Philippians (written)

Saturday, 31 December 2016

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

These words here continue to explain Paul’s plea of verse 2. He has asked them to be “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” In order to fulfill this request, he now adds in, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests.” The word is an exhortation to not be self-consumed, to be a braggart, to be selfish, or to be conceited. The verb translated as “look out” here is described by Thayer’s Greek Lexicon as –

“When the physical sense recedes, equivalent to to fix one’s (mind’s) eye on, direct one’s attention to, a thing in order to get it, or owing to interest in it, or a duty toward it. Hence, often equivalent to aim at, care for, etc.”

In other words, don’t direct your attention to yourself as if you are the center of the universe. Instead, we are to also look out “for the interests of others.” The verb is used just once in the Greek, but it is implied in both clauses none-the-less. We are to carefully look out and direct our attention to the needs of others, aiming for them and then tending to them. Further, the Pulpit Commentary notes that, “The participles esteeming and looking are used with the force of imperatives.” This means these are things we are to actively do, taking Paul’s words as obligations.

However, there is a note to consider here. The word “also” is specifically stated by Paul to show that care of oneself is something we are to actually tend to. We are not to neglect ourselves, and the idea of complete self-denial is not taught in Scripture. Asceticism which is taught by some is wholly unbiblical.

Life application: Paul’s words of this verse, as noted above, are imperatives. We are not to neglect careful attention of others. Instead, we are to actively look out for others and place their needs and interests on a high priority. At the same time, we are not to neglect the care of ourselves, loving our bodies and spirits and thus feeding them properly.

Heavenly Father, help us to fulfill Your word which asks us to not only look out for our own interests, but to place a high priority on looking out for the needs of others, caring for them and helping them as is good and beneficial. It is so easy to get self-consumed and to forget that others have needs as well. But in our zeal to tend to others, give us wisdom to also care for ourselves, especially in spiritual matters. Help us never to neglect feeding ourselves on Your superior word! Amen.

Thursday, 29 December 2016

…fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Philippians 2:2

In verse 1, Paul gave four statements which were a preparation for a heartfelt petition. Now, he makes that petition in four exhortations. In doing this, he notes that they will “fulfill my joy.” Paul’s joy as an apostle, and one who is responsible for their growth and maturity in Christ, was to be found in the things he now asks of them. The same should be true with teachers and preachers of the word today. The evidence of these things in a congregation should be the rejoicing of the heart of one whose allegiance is to Christ, and whose hope is for a strong fellowship of people who are united in the ways he will now state.

First, he says that they are to be “like minded.” The Greek states, “that you think the same thing.” His heart for them is that they would have one mind, one intent, no splits or divisions, and to not be striving against one another. To be like minded would indicate harmony and good will. In the end, a congregation like this would desire that people would be saved, that others would be built up, and that Christ would be magnified.

Next he says, “…having the same love.” This would be both a vertical and horizontal petition. They should have the same love towards Christ, and they should have the same love towards one another. They may not be in complete agreement on all things, but they were to be in agreement in such love.

After this, he mentions that they should be, “…of one accord.” The word he uses, sumpsuchos, is found only here in the Bible. It is derived from two words which indicate “with” and “soul.” In other words, they are to be “of one soul.” Because they are in Christ, their souls should be united to one another just as they are united to Him. If this is so, then their allegiances and hopes for the fellowship would also be united.

Finally, he says they should be “of one mind.” They should be thinking the same thoughts, and agreed on what those thoughts are to be directed to.

Life application: Paul’s desire for those at Philippi should be the hope for all congregations who are properly directed towards the Lord, and who hold to proper and reasonable doctrine. Though differences on minor points of doctrine may exist, there should at least be fellowship between the people to the point that they can overlook those differences. Only if extremely bad doctrine, or even heresy, is involved should a schism be allowed to arise.

Lord God, it is immensely difficult to be at fellowship with other Christians when there is so much disagreement on doctrine. But it isn’t because we have an unsure word. It is because we are unsure of Your word. And that comes from an unwillingness to spend an acceptable amount of time in this precious gift. If people would put aside their petty arguments and study to show themselves approved, there would be a lot less contention in the church. Help us in this. Grant us a desire to really dig into it and apply it to our lives. And won’t it be a marvelous day when we are in Your presence and have the final and full fellowship which will never sour! May that day be soon. Amen.

Wednesday, 28 December 2016

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, Philippians 2:1

This verse is necessarily tied to the upcoming verse. He makes four statements preparing us for a heartfelt petition. He begins with “Therefore” in order to show that his thoughts now are dependent on the words of the previous chapter, especially verses 27-29. Based on those things (therefore), he first says, “If there is any consolation in Christ.” The word is paráklēsis, and it indicates “a call (urging), done by someone ‘close beside,’ i.e. a personal exhortation that delivers the ‘evidence that stands up in God’s court’” (HELPS Word Studies). One can almost feel Paul’s intent. There is the Spirit of Christ, right there beside us, exhorting us and encouraging us.

Next, he says, “…if any comfort of love.” This is the comfort of love which is found in Christ. We are to understand the significance of His cross, and we are to feel surrounded by the love which it imparts to us. This in turn is then passed on between believers in Christ who, hopefully, will have the same love towards one another because of Christ’s love which sets the example.

After that comes, “…if any fellowship of the Spirit.” This is speaking of the intimate bond between the Spirit and us. It is the comfort we have knowing of His presence. It is the rejoicing in Him for Christ’s deeds on our behalf, and the anticipation of eternal intimacy because of what He has done. It is the reconnection to God which was lost at the fall, and which says that we are once again sons of God through adoption. These things, and so much more, are realized through the work of Christ, and the Spirit testifies to them.

And he then states, “…if any affection and mercy.” These are traits that are to be found among believers. Christ showed these to us, and we are to turn and have them in us now as well.

Each of these clauses is given in order for Paul to next make his heartfelt petition to them. In like manner, we are to use this same thought process as we encounter similar circumstances in our own Christian lives.

Life application: Paul asked “if” in each of these cases, implying that it is the way it should be with us. We are not to be devoid of the things he has asked about, but rather we are to have them as a part of who we are in Christ.

Lord God, You are more than glorious! It is beyond imagination that You stepped out of Your infinite realm and united with flesh in order to redeem us. And it was in the most remarkable way of all. Instead of forcing Your will upon us, You came to serve and offer first. Help us to share this marvelous message that You love us enough to come in such a humble and caring way. Thank You, Lord God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 27 December 2016

…having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. Philippians 1:30

The likely construction of Paul’s words is that this completes the thought of verse 27, and thus verses 28 and 29 are parenthetical. If we leave out 28 and 29, it would read –

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, … ³⁰ having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”

In his words “having the same conflict which you saw in me,” he refers to a conflict which they were aware of, and one which they had personally seen. This then is what is recorded in Acts 16, having occurred at Philippi. After noting this, he continues with “and now hear is in me.” He is showing them that, once again, he is having a conflict. This is the reason for their need to “stand fast” and to continue “striving together.” The ordeals were sure to come, and they were likely to be continuous. This is what they could expect because of their faith in Christ.

The word he uses which is translated as “conflict” is introduced here. It is used by Paul five times, and once in Hebrews. It is the Greek word agon, and it is the source of our word “agony” or to “agonize.” It indicates an arduous conflict and comes from the idea of the athletic contests of ancient Greece. These were so grueling that even the toughest of the competitors were known to weaken and crumble.

Paul’s choice of wording here shows the true nature of what it can mean to be a Christian. He didn’t simply snap his fingers and claim his way out of his trials. Instead, he suffered these agonizing ordeals for the sake of Christ and His gospel message. He notes that those in Philippi were having the same type of conflict as well.

Life application: If we are in dire straits and are facing crushing troubles because we are Christians, we can actually find encouragement from knowing that we were not the first. Further, we can know that we will be saved through them. This is the great value of reading and remembering the words of Scripture. Let us endeavor to keep such things in mind just in case we too face such immense trials. Let us stand fast and strive together with others in our pursuit of Christ.

Lord God, when we face big trials, it is such a comfort to go to Your word and see that our situation is not unique. Your faithful servant David suffered greatly, but You got him through it. Jeremiah was treated shamefully by his own people, but You were there with him. Paul went through countless physical tortures, but he persevered because he knew You were there, saving him each time. Your word shows us that we are not alone in this great struggle of faith, and that You will get us through it, just as You did for them. Thank You for this reassurance. Amen.