Philippians (written)

Friday, 20 January 2017

But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. Philippians 2:24

Paul had just previously indicated that it was his hope to send Timothy to him immediately, and at a time when he had determined his own fate. Now he continues with this thought with the word “But…” It is less of a contrast than it is a complement to what he just said. For this reason, it is often translated as “And” instead of “But.”

His next words, “I trust,” show that he has expectations which he feels confident will come about. In chapter 1, he indicated his surety that he would be released in accord with the Lord’s will for him. This is repeated now with a confidence that is “in the Lord.” The tenor of his words shows that his state of confidence – not just in this matter, but in his every thought – was in complete harmony with his faith in the Lord. As surrounded by the air he needed to breathe, so he was surrounded in his surety of the Lord’s presence around him and guiding him.

Finally, his trust in the Lord was a confidence “that I myself shall also come shortly.” His decision to send Timothy was to be carried out as soon as word concerning him was given. It would be as if a runner was sent with news from the battle lines ahead of the returning army. After that, and as quickly as his affairs could be set in order, he intended to follow after Timothy to join the brothers at Philippi.

It could also be that Timothy would be told to visit other churches, quickly carrying the message of Paul’s release from one to another. In time, he would make a slower and longer visit to each of the churches. Thus, Timothy’s visit would be one of exciting news and comfort; Paul’s visit would be of fellowship and more comfort. His words in these verses are rather similar to those found in 1 Corinthians 4 –

“For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. … But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills…” 1 Corinthians 4:17 & 19

Paul was consistent in his mind, thoughts, and attitude concerning the major outline of his life. Because of this, the lesser details would eventually find their proper place. Of this, he was sure.

Life application: We should be careful in our personal words to not ascribe things to the Lord of which we are unsure. It is very common to hear people say, “The Lord spoke to me,” or “I got a word from the Lord.” However, if we follow up with their claim, way too often, the “word” they claimed never came to pass. This is a bad place to be when we stand before Him. We can show a hope and a confidence in something without making false claims.

Lord God, it is more than wonderful to know that because of the work of Christ, we have an intimate fellowship with You once again. Help us to be confident in this relationship even when times are difficult and uncertain. Our hope is in You and in Your promises. Why should we be downcast or miserable when we have the outline of the glory which lies ahead? Instead, let us be trusting that the temporary trials are simply bumps on the sure road to glory. Amen.

Thursday, 19 January 2017

Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. Philippians 2:23

“Therefore” is given based on the words of verses 19-22. First, it is connected to Paul’s desire to know the state of those in Philippi. Secondly, it concerns the notable character of Timothy who was being sent for that very task. Because of his proven character, and because of his faithful service in the gospel, Paul hoped to send him without any delay with the exception of waiting to see “how it goes with me.”

He was awaiting notice of his state as a prisoner. Would he be released? Would he be confined longer? Would he face the executioner? These things needed to be determined, and once that word was known, then Timothy would be dispatched as a follow-up to this letter.

As we can see, the letter of Paul was to be sent immediately. To him, the matter of doctrine and harmony within the congregation was of paramount importance. Such should always be the case. We should count our own state as of less importance than that of others who are facing doctrinal error or conflict in Christ.

Life application: Let us continually magnify the Lord and His word in all we say and do. We should never withhold that which will build up others for our own personal reasons. In all things, let us let God be magnified first and foremost.

Lord God, we sure are in need of living properly from day to day. What You expect of us is right there in Your word. It is such a simple thing to pick it up and read it, or to have it on a CD and listen. And yet, we are unsure of even the most simple matters of doctrine because we have been unwilling to spend the most minimal amount of time in this regard. Forgive us of our faulty priorities, and help us to redirect our minds and our use of time to You… to You first and foremost, and always. Amen.

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:21

The term used in this verse is literally “the all.” It is a way of saying “all of them.” This is speaking of those around him in connection to the previous verses. He was going to send Timothy to Philippi because he found he had “no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.” None of the others could be relied on in this way.

The reason is then given, “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” They were more concerned about their own state, security, and comfort than they were about getting the message of Christ out. It is a sad indictment on the attitude of those around him. However, this must exclude those mentioned in verses 1:14 & 1:17. They had become confident and were emboldened to speak without fear.

Therefore, this cannot be an all-encompassing statement, but one to be taken generally. Further, what Timothy was asked to do was something that a person without specific obligations could do. Others who may have been just as reliable would simply not be able. The words do not indicate this, but they must be read into it based on his previous comments. Those who were able were those who sought their own, not those things which were of Christ Jesus.

Life application: If you are able, are you willing? There are things that must be done in order for the carrying on of the message of Christ – in the church and beyond. In some cases, it is not reasonable to ask someone with obligations to carry on a specific task. However, they are probably able to help pay for the task. A church without people to give cannot continue. Let each of us consider how we will help with the needs of our churches, missionaries, etc.

Lord God, thank You for stirring up the hearts of the people to meet every need according to Your wisdom. There is a need for someone to go over land and sea to spread the word, and there is someone to fill the need. We need pastors, and they come along. Churches need to be sustained, and You spur the hearts of the people on to giving. In the end, if there is a need, it always gets filled according to Your wisdom. There is even an internet now where people can be fed from afar. It is wonderful to see how everything fits into place according to Your wisdom! Praises to You, our need-Filler. Amen.

Monday, 16 January 2017

For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. Philippians 2:20

The word translated as “For” is referring back to the previous verse and its content –

“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.”

Timothy was with Paul and he was a treasured fellow Christian because he could fully rely on him. Paul sincerely cared for the Philippians and how they were faring, and he knew that Timothy felt the same. His words, “I have no one like-minded,” demonstrate a trust in him that went beyond mere friendship. The word translated as “like-minded” is isopsuchos. This is its only use in the Bible, and it means literally  “of equal soul.” Timothy would have care and concern for those in Philippi in the same Spirit-produced manner as Paul would have.

He then confirms this by saying that Timothy would “sincerely care for your state.” The word translated as “sincerely” is an adverb only found here in the Bible, gnésiós. It signifies “genuinely” or “truly.” There would be nothing false in his dealings. His intent was not profit or fame, but the care of others. The word has a kindred adjective which is found a few times in Scripture, once where Paul calls Timothy his “true son” in the faith.

It was understood that he could be fully trusted because of this like-minded heart and attitude. He was one that realized the importance of the concept found in Hebrews 13:17 –

“…for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”

Life application: There are many who act rightly, but for the wrong reasons. It is a joy when one can rely on another, knowing full well that they are not only determined to do right, but to do so for the right reasons. Such a person can be fully trusted in all matters. Let each of us endeavor to have our heart aligned with our actions, working together in sincerity and understanding that we are accountable to Christ Jesus for all we do.

Lord God, how often it is that we do the right thing, but we do it for the wrong reasons. Help  us to not serve with our actions only, but with our hearts and with a right attitude. In so doing, others will see that we are fully trustworthy, not only when the eye is upon us, but when we are left to handle things on our own. In the end, Your eye is always upon us, and it is to You that we should always endeavor to be pleasing. To Your glory! Amen.