Philippians is a four-chapter letter written by Paul while he was in prison for preaching about Jesus Christ. Paul, also known as Saul, was born in Tarsus, from the tribe of Benjamin, and belonged to the Pharisees, a major group within Judaism at the time. That is until he quit persecuting Christians and joined them instead.
The Book of Philippians was written around 63 AD while Paul was in prison. He and Timothy wrote these letters to the Church in Philippi. Paul begins by sharing his heart for his fellow believers in Christ–people that he always remembers in his prayers and that filled him with joy. Though he is imprisoned due to preaching Christ, he knows that even that is serving to advance the spread of the gospel, even his chains encourage the brothers to speak the word more courageously and fearlessly.
The Work and Heart of a Believer
Despite knowing his time to be martyred would soon come (as he hints in Phil 2:17), Paul determines that he must continue in the body and work for the benefit of all believers while he can. And, together or apart, he asks them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
…Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel…
Philippians 1:27
Likewise, whether together or apart, Paul asks them to continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. This holds true for us today as well. Heaven is not attained in a day, but rather it requires our effort to ‘work it out.’ (Read more about this in Going to Heaven Might Not Be As Easy As You Think) In doing so, and doing every work of God without complaining or arguing, what is it we may become?
So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…
Philippians 2:15-16
In addition, believers should have an attitude of humility, obedience, love, being united in spirit and purpose, and look to the interests of others. In this way, all the running and laboring Paul had done would not be for nothing.
The Goals of a Believer
Next, Paul tells the believers to rejoice in the Lord, and not have confidence in the flesh, using himself as an example. Paul was a ‘Hebrew of Hebrews’ who has many reasons to be confident in the flesh. A full resume of achievements. However, he considers it all a loss, rubbish, compared to knowing Jesus. He encourages the believers to keep pressing toward the goal of resurrection and being made perfect, as he also has not yet taken hold of them. But he forgets what is behind him and runs forward to attain the prize.
The letter ends with personal remarks as well as a final encouragement:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
In short, keep your mind on the things of God. Not on our resume of accomplishments, but on God, His Word, and His work. To do this, we first have to know God and His word in the Bible. For some of our readers, this probably seems like an impossibly tall wall to climb. I’m sure it did to the believers Paul was writing to as well–that’s why they were told to “work out” their salvation and “press on” toward the goal.
However,
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
So take heart and know that God wants nothing more for you to achieve that goal through his strength. And if it’s His will, He will be with us every step of the way.
Written by Samantha
Read More
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