Simple Studies in the
Scriptures
The Epistle of Paul to the
Philippians
Dr. Stanford E. Murrell
Student’s Study Guide
The Epistle of Paul to the
Philippians
Human Author: Paul
Date of Writing: AD 62
Key Word: Unity
Key Verse:
The city of
However, the city of
Philippi was destined to become important once again because of a famous battle
that occurred here in 42 BC. It was in that year that the historic battle of
Philippi took place between Brutus and Cassius, who allied themselves against
Antony and Octavian, avengers of the death of Julius Caesar.
After two engagements Antony
and Octavian were victorious. Brutus and Cassius were dead. Soon after this
battle Philippi was made a Roman colony. Antony settled some of his veterans
there.
In 31 BC the naval battle of
Actium took place. It was here that Octavian defeated his former ally, Antony,
who had become infatuated with Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen who had also been
the mistress of Julius Caesar. Realizing the hopelessness of their situation
Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide.
Octavian was now the
undisputed ruler of the Roman Empire. He changed his name to Caesar Augustus. A
semi-gracious conqueror Octavian allowed the people of Italy, after he
dispossessed the citizens of their estates, to join the settlers in Philippi,
the Roman colony.
As a Roman colony, Phillipi enjoyed all the special privileges of Roman
citizens everywhere such as freedom from scourging, freedom from arrest except
in extreme cases, and the right to appeal to the emperor. The people were
allowed to dress according to Roman style. The veterans who settled in Philippi
received from the emperor a grant of land. The citizens of the city were exempt
from paying tribute and could regulate their own affairs.
By understanding these freedoms and privileges we can better understand how the church at Philippi was able to be established according to Acts 16 and why Paul would make mention of the progress of the gospel among the members of the Praetorian Guard in Philippians 1:13.
For the Christian in
Philippi, life could be very hard (Phil. 1:27-30). Because it was a Roman
colony, there was the presence of the imperial cult. The temptation would come to
flatter the Emperor with divine titles and honors that belong only to Jesus
Christ (Phil. 2:5-10). The Christian must resist without fear (Phil. 1:28) the
worship of the Emperor.
Acts 16 records the
establishment of the church at Philippi. During his second missionary journey
(AD 50-54), Paul accompanied by Silas and Timothy, traveled to the city of
Troas. There Paul had a vision in the night (Phil. 16:9) of a man inviting him
to come and preach the gospel in Macedonia. Being obedient to the heavenly
vision, Paul and his party traveled to Neapolis, the port of Philippi. From
Neapolis the missionary group proceeded on foot to Philippi where they would
spend their first Sabbath in Europe. There is a river near the city of Philippi
called the Gangites. Somewhere along the riverbank a place of prayer had been
established. In the little group assembled was a woman named Lydia. Her
hometown was Thyatira (now Akhisar, Turkey). Several facts can be noted about
Lydia.
First, Lydia was a seller of purple. She was a businesswoman who specialized in
the dye that was produced to enhance the beauty of the garments that were worn.
Lydia was a woman of considerable wealth.
Second, Lydia worshipped God. The God Lydia worshipped was the God of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob. As a proselyte to Judaism, Lydia was converted to her pagan
practices.
Third, Lydia listened to the gospel. "She
heard us," wrote Luke. Lydia heard Paul preach the glorious gospel of
redeeming grace. Lydia had her heart opened by the Lord. Here, once more is the
ultimate truth that salvation is of the Lord. God must open a person's heart to
let the gospel light shine in.
Apart from Divine intervention the heart of the natural man will remain closed to the gospel. It may be refined, cultured, educated, and religious but the natural heart can only be renewed by God. Lydia was converted. Paul preached of faith, repentance, and personal responsibility.
Fourth, Lydia was obedient to the gospel duties. She was baptized without
delay (Phil. 16:15) and she became a soul winner. Not only did she believe the
gospel but she exposed her household to the message of salvation as well and
they believed. In gratitude Lydia gladly ministered to them to Paul and his
party for it is the natural heart of a Christian to do good. Lydia did much
good to others. She was gracious. What was hers was shared with the other
people of God.
What Must I Do to Be Saved? Acts 16:31
Associated with the founding
of the church in Philippi is the conversion of the Philippian jailer. The
narrative of his dramatic conversion began the day Paul cast a demonic spirit
(lit. a python Acts 16:16) out of a girl that was being used by men to make
money because of her ability to make predictions. Paul did not want the gospel
message being associated with Beelzebub.
When the girl turned around
and began to follow the missionary group the apostle had enough for the girl
was proclaiming, “These men are servants
of the Most High God who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
It was true what the girl
said but everyone knew she was demon possessed. The message was associated with
the messenger and was being rejected!
In the name of Christ Paul
cast out the demon that possessed the girl. That is when the real trouble began
for Paul and Silas was arrested and subjected to gross injustice. Despite being
Roman citizens they were scourged, publicly disgraced, lied about, and
imprisoned; all this without a trial!
In the providence of God,
this injustice was going to work for His own glory for while in prison Paul and
Silas ministered to all who came under the sound of their voice. They sang
songs and gave praises to the Lord. Suddenly, the earth shook and the prison
doors were thrown open. The chains which bound the prisoners were unfashioned.
The men could leave at will.
When the keeper of the
prison saw what was happening he knew that his life would be forfeited if the
prisoners escaped (Acts 12:19). Rather than suffer public pain he would take
his own life. Drawing his sword he was about to perish when Paul called out to
him to stop. "The prisoners are all here," said Paul. The jailer
could not believe it was true. "What
must I do to be save?" he cried.
This question must have
reference to physical salvation from the predicament he was in. Paul, being
sensitive to the situation used the opportunity to turn the mind of the man to
eternal salvation, which he did (Acts 16:31).
The next day the officials of the city sent word to release Paul and Silas. They were shocked and distressed when they discovered they had committed a serious offense against fellow Roman citizens.
Had Paul and Silas wanted to
press charges the officials and all that were involved in the beatings could
have been in serious trouble. But Paul and Silas were gracious and they soon
departed the city as requested grateful that a church had been firmly
established and many souls had found the Saviour (Acts 16:40).
Philippians 1
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints
in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace be unto you, and
peace, from God our Father, and from the
Lord Jesus Christ.
1:2 Grace.
In examining the concept of the grace of God the subject becomes overwhelming.
There is so much that testifies to the unmerited favor God displays. Certainly
in the area of salvation the grace of God is manifested for while we Christians
were yet sinners Christ died. While we were still hostile to the Christian
message the gospel invitation went forth so that it can be said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest an many
should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
Because of grace believers
have a secure position in Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation to
them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the
flesh but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). Because
of grace we are under no obligations to try to gain merit with God by
performing legal duties. Love not Law compels obedience. “For if they which are of the Law be heirs of salvation], faith is made
void, and the promise of none effect” (Rom. 4:14).
The angels do not know grace
as far as the Scriptural references indicate which may be one reason why they
are so fascinated with the salvation of men. The elect angels have been
confirmed in holiness.
The non-elect angels have
been confirmed in evil. Only man, fallen like the non-elect angels, have been
restored to righteousness, like the elect angels and all because of the free
spiritual gifts of God. Titus 3:7 say, “That
being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of
eternal life.”
While grace is free, it is
precious and should not be cheapened. The grace of God can be diminished, it
can be abused. One way that grace is abused is by making light of sin. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue
to sin that grace may abound?”
The logical answer is “No.” Grace is not a license to sin but
freedom to operate according to the Law of Life of the Spirit in Christ Jesus.
Paul never ceased to marvel that he was the object of redeeming grace.
1:2 Peace.
As a Christian enjoys the grace of God there is also the peace of God. The word
peace is a great word used often in the Bible. It is used in twenty-five
of the twenty-seven books of the New
Testament. While used in a variety of ways the word peace suggests most of
all a harmonious relationship. Because of sin in the Garden of Eden
the peace man once had with God has been
broken. Because of sin the peace man had with his neighbor has been broken.
Because of sin, any peace and harmony man had with himself has been broken.
Life is one constant struggle. How man have peace with God? How can man have peace with his neighbor? How can man have personal peace with himself? The spiritual battle is real. The reason for all the various religions in the world is because man desperately wants to have peace with God but he does not know how. The reason for the UN is because man wants, on one level, for the killing to stop but he does not know how. The reason for so many psychologists and self-help programs is because individuals long for personal peace. It is easy to grow weary of the stress of existing from day to day. The great irony is that in grace God has told man how to have peace or harmony once more but mankind is not listening.
In the Old Testament there was a peace offering that could be made (Lev.
4). The peace offering followed the burnt offering for sin and the trespass
covering for sanctification. The purpose of the peace offering was to
communicate that fellowship with God is still possible. But man must meet God
on God's terms.
In the New Testament
era God's terms of peace are manifested in the Cross (Eph. 2:14; Col. 3:15).
Those who want peace with God must go to Calvary. The terms of surrender are
clear and comprehensive. Man must repent of his rebellion. Man must confess his
need of a Saviour. Man must believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. Man must submit
to the Lordship of Christ.
Apart from acceptance of these gospel terms man will remain an enemy of the Cross and the spiritual warfare will continue.
As the Bible speaks
about peace with God, the Scriptures also speak of the peace from God.
·
1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy,
my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus
Christ our Lord.
·
Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own
son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
It is this peace from God
that promotes harmony among the saints. Paul prayed for this peace on behalf of
the churches he ministered to (Phil. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:2) as did Peter (1 Pet.
1:2) and John (2 John 1:3).
This peace from God that
promotes harmony is a grace gift and is grounded in gospel obedience to the Word
of Truth believed. Let the principles of church conduct prevail and there
will be peace among men. Let the ethical teachings of Christ be implemented and
there will be harmony among the saints.
The Bible speaks not
only of peace with God which is reconciliation, and peace from God which is the
basis for the communion of the saints, but also about the peace of God which
passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
This peace is personal. It
is the inner peace that is so desperately sought for. It is possible to be
reconciled with God on the basis of justification. It is possible to be part of
a fellowship that enjoys peace from God and till have no inner peace.
There are many reasons for not having
personal peace.
·
Unconfessed sin (1 John 1:9).
·
A besetting sin or a secret addiction.
·
A love for sin.
·
A resistance to an obedient thought prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Sin robs individuals of
peace in their hearts. To have peace, the source of sin must be dealt with.
The good news is that in
Christ sin can be conquered for Christ has come to set the captives free. In
Christ man once more has a will free to sin or free to choose righteousness in
the search for happiness.
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
1:3 In these words we find that prayer is
personal. “I thank my God,” says
Paul. When the disciples come to Jesus they said, “Lord, teach us to pray”. And James said, "When you pray say..." all of which reinforces the
concept that individuals must pray. Pastors cannot alone pray. Parents cannot
alone pray. Like the sound of rushing waters, God delights to hear the rushing
waves of many praying people to form a river before the throne of glass.
As prayer is person so it is to be characterized by thanksgiving and the object of thanksgiving is to be God.
Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
~*~
Paul knew that every
expression of goodness from the Philippians had its ultimate source in the goodness
and mercy of God.
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
1:3-4 In
every prayer. A church is no stronger and no healthier than the people who
pray. E. M. Bounds has said, “He who can
set the Church to praying will be the greatest of reformers and apostles.”
From time to time the breath
of revival has blown across the land and when revival comes people begin to
pray. People begin to pray to beg God for forgiveness of sin to praise God for
his goodness and blessing to plead for the salvation of souls to plead for justice to prevail in the courts
of Law and to plead for the young people to be protected from the tragic
consequences of immorality. While revival tarries, there must be prayer. While
waiting continues for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we need to pray.
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the
day of Jesus Christ:
1:6 In addition to the work of God the Father
and the work of God the Son, there is the work of God the Holy Spirit to make
certain that the good work of salvation which has been begun will be completed
until the Day of Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit includes the following.
The Holy Spirit regenerates the lost sinner.
·
John 3:3-7 Jesus answered
and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be
born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and
be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit
is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
·
Titus 3:5 Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by
the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
·
James 1:18 Of his own will
begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of
his creatures. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
The Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ.
·
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not,
that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
·
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by
one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles,
whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one
Spirit. Galatians 3:27 For as many of
you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Ephesians 4:4-5 There
is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen
with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from
the dead.
The Holy Spirit indwells the believer.
·
John 7:37-39 In the last
day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man
thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the
scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet
glorified.)
·
John 14:16 And I will pray
the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you
for ever;
·
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in
the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now
if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
·
1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we
have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
·
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye
not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
·
1 Corinthians 6:19 What?
Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
·
1 John 3:24 And he that
keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know
that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
The Holy Spirit seals the believer.
·
2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath
also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
·
2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he
that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us
the earnest of the Spirit.
·
Ephesians 1:13-14 13 In whom
ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your
salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy
Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the
redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
·
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve
not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
7 Even as it is meet [proper] for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers [partners] of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels
of Jesus Christ.
1:3-8 By praising God Paul was also honoring
the believers at Philippi. They were his brothers and sisters in the Lord. They
were the objects of redeeming grace. Every time Paul remembered them he gave
thanks to God. Why? Verse 5 explains. The people at Philippi had united with
Paul in the sphere of the gospel from the first day until now.
There was a strong bond of
faithfulness between Paul and the Philippians. This is rare in human
relationships for the tendency is to break fellowship under pressure. When
there is plenty of money, when there is good health, when there is harmony of
will, all is well. But the test of friendship, the test of faithfulness comes
under pressure.
When Paul was arrested by
the Roman officials a lot of people turned away from him, but not the people at
Philippi. They sent Paul financial support (4:10,18). They also sent
Epaphroditus on a journey of some 800
difficult miles to see how to help the
apostle.
Is it any wonder when Paul
thought of the Philippians love for them swelled in his heart and gratitude to
God graced his lips?
As prayer is to be personal,
as prayer is to be full of thanksgiving, so prayer is to be frequent. The sense
of these verses is that Paul prayed frequently. From the pages of human history
come examples of godly people who found pleasure in prayer. They prayed for
long periods of time and they prayed frequently.
In reading about the great
saints such as Robert M. McCheyne, David Brainerd and Martin Luther, it is
observed their prayer life was filled with a longing to be more holy before
God. The great challenge for
God's people is to pray personally and to
pray with thanksgiving, and to pray often.
The fourth principle of
prayer is that it should be specific reflected in verse 9 and following.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be
sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus
Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
1:9-11 Paul asks God to grant the believers
at Philippi the following.
·
A love that is constant.
·
The ability to approve all things that are excellent.
·
A life characterized by sincerity and consistency and without offense
until the day of Christ.
·
The filling of the Holy Spirit in order to produce the fruits of
righteousness.
Paul begins by asking that love may abound. The love of which Paul
speaks is agape love, which means it is an intelligent and purposeful love.
This love manifests itself in an attitude of humility, tenderness, and a
forgiving spirit. This love is demonstrated in words of encouragement,
truthfulness, and mildness and in deeds of self-denial, loyalty, and kindness.
The object of agape love is
God Himself and other people, believers and unbelievers. Such love is not
natural to the human heart. It must be placed there by a Divine act of
regeneration. It must be nurtured so it grows and grows. It is possible to stop
loving the brethren. It is possible to stop loving God.
Because true godly love is not alone Paul asks it may be accompanied by
knowledge and judgment. There is a type of knowledge, which is purely academic and makes a
person proud (1 Cor. 8:1). There is a type of knowledge that may be possessed
apart from love that will leave its possessor void of spiritual graces (1 Cor.
13:2). But there is also a type of spiritual knowledge that is profitable.
What a joy it is to know the
doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone
and the doctrine of eternal life.
Spiritual knowledge is water
to a thirsty soul, bread to a hungry heart, and ointment for a wounded spirit.
Spiritual knowledge allows
spiritual judgments to be made. Christians would save themselves a lot of grief
if they had more of a godly discerning spirit. Good intentions sometimes
overshadow wise discernment.
By abounding in love accompanied by spiritual knowledge and spiritual discernment, the Christian church will be able to approve the things that are excellent.
As Moses had the Tabernacle constructed, as Noah built the Ark, so Solomon built the Temple, as Barnabas supported John Mark, so too must the church approve things that are excellent.
Only then will God's people be sincere [pure] and without offense [blameless] in the day of the Lord.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out
rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
1:12 Having introduced himself as the servant
of Jesus Christ, having invoked the blessings of God, having prayed for the
church, the apostle Paul now seeks to assure the believers at Philippi that the
gospel is going forth despite his imprisonment. Apparently, Epaphroditus had
told Paul that the church of Philippi was concerned that is bondage in a Roman
prison cell would bring a cessation of his missionary work.
With great confidence Paul
writes to reassure the saints that the spread of the gospel was not halted with
his arrest. In fact, just the opposite happened. The gospel advanced. Paul uses
the word "furtherance" in
verse 12, which is an interesting word. It means, "to act before." The word was used of an army of
woodcutters, which precedes the regular army, cutting a road through a dense forest
so that the army could advance into a region unapproachable.
To Paul, his imprisonment
cut out an opportunity to reach into the heart of the Roman government through
the military. In Caesar's court and in many other places the apostolic man and
his message became known and more importantly was understood. It would not be
hard to understand how this could happen. Paul was a Roman citizen. What was a
citizen of Rome doing in prison? The jailers would want to know. Not one to be
shy about his faith, Paul would preach Christ to anyone who asked. What a
marvelous story he had to tell.
He who once persecuted
Christians had met the Living Christ. He was changed forever. As the Praetorian
Guard, composed of the soldiers of the imperial regiments, listened, the Holy
Spirit brought conversion. Souls were saved. Enlisted men and officers alike
learned about redeeming grace. And the gospel spread. A quiet revolution was
taking place in Rome. The revolution came not from the outside but from the
inside. The revolt took place in the hearts of the most unlikely people, the
soldiers of Rome.
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace [Caesar’s
court], and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds,
are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
1:13-14 In addition to the powerful
manifestation of the gospel throughout the Praetorian Guard, Paul speaks of the
increase of preaching Christ outside the prison walls, in the city of Rome. He
reports that many of the brethren in the Lord grew confident by Paul's
imprisonment.
Here is an amazing thing.
The imprisonment of Paul was designed to silence him and to intimidate others.
At first, it seemed to work. The thought of going to jail for any reason is frightening.
The desire to be free and to hold on to our possessions and lifestyles is
powerful. But once the decision is made in the mentality of the soul to loose
everything if necessary for the cause of Christ then there is holy
boldness to be found. Jim Eliot found this
freedom and wrote, “A man is no fool to
give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
A.W. Tozer tells of
wrestling with God over his son. Tozer loved his child and thought that God was
going to take his life. Like David he pleaded with God. Like Abraham, Tozer
discovered that God was just testing him to see if he was willing to give up
his Isaac. We find freedom when we become like Job and say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.”
In Rome, many, not all, but many of the
brethren in the Lord were inspired by the courage of Paul. "If he can go to jail," they thought, "we will risk the same
consequences." And they did. And fear fled. As Paul analyzed the
motive behind the preaching of the gospel by those in Rome, he discerned that
there
were at least two groups of people preaching
with very difficult reasons.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of
good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add
affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.
1:15-17 "Some,"
said the apostle, "preach Christ of
envy and strife." These people are contentious and hypocritical. They
wanted to hurt Paul more and he knew it. Who were these people who dared to
hurt Paul by preaching the gospel? The answer is the Judaizers. Judaizers were
professing Jewish Christians who believed and taught that the Gentiles had to
enter Christianity through the gate of Judaism. The Judaizers preached Christ s
the promised Messiah. They accepted His death as the atonement for sin. They
believed in the resurrection of Christ from the dead and insisted upon
salvation by faith.
But the Judaizers insisted
upon observing the Law of Moses with its demands for circumcision, ceremonies,
and sacrifices. They saw in Paul a great obstacle to proclaiming their message
for Paul taught that the pure gospel abolished the ceremonial demands of the
Law because they were fulfilled in Christ. Why should the shadow, the
sacrifices, be allowed to continue since the substance, Christ has come.
The Judaizers were jealous
of the number of converts Paul was having and in their jealousy they worked
harder to
bring people to Christ under their
understanding of the gospel.
The second group that
preached Christ in Rome were Gentile converts, the friends of Paul who
understood redeeming grace. They had no desire to become like the Jews to
follow Christ nor should they.
18 What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in
truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply [wealth] of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
1:19 Paul's overall attitude towards the
preaching of the gospel by both groups was one of pleasure and we have to ask
why. Why did Paul have such a gracious attitude even towards those who even
disagree with his presentation of the gospel and who wished to hurt him?
Perhaps several factors are involved.
First, Paul understood the necessity of growing in grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour. Just as children and young people have much different points of view
them those more mature, so Christians need to grow in knowledge of the Lord.
Second, Paul understood human nature. Human nature will not allow total agreement
by all people.
Third, Paul realized that there is room in the family of God for much
error as long as the heart is right. Paul's heart was right even when the heart of the
Judaizers was wrong. Therefore, Paul would rejoice. He could and he would be
happy. Here then are two ways to present the gospel. The
gospel can be presented in love or with envy,
in pretense or in truth, with
sincerity or with hypocrisy, with good will
or with ill will. But the gospel must be presented.
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so
now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.
1:20-21 Because the gospel was preached,
whether in pretence or in truth, Paul was happy. Moreover, he was confident
that he would be delivered from his prison cell. The basis of Paul's expectation
was both human [your prayer] and
Divine [the supply of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ]. The Holy Spirit changes hearts and when hearts are changed
behavior is changed.
No matter what happens Paul
had prepared himself for the worst so that he would never be put to shame.
Unlike Judas who betrayed Christ, unlike Peter who deceived Christ, unlike the
Twelve who fled with fear into the night, Paul was determined to demonstrate
unfailing courage so that the Lord Jesus should be magnified whether by life or
by death. These two great themes are brought together in 1:21 where Paul says, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is
gain.”
When Paul declared that by
living he would be magnifying Christ he meant what Will L. Thompson meant when
he wrote the familiar lines,
“Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day
to day,
Without Him I would fall.”
Like Mary we can spend time
with Christ. Like Barnabas we can minister to those who have failed. Like Peter
we can prefer others better than ourselves. Like Paul we can consciously
consider the Lord and seek to be part of His fellowship so that we say,
“ When I am sad to Him I go,
No other One can cheer me so;
When I am sad He makes me glad,
He's my Friend.”
To have Jesus as a Friend is not a mystical
experience divorced from reality. It is because Jesus is alive and acts as our
Prophet, Priest, and King that we believe Him to be also our Friend.
Jesus is a Faithful Friend.
He has promised never to leave us alone.
Jesus is an Intimate Friend
who is closer than a brother.
Jesus is a Loving Friend who
will teach and give of His possessions.
Paul knew His Friend so well
that there was a bonding to point he could say, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what
I
shall choose
I wot [know] not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to
be with Christ; which is far better:
1:21-23 To
die is gain. Paul believed there was something “far better” than this present life. He believed that to die was to
gain.
First, to die is to gain a new perception of Christ. As wonderful as Jesus
is, as marvelous as the human tongue can set forth the excellencies of saving
grace, it all pales in comparison to being with Christ in the sphere of
eternity. The best we can do in time is to sing a song of hope.
“Face to face with
Christ my Saviour,
Face to face, what will it
be.
Oh! When rapture I behold
Him,
Jesus Christ who died for
me.”
Second, to die is to gain a new perspective of truth. In life, it is so hard to
arrive at the truth. To discover truth in human relationships is difficult. To
discover truth in almost any field of investigation is a challenge whether it
be science [creationism or evolution], history [who killed JFK?], or religion
[Christianity, Islam, Buddhism]. Paul said that we see in a glass darkly but in
heaven all of that shall be changed and we shall see clearly.
Third, to die is to grain peace of mind. In life there is much that
disturbs the mind. In death, there is peace. As Paul considered all the
advantages of departing to be with Christ there was a longing in his heart to
being the final journey home. Nevertheless, there were other thoughts which
pressed onto Paul's conscious and that was his obligations to the people at
Philippi.
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
2:24 Like a good shepherd, Paul wanted to
make sure all his sheep were safely in the fold. Like a careful architect, the
apostle wanted to finish the spiritual house he was building. "To abide in the flesh is more needful
for you," he wrote.
These words do not reflect
arrogance as if Paul were indispensable. One level no man is indispensable as
Moses himself discovered (Ex. 4:24). On another level there are certain
projects which only the right person in the right place at the right time can
accomplish. Consider how the history of America would have been far different
without a George Washington or an Abraham Lincoln. There are indeed key people
who need to be present at critical moments in history.
No one else will quite do.
As Paul thought on all these things, the Holy Spirit gave him permission to
believe that he would not die and that he would abide on earth a little while
long so that the people of Philippi could make spiritual progress and discover
the joy of faith. Spiritual progress would include more moments of prayer, more
knowledge of the word of God and the God of the Word, more times of study, more
fellowship with the saints, and more decisions for holiness.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
1:25 Joy
of faith. Paul also longed for the saints to know the joy of faith. The joy
of faith is obtained when all known sins are confessed, when Christ is thought
of often, when there is a passion for holiness, when worship is meaningful, and
the Holy Spirit is not grieved.
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my
coming to you again.
1:26 Paul knew that progress and joy of faith
found in the Philippians would lead to a time of rejoicing when he visited with
them again which indicates a wonderful love affair between the pastor and his
people. He had the best interest of the people in his heart and the people knew
this and loved him for it.
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:
that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,
that ye stand fast [firm] in one spirit, with one mind striving [working]
together for the faith of the gospel;
1: 27 As an apostle with a shepherd's heart,
Paul exhorts the believers at Philippi in a series of imperatives. The
believers are to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The believers
are to stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith
of the gospel. There is to be no repeat of what took places in the days of the
judges where every person did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges
21:25).
28 And in nothing terrified [dismayed] by your adversaries: which is to
them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
1:28 As there are things which a Christian is
to do, so there are things which a Christian is not to do. In particular, a
Christian is not to be terrified by adversaries.
The adversaries of the
Christian are threefold in the World, the Flesh and the Devil. Since the
Christian is surrounded by so many powerful enemies it is easy to become fearful.
"In nothing be terrified,"
says Paul. How are fears conquered?
·
Fear is conquered by remembering the power of God. The power of the One
who is able to create the world and rule over the nations is available for the
Christian.
·
Fear is conquered by remembering the wealth of the Lord. The earth is
the Lord's and the fullness thereof. While we may lack resources, God does not.
If we ask, He will answer.
·
Fear is removed by remembering what God has already done on behalf of
His own. God wants us to fear nothing but Himself. God delights to honor those
who honor Him.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to
believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
The Epistle of Paul to the
Philippians
Questions and Answers on
Philippians 1
1. Why do some professing
believers not have peace in their hearts?
Answer.
2.
Lists the four gifts of divine grace Paul requests on behalf of the
Philippians.
3. Why did Paul have such a gracious attitude even towards those who even
disagree with his presentation of the gospel and who wished to hurt him?
Perhaps several factors are involved.
Answer.
4. How are fears
conquered?
Answer.
5. What can be gained by dying?
Answer.
Personal
Application and Reflection
1. After examining the sings of
salvation, how many of the signs apply to you? Be specific with the number.
Which ones?
2. When Christians think of you
do they remember you with joy? Have you brought sadness and sorrow to others or
gladness and joy?
3. How would others
characterize your manner of Christian life?
4. Do you believe that to die
is gain? Are you afraid of death and dying?
5. What do you fear in life?
Why?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 2
1 If [because] there
be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
2:1-2 Only by understanding the causes and
cures of disharmony can there be hope for unity. If the cause of disruption of
church fellowship is every person with his or her own self-interest and self
will, something else must be done to solve the problem. Paul presents five
motivational factors to bring it to pass.
·
Consolation in Christ.
·
Comfort of love.
·
Fellowship of the Spirit.
·
Tender compassion.
·
A personal appeal.
First, consolation in
Christ. Two
facts should be noted about this phrase. First, the word "if"
which precedes this phrase is better rendered "because."
Because of consolation, because of love, because of the fellowship of the
Spirit, because of tender compassion believers should be of one accord. There
is not a shadow of doubt in Paul's mind. He assumes a condition of reality.
Second, the word consolation
should be translated “exhortations”. The meaning of the clause is this.
Because every believer shares in the life of Christ, there is a holy obligation
to listen and to obey the words of exhortation of the apostles of Christ to
work together in harmony.
"For all
who are 'in Christ' are subject to the rule of Christ, and must therefore so
listen to the word of Christ that they may never behave in a way which is
contrary to the mind of Christ" (Geoffrey B. Wilson).
When ministers of the gospel
preach faithfully what Christ taught there is a holy responsibility placed upon
the congregation to listen seriously to what is said and to obey. Not to obey
is to undermine authority.
A 1992 national poll
revealed that 56 % of Catholics in America do not believe what their church
teaches regarding birth control, homosexuality, divorce, or women in the
priesthood. The statistics of the Protestant church would probably be the same
or higher which is one reason why there is so much fragmentation within the
Christian religion.
The point Paul makes is well
taken. Because of a shared life in Christ, the exhortations that the ministers
of Christ communicate should be taken seriously. A superficial attitude towards
the exhortations of pastoral preaching is not an innocent act. It is imperative
that preaching be taken seriously and that is a decision of the will. The
conclusion of the first point is clear. To have harmony in the church, take the
exhortations of Christ seriously.
The second motivational
appeal is based upon the comfort that Christians find in Christ's love. Several years ago Bill and
Gloria Gather wrote a song. Some of the words include the thoughts,
“I am loved,
I am loved,
I can risking loving you.
The One who knows me most,
Loves me best.”
Paul would sing along in
agreement with that song. The apostle understood that as Christians meditate
upon the love of Christ, there is a natural desire to want to be loving towards
others. By experiencing His love, there is constraining power "to silence
all disputing and to promote the true spirit of concord between believers"
(Geoffrey B. Wilson).
The third motivational
principle which will foster harmony in the local assembly is for believers to
recognize the fellowship of the Spirit. These words teach several things. The Holy Spirit
has made believers part of the body of Christ. There is a fundamental unity
that makes up the body. The purpose of having diversity within the body is for
more functions to take place (Eph. 4:11-12). It is inconsistent to indulge in a
spirit of self- assertion that generates division within the church.
Fourth, the apostle appeals
directly to the feelings and affects which the Holy Spirit produces. Because the Christian has
new bowels, a reference to the seat of emotions, and a new heart, there should
be tenderness towards one another.
The final motivational
principle Paul uses to exhort the believers at Philippi to be united is very
personal as he asks them to, "make
full my joy." It is interesting that Paul should use such a personal approach. The
reason why it would be effective is because the people at Philippi knew that he
had their best interest at heart.
3 Let nothing
be done through strife or vainglory
[pride]; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
2:3 Strife. Having set forth the five
motivational principles for establishing church unity, the apostle Paul sets
forth some very practical steps for the saints to take.
First, nothing is to be done
through strife (Phil. 2:3). The word "strife" has the idea of
facetious. Apparently there were factions in the church at Philippi. The
potential for factions occurs in every church due to the diversity of gifts and
interest. As long as everyone has the best interest of others in mind it will
all work out.
2:3 Vainglory. Second, nothing is to
be done through an inner spirit of vainglory or pride. The word for vainglory
is a word made of two words. One word means "empty,"
or "vain," used in the
sense of, "to no purpose,
futile," and the other word meaning "opinion." The total meaning is empty pride. In context,
some at Philippi believed they were "perfect." There is a great danger when someone or a
group of people within the local church begins to claim to have already
attained some form of spiritual perfection or to have received unusual spiritual
knowledge this becomes the basis for ministry. Sometimes this "vainglory"
comes when people feel God has visited them in a dream, with unknown tongues,
through the pursuit of deep theological thoughts.
This vainglory takes many
forms. A Christian author wrote, “It is a strange phenomenon in religious
history that intense earnestness so frequently breeds a spirit mingled of
censorousness and conceit.”
2:3 lowliness of mind. There is no
kind way to deal with spiritual arrogance. A radical cure which reaches to the
very root of the disease is needed. Paul provides the remedy. Believers must
cultivate the loveliness of mind that counts in humility others better than
themselves (Phil. 2:3).
With these words the apostle
Paul challenges the religious or Greek moralists of his day. They despised the
concept of humility because they regarded it as a form of servile subjection.
They did not think the humble person was truly free.
Jesus dispelled the concept
of human autonomy by living in submission to the will of the Father (Phil.
2:5-8) by subjecting Himself to the will of God, which included hunger and
thirst, ridicule and rejection, beatings and crucifixion. Jesus became the
servant of all. His life provides the pattern for authentic service (Mark
10:45; Luke 22:37). The divine command comes, "Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus."
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every
man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus:
2:4-5 It will not be hard to esteem others
better than oneself if the doctrine of total depravity is believed. To see
ourselves in the light of the gospel record is to cry out, "O
wretched man that I am." Redeeming grace exposes the sinfulness of
sin. The gospel presents the carnal mind as the cesspool of sin. David
wrote, “Behold,
I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.” The best of
men are but men at best and so are subject to public and private acts of
unspeakable sins against God in words, thoughts, and deeds. As we are gentle
with ourselves, let us esteem others better.
There is a practical
consideration concerning this matter that will stop an unreasonable
interpretation of this passage. Dr. William Hendricks proposes the question. “How can a man who knows that he is
industrious regard the longing fellow-member as being better than himself?”
Within the fellowship of any
church the few always seem to do the work of the many. Some labor to the point
of exhaustion in spiritual labors while others are not to be seen or heard from
till all is done. Jesus knew that this would happen and commanded His small
group of disciples to pray, the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth
laborers into His harvest.
While prayer is being
offered the believer must be careful to scrutinize his own motives (1 Cor.
11:29,31) and be careful not to ascribe to others evil motives. The apostle
Paul is an example in this matter. In the work of the ministry he labored to
the point of exhaustion. Yet, Paul calls himself, the least of the apostles (1
Cor. 15:9), the very least of all
saints (Eph. 3:8) and the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).
Paul was not feigning
humility. He had learned to view himself as a great sinner before God and
therefore the object of great grace. When Paul labored, he took his eyes off of
others and put them upon Christ. A third practical step to be taken in the
quest for church unity is to become a helper (Phil. 2:4).
Look not every man on his
own things, but every man also on the things of others. Here then are three
practical steps for church unity. God people are to do nothing through a spirit
of strife but are to work for the common good. God's people are to do nothing
through an inner spirit of empty pride but rather esteem others better than
self. God's people are to be a servant to all and seek a way to help others.
Is Jesus God?
In his book Evidence That Demands A Verdict, Josh McDowell argues that
Jesus Christ was either a liar, a lunatic or Lord. There is no doubt that Jesus
made direct claims to being divine.
v
The claims of deity were made at His trial as per Mark 14:61-64 and Matthew
26:64
v
The claims of deity were made by Christ during His ministry: John
10:30-33; John 5:17-18; John 8:58; (cf.
Ex. 3:14; Deut. 32:29); John 5:23-24; John 8:19; John 14:1; John 14:9
v
Because Jesus believed He was Divine He accepted worship reflected in
Matthew 8:2; John 9:35-49; John 20:27-29.
v
Others said Jesus was God including:
Paul Phil. 2:9-11
John The Baptist Luke 3:22
Peter Matt. 16:15-17
Stephen Acts 7:59
These verses shed light on
Philippians 2:6 which is difficult for some to understand because of the word "form."
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon
him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
2: 6-7 Why did Paul use the word "form"?
Is Jesus not really very God of very God? The answer is that Jesus is God and
what Paul refers t here is that before Jesus became man He had the form of God.
He was God in His essence: eternity, holiness, and omnipresent, omnipotent,
omniscience. Philippians 1:8 declares that the Lord took on the form of man so
there is a basis for comparison and contrast.
Prior to his incarnation
Jesus had the form of God. During the days of His ministry Jesus took on the
form of a man. As He was truly God, so He was truly man. As God, Jesus made Himself of no reputation
(1:7). He veiled His glory and took upon Himself the form of a servant and was
made in the likeness of men. As man,
Jesus did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.
A more accurate translation
brings out the meaning of the passage: “Who, being in the form of God,
completely manifesting His divine nature, did not consider the display of His
attributes demonstrating that He is equal with God, something to be held on to
as a prize.”
The veiling of glory can
perhaps be illustrated by what happened one night in 1973. President Richard
Nixon felt he was being held as a political prisoner in the Whitehouse because
of public opinion against him. Despite his landslide victory in 1972, the
Watergate affair had turned the country against the
President. He did not know what to do. He
began to drink more and more. He lost sleep. He roamed the rooms of the
Whitehouse mansion.
One night, without telling
anyone, President Nixon left the Whitehouse to go for a walk down Pennsylvania
Avenue. He left all of the trappings of the presidency such as the secret
service and the limousine and he began walking. The President walked to a shop,
sat down at the counter and ordered a cup of coffee. Then he left the shop and
walked
over to the Lincoln memorial where he engaged
some students in a conversation.
During this midnight journey
the President never stopped being president even though he had none of the
glory of his office nor exercised the regal power of that office. It was an
amazing moment in some ways. Here was the most powerful man on Earth laying
aside glory to take a stroll.
In a far grandeur way Christ
laid aside His glory, not to take a stroll, but to become obedient unto death,
even the
death of the Cross.
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
1:8 Attention is focused upon the Cross for
three reasons.
First, the Cross was a
cursed thing. The Law said, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth upon a
tree."
Second, the Cross-was
painful. Crucifixion is one of the most painful ways to ever put men to death
that has ever been devised.
Third, the Cross was
shameful. Prisoners were made a spectacle to the world.
The condemned were marched
through crowded streets bearing their own wood upon which they would be hung.
There was no death with dignity for that was stripped from them. Jesus suffered great humiliation in order to
have a name that is above every name. Because of the mindset of obedience, the
Lord endured the Cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and
given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more
in
my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
2:12 The word "wherefore"
gathers us all the doctrinal teaching that Paul has just communicated. Because
of the humble example of Christ, because of the reward that shall be given to
those who follow His example, because of the inner strength that is provided to
all who long to live for Christ, because of all these things, the believers at
Philippi were to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
2:12 My beloved. Paul refers to the
people at Philippi as "my beloved" which indicates his great
tenderness for the church. It is a rare and wonderful thing when people hold
their pastor in high esteem and when the pastor hold the people near his heart.
When Paul was at Philippi the people were able to bring their problems to him
and receive counsel.
What the apostle said they
did with the result being a wonderful measure of church harmony. But now Paul
has left and turmoil has come into the church. The sins of the saints were
subtle but altogether deadly.
·
There was spiritual pride.
·
There were expressions of self-interest.
·
There was self-complacency. Gone were the days of selfless service.
Gone were the moments of being
sensitive about not speaking words that wound. Gone was the unity of the
fellowship. "Bring it all back!" cried Paul. "How?" asked the Church. The
answer is forthcoming: “Obey the word of God and with fear and trembling
work out salvation.”
2:12 With fear and trembling. These
words remind professing Christians that salvation is a process (Luke 13:23-30;
Acts 2:41-47; Matt. 7:21-23). In the process of salvation the professing
believer is not passive or dormant. The Christian takes an active part. The Christian
experience is spoken of as a pursuit, a following after (Phil. 3:12; Rom.
14:19), a pressing on, a contest, a fight (1 Tim. 6:12), a race (1 Cor.
9:24). The Christian's life is that of a
continuous, sustained, strenuous effort.
Such a lifestyle is not easy. To fight
against the world, the flesh, and the devil, is to fight against incredible
odds and forces. There is only one way to victory and that is by obedience to
the known will of God with fear and trembling. What is the Christian to fear?
Not man, nor Satan, nor the future. We are to fear offending God (Heb. 12:28).
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do of his good pleasure.
2:13 The Bible declares that God works in the
elect "both to will and to do of His good pleasure." This
divine work began prior to the creation of the world. Before Jesus Christ spoke
and the world sprang into existence. God determined to work a work of grace.
Focusing on the salvation of
sinners the bible teaches that it is possible for the fallen sons of Adam to be
saved. In the act of salvation, there is a wonderful deliverance from sin. The
power of sin is broken. The pollution of sin is purified. The reign of sin as a
guiding principle is over.
·
Salvation means to be delivered from the wrath of God.
·
Salvation means to be rescued from hell.
·
Salvation means to be brought to Christ and enabled to lay hold on Him
by faith.
To be saved means that there
will be perseverance within the sphere of faith for only he who endures to the
end shall be saved. Such is the nature of salvation. But is this understanding
of salvation according to grace (Eph. 2:8-9)?
In order to understand the answer, it is
important to understand how the Bible uses the term grace.
The first observation is
that grace is the expression of God's good will towards man. When God shows
pity and love, when God demonstrates mercy and kindness towards man, He
expresses grace for neither the gifts of God or the goodness of God is
deserved. “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish disobedient,
deceived, serving divers lust and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God
and Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness, which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Tim. 3:3-5).
Second, the word grace
intimates that all of the expressions of God's mercy and long-suffering and
goodness are based upon His freedom.
Freely does God love us.
Freely does He show mercy.
Freely does He manifest His
kindness.
Freely is the sinner
justified by His grace (Rom. 3:24).
In the gospel parable Jesus
speaks of a good master who could not be paid by his servants so "he
frankly forgave them
both" (Luke 7:42). If man somehow deserved to
be redeemed then salvation is no more of grace but is of works (Rom. 11:6).
Here is the controversy for
many. They do not appreciate the grace of God. They want to merit salvation and
so not be obligated to bow down and say "thank you, Lord." But
for those of us who are saved, we are glad to be saved by grace.
As we study the scriptures
we discover that there is a distinguishing grace manifested by the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. Consider.
·
It is God the Father who by His grace has determined who shall go into
heaven. 2 Timothy 1:8-9 reveals that election is not the act of the Son but of
the Father (Eph. 1:4,5).
·
It is God the Father who, by His grace, ordained that the son should
undertake the great work of redemption (Eph. 1:7). The Father sent the Son to
be the Saviour of the world.
·
It is God the Father who, by His grace has determined that those who
are to be saved shall never perish (Jn. 6:38,39;
17:2,12; Luke 12:32).
As the Father saves us by
grace so does the Son. The greatness of the grace of Christ is revealed in how
rich He was
How rich was Christ? He was
as rich as the Father, "All things that the Father hath are mine."
Even the attributes of God are in Christ. He thought it not robbery to be
equal with God (Phil. 2:6). There is glory in Christ.
·
Jesus has the glory of earth's dominion (Matt. 28:19,20).
·
Jesus has the glory of heaven's dominion as the angels protected him.
·
Jesus has the glory of creation's dominion. He speaks and the wind
obeys His voice.
In matchless grace the Lord shares His glory
with those He saves. "He became poor, that we through His poverty might
be made rich."
How poor did Christ become?
So poor that He was able to say, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air
have nest but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
Out of earthly poverty there
is the opportunity to focus upon spiritual riches freely granted in grace. Paul
tells the church at Corinth, "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ."
·
Grace was in all His tears.
·
Grace came bubbling out of His bloody side.
·
Grace came forth with every word of His sweet mouth.
·
Grace allowed a whip to sting His back.
·
Grace permitted men to tear out His beard.
·
Grace put spikes through His hand and feet.
As salvation is by the grace
of the Father and of the Son, so salvation is by the grace of God the Holy
Spirit.
·
The grace of the Father is that He chooses us.
·
The grace of the Son is that He died for us.
·
The grace of the Holy Spirit is that He sustains us.
This saving grace of the
Holy Spirit is manifested in several ways.
·
The Holy Spirit makes our heart His home (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Eph.
2:21,23).
·
The Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding. He is called the Spirit
of revelation (Eph. 1:17).
·
The Holy Spirit causes us to repent (John 16:7-13).
·
The Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts (Rom. 15:13; Mark 16:6).
·
The Holy Spirit helps us to praise God (Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18; 1 Cor.
14:15).
·
The Holy Spirit seals us until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:14).
All these things are
necessary to salvation. How can they be manifested except by the grace work of
the Holy Spirit. It is the grace, not of One but of Three, which saves us.
The love of the Father without the blood of
the Son will not save (Heb. 9:22). The love of the Father and the blood of the
Son will not save without the holiness of the Spirit of God for without
holiness no one shall see God. To be saved by grace is to be saved by the work
of the Father, by the work of the Son, and by the work of the Holy Spirit.
14 Do all things without murmurings [complaining]
and disputings:
2:14
murmurings and disputings.
The word murmuring [Gk. goggusmos]
means "to grumble," "to complain." The word
disputing [dialogismos] means “to discuss internally in the mind for
the purpose of eternal debate.” The prohibition is to use the thoughts and
iniquities of the heart to win a debate that is unnecessary and unprofitable.
Paul's counsel was to do all
things without grumbling or complaining, and do what is requested without
debate. While the counsel is wise it is also very difficult to follow. We need
God's grace.
There
is a danger if we do not obey this gospel command of kingdom living.
·
There is mental danger. More than one person has gone mad by concentrating
on difficult situations. The human mind is not designed to dwell on distressing
circumstances. We become tense and angry.
·
There is relationship danger. Paul who are always whining, always
complaining, always imagining the worse are just no fun to be around.
·
There is spiritual danger. This danger is reflected perfectly in the
experience of the Exodus generation. this sad story is told in Exodus 16.
The background is this. In a
marvelous way God delivered the Hebrews from centuries of human bondage in
Egypt. And the way God delivered the people was miraculous. Sign after
supernatural sign was displayed to increase faith among the Israelites and fear
among the Egyptians.
In addition to the
performing of wonderful miracles, God also stirred up the hearts of the
Egyptians to give silver and gold tot he Hebrews on their way out of the land.
Israel was free at last, wealthy beyond belief, and in the desert on their way
to a Land of Promise. You would think the people would be delirious with gratitude
and hope. But they are not. The people are not happy with Moses, they are not
happy with their geographical location, and they are not happy with diet.
Forty-five days out
of
Egypt and the people are ready to return to bondage. Why? Because they started
to murmur.
Finally, their murmuring
expressed itself: Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land
of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots and when we did eat bread to the full,
for ye have brought us faith into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly
with hunger.
Observe what murmuring does
to the mind.
·
Murmuring distorts history. The Hebrews were not better off in slavery.
They had been beaten and starved, and killed and worked to death. The good old
days were not so good.
·
Murmuring distorts the rational. No thinking person would say in
seriousness that Moses and Aaron were mass murderers who plotted to bring the
people into the desert to die.
·
Murmuring is contagious. Like a communicable disease, murmuring spreads
to others so that they are caught up in the evil of the moment (16:2).
·
While murmuring finds it immediate target of opportunity is human
relationship (16:2), this sin is
ultimately against the Lord (16:8).
·
Murmuring does not stop with one issue. People who engage in this sin
simply leave one issue for another. The Exodus generation was like that. After God provided for their stomachs (Ex.
16:12) they complained about water (17:2). Instead of prayer, the people became
grumblers to the dishonor of God.
Is it any wonder that Paul
warms people not to murmur. Paul warned the people at Philippi, he also warned
the people in Corinth (1 Cor. 10:10).
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of
this destroyer.
People who murmur stop
listening to the voice of God. Psalm 106:25. “But murmured in their tents,
and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.”
People who murmur are in
mortal danger. It is a sign of a converted heart not to want to sin in this
area. Part of the gospel promise is that murmuring shall stop. Isaiah 29:24
says, “They also that erred in spirit shall come to understand, and they
that murmured shall learn doctrine.”
There are two practical steps to take to stop
the sin of murmuring.
·
Know that it is the will of God for His people not to be characterized
by this sin.
·
Remember the spiritual rewards for those who do not murmur. Such saints
will be blameless [without fault]; harmless [innocent]; the sons of God [truly
converted]; without rebuke [censure, admonish]; a testimony of redeeming grace
to a wicked generation; able to give to others the truth of God's word; a
source
of joy; a worthy investment of time taught teaching.
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless [sincere], the sons of God, without rebuke [blemish], in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may
rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in
vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and
service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice
with me.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus
shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state
[welfare].
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally
care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are
Jesus Christ's.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with
the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon
as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall
come shortly.
2:17-24 The setting for this section took
place in Rome where the apostle Paul was imprisoned. His life was in the
balance. There was a chance that he would be under condemnation for crimes
against the state. Paul preached
allegiance to Jesus Christ as King of kings
and Lord of lords
Paul preached that salvation
by grace through faith and not by keeping the Law of Moses. Therefore, he had
many enemies. Some were political, some were religious but all were united with
a common hatred. When Paul writes in 2:17, “Yes, and I be offered upon the
sacrifice and service of you faith,”
he is not overstating the case. He is not being
pessimistic. Paul is acknowledging a real possibility.
"I joy and rejoice with you all," he says (2:17) and he means
it. Paul is full of hope that the Lord will yet allow his release from prison
and return him to the field of gospel preaching (2:24).
As Paul waits the verdict of
execution or acquittal, the apostle realizes that the people of Philippi care
about him deeply. Therefore, he decides to send word as soon as a decision of
his status is reached. The messenger will be someone that is well known to the
people of Philippi. He is someone whom Paul loves like a son and who has proven
himself. The messengers name is Timothy. In
some ways, Timothy is one of the great-unsung heroes of the New Testament
church. Several things are known about him.
Young Timothy
·
Timothy is first introduced to us in Acts 16 as the son of a Jewish
mother and a Greek father. His name means "dear to God."
·
His mother was a strong believer and so was his grandmother, Lois (2
Tim. 1:5).
·
Timothy was part of the second generation of Christian with the
wonderful privileges of being brought up in the Lord from childhood.
·
4. At an early age Timothy knew the scripture which were able to make
him wise unto salvation.
·
In the providence of the Lord, the life of Timothy became bonded with
the life of Paul.
·
Paul decided that Timothy should travel with him in his missionary
journeys (Acts 16:3).
·
A cycle of behavior was established. Paul would preach the gospel,
souls would be saved, and Timothy would be left to instruct them only to rejoin
Paul later.
·
We find Timothy at Berea (Acts 17:12-14) teaching the converts then
joining the apostle in Corinth (Acts 17:15; 18:5).
·
We find Timothy being sent to
Macedonia (Acts 19:22) and rejoining Paul in Asia (Acts 20:1-4).
·
As he traveled and worked with Paul the life of Timothy was
characterized by several things. People recognized his good reputation (Acts 16:2), his zeal
(Phil. 2:19-22; 1 Tim. 6:12), his power (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6), and his
moments of being timid (1 Tim. 1:18).
·
Despite an area of weakness, Paul loved Timothy and worked well with
him which teaches that youth and maturity do not have to be in conflict with
each other.
·
When Paul looked for a trusted messenger to go to Philippi and to
return with news of their spiritual status, his choice was Timothy.
If we read a little between
the line, the choice of Timothy was something of a rebuke for other people that
surrounded Paul. Notice the sharp language of 2:20-21. There is no easy way to
say it, but Paul was disappointed in others that he had counted on. For
whatever reason, when the opportunity came to minister, Paul was left without
willing workers except Timothy, “For all seek their own, not the things
which are Jesus Christ.”
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your
messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of
heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh [close] unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that,
when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all
gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto
death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
2:25-30 In this passage Epaphroditus is
introduced. Several facts can be noted.
·
His name means "devoted to Aprodite [Venus]" which suggests a strong religious pagan
background.
·
In the providence of God, Epaphroditus became a Christian. Paul calls
him "my brother" as a term of endearment.
·
Epaphroditus proved himself to be worthy of honor for Paul says that he
is companion in labor. Going on a missionary journey in the ancient world was a
tremendous ordeal for a person was subject to diseases, robberies, hostile
crowds, and suspicion by government officials. Epaphroditus proved himself a
soldier of the cross, a faithful
messenger, and a willing personal servant.
·
Epaphroditus also had a tender heart (2:26). Life has a way of
hardening the heart but it does not have to happen. When Epaphroditus realized
that the people of Philippi knew he was sick, he became distressed for them. He
did not want the people to worry but worry they would because the sickness of
the man was severe. "He was
sick, nigh unto death,” Paul writes. "But God had mercy upon
him."
The sickness of Epaphroditus
brings up the whole issue of the place of pain and suffering in the plan of
God. The first question that usually comes to mind when sickness is severe is,
"Why?" "Why did God allow this to happen?"
Consider Epaphroditus. Here
is a man who obviously wants to help others. He risks not only his fortune but
also his very life for the sake of the gospel. And what is his reward? He
almost dies. “Why?”
As a companion in labor Epaphroditus
has passed the test of faithfulness. As a fellow soldier Epaphroditus has
passed the bravery test. As a messenger he has passed the truthfulness test. As
a minister to Paul's need Epaphroditus has passed the humility test. But in the
spiritual realm it is still not enough. God wants to know more about this
faithful servant. What will happen when the ultimate test comes.
Facing death is the ultimate
test to faith. Times of severe sickness provides opportunity to grow in the
graces of life, to establish priorities, to meditate and pray and to manifest
the mercy of God. In this instance God did have mercy upon Epaphroditus and he
recovered. In other instances the Lord provides dying grace.
As he sent Epaphroditus back
to the church, the apostle instructed the assembly to do two things (2:2). They
were to receive Epaphroditus with all gladness and they were to hold him in
reputation. This exhortation seems a
little unusual at first until it is realized what Paul is saying (2:30).
Because Epaphroditus risked his very life, he is worthy of special reception
and special honor.