T he only good news that we ought to know and remember is that Jesus Christ had already won the war against sin and death. He has made it possible for us to join Him in the afterlife. All we need now to do is accept Him as He is. God is alive today and it may be sometimes be difficult to see this. The world and its demonic nature has still made it look like that only worldly things matter and that the ultimate goal of each one is to achieve their own personal happiness. This is the biggest lie of all, that we should do all to make us happy. Individual happiness at the expense of someone else is the biggest deception of all. The truth is, our lives are never really about us. It is ultimately about God and about others. It is about how you can provide and give joy even at our own expense. This is the model of ultimate and genuine love that Jesus shown us at the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s frie...
Paul's Epistle to the Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, a city in ancient Macedonia. It's one of the "prison epistles," meaning Paul wrote it while incarcerated, likely in Rome, around 60-62 AD. Philippi was the first city in Europe where Paul preached the Gospel, establishing a church there during his second missionary journey (Acts 16). The church at Philippi was particularly special to Paul; they were consistent in their support of his ministry, both financially and through prayer. This letter is deeply personal and reflects Paul's profound affection for the Philippian believers.
The central theme of Philippians is joy in the midst of suffering, emphasizing unity, humility, and the pursuit of Christlikeness. Paul encourages the Philippians to live out their faith with perseverance, reminding them that their citizenship is in heaven.
Here's a breakdown of the book's key themes and notable verses:
Chapter 1: Paul's Thanksgiving and the Advance of the Gospel Paul begins by expressing his gratitude and affection for the Philippians, thanking them for their partnership in the Gospel. He assures them that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel, as his chains have become known throughout the imperial guard. He expresses his internal struggle between wanting to depart and be with Christ and remaining to serve the Philippians.
Notable Quote: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)
Historical Fact: Paul's imprisonment, far from hindering the Gospel, actually provided opportunities to share Christ with Roman guards and officials, showcasing God's ability to use even adverse circumstances for His glory.
Chapter 2: Humility, Unity, and Christ's Example This chapter contains the profound "Christ Hymn," where Paul presents Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice. He urges the Philippians to have the same mindset as Christ, putting the interests of others above their own. He encourages them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is at work in them.
Notable Quote: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:3-7)
Historical Fact: The "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11) is one of the most significant theological passages in the New Testament, laying out the incarnation, crucifixion, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. It was likely an early Christian hymn, demonstrating established theological understanding within the early church.
Chapter 3: Warning Against False Teachers and the Goal of Christlikeness Paul warns the Philippians against false teachers, specifically those who promoted legalism and circumcision as necessary for salvation (often referred to as Judaizers). He contrasts his former confidence in his Jewish heritage and accomplishments with his present conviction that all these things are rubbish compared to knowing Christ. He expresses his intense desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, pressing on toward the goal of eternal life.
Notable Quote: "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8)
Historical Fact: The early church faced significant challenges from Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision. Paul consistently fought against this legalism, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith alone.
Chapter 4: Exhortations to Joy, Peace, and Contentment Paul concludes with practical exhortations to rejoice in the Lord always, to let their reasonableness be known to everyone, and to pray with thanksgiving. He assures them of God's peace that surpasses all understanding. He encourages them to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. He also expresses his contentment in all circumstances, attributing his strength to Christ.
Notable Quote: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
Notable Quote: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Historical Fact: The Philippian church was known for its generosity. Paul specifically thanks them for their financial support, which allowed him to continue his missionary work (Philippians 4:10-19). This highlights the importance of partnership in ministry within the early church.