Philippians 2

I have been reading, but just not necessarily Blogging. Anyway, I decided to pick up Philippians in the pursuit of some sort of outline. I remember hearing about the focus on these two men, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy is genuinely concerned for the welfare of others and Epaphroditus is obedient to the point of death. I was thinking more about Epaphroditus and wondering how obedient we really are. It is important to note that earlier in the chapter we see the first and best example of Jesus who was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Playing hockey, there are often whining and complaining about the unfairness of a certain call the referee makes. However, are we not to submit and obey the authority of the referee who has been given the neutral position to judge and rule the game? Sure, they are fallible human beings who can make mistakes, but to deny their authority would be to undermine their entire existence in the first place. I guess there's a proper way to go about bringing up concerns and charges against the neutrality or fairness of a referee, but certainly not the way in which I see it happening sometimes. Either way, hockey is just a game. I certainly do hope that more importantly than that, we seek to honour and obey our heavenly Father. However, I guess that also includes obeying authorities over us, since that's what he mentions in his Word...

Philippians 3:2-11

The next passage in the assigned readings is Philippians 3:2-11. This was actually part of the bible study this past Friday. What's interesting is how and why Paul lists these highly regarded credentials. It's not as if he wants to boast, but it seems as if he's forced to or does so only to the benefit of those who he's writing to. He's driving home his point that we put not confidence in the flesh. It is so easy and natural for us to put confidence in the flesh. Paul shows his credentials showing all that they can't even compete with him. No matter how hard you try and boast in your flesh, Paul has you beat. Why do people even boast in the first place? You probably are comparing yourself to others in hopes of showing yourself better than others. You may be seeking the approval and praise of men. However, if someone else is better than you, you get less praise from men.

I am reminded of one time in math class when I was in high school. This obnoxious kid was boasting about how he got 93% on the math test, for which the results we had just received. I think he was trying to impress this one girl, so we was asking what she got and boldly proclaiming the mark he had received. At the same time, one of my friends was asked what mark he got. He loudly responded (though not intending to boast, I don't think), "I got 98%. After that, I don't remember the obnoxious guy saying much because he was probably ashamed of declaring his mark in light of the fact that my friend had a higher mark than him. In the same way, are you really going to boast in your flesh when Paul has you beat? Perhaps you would if the person you are boasting to does not know about Paul's credentials. But at the same time, Paul shows us his character by humbly showing us how much he doesn't value the kinds of things we often try to pride ourselves in. These fleshly things Paul could very well pride himself in are counted as smelly and disgusting garbage compared to knowing Christ. This shows us what Paul values. If we want to imitate him as he encourages us to do and as he imitates Christ, we would be wise to value Christ in the same way.

Philippians 2:5-8

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

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

(v5-8, NIV)

This was one of the verses read at service this morning. I was once again reminded of this awesome passage about Jesus and his humble servant attitude. The sermon was about Jesus, the humble king. I can't even grasp what it was like for Jesus to humble himself to come down to earth as a human. I mean, you can try to compare it to a human becoming an ant, but that doesn't even come close to describe what Jesus did. On top of that, Jesus was doing this according to instruction given to him. It's not like Jesus was simply doing what he wanted on his own accord, but rather, following instruction given to him by the Father. Like, I'm ashamed to say this, but I sometimes have trouble listening to my parents. It's quite a shame being disobedient to my parents, especially when the disobedience is over the smallest things. Yet Jesus shows us his obedience and his humility in extreme measures. I wish I could have his obedience and have his humility. I must simply look to him and hope for his help and strength to obey like him and be humble like him.

Philippians 4:21-23

Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

(v21-22, NIV)

Here Paul is ending his letter to the saints at the church in Philippi. He closes with final greetings to them. In these final greetings he also makes note of those who are with him. Those who are with him send their greetings. We find that there are saints within Caesar's household. Paul mentioned earlier that it has been known throughout the whole palace guard why he is in chains. All those around him while he is in prison know that because of his proclamation of the cross of Christ he has been imprisoned. But it is comforting to know that there are believers within Caesar's household. Caesar was one of the prominent oppositions to the followers of Jesus. Roman citizens loyal to Caesar were the cause of some of their sufferings. However, God used Paul to infiltrate Caesar's household, having some turn to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

(v23, NIV)

This is the final verse of the letter. We have been saved by grace, and Paul ends with grace. This is the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is to what we have attained, so may it be with us. Let us grow into what we have attained; grace.

Philippians 4:20

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(v20, NIV)

Glory be to our God. He deserves all the glory, and we shall not steal any glory for ourselves. We live our lives in humble submission to the one to whom all praise is due.

With reference to what Paul is talking about, God should be given all the glory. The believers at the church in Philippi have sent Epaphroditus to Paul with their offering to him. Paul does not need this gift, but knows the secret of being content in every situation. So whether he has much or has little, he is content. However, he is thankful and glad for their gift to him. Because of it, he is amply supplied. In addition, he is thankful for the benefit they will receive for their obedience to God in their giving to Paul. They will benefit for this act of kindness they have showed to Paul. Regardless of the gifts Paul has received and regardless of the benefit the believers at Philippi receives or will receive, God gets the glory. We rejoice and give God the glory for his working in all these situations.

Philippians 4:19b

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

(v19, NIV)

God is rich enough to meet our needs. It's not like asking for help from a friend. In your need, you may ask them to help you out in some way. However, they may not have the means to help you out. Maybe they don't have enough money to give you, or maybe they don't have the time to spare. When you hang out at the lab working on the same projects as everyone else, you notice people asking each other for help. Unfortunately, when you're working on a project that's due the next day, most of the people who have the answers are the ones who are finished not at the lab. So someone may ask some of the people at the lab, but they don't have what they're looking for. Have assurance in knowing that God has more than enough to meet your needs. God has more than enough to meet your wants, but he won't necessarily grant your every whimsical desire. God is good and knows what's best for us. Sometimes what's best for us is withholding from us something we think we need. Isn't it interesting how some people react to God in that situation? We may come to God with a request that is not good for us. When God doesn't grant that request, we question God and call him a liar. God isn't like that. Since God is more than able to supply you with any and every single one of our needs and wants, why would he not? Is it because God is a jerk? Is it because God just wants us to be miserable? God is all knowing and all powerful and he loves us. If you asked your father for bread, do you think he'd give you a rock instead? He may be simply pulling your leg or you may think of certain exceptions, but for the most part your father would not give you a rock when asking for bread. Wouldn't our father in heaven who has glorious riches with which he can supply us and surpassing knowledge and love with which to know what is best for us do what's best for us? When asking him for bread, would God give us a stone? We should trust in God, who knows more than us and is wiser than us, to do what's best for us.

So what kinds of needs do we have? What kinds of needs of ours does God meet? What needs of ours is Paul referring to? Well, clearly their material needs are one which first comes to mind. In response to their offering to Paul, that is a sweet smelling aroma to God, they will be supply their material needs. God may give them a great wealth, or he may barely give them enough. Regardless, Paul is saying in response to their giving on behalf of God that God will meet their needs. Another need they may have may come out of their suffering when facing opposition. In the face of opposition, we need to stand firm and strive forward. God will supply us with this steadfastness. It is through him that we receive joy that we may endure in the face of opposition. We also have needs when we are prone to worry or complain. God will supply us with his peace that surpasses all understanding. We need to be unified in the advance of one faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To meet our needs, God will supply us with the grace and humility necessary for it.

God doesn't always work the same way. Therefore, it is sometimes hard to put God into a specific equation. We may hear of how God is working in other people's lives and think we can do it the same way. For example, maybe one person prays to God every day for wealth and God blessed him with lots of money and wealth and success. We may then think that we can simply pray daily and God will give us money. That isn't true. Many people all of the world probably pray for money daily, but they don't receive it. We may look at a friend who said they pray for 10 minutes before every exam without studying at all, and every time they do that, they get a good mark. Therefore, we may think if we pray 10 minutes before an exam and don't study, God will simply give us a really good mark. It is possible for God to do these things, but God may not do it quite that way.

There are equations that do work. The first part of the equation is that you follow God earnestly and wholeheartedly. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ whom he sent and live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel to which you have been called. Obey his commandments and listen to what he says. Love the Lord your God will all your heart, mind, soul and strength. The second part of the equation is that you will be blessed. It's a little like listen to God and you will get good things. The alternative is, don't listen to God and you will get bad things. It's not that your life will suddenly be peaches and roses and flowery all the time. However, you will be blessed in one way or another. He is good.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

(v19, NIV)

God will meet your needs. There are a number of things that we need. Our basic need to survive are some of the main things that we need. We need food and water to survive. God will meet our needs, we need only ask him.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

(Matthew 7:7-12, NIV)

Do you really think that if you ask for something that you need, God will instead give you something harmful to you? God is good. Thinking to the human relationship we may have with our father, do you think a father will give a son something harmful if he asks for something he needs? Sure, you can think of exceptions and particular circumstances where that's not the case, but for the most part, the general rule applies. In the same way, God will do as our fathers do. Our earthly fathers we have been given may have been good to us. However, they do not compare to our father in heaven. He is good.

There is a problem. Sometimes we think we need something, but we really don't. So, when we come to God with this request, we expect him to give it to us because we may think we need it. So, when he doesn't give it to us, we blame God and call him a liar. God is good, and he knows what is best for us. We should trust in him that he knows what's best for us.

Paul is saying this in response to the giving of those at the church in Philippi. They sent Epaphroditus with the offering they collected to give to Paul. Paul didn't need it, for he knows how to be content when he has a lot and when he only has a little. However, he is thankful and looks forward to the benefit they will receive from their giving. He is reassuring them that God will meet their needs. They probably weren't very well off and their giving may have been out of poverty. When giving in that situation, and giving so much that Paul was amply supplied, they may not have much left for themselves. An understandable worry they may have is that they do not have enough for themselves. Paul is reassuring them that God will meet their needs. Earlier, he encouraged them to not worry about anything, but instead to bring their requests to God. In this circumstance, they are not to worry. They have obediently been following and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. They have listened to God and gave to Paul an offering to help Paul in his ministry. They shouldn't worry and only trust in God to meet their needs.

Trusting in God doesn't mean to simply do nothing. We need to lift everything to God in prayer. We can't just sit back and wait for God to lay everything in our laps. We need to do something too. Can you imagine someone who hasn't studied a single minute for their exam simply praying 10 minutes before the exam for God to provide for their needs and give them a passing grade? It's possible for God to do that, but is that really how God works? Not all the time and not most of the time.

Philippians 4:18

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.

(v18, NIV)

The believers at the church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul. With him, they sent an offering they gathered to be given to Paul to help him while he was away. In doing this, they were sharing in his ministry and sharing in his suffering. However, Paul was not in need of their gift. Paul knows how to have and how to have little. He draws and stands on the strength which God provides. However, Paul is still grateful and thankful for their gift to him. He wants them to know that their gift to him is great and has supplied him to a great degree. In addition, these gifts they have given to him are pleasing to God. He describes it as a fragrant offering to God. The aroma from the gift they give to him is pleasing to God. It's as if the scent from this offering they give to Paul has risen to God that he could smell it. God does smell it and it is pleasing to him.

A gift or giving does not go unnoticed by God. Those at the church in Philippi gave to Paul when nobody else gave to him. They continued to give, even though they were unable to for a short while. Their genuine giving and proven faithfulness to Paul who is dear to them is pleasing to God. In the same way, when our giving is of the same manner, it is also pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:17

Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.

(v17, NIV)

Paul is thankful for their gift to him. He knows how to be content whether he has a lot or has a little. However, it is still good for them to give to him even if he would have been okay without it. He doesn't really care about the gift. Instead, he cares about their benefit from giving the gift. When you give something, you give something away and what you give away is taken away from what you have. Therefore, what you have decreases in your giving. Fortunately, there is a benefit and you will receive back from your giving. It's not that you will necessarily receive back what you gave, but benefit comes in many different ways.

From Paul's perspective, he looks forward to their sharing in his ministry. They are benefited by being a part of his work for the cause of Christ. In addition, their giving may be a sign of their faithfulness with what God has blessed them with. They may be earnestly following what God has instructed them to do with the blessings they have received from God. Giving isn't just a one way process. There are benefits both ways. An opportunity to give is an opportunity for us to be blessed by giving to others.

This isn't just a simple equation. Simply giving doesn't mean you will receive in the way you think or want to receive. In addition, beware of half-hearted giving. The Pharisees certainly tithed, but they were hypocrites and enemies of the cross of Christ. Simply giving and throwing your money at others doesn't make everything okay. Give as one genuinely concerned for the needs of others.

Philippians 4:14-16

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

(v14, NIV)

Paul knows how to be content with much or very little. Even if they did not give to Paul, he would have been just fine. However, Paul is not trying to be thankless for this gift. He rejoices for the gift he has received from them and their generous giving to him. Even if he would have been fine without their gift, it was still good that they gave to him. Their gifts and help to him is their way of sharing in his sufferings. We all share in the work of advancing the gospel of Christ. We may not do the same things, but we all play a part in this. Their particular role in this particular situation was offering aid to Paul.

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.

(v15-16, NIV)

Paul takes an opportunity to further commend them for the help they provide Paul with. Paul has not forgotten that they have given to Paul in the past. Even at a time when no other church helped him, those at the church in Philippi helped him. They were the only ones at that time. It's interesting how Paul describes it as sharing in the matter of giving and receiving. The ESV describes it as entering into partnership. In the help they provide Paul with, they are sharing in his ministry. They partner with him in the work that he is doing.

When you give to those who are advancing the gospel, you are partnering with them in the work they are doing. They are proclaiming the gospel of Christ to those who are lost in this world and you have a part in that. Those you help are thankful and you shouldn't think it as a useless or marginal effort made. Share in this work.

This doesn't mean that it is the only way to help. I can imagine that some people are called by God to work hard to provide for others who are out spreading the gospel to those in places where the gospel has not been so readily proclaimed. This doesn't mean those who help don't proclaim Christ themselves. If God has called you to that, great. Follow God's calling. However, I feel it may be desired selfishly by those who want to aspire to wealth and riches. In this materialistic world, most people want more money and more riches and more wealth. Being called to provide for others so that they can proclaim Christ to others almost seems like trying to have a foot in both worlds. Serve Him and Him alone. Follow hard after him and live up to the gospel to which you have been called. Hear his specific calling for you and do what he asks of you. It's hard, but would you rather the easy path that leads to destruction?

Give and continue to give. Partner with others for the cause of the Kingdom. We are all partakers of grace together. Let us live in a manner worthy of the gospel to which we have been called.

Philippians 4:10-13

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.

(v10, NIV)

Paul is writing to those at the church in Philippi. Epaphroditus was their messenger to send word to Paul. In addition, he would bring news of Paul when he returned. Epaphroditus also brought their offering to Paul. They had taken up some sort of offering for Paul to help him while he was away. Their concern for Paul is what Paul is rejoicing about. Apparently they haven't given to Paul in a while, which is why Paul describes it as their renewed concern for him. However, Paul also notes that those at the church in Philippi have been concerned but didn't have an opportunity to show it. Maybe they didn't have enough to give to Paul or maybe other circumstances kept them from giving to Paul until now. Regardless, Paul knows that they were concerned and rejoices for their renewed concern for them.

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.

(v11-13, NIV)

It may be easy for someone to point out that Paul is happy because he really needed their aid to him. Paul takes this opportunity to address this assumption someone may have raised. Paul wants to make it clear to them that he doesn't need their gift to him. He is content whether he is in need or has plenty. In our materialistic world, this may be hard to understand. We too easily become lovers of money and lovers of things. The culture pushes for wealth and riches. It's almost as if you can't be content if you don't have more. If you get more, you won't be content until you have even more. However, Paul is content whether he has a lot or even a little.

Paul lets them in on his secret. His secret is in verse 13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (v13, ESV). It doesn't matter whether he has much or has little. Paul is not hindered by what he has or what he does not have. It is the strength given to him through Christ Jesus that he can do things. Any riches or wealth that we can amass cannot compare to the strength God provides. Trust in him and him alone and do not worry about what you have or do not have.

I saw a plaque that read in big bold letters: "Success". Underneath "Success" was a reference to this verse, "Philippians 4:13". This is true, but it depends on how you define success. When I think of success and I think it's safe to say that when most North Americans think of success, we think of riches and wealth and maybe climbing the corporate ladder. This idea of success in this verse is wrong. Paul is talking about succeeding or abounding regardless of whether he has much or has little.

Philippians 4:8-9

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.

(v8, NIV)

Another one of Paul's instructions to his readers is regarding what we think about. What you set your mind on is important. There is a danger when we think about certain things.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(Matthew 5:27-28, NIV)

In this particular passage in the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus is talking about adultery. When someone is caught in the act of committing adultery, we can recognize and acknowledge that they are sinning. However, Jesus takes this one step further and says that even looking at a woman lustfully means committing adultery. Something physical between two people does not need to occur in order for a man to commit adultery. This passage is referring to the eye causing a person to sin; however, there is also something in the mind that causes us to sin. I find that when I'm thinking about sinful things, I'm more likely to physically sin. Using that example, if I'm thinking about lustful things, then I'm more likely to look upon a woman with lust and therefore commit adultery.

Avoid thinking about sinful things. Instead, think about these things that Paul lists. The list is full of "good" things. We are to dwell upon things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

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.

(v9, NIV)

This is one of Paul's calls to imitate him. We are all supposed to imitate Jesus. However, sometimes it helps to look to an intermediate goal. Paul is an intermediate goal to look to in imitating since he is also imitating Christ. We imitate Christ-like qualities we find in Paul who is following Christ.

It's not enough just to know what to do. Paul's readers may have known Paul and known his characteristics; however, that knowledge is useless if they're not putting it into practice. You may know what you're supposed to do, but if you don't do it you prove to be uselessly not doing what you're supposed to do. I find this is typical of when I sin. It's not that I don't know what to do, it's that I don't do what I know I'm supposed to do. Alternatively, it may be that I know there's something I shouldn't be doing, but simply do what I'm not supposed to do. Sometimes I get caught up with trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. Too often the problem isn't knowing what to do or knowing what not to do, the problem is simply doing what you're supposed to do. If you don't know, then go find out the truth. However, Paul is calling his readers to put their knowledge into practice.

You could also look at it in another way. Failing to do the right or stupidly doing what is wrong is clearly the sinful outcome. However, though I may *know* what I'm supposed to do, some may argue that I don't truly know. Paul's calling the saints at the church in Philippi to put their knowledge into practice. Faith without deeds is dead. If you don't put it into practice, maybe you never truly believed in the first place. Knowing doesn't prove the fulfillment of the knowledge. For example, knowing how to get to Toronto doesn't mean I'm in Toronto. Actually going to Toronto will get you to Toronto. Knowing how to be saved doesn't make you saved.

Philippians 4:6-7

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.

(v6-7, NIV)

We are to not worry about anything. Instead of worrying, we are to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. What is the result of Paul's instruction? Well, God's peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Situations which cause us to worry are often hectic and filled with uncertainty. We may argue with ourselves over the possible outcomes and blame different things for the result. For example, I may be anxious about a job interview. I don't know how it will go or if I'll get the job or not. I may worry or be anxious about how the interview goes and about whether I'll get the job or not. Maybe even after the interview I'll be worried about how it went and worry about how I looked or some of the things I said. I may complain to myself, questioning why I said certain things or blaming the interviewer for their smell. Instead of worrying and being so focused on this situation, I should lift up my requests and concerns of my interview to God. This anxiety isn't productive and it's not helping. Instead of our hearts and minds being flustered, lifting our requests to God brings peace and calms us down. In a sense, we're bringing it to God to let him deal with it. When we worry and get all worked up over a situation, we're trying to do it ourselves and not letting God help us. He wants to help us. Paul says that God's peace will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. When we truly lift our burdens to God and leave it in his hands, we can be at peace with the situation. We are not at peace because of what we do, even though the thing we need to do is lift it to God, but we are at peace because of the peace God graces us with.

I won't try to explain God's peace to you. As Paul says, this peace transcends all understanding. You won't necessarily know or understand how this peace works. This is God's peace, and it is beyond our comprehension. Trust in God and leave it up to him. Even though we don't understand this peace he brings, we can still submit to it and allow God to work in our lives.

Philippians 4:6b

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

(v6, NIV)

We are not to be anxious about anything. This doesn't mean to be carelessly oblivious to the world around us. We are to take notice or take action when required, but not partake in fruitless worry. What are we to do instead of being anxious about anything? Instead of worry, we are to present our requests to God. We have things we might worry about or may cause us anxiety. Lift them up to God in prayer. Cast your burdens upon the Lord. This is what we are to do.

When we lift up our requests to him, this doesn't mean we'll get what we want. God isn't a genie in a bottle. It's not like we rub him the right way and we get what we want. God works the way he works, and sometimes in our human mind, we think God should work a certain way. In our sinfulness we expect some things from God, and when God doesn't meet those needs, we assume God doesn't exist or think God is unjust or unloving. God is holy, righteous, just and pure. God doesn't conform to our way of thinking. If God worked the way we wanted him to work, he wouldn't be the awesome God that he is. He would defy his own nature and cease to be loving and righteous and pure and holy. So, lift up your requests to him, but do not jump to conclusions when he doesn't answer you the way you want him to answer you.

How are we to lift up our requests to him? We are to do so with thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. God breathed life into us, he sustains us and loves us. We may also receive blessings from him. He is rich in mercy. If he wanted to, he could smite us right now, and we would deserve it too. Be thankful to the Lord. If you can't think of something to be thankful for, then you don't know him. Learn more about him. He is good.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

(v6, NIV)

What does Paul's instruction here mean? Well, he instructs his readers to not be anxious about anything. Basically, don't worry about anything. As human beings we tend to be very worrisome. We worry about all sorts of things. As a student, we may worry about our marks or the next assignment or the next exam. Some may worry about work, anxious about deadlines and their bosses.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

(Matthew 6:25-27, NIV)

For what purpose does worrying serve? Jesus instructs us not to worry as we read in the gospel according to Matthew (A similar account is also in the gospel according to Luke). With regards to our lives, we do not need to worry about our basic needs. God provides for the birds, are we not more valuable than the birds? Since we are more valuable than the birds, would it make sense for God to provide for them and not for us? Of course not. Do not worry. Besides, it is not productive in any way. We can't get anything out of it, even if some of us do believe we can add an extra hour to our lives by worrying. It just doesn't happen and it is not productive, so we shouldn't worry.

Now, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't take notice or be concerned about things. Paul's instruction to not be anxious is not a free pass to be oblivious to everything around us. What it does mean is that we shouldn't partake in fruitless worry over situations that continue to fill us with anxiety. Do not be anxious about anything.

Philippians 4:4-5

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

(v4, NIV)

I remember singing a song with these words in it. It definitely is a blessing to be rejoicing in the Lord. We should do it always, as Paul instructs. If we are not rejoicing, we may be doing something that is sinful instead. I find it hard to imagine someone who is both rejoicing in the Lord and sinning at the same time. Paul even repeats himself, showing how excited he is about rejoicing in the Lord.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

(v5, NIV)

The ESV uses the word "reasonableness" instead of "gentleness". This characteristic must be in you. In addition, it must be so apparent in you and the way you live that it is known to everyone. This doesn't mean you go around telling everyone about it. We are not boasters of the flesh, but boasters of God. Regardless, if I just told you how honest I was, you may or may not believe me. I could be lying. However, the way I live and the way I act may begin to support the specific characteristic in me. Live it out in such a way that it is apparent, not for others to see so that you can boast, but that the characteristic itself may truly be of you. We do things for God to see, seeking his approval and not the approval of men.

Philippians 4:1-3

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!

(v1, NIV)

Paul is speaking to the church in Philippi. These believers are loved and longed for by Paul. We who follow the Lord Jesus Christ are partners in the gospel together. Paul loves his fellow brothers and longs to be with them. In addition, they are his joy and crown. He hopes that they will continue firm till the end so that they may prove to be true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. By doing so, Paul will have assurance that he did not run or labor in vain. Instead, the good work God allowed him to be a part of would be brought to completion by the Lord and prove fruitful.

Paul is calling his readers to stand firm in the Lord. He is referring to what he has just mentioned. First of all, we are not to confidence in the flesh. Paul had much reason for this, but he counted it as rubbish. Secondly, we must press on towards the goal, forgetting what lies behind. This attitude of striving forward must be in us.

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.

(v2-3, NIV)

Euodia and Syntyche are apparently two women who are not agreeing with each other. Their disagreement is probably not a serious issue; otherwise Paul would have dealt with it as he did many other issues in his letters. Instead, it is probably a minor issue that is not in opposition to the gospel of Christ. It may be something like a disagreement as to how dishes should be washed, or maybe they disagree with how a person should tie their shoes (or sandals). In addition, these women have worked at Paul's side for the gospel. They are acknowledged by Paul as saved since their names are in the book of life. Their disagreement is merely a minor disagreement between two people who are both truly serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Why would two brothers or sisters in the Lord disagree about something so insignificant? Well, I'm sure you and I have argued about a small or stupid thing in the past. It happens, but we shouldn't let it happen or we shouldn't let it happen for long. It's a silly matter, we should agree in the Lord.

What may be weird is how Paul outright mentions the two people involved in the dispute. The proper thing may have been to try to deal with this problem privately. However, Paul probably names both names openly in this letter because everyone already knew about the issue at hand. The fact that the problem is made aware by Paul probably means that everybody knows about it. There's no use trying to keep it under wraps if everyone knows about it. Paul just wants them to deal with it and be done with it.

Paul calls for help from Syzygus. This can be translated as "yokefellow", but probably referred to a person's name. The word is used to refer to those united by any bond, such as a relationship or marriage or labor. With regards to a bond, it may have been that this yokefellow was known for bringing people together, as his name may imply. Regardless, these two ladies are in disagreement over a small issue and they should both agree in the Lord.

Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

(v20, NIV)

Do not walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their mind is set on earthly things. However, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ do not have their mind set on earthly things. We have our citizenship in heaven. We are merely foreigners while we walk this earth. We wait for the time when we will finally get to go home, to heaven. Jesus will return and usher us to heaven to where our citizenship lies.

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.

(v21, NIV)

Jesus will speak to every issue. He is our Lord whom we follow and is most certainly powerful. He can bring everything under his control. With this power, he will use it towards us. Our bodies will be transformed like his glorious body. Jesus' body was different after he rose from the dead. He was able to pass through walls, and yet the disciples were also able to touch his wounds where he was pierced. Our current bodies are referred to as lowly bodies. The bodies we will receive will be much better than our current bodies.

Philippians 3:19

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

(v19, NIV)

Follow Paul and be like those who are following the Lord Jesus Christ. You do not want to be in the other group of people; they are enemies of the cross of Christ. If you're not for Jesus, you're against him. Those who are against him do not have a pleasant future. Their destiny is destruction. They are setting themselves up for a fall. They are going to hell, which is a real place that people do go to. In that eternal fire, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Don't think you're saved from going there if you're a "good" person. There is no such thing as a "good" person except Jesus Christ the Lord. We are all "bad" people. However, we are graciously saved by God stepping in and sending his son Jesus to die for us. We are saved by grace through faith in him.

These enemies of the cross of Christ have their own god. Their god is their belly. Their passions are the things that they worship and consider most important in their lives. It's all about how they feel or what they enjoy. Really, it's all about themselves. Sure, they may dress it up as something else, but they are really just worshipers of themselves and their own passions. As I say this, I must step back and look at myself. I am guilty of sinful pride. I am guilty of putting myself first and above God. I am a filthy sinner just like everyone else whose god is their belly. Yet, God stepped in and saved me. I don't have a righteousness of my own; if I did, I would be sent straight to hell. My righteousness is not good enough. I wage war with my flesh and lose all the time. I do the thing that I do not want to do. But thanks be to our Lord. By whom I can be redeemed as an adopted son of the living God. There is now no condemnation.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

(Romans 7:21-8:4, NIV)

I was just thinking about this, so I should just put it up there instead of butchering the word of God.

The things that they glory in are shameful. They may not admit it, but they are shameful. For example, I remember in high school that some people would openly talk about pornography. It's sinful and shameful, and yet they were talking about it as if it were nothing. They may realize it's shameful, or maybe they don't. They may have become calloused to it. However, those things are shameful, but they glory in them.

Their mind is set on earthly things. We are on this earth, living here for now. However, this life isn't forever. This life is short, but the next life is long. Do you set your mind on the things of this earth? Do you set your mind on the temporal, as opposed to the eternal? Who cares about all that stuff? These things will pass away.

Philippians 3:17-18

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

(v17, NIV)

Paul calls them to imitate him. There are a number of times where Paul encourages his readers to imitate him. It's not wrong to imitate others, but we must remember that we are all ultimately following the Lord Jesus Christ. However, we can imitate others as an intermediate goal.

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

(v18, NIV)

Follow Jesus and follow Paul's example. Press on towards the goal and don't give up. Would you rather the alternative? There are some who do not follow this path. Paul describes these people as enemies of the cross of Christ. If you're not for Christ, you're against him. You are even his enemy. In this day and age, some may dress it up as being accepting of other people's religion. However, a choice that is not for Jesus is against it. Being indecisive or being lukewarm does not save you either. You are an enemy of the cross of Christ. You are an enemy of everything Christ stood for in his humble sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins. Paul sheds tears for these people. It is quite sad to see people living in opposition to the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is offered freely to all, yet some do not receive it. It's sad and unfortunate; Paul is saddened by their opposition to the Lord Jesus Christ whom he loves. Cry for them and do not follow their example. Follow Paul's example; follow the Lord Jesus Christ.