Struggling Together (Philippians)
First, we will consider who the Philippian church is according to this letter and Acts. Then, we will understand why Paul is writing to them and what Paul says. Finally, we will consider how these things should affect our way of life.
Who Are The Philippians?
Philippians 1:3--5 (ESV) --- 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Last month, we saw one of the harshest and condemning letters in the New Testament (Galatians). The churches in Galatia were teetering on the edge of falling from grace and pursuing another gospel. Acts tells us that those were some of the first cities Paul went to, and he suffered tremendously while he was there. According to that letter, all of the work he did to establish those congregations is in jeopardy. This month, we will be looking at one of the most encouraging churches. Notice in the thanksgiving section that Paul is very thankful for them. Paul loves the Philippian church because they are faithful and always supporting Paul in his work. Acts tells us that Paul suffered in Philippi, but God told him to go there in a vision. We read about the Philippian jailor, the young girl used for her demonic possession, and a wealthy woman named Lydia. These may have all been there listening to Paul's letter.
What Does Paul Want?
After we move through the thanksgiving section, we read that Paul is making supplications for the Philippians. He wants them to grow in love, knowledge, and discernment so that they can approve what is excellent and remain blameless. As usual, this is a hint of what this letter will be about. Paul is writing to help them grow in these things. Every word is written for their instruction for what they are about to face.
For Them To Know His Situation
As we move into the first section, we notice that Paul gives them a rundown of his current situation. Paul is in prison, and he knows that his judgment is coming soon. He may die even though he has done nothing wrong. How do you think he feels about it? How would you feel? Do you think he will be having a pity party? Is he questioning God for putting him in this situation and not saving him so he can go on to Spain and plant many more churches? Not at all! Instead of being down and out about it, Paul is rejoicing.
Why would Paul rejoice over the potential death he faces? God has used his suffering to bring about the advance of the gospel (1:12, 18). His suffering has resulted in Christ being glorified as many brethren stand up to proclaim the truth boldly. Paul's perspective of his situation is that Jesus is being honored in his body. So he says that he is rejoicing in this sufferings because, according to 1:21, to him, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."
This is not just an update. This serves as instruction for the Philippians as well. This whole letter is about what we can learn from Paul's current situation and his attitude. The Philippians need to know that suffering for God serves to advance the gospel and help many other people to glorify God.
After Paul tells them about his current situation, he tells them how they need to live.
Only Do This
Philippians 1:27 (ESV) --- 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
This text tells us a lot of exciting ideas. First, notice that Paul "Only" wants them to live "worthy of the gospel of Christ." This can be seen as the primary point of the whole letter. The CSB uses the phrase "Just one thing" instead of Only. It's always nice when you can find a verse that explains the whole letter to you as just one thing, but what does the rest of this mean? What does it mean to live one's life worthy of the gospel of Christ? It sounds like what we have been studying in Ephesians where Paul said to "live worthy of the calling," but what he says in this text is focused on one idea discussed in Ephesians, unity.
This makes them worthy. The word worthy comes from placing value or worth on something. As we try to teach someone, we might say, "You're not worth the effort" or "You're not worth the time" because they won't listen to us. We value our effort and our time, and we see it wasted if the other person doesn't have the proper amount of appreciation for it. The real question for us in studying this phrase is how our lives can show that we are worth God's son dying for? The truth is that we can't, but that's the bar.
That is worth more than anyone's life, but striving to fulfill God's purpose in sending Jesus is considered worthy.
Standing & Fighting
Notice that he says, "so that." In the second half of this verse, we see that he wants the Philippians to be worthy "so that" when he hears about them, he will hear that they are standing firm and fighting for the faith. This indicates that they are going to be pushed on by society to conform. Some of them may face imprisonment like Paul. This is the purpose of God for their lives. Not only that we stand firm in what we know from Jesus and His apostles, but that we fight like Paul for faith to abound in our society.
United
He also points to them doing this TOGETHER. God wanted Christians to stand and fight together with one spirit and one mind. Can a Christian accomplish the purpose of God and become worthy of Jesus all alone? NO. We live in a very individualistic society, but the purpose of God in saving mankind was so that mankind could work together, standing and fighting for the faith of the gospel. Living in a manner worthy of the gospel will require us to work together to accomplish God's will.
Paul wants the Philippians to be partners with him in the fight for their faith. (I like the way the NLT puts this.) listen to what he says after this in verses 29-30.
Philippians 1:29--30 (NLT) --- 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
"We are in this struggle together." Paul doesn't exclude himself from the struggle, and the Philippians can't exclude themselves either. The fact that other brethren are standing firm and striving for the faith gives us all boldness to do the same. What should our attitude be toward this struggle of standing firm and fighting for our faith? Did you see what he calls it? This is the privilege of suffering for Christ. As they witness their brethren, Paul especially, suffering for the faith and standing firm in the truth of the gospel, they would be encouraged to do the same. Not only are they encouraged to do this, but it's also not just some obligation or rite of passage. Christians are supposed to consider it a privilege.
The word privilege is striking when we think about it. These Christians live in a prosperous, luxurious society that is self-serving. As Roman citizens, they are accustomed to certain privileges. Philippi was considered little Rome, and those born there were Roman citizens with the privilege of being able to appeal to Caesar, not being beaten before a trial, and never being crucified unless it is the decree of caesar himself. As Christians, they have the privilege of suffering for Christ who died for them. We can see how these two are opposed to each other. The daily mindset for these Christians is that I would give up my privileges to not suffer as a Roman to partake in the privilege of suffering for Christ. The gospel must come first in their lives.
The Why & How
The rest of the letter explains the why and how we can fight together. In the first eleven verses of Chapter 2, Paul describes the why of the gospel in a fantastic way. He tells us about Jesus coming from heaven to earth in total humility to serve us and die for our sins. This is why we struggle together for the gospel. But it also touches on the how. Jesus did this with humility. We need humility to struggle together.
The rest of Chapter 2 reminds the Philippians of Timothy and Epaphroditus. They are examples of those who struggle with Paul for the gospel to spread.
Chapter 3 has a strict warning followed by another explanation of Paul's example.
Philippians 3:17--19 (ESV) --- 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Follow
All of this is about how to be steadfast in the struggle like he has been. First, he says to imitate those walking "according to the example you have in us." Then, he describes the opposite example. Some don't want to join in the struggle. They take a shortcut and try to get out of the discomfort. I find it interesting that he explains how to live worthy of the gospel and what it looks like to live unworthily.
Avoid
On the other hand, we see a manner of life inconsistent with the faith they proclaim. These are the ones who are working against the king's purpose by living a life that is the opposite of the previous examples. Here is how Paul describes them:
It is so intriguing that Paul shows this picture to us of one who is worshipping their appetites. Their "god is their belly" - They are seeking first to be satisfied. Instead of approving what is excellent, they approve what is pleasing to the eyes and desirable to make them "happy." They think they find something to satisfy their craving, and they worship it like their god.
The "glory in their shame" - They think they found what gives life meaning, and they become gluttons when the appetite is still there. They have effectively exchanged the truth of God for a lie. So God gives them up to their passions to do things that are not right to their shame.
Their minds are set on "earthly things" - They worship and serve the created rather than the creator. They gave up the one thing that matters because they can't physically see it. All day long, they let their minds focus on things of no significance. The life they live is according to the standard they have set up for themselves on this earth.
Does this sound like one who is worthy of the gospel? They are working against the purpose of their king. Their end is destruction. Do we know any "Christians" who are living a manner of life like this? Has this not become the "Christian" culture of our day? We have to be extremely careful not to let this happen to us! Notice how Paul feels about those who walk this way. He tells the Philippians about them with tears. He is hurt by the damage they have caused.
Final Exhortations
At the conclusion of the book, we learn about people who aren't struggling together, and he tells them to agree in the Lord. Going through persecution and suffering seems impossible alone. That's why he wants us to stand side by side. He doesn't want any of us to be a one-man or one-woman church.
Then, he gives us several great quotes.
Philippians 4:4--7 (ESV) --- 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In this quote, we see Paul encouraging the brethren to keep their focus on the goodness of God and rejoice. They know that God sees everything they are going through and that he is looking forward to their prayers. This should give us peace and guard our hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:8--9 (ESV) --- 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me---practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
This quote tells us to focus on things that help us remain faithful and true to our calling and purpose.
Philippians 4:13 (ESV) --- 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
This last quote we will look at is not about having the strength to win a football game or accomplish some earthly goal. It's about remaining faithful when the pressure is on to swap sides or give in. "All things" means I can die for Christ-like Paul did.
Application & Conclusion
Do we relate to the Philippians? We all have a lot of things going on in our lives that distract us from this privilege. Life gets busy with things that have nothing to do with God. So, who can truly say, "To live is Christ?" We can get too busy, but being busy is no excuse. Suffering to serve others has to be a part of everything we do. Are we sacrificially serving when we are with our family, at work, at school, at the grocery store, or in the car? Even when we are on vacation, we should be sacrificially serving others. Paul wants these Christians to serve in the situation they are in. In the next couple of chapters, he gives some examples to help them see others who are living worthily through sacrificial service, and then he contrasts them with those who are not.
We are supposed to be doing the same thing if we are considered worthy of the gospel. We have to stand firm and fight for the faith together! When society and those close to us are pressuring us to do what we know not to do, are we going to struggle together and grow stronger together? Do you have brothers and sisters in Christ that you are close to, who you can rely on to encourage you and help you get through the tough times? We are in this together, and we need to fight together. Our outlook needs to be the same as Paul's as well. This is a privilege.
If this seems too much for you, consider the price Christ paid for you. If you don't know how to do this, think about who you could imitate. Don't follow those who are living for this world, whose god is their belly. Follow those who are entirely, and annoyingly, devoted to Christ. Everyone in this congregation needs to have the attitude, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." We all need to join in on this struggle together so that God is glorified through hearts that are gratefully rejoicing over what he has done.