IN CHRIST ALONE (PHILIPPIANS 1)
In November 2017’s Thanksgiving I went to Israel with 33 members, including spouses, of a seminary where I formerly taught as part of the faculty. On the trip was a retiree from New Zealand who told how he was arrested on his missions trip for preaching in public. The authorities gave him a choice: straight deportation and never return again, or 15 days jail with re-entry clearance. What would you choose?
The man chose the latter, emboldened by the three other local believers arrested with him. Do you know his rations for the day? Just two hard buns with no fillings inside – one for lunch and dinner. The four of them passed the time by singing gospel songs, praying, talking to inmates, encouraging and supporting one another.
Philippians, along with Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon—was part of the Prison Epistles that were written by Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. The Philippi was the first stop in Paul’s second missionary journey after he received the Macedonian call to Europe (Acts 16:12). Paul’s close and candid relationship with the Philippians is symbolized by Lydia’s commanding and compelling plea for him to stay with their household (Acts 16:15). It might surprise readers to know that Lydia stated it in the imperative mood, which was unheard of from any known believer addressing the great apostle n his missionary journeys. Ironically Paul was imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23-24), no different from his present situation.
What would be your attitude if you were arrested or persecuted for the sake of the gospel? Who can step into your shoes? What motivates them? Would the work you started suffer or succeed?
Be Partners in the Work
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1:1-11)
Neal Krause, a sociologist and public-health expert at the University of Michigan, conducted a longitudinal study of 1,500 people since 1997, focusing particularly on how regular churchgoers weather economic downturns as well as the stresses and health woes that go along with them. Not surprisingly, he has found that parishioners benefit when they receive social support from their church. But or as the laity? he has also found that those people who give help fare even better than those who receive it. He has also found that people who maintain a sense of gratitude for what’s going right in their lives have a reduced incidence of depression. And in another study he conducted that was just accepted for publication, he found that people who believe their lives have meaning live longer than people who don’t. “That’s one of the purported reasons for religion,” Krause says. (“The Biology of Belief,” Time, Feb. 12, 2009) http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1879016-1,00.html
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” —African Proverb
As in some of his book introductions (1 Cor 1:4, 1 Thess 1:2, 2 Thess 1:3, Philem 4), Paul began with an act and expression of thanksgiving (v 3), but unlike other times this thanksgiving greeting is accompanied not with (meta) grace (1 Cor 1:4), faith (Col 1:4) or love and hope (1 Thess 1:3) as in other books, but with joy (v 4). Paul, however, is not praying for joy, but giving thanks upon (epi) their fellowship in the gospel (v 5). Fellowship (koinonia) means communion, companions and comrades. It comes from the Greek word “koine” or common, partners and sharers. The word “share” (sugkoinonos) later in verse 7 is almost the same word with fellowship (koinonia) but with the preposition “sun” or “together,” “joint” and “co-” in front. It is in contrast to distance, desertion and denial. The believers in Philippi supported Paul with all readiness and respect, without reservation and resentment from “the first day until now” (v 5) and will keep doing so “until the day of Christ Jesus,” Paul believed (v 6).
The fellowship is mutual and matched. It did not exist in a vacuum. Paul, on the other hand, “longed” for the Philippians with the affection (bowels) of Christ Jesus (v 8). The verb “long” can also be translated as earnestly desiring (2 Cor 5:2), desiring greatly (1 Thess 3:6) and even lust (James 4:5). It is unmasked and understandable. Paul was the church founder (Acts 16:12), the Philippians were his spiritual children and their bonds were forged in chains and in custody from the first day until now. The Hebrews regard the heart (v 7), or “bowels” in Greek, as the seat of tender affections such as kindness, benevolence and compassion, so the range of translation in various versions include tender mercy (Luke 1:78, KJV) and inward affection (2 Cor 7:15) in KJV, affection (2 Cor 7:15) in NASB, heart (2 Cor 7:15) in RSV) and merciful compassion (Luke 1:78) in Holman Christian Standard Bible. This term in Greek is always plural, plenteous and passionate.
Of course, being the shepherd, elder and guardian of the faith, Paul’s concern is that their love is more spiritual than social, more for others than himself, broader than mere emotions: first, the content: their growth in love; that they their love may abound more and more in knowledge and all judgment, or awareness versus application, discernment versus decision, facts versus functionality, to approve all things that are excellent (v 9). Abound (v 9) means exceed (Matt 5:20), remained over and above (John 6:13), increase (Acts 16:5) and better (1 Cor 8:8). The concept of abounding in love is strictly Pauline (2 Cor 8:7, Phil 1:9, 1 Thess 3:12). Funny, how the quality of love can grow in quantity - stretch, surge, supersize, spread, not saved, subtracted or spared. The quotient is to discern (dokimazo) what is best (diaphero). Discern is prove (Luke 14:19), approve (Rom 2:18), try (1 Cor 3:13) and examine (1 Cor 11:28). Best is better (Matt 6:26), more value (Matt 10:31), excellent (Rom 2:18) and matter (Gal 2:6). True love is heart and head, passionate and prudent, strong and objective.
The second prayer (v 10) is that the Philippians may be sincere and without offense in the day of Christ. Pure and blameless is the inside and the outside. Pure (eilikrines) is sincere (Phil 1:10) or tested by the sun in Greek, and blameless (aproskopos) is void of offence (Acts 24:16), none offence (1 Cor 10:32) and without offence (Phil 1:10) in KJV, of which the offence means stumble or not led to sin. Other translations include blameless conscience (Acts 24:16, NASB), clear conscience (Acts 24:16, RSV) and no occasions of stumbling (1 Cor 10:32), falling or failure. This is the longevity test- day of Christ, along with the quantity and quality tests – abound more and more (v 9) and approve things that are excellent or best (v 9).
Be Proclaimers of the Word
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
The pastor and music director in Old First Church did not get along at all. One week, the pastor preached on commitment and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. Right after the sermon, the music director led the choir in singing, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”
The next Sunday, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The music director then led the song, “Jesus Paid It All.”
The next Sunday, the pastor preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The following hymn was “I Love To Tell The Story.”
The pastor became disgusted over the situation and the next Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The choir then sang “Oh, Why Not Tonight.”
When the preacher resigned the next week he told the church that Jesus had led him there, and Jesus was taking him away. The choir then sang, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Last month I received this forward from others: God said, “Don't look around because you'll be impressed, don't look down you'll be depressed; just look to me and you'll be blessed!”
"You work your way up and fight your way down"
Paul later provide an inside information on how God has worked in his life and others while he was imprisoned, specifically the guards, the believers and himself. The “advance”(vv 12, 25) of the gospel refers to the result (hoste): that it was “clear” throughout the whole palace guard chained to him whole day – the first group- and to everyone else that he was in chains for Christ. The adjective “clear” (phaneros) from the word “shining,” or to be apparent, manifest, evident, known. Imprisonment means opportunity and not obscurity for Paul, testimony and not timidity, witnessing and not whining. Paul was a shining and guiding light while in prison, a witness not bound by chains walls or guards.
The word “dare” (v 14) of believers – the second group - means bold, as in Joseph of Arimathaea, who went in boldly to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus in order to bury his Master (Mark 15:43). Not fearful, frightened or fleeing.
envy (v 15) rivalry goodwill selfish ambition sincerely love False motives True
Tearing Talking Thinking Temperament Transparent Tenderness Theater Truth
Ambitious Argumentative Attitude Angry Authentic Affectionate Appearance Authority
No matter what, they dared all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear (v 14), even if badly motivated. Envy and rivalry (v 15) are the inside and outside of a person. Envy is a wasted, defiled (1 Cor 3:17), a corrupted person’s wear and tear, whereas rivalry (eris) is external with another person in the form of debate (Rom 1:29), strife (Rom 13:13) and contentions (1 Cor 1:11). Envy eats inside whereas rivalry spills into the open. Goodwill (eudokia) is thinking good. Selfish ambition (v 17) is quarrel, wrangling, strife or debate; it comes from the word provocation or anger. Sincerity (hagnos) is from honesty or pure or chaste or holiness. Affliction is more than trouble; it is tribulation (Matt 13:21); it is more than animosity but anguish (John 16:21).
Preach as a verb is different from preach good news in the Bible; it does not occur in the Bible until the book of Acts, where the apostles when they preach in the epistle only Paul uses this verb (Rom 1:8, 1 Cor 2:1, 11:26, Phil 1:16, 18, Col 1:28). Preach is to pronounce, present, proclaim, profess Christ. Christ occurs a record-breaking 18 times in the chapter, more than any chapter in the Bible. What kind of Christ? Christ is communicated, souls are converted and lives are changed. The crucified and coming Christ. The risen and reigning Christ.
Gospel of Christ 11x
Blood of Christ 4x
Cross of Christ 3x
Love of Christ 3x
Judgment seat of Christ 2x
Sufferings of Christ 3x
Day of Christ 3x
Doctrine of Christ 3x
Name of Christ 2x
Lord Jesus Christ 84x
Christ our Lord 10x
Christ our Savior 2x
Paul begins to use the first of “rejoice” occurs eight times in the book, more than any other epistle (Phil 1:18 2x, 2:17, 18, 28, 4:4 2x, 4:10).
Be Pilgrims on the Way
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
This sharing is from Doris when she realized her cancer has spread to other parts of the body, unknown to her less than nine months from the day to meet her Savior:
August 26, 2015
After two weeks, I have gained better perspective of my illness. First, I continue to get myself ready to meet my Lord. Second, I continue to hope in God for His healing mercies. Third, I am learning to live day by day. Finally, I ask God if there is anything God wants me to do on earth. I have begun this new target drug for two weeks now. The side effects are manageable so far. I had some rash. Pray that the doctor will find out if it is effective or not soon enough. Do not worry about our financial needs – we will use our savings first. It is not like this drug can be effective for many years. So, we are taking one step at a time. The pain has increased. So whether it is this drug or another chemotherapy drug, the goal now is to contain the cancer as much as possible to reduce the pain and harm to the body, until one day nothing is effective or the body wears out. . I earnestly pray that the Lord will give me strength in this process – I do not want to become bitter or angry in the midst of pain, or to feel far from His Love. I started going through my things – reading my devotional journal during teenage years (I was so very disciplined in writing them!), going through graduation pictures, listening to old tapes, remembering the first time I was interpreter for worship, etc… Of course, the wonderful time I have spent with you. Thank God for this Blessed Life!
Doris Mok
What was more important? There are two reasons for Paul’s act of rejoicing: (1) this will turn out for his deliverance, which he explained what he means that (hoti) I will in no way be ashamed (aischunomai), but will have sufficient courage (parrhesia)so that now as always Christ will be exalted (megaluno) in my body, whether by life or by death. Our life on earth is not defined by our age, appearance, academics, achievement or affluence.
Ashamed Courage Exalted (megaluno)
Embarrassed Emboldened Enlarged
Retreat Reassurance Reverence
Denying Defending Delighting
The second “for” (gar) is the famous reading, for me to live, Christ; to die, gain – with no verbs in between, followed by the third line – to abide in the flesh, more needful (fruitful labor in NIV) for you, which is translated as near (Acts 10:24),
necessary (Acts 13:46) and more needful (Phil 1:24), or from the word “distress” or “constraint.” ? 13:46 Paul believes his remaining will cause their joy to abound (v 26), formerly love to abound (v 9), both in hina subjective form (vv 9,26).
After her cancer and loss I read the first chapter in a different way. There is no verb in verse 21 and 22a. The verb begins in verse 22b and 23: Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two. Torn or hard-pressed is translated as throng/crowd (Luke 8:45), pressed (Acts 18:5) and constraineth (2 Cor 5:14). Mostly my wife did not want to leave me, just as I did not want to lose her, wanting to serve till we are old together.
The regular “remain” is merely the person and place, but the “remain” or “remain on” (epi-meno) in verse 24 is the passion and perseverance, but the last remain/continue or “remain/continue with” (para-meno) is the presence and participation.
The verb “overflow” (v 26) is the climax or crux (hina) of his decision to remain (v 25). The verb is “more abundant” in KJV – to be proud, productive and plentiful. It is a precious, practical and positive resolve, not a painful, pitiful or pessimistic result, for Paul.
YOLO – You only live once.
To summarize Paul:
Unbelievers (Dying) God (Living or Dying) Believers(Living)
Tell the message Trust the Master Tend the members
Outreach in the Harvest Obedience to the Head Oversight of the Household
Gather the Faithless Glorify the Father Guard the Flock
Reaping Revering Rejoicing
Paul has a powerful numbers game, ranging from all to nothing: sufficient/all (v 20), torn between the two (v 23), one Spirit, striving together as one (v 27) and in any way (v 28).
It might surprise you to know Paul is political in his own way. Conduct or “politeuomai” (v 27) – the first imperative in the book - comes from the word citizen or townsman or community or commonwealth. The last “hina” (greater purpose) is “hear” that in verse 27 “you stand firm in one spirit and one soul.” Stand fast means persevere, unwavering, unbending. How? Collectively and courageously. Collective from the word “sunathleo,” which is to wrestle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to seek jointly or labor with, strive together for. Not frightened ( pturo) means not terrified, fearful, intimidated or fail physically or mentally, to be scared.
Conclusion: We are all pilgrims not permanent residents on earth. Do you have passion like Paul? Are you productive like him? Are you a partner or a passenger? Do you resent or respect? Do you proclaim or preach Christ or do you praise and promote yourself?
