Where Are You? Philippians 1

Recently, I had the opportunity to address a group of believers about their appetite concerning Christ. And, of course, as you study God’s word (whether to present it to others or for your personal growth), He is faithful to refine you. And now, I am sharing the impact this study had on me. Regardless of where you are in your journey with the Lord Jesus Christ, there is always an opportunity to grow. So, let me ask you: who is your God, and where are you on your walk of sanctification?

The Epistle of Philippians is book-ended by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:1-2 and 4:23). Within the letter (specifically chapter 2), Paul addressed who exactly the Lord is, what He has done for us, and the result. The entire letter focuses on encouraging believers to press on despite circumstances while acknowledging the very reality of suffering.

No matter what happens in this life, the Lord will complete His will in (and through) a child of God. Your attitude will determine your experience as you trod this earthly adventure.

This will be a series of 4 posts (1 for each chapter).

Chapter 1 Study Notes Outline

Please prayerfully read Philippians 1 and then consider the following segmentation:

• Grace and Peace from Paul and Timothy (verses 1-2)
• Paul’s Affection for the Philippians (verses 3-11)
• In all things Christ – In Life for Him, in Death with Him (verses 12-26)
• The Christian Life is to be Suitable of the Gospel in all Circumstances (verses 27-30)

Ok, let’s get into the details. Did you read the Scripture for yourself? I hope so. Be sure to make your observations too!

Verse by Verse Highlights

Grace and Peace from Paul and Timothy (verses 1-2)

The way Paul began this letter immediately demonstrates his willingness to humble himself as Christ’s slave in the service of the Philippians’ faith (Chapter 1:25).

This is demonstrated by way of:

1. the inclusion of Timothy who was a young man who Paul was training for ministry (Acts 16:1); and,
2. the exclusion of his Apostolic mention which carried authority (consider the following opening salutations to contrast the Philippian salutation: Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Titus 1:1; Ephesians 1:1).

Later in this chapter (Philippians 1:17), Paul mentioned his appointment by the LORD.

He also, addressed “all the saints” before mentioning their leadership so we can understand the content is directed to all of the individuals who were “in Christ” regardless of any distinction in Phillipi.

Then Paul said, “Grace (Charis – Strong’s 5485) to you and peace (eiréné – Strong’s 1515) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 2). The Philippians were beloved children of God who were graced by God to have faith in Jesus Christ (and as a result, now have peace with God). Since this is true of all individuals who come to a saving faith, this greeting can be seen as a blessing for an increased manifestation of inner calm and spiritual well-being which is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

• Peace with God comes by justification through faith in Christ by God’s grace. (Romans 5:1) This is the Divine work of God (at a specific point in human time by God’s choosing).
• The peace of God is available to every believer because of the fruit of the Spirit and requires the believer to work with the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:24-25) This is the Divine work of God within a justified human being with their cooperation (as a continual work of sanctification on earth).

These saints resided in Philippi, a city of Macedonia located on or near the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, between the Strymon and Nestus rivers, and Neapolis and Amphipolis (cities). You can study more about the events at Philippi starting from Acts 16:12, Acts 20:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, and then reference an encyclopedia if desired.

The recipients of this letter belonged to the church that originated approximately 10 years before the letter was written. At the church’s inception, there were insufficient believing men within this European city to start a Synagogue (which required at least 10 practicing male Jews), and neither were there Christians at the time to start a church. The first converts to the church were a businesswoman named Lydia, a young lady who was delivered by the power of God from demon power, and a jailer who witnessed the power of God break the chains of the imprisoned Paul and Silas. So we see that the events at Philippi initiated the spread of the Gospel into Europe. Praise God!

Reflection Questions:

1. How do we view the circumstances of our lives?
2. How often do we take small events for granted or minimize deeds of worship, compassion, or deliverance without seeing the big picture?
3. What can God do with our lives, and what might He be doing by your faithfulness? Can you simply trust something good will come out of it all? How?

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Paul’s Affection for the Philippians (verses 3-11)

We find a prayer for Paul’s Philippian brothers and sisters in Christ within this segment.

• And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Paul’s prayer indicates that love should grow in knowledge and discernment, by which one should examine and scrutinize all thinking and situations to choose what is excellent. Choosing what is best in every circumstance helps the child of God remain without offence so that they will be found pure when examined by the light of God’s word as we navigate this defiled world. This brings God glory!

With the light and cleansing of God’s word applied to the heart of a believer, the fruit of Christ’s righteousness fills the Christian despite their failures until the day of Christ.

Paul prayed this way because his affection for these believers was founded in Christ Jesus. He was united to them in one body because of the headship of Jesus Christ although separated by a great physical distance. It is the same Spirit within them Who was also in Paul. Every time Paul thought of these brothers and sisters, he was:

• thankful for them;
• always offering a joyful prayer for them; and,
• celebrating their participation in the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So despite human flaws, Paul viewed the body of Christ through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice and victory. He rejoiced in knowing that they were partakers in the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus. This rejoicing was while he was defending and confirming this gospel for which he was imprisoned and he desired to be physically reunited with them for whatever time the Lord would permit. Paul gave them this assuring verse:

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

What a beautiful assurance so early in this letter. As partakers (sugkoinónos – Strong’s G4791) of God’s saving grace, Paul affirmed that their participation in the suffering of Christ (to redeem others) gave him great confidence. Paul saw that these believers were called to share in both the joys and challenges of their faith journey and that the imparted grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit would see them through (1 Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 1:10; Philippians 2:16). He saw the Christ would intercede for His own during their sanctification journey and faithfully bring them home to Himself (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 2:18; John 10:29-30; Jude 1:24; John 14:6; 1 John 2:1-2; John 14:16).

Jesus said,

• “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:3)
• “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)

Reflection Questions:

1. How do we pray for the body of Christ collectively and individually? How does it align with Philippians 1:9-11?
2. Describe your love for others. How would others describe your truthfulness, loving-kindness, and discernment?
3. What gives you confidence in perseverance in faith despite your circumstances? How could you grow in or maintain your confidence level through life’s challenges? What does the Bible say about this?

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In all things Christ – In Life for Him, in Death with Him (verses 12 – 26)

A regenerated child of God cannot lose. While alive on earth, we will certainly experience many trials, AND while enduring any difficulties, the indwelling and enduring eternal Seed will strengthen and comfort us. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, brings back everything Christ said and reminds us that He is interceding for us.

If you haven’t meditated on Christ’s words as recorded in the Bible, what is the Holy Spirit bringing to your memory? We know the Holy Spirit will comfort believers, and the clarity of the message comes from God’s word.

And, although we experience physical death, when absent from the body, we will be united to Christ forever! In this segment, verses 21 – 23 are the key passages.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:21-23)

When reflecting on Paul’s attitude, we can see that Paul had an overcoming mindset. When you are in Christ, there is no condemnation and no separation. Consider what Paul wrote to the Romans.

• Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

Let’s look at the beginning of the segment, verse 12. Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote this letter (Acts 28:16, 30-31). He encouraged the Philippians to understand there was a purpose behind his suffering. The Sovereign LORD had not failed him, nor was anything he was experiencing a waste.

He explained that his difficulty caused the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread to the praetorian (imperial) guard and others around him. Any onlooker who observed Paul’s situation witnessed that Paul’s joy and strength were not diminished; on the contrary, Paul increased in strength and joy amid imprisonment. He was even more resolved to complete the call Jesus had for him. Fellow Christians were reenergized and spoke with more courage and boldness; they could do so without fear of consequences because they understood that God works through the believer during difficult circumstances for their good and His glory (Romans 8:18, 23, 27-28).

Paul also noted some people who were preaching from a competitive spirit or misguided ambition, and others were sincere in motivation. Those who were sincere knew God appointed Paul to explain and defend the message of salvation (that is to say, a full pardon of sin is available by God’s grace through faith in His resurrected Son, Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul did not allow himself to be discouraged by self-promoting individuals’ antagonism towards him. On the contrary, he rejoiced that Christ was preached. His chief goal was not his comfort (although we know he did consider it); his priority was the revelation of Jesus Christ (above his feelings).

By verse 20, we see Paul had a pure heart for magnifying Christ through his earthly existence whether Christ is exalted through:

• his preaching and persecution, or
• his death for the cause of Christ (which he knew was the transportation that unites him to Christ for eternity).

His resolve was to point others to his Saviour because of Christ’s great sacrificial love.

By verses 25 and 26, Paul expressed (that while he would enjoy being with Christ as the best outcome) he knew he had work to do on earth. While enduring suffering, he knew he had to build up the Philippians and encourage them to rejoice in Christ Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is the promise found in Philippians 1:6, and what bearing does this have on living for Christ? How do you relate to Paul’s profession in Philippians 1: 21-22?
2. How does this relate to the teachings of Christ (Matthew 5:10-12; John 12:25)?
3. How do you act towards self-promoting “siblings” in Christ?
4. Where are you? What is your attitude during the circumstances permitted in your life?

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The Christian Life is to be Suitable of the Gospel in all Circumstances (verses 27 – 30)

Now, in these verses, we begin to understand the Philippians were experiencing conflict, and their opponents were against the cause of Christ. Within these verses, we also see that Paul called the church to the unity of the Gospel despite personality, gifts, depth and breadth of Scriptural understanding, placement within the body, and differences of opinions:

• united in spirit with one purpose;
• united in mindful resolve to diligently press forward for the faith; and
• confident in the work of their ministry (spreading the Gospel of faith in Christ) despite aggressors or oppressors.

I took note that Paul indicated that the Philippians’ unity and fearlessness was evidence of two things:

1. God had given to them as a present possession of salvation, (sótéria, Strong’s G4991) unto eternal life. (They were being sanctified).
2. Their opponents had not received God’s grace; and, without it, they were headed to impending destruction. (They resisted faith in Christ as the sole means of reconciliation with God the Father).

Jesus said:

• “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. (Matthew 7:13)

This chapter concludes with these verses:

• For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. (Philippians 1:29-30)

The same inner conflict between wanting to be with Christ and wanting to advance His work was being experienced by these Philippians. Paul certainly could relate! Next, I considered verse 29 very deeply.

Just as grace provided faith in Christ for these Philippians, grace also granted them the privilege of suffering for Christ.

I don’t know anyone who wants to suffer; perhaps some would inflict pain upon themselves to gain something they think they can achieve (works), or because of a mental illness. But having the grace to suffer is another thing. The fact that someone is willing to endure suffering for their profession of faith in Jesus is evidence of the efficacy of the indwelling Holy Spirit benevolently shed abroad in the believing heart (Philippians 2:13).

Jesus despised the shame of the cross but endured the suffering because of (1) His love for and obedience to His Father, (2) His love for us, and (3) His eternal perspective.

• And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8)
• looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

When Jesus prayed in agony about His upcoming betrayal and death (Luke 22:42-43), the Father answered His prayer by sending an angel to strengthen Him. Our Father may not take away our temptations, trials, or suffering, but He will enable us to endure it if the suffering is for His purposes. For it is written:

• No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

“Every holy character is a testimony to the divine character and efficiency of the work of redemption.”

Vincent, Marvin R., 1834-1922

Jesus said,

• “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20)

So this is very encouraging. Since our Heavenly Father loves His Son and exalted Him above every name and has put all things under His authority (Philippians 2:9-11) for the eternal purpose of creating His called out church, then I can be confident that the testings and trials I experience are likewise building an eternal weight of glory.

• Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Reflection Questions:

• Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. (Psalm 19:12) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:2)

• … Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV)

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If you have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Redeemer and you sense a tugging at your heart, it’s probably the Holy Spirit beckoning you to meet Him, to see Christ for who He is (Saviour, Redeemer, Lord of all creation, eternal God, Son of God and the God-Man). You can use your own words to tell the LORD you believe and ask Him to fill your heart with the knowledge of Him and the power to choose freedom over sin.

All Scripture in this blog is from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.