And this is my prayer … you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1:9-11)
What were Paul’s circumstances when he wrote the letter to the Philippians?
1. His plans to church plant in Spain had been interrupted (Romans 15)
2. Believers had betrayed him (1:17)
3. Government had unjustly imprisoned him (Acts 21-28)
4. He did not know if he would live or die (1:20)
5. A fellow worker had almost died (2:27)
6. He had few workers he could trust (2:21)
7. One of his more mature church plants, the Philippians, had fallen into disunity (4:2)
8. The culture, including believers, was embracing slave labour. (Philemon)
One might be tempted to give up in circumstances like these. However, as we read the letter to the Philippians, we find no evidence of bitterness, disillusionment, anger, apathy or confusion in Paul’s heart.
Instead, we see a man with a heart full of faith, surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus, who is building relationships, relating to others in the opposite spirit, concerned for others and actively doing the will of God.
In midst of these circumstances, Paul has the confidence to say to those he disciples: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.” (Phil 4:8-9)
Even at the best of times most of us would hesitate to confidently say such a thing to those we lead! So what gave Paul that confidence? Let’s consider four key principles which Paul lives by…
Key #1: Paul lived aware that he is united with Jesus and that he shares in the fellowship that Jesus has with the Father and the Spirit.
This awareness strengthened his faith and gave him courage:
“…Since I am united with Christ, I receive encouragement, comfort, fellowship, love, tenderness and compassion…” (From Phil 2:1-3)
“….Since, then, I have been raised with Christ, I set my heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. I set my mind on ..this reality…”
(from Col 3:1-2)
“…Once I was alienated from God…but now I dwell freely in his presence, I am welcomed as one who is holy, without blemish and free from accusation, because of my ongoing faith in Jesus.”
(from Col 1:21-23)
Paul knows he did not earn the right to be with God. This fellowship is his simply by his ongoing response of faith to Jesus.
“I consider any [of my natural qualifications] rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.”(from Phil 3:8-9)
“…I joyfully give thanks to the Father, who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of the Son he loves…”(from Col 1:11-14)
Paul lives his life from this perspective. Paul knows that wherever he may be, even in a Roman prison, he is united with Christ, included in His fellowship with the Father and the Spirit. And he enjoys this fellowship simply as result of his ongoing faith.
Application Questions:
1. Moment by moment, how much are you freely experiencing God’s empowering presence?
2. What would deepen your experience?
Key # 2: Paul gives and receives strength in human relationships.
Notice how Paul has linked his heart with others…
…You partner in the Gospel with me (Phil 1:5)
…I hold you in my heart (Phil 1:7)
…You share in this grace (Phil 1:7)
…I have deep affection for you (Phil 1:8)
…to me, Timothy…is as a son with his father (Phil 2:22)
…Euodia and Syntyche …Clement .. my fellow workers (Phil 4:2-3)
…I ask you loyal yokefellow, help these women (Phil 4:3)
And even in such trying circumstances he builds new friendships:
The saints who are with me, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household, send you greetings.(Phil 4:21-22)
Paul makes his needs known and receives encouragement from the prayers of friends :
“With the help of your prayers and the Spirit of Jesus, Chri
st will be honoured through me
and my life will be fruitful.” (Phil 1:19 -22)
Application Questions:
1. What friendships do you find strength in?
2. Who are you encouraging through friendship?
3. Think about three friendships… with whom you are intentionally building relationship. For each one, consider what would strengthen your friendship.
Key #3: Paul guards his heart and mind.
He says, even though I am in difficult circumstances…“I am experiencing joy from my fellowship with God…I am resisting being anxious about anything, but with a grateful heart, I am talking to God about everything. And His peace, which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and mind.”(from Phil 4:4-7)
“I choose to set my heart on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - I think about these things.” (from Phil 4:8)
Paul acknowledges the reality of circumstances - both the good things and the bad. He does not walk in denial. However, he prayerfully processes his thoughts and emotions. He allows the Holy Spirit to give him perspective. For example, Paul wanted to go Spain. He wrote that in his newsletter (Rom 15). Things did not work out as he expected, but this was Paul’s conclusion: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Phil 1:12)
Also, Paul had sacrificed much for the Gentiles to come to know Jesus, yet some of them were intentionally trying to hurt him. Paul reports the reality of this to the Philippians:
Some here in Rome, are against me. They preach Christ out of envy, rivalry; selfish ambition, not sincerely… (from (Phil 1:15 -18)
But notice Paul’s response:
“…But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (from Phil 1:15 – 18)
Application Questions:
1. What is threatening to poison your life? Fear? Insecurity? Pride? Anger? Disillusionment? Greed? Identify it, then resist the enemy. Talk to God about it.
2. Do not deny the reality of your difficult situation but in the midst of it choose to let your mind and actions be influenced by whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – anything that is excellent or praiseworthy.
Key # 4
Paul lives purposefully.
He is intentional. He is not easily distracted. He is not passive. Note his mindset:
- Christ will be honoured through me. (1:20)
- My life will be fruitful (1:22)
And his determination:
- one thing I do:
- forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
- I press on toward the goal to win the prize
- for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (3:13-14)
While in prison, Paul demonstrates God’s character. He prays for Christian friends and churches. He gains further revelation from God and communicates that through letters.
He addresses the social issue of slavery. (Philemon and Onesimus). He continues to share Jesus to those around him. Every circumstance is turned into an opportunity to fulfill the call on his life.
Application Questions:
1. How is your life and your team/community bearing fruit?
2. How could you and your team be more intentional or purposeful in bearing fruit?
And this is my prayer … you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1:9-11)
