Philippians

1

Grace and peace from Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Christ. Thanks for fellowship in the gospel. Paul prays the Philippians may be without offence until the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ. Paul is in chains, but his chains are in Christ. Paul rejoices that Christ is preached, even if some preach out of envy and strife. Christ will be magnified in Paul’s body, whether by life or death. To live is Christ, and to die is gain. Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel. Do not be terrified of your adversaries. It has been granted to you to suffer for Christ’s sake.


2

Do not act from selfish ambition. Jesus was in the form of God, but emptied himself out, taking the form of a bondservant. (This means Christ divested himself of the rights of deity – not, as the kenoticists claim, that he became less divine in the incarnation.) Jesus was obedient to the point of death. God highly exalted Jesus as a result of his humility: at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Work our your own salvation; God works in you. Do things without complaining. Paul may be poured out as a drink offering. Timothy will be sent to the Philippians soon. Paul had sent Epaphroditus – he was sick, but recovered.


3

Beware of dogs, and the mutilation. True circumcision is to rejoice in Jesus Christ. Paul might have confidence in the flesh because he was raised as a Jew, and was a zealous Pharisee. These things are counted loss for Christ, however. They must be counted as rubbish, so Christ may be gained. Righteousness comes not from the law, but from Christ. This righteousness allows Paul to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. This does not mean that Paul is perfect, but he presses on to do what Christ has called him to do. The Philippians are exhorted to follow Paul’s example. Beware the enemies of the cross, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame. Our citizenship is in heaven. Christ will transform our lower body so it conforms to his glorious body.


4

Stand fast in the Lord. Euodia and Syntyche (who presumably have had some quarrel) are urged to be in the same mind in the Lord. The Philippians are exhorted to help his fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord. The Lord is at hand. Pray with supplication and thanksgiving, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Meditate on all good things. Follow Paul’s example. Whether abounding or abased, Paul does all things through Christ. Thanks for the Philippians’ previous gifts, which are an acceptable sacrifice to God. God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.