Paul's Letter to the Philippians

What do you do when you receive a hand-written letter? If you’re like me, you sit down and read every word, thinking of the person who wrote it as you read. Letter writing is a lost art these days, what with e-mail, texting, tweeting, and all. It was a developing art in the time after Christ when the church was just starting to grow and spread. So, just imagine how the people in the church at Philippi must have felt when they got a letter from Paul. They read it, re-read it, then read it again. Some folks probably memorized it. And, it’s for sure they discussed what Paul said in the letter. And, most certainly they did their best to follow the guidelines outlined in the letter.
In our study on Sunday, Pastor Robb unrolled Paul’s letter to the Philippians and pulled a key point from each major section of the letter. (Today those sections are called chapters) Let’s reflect on the lessons.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excell ent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ." Philippians 1:9,10

Paul’s guidelines to the Philippians in this section of his letter can be summed up in three words, love, knowledge, discernment. We’ve highlighted them in the passage above. Today, spend a few minutes considering your love and the knowledge you have of God. Does your love abound in knowledge? Take the time today to cross reference a few passages on love. A few to start include 1 Corinthians 13, John 3:16, and 1 John 4:8. Then focus on knowledge. Just how much do you know about God? Do you pray to get to know Him better? Finally, Paul urges the people of Philippi to have discernment as they encounter different arguments or challenges to God’s plan. Love, knowledge, discernment . . . pretty challenging concepts, and that’s just the beginning.

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."
Philippians 2:12,13

Robb focused primarily on four words in this passage, “Work out your salvation.” Now, we are assured that salvation is a free gift from God so that means working out your salvation isn’t about doing something to earn it. Rather, it’s a call for us to live our lives according to His plan, to bring glory to Him. What have you done today to bring glory to Him?

"Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

Let’s put this in perspective. Here’s Paul telling the Philippians he is pressing on, that he hasn’t achieved all he was put here to achieve. Remember Paul’s history? He was a well educated man who was very much against Christ. But, God’s plans can’t be changed. Paul was to play a key role in getting the early church established. Paul experienced a dramatic event which brought him to Christ. Then, he spent the rest of his life traveling to plant and nourish churches. God used his education and personality to help others believe, then to help them grow in Christ. And, he says he’s not done! So, no matter where you are in life, there’s no doubt you could be doing more to glorify God and to serve him here on earth.

"Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."  Philippians 4:8

What’s captured your thoughts so far today? Has someone at work gotten under your skin? Is there a neighbor who just seems to rub you the wrong way? Have your kids been extra noisy and disobedient today? Was there something the doctor told you that has you worried? Go back and read Philippians 4:8. In fact, it might be worth your effort to memorize this passage. It’s a good one to always keep you focused on praising God.

Love, knowledge, discernment, work out your salvation, press on toward the goal, let your mind dwell on anything worthy of praise. All excellent suggestions for us as long as the Lord leaves us here on earth. Take just 10 minutes today and read through all four chapters of Philippians. Then reflect on how the people in that early church must have felt when they received this letter from Paul. Share in that excitement as you go about your day.