PHILIPPIANS
The writer is the apostle Paul, Ch.1:1. It is one of the prison epistles, and it
is commonly believed that it was written about 64 A.D. The occasion for writing
was to thank the Philippian church for their care of Paul while he was confined
as a prisoner, just as they had been careful of him when he was in Thessalonica,
Ch.4:10,16.
The theme of the epistle is Christian experience. They were evidently
doctrinally sound, for the apostle makes no effort to correct any errors. As
Paul was the prisoner of Nero the note of victory in his letter is the more
remarkable. It teaches us that Christian experience is not something which is
going on around the believer, but something which is going on within him.
The division of the book are four according to the chapters:
1. Chapter 1. Rejoicing in suffering.
2. Chapter 2. Rejoicing in lowly service.
3. Chapter 3. Rejoicing while going on unto perfection.
4. Chapter 4. Rejoicing in anxiety.
REJOICING IN SUFFERING.
Joy seems to be finely woven into this epistle in a remarkable way. Paul
rejoiced in his prayer for the Philippians for he had a quiet confidence in God
that having begun a good work in them He would fully perform it, Ch.1:4-6. The
apostle longed after them and trusted that they would be sincere and without
offence until the day of Christ, vs. 8,10.
To offset any disturbance of their minds which might have resulted from his own
sufferings, Paul told them that the things which had happened had helped rather
than hindered the work of the Gospel. While some opposed him he knew that others
had been made bold to testify of their faith, because he had become a well-known
character in his fearless witnessing for Christ. He rejoiced that even those who
did oppose him at least made mention of Christ, and were, therefore, unwittingly
spreading the knowledge of His name, vs.12, and 14-15. All the apostle wanted
was that by living, regardless of his circumstances, it would be possible to
represent Christ, and if he should die it would be a very great gain to him. To
have died in prison and have been suddenly transferred to heaven would have been
very acceptable, but he felt he would still be spared for their sakes, vs.21,
and 23-24. Every believer has been granted a share in the suffering of Christ,
v.29. Having learned this, let us commit ourselves to God and trust Him to help
us witness a good confession: even as He saw the same willingness in His only
begotten Son.
REJOICING IN LOWLY SERVICE.
Jesus said of Himself, “For I am meek and lowly in heart.” Paul was possessed of
the same Spirit which extolled such meekness, and told the Philippians they
should “in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves,”
Ch.2:3. He then showed how Christ had humbled Himself by making Himself of no
reputation, becoming the Servant of God, and was made in the likeness of men.
Then as Man, He humbled Himself still more and became obedient unto death, and
submitted to the worst form of death of that day, vs.5-8. For this God highly
exalted Him, and now He has the greatest name in the universe, vs.9-10. We are
exhorted to follow Christ’s example. He did not grasp at His equality with God
but let it all go and trusted God to undertake for Him. If we do this God can
then work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, vs.12-13.
In v.17, Paul regards himself as the drink offering upon the sacrifice of their
faith. In other words, those who serve God must count upon suffering in the form
of persecution from man and from Satan, but in this they have fulfilled in
themselves the meaning of the drink offering, which typified the sufferings of
Christ and His people.
REJOICING WHILE GOING ON UNTO PERFECTION.
The apostle Paul was essentially a victorious Christian. While he reckoned that
he was far from having reached perfection, and urged upon others the need of
pressing on to that end, yet so conscious was he of his acceptance through
Christ that he could exhort God’s people to rejoice in the Lord, Ch.3:1. He saw
the danger of Satan stealing their joy, like some homeless prowling dog would
steal someone’s food.
Evil workers, too, were plentiful, but the apostle saw no reason why their
unkindness should quench divine joy. And the concision with their miserable
pretense at religion were also not to be allowed to hinder one from rejoicing in
Christ Jesus, vs.2-3.
A believer must learn to discount his own righteousness no matter how great a
superstructure it has become, and seek only to abide in Christ which gives one a
firsthand knowledge of His resurrection power. This alone produces diving
righteousness within us as we suffer also with Christ, and become fully
identified in His death, vs.9-10. It is the thing which will fit us for
participation in the first resurrection, vs.11-14. Those who live otherwise
should be observed and their example rejected, that fellowship with Christ may
be unbroken as we look for His coming again for His church, vs.17-21.
REJOICING IN ANXIETY.
Again we have the joy note sounded out by Paul, Ch.4:4. This time he
contemplates the cares of life, but does not regard them as an excuse to cease
praising. The avenue of prayer is always open, and peace of mind is given to
those who face real need but nevertheless draw near to God with faith and
praise, vs.5-7. The Lord sends varying experiences to His children until we
learn to be content in whatsoever state we are. Whether we are abased or abound,
are full or at time are allowed to be hungry, we may rejoice that Christ is with
us to strengthen us, vs.11-13. An unsaved person is truly alone in trouble, but
happy the Christian who finds an all-sufficiency in Christ. In closing Paul
gives the beautiful promise, v.19: “But my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”