—and at times we all do—then we must look to our own attitude and submit it to the Lord.
Commitment: Present Your Requests to God
The second principle for achieving personal peace is to present our requests to God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6-7). Do you want this kind of peace, the kind that “transcends all understanding”? First, in bringing your requests to God, do not forget to surround them with thanksgiving. Otherwise, they will just be gripes, and God does not like complainers. “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp” (Numbers 11:1). Paul had written in this letter, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (2:14-15). It seems evident that Jesus would not want His disciples to be known as a bunch of complainers.
After acknowledging God as the One who has given us “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17), and being specific about it—just what are you thankful for?—then lay your requests on the altar, and leave them there! Leave your prayer with, “not my will but Yours be done.” Remember that he cares for you: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19).
Concentration: Focus on the Praiseworthy
The third principle is concentration. We must focus on what is praiseworthy. “Finally, 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. 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” (4:8-9).
Certainly, we have to give attention to many things in this life that are not so praiseworthy, for we live in a fallen world. Difficult times arise. Furthermore, we must deal with the necessities of life. Just providing for ourselves and our families requires our attention. Nevertheless, we must focus on the higher things of life to keep from getting bogged down in the lower things. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives” (Titus 3:14). Yes, watch the news, observe the culture—Paul was very aware of the cultures where the churches had been established—but stay in the word and smell the roses. Keep your feet on the ground but your head in heaven. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2).
Contentment: Be Content in Every Situation
Finally, don’t let the state of your circumstances determine your state of mind. We must learn how to be content in every situation. Paul had recently received a care package from the church. He was writing to thank them but also to help them understand how they, like him, could learn the secret of contentment:
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (4:10-13)
Yes, there are times when we will be in need. Whether in need or having plenty Paul had learned the secret of being content. Now it is true that he gives Christ the credit for giving him strength for any circumstance of life, but he seems to be saying more than that when he refers to the secret of being content. The secret is to trust Christ for strength but also just to be content, as a matter of will, as though he would say to himself, “I will be content, for Jesus is all that I need.” We may not feel Christ’s power in us during these times, but we can will ourselves to be content. (The opposite is true: sometimes people have plenty and yet will themselves not to be content.)
Contentment comes from proper priorities. Paul writes of the financial help the church had sent several times to support his ministry.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; 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. (4:14-18)
He assured them that their support of his ministry was noticed by God and “credited to [their] account”! They had been supplying his needs, but in reality they were assuring themselves that God would supply their needs. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (4:19-20).
What does this say about our own peace of mind? When we think less about ourselves and more about how to make life better for others—especially in sharing the gospel—then we will be less concerned about our own needs. And Christ will be there to provide for us. Paul had some difficulty, which he called a thorn in the flesh. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). His grace is sufficient for you, too.
Conclusion
Peace comes from living in concord with others, committing our problems to God, concentrating on the higher things, and learning to be content with what we have.
In this series on Philippians we have seen that we can have joy even in the face of suffering when we rejoice in the gospel of Christ, in the mind of Christ, in knowing Christ, and in the peace of Christ. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”