Finding Joy in Philippians
Background: For the next three weeks, we will be studying the Book of Philippians, another of Paul's letters from his Roman prison. In Philippi, men were using Paul's imprisonment as proof he was not genuine and seeking to undermine his authority. Many in the church were shaken at the fact that the Apostle was imprisoned. He wrote the letter to explain his imprisonment and to encourage his readers to walk in joy despite all the evil in the world.
Philippians is not nearly as easily outlined at Ephesians was - it is much more personal and exhortational compared to the theological intent of Ephesians. Philippians was the church that was founded when Paul received the vision of the Macedonian man saying, "Come and help us."
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Philippians 1-4 Focus Passage - Overview
Read the entire book today and attempt to imagine what it would have been like to hear the original reading when Paul sent the book. Look for clues about what is going on here.
Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 5-6, Galatians 3:1–14, Psalm 109:20–27, Proverbs 24:5-7
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional:
I have had my ups and my downs in ministry, but I have never been arrested. I imagine that if the people of Southern Hills Baptist Church heard that I was hauled off to prison, there would be some strong reactions. Maybe there are some folks around the church and the community who would use this circumstance to attack me and to sully my reputation. Others would come to my defense and stand by me - I hope that would be the case. Most would be confused. What is the truth? Why is this happening? There would be confusion and questions and discussions.
The people of the church at Philippi were struggling with just such an issue. Paul had been arrested and hauled off to Rome where he would spend 2 years under house arrest. We accept the biblical story that Paul suffered for Christ, but certainly many would wonder if that story was the full truth. The Jewish leaders intentionally spread false stories about Paul and others within the church, people who wanted power and position, who were jealous of Paul's ministry and authority, were using this opportunity to undermine his reputation. They were building themselves up by tearing Paul down.
Philippians was Paul's attempt to explain what was happening and why all of these things were going on in his life and in the church. He gave instructions to the church at Philippi how to react in this time of darkness and doubt.
Much of chapter 1 is devoted to his explanation of his chains, his imprisonment. He is "in chains for Christ" he makes plain. He is imprisoned for the cause of the Gospel and if that ends in his release or his death, it is fine, because "for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Chapter 2 is a highlight in which Paul calls the church to walk in humility as Christ did. He uses what some believe to be an ancient hymn to recount Christ's humility and his exaltation. That is followed by an admonition to seek Christ fully and to work out our salvation in fear and trembling.
In chapter 3, Paul confronts the circumcision party, those who were seeking to return the church of Jesus Christ to bondage to Jewish law and ritual. He committed himself to pressing on to the goal of knowing Christ Jesus.
Chapter 4 is a series of personal instructions, well-known and powerful. A couple of the verses in this chapter are familiar but often badly misinterpreted and misapplied. Paul dealt with conflict between two women, praying and finding God's peace that passes understanding, focusing our minds on the things of God, and the importance of generosity.
Throughout all of this, there is one constant theme - joy. Rejoice in the Lord. I will say it again, rejoice. When things are good, rejoice. When things are tough, rejoice. In a COVID-filled, tragedy-raging, evil world such as we live in, we can still have joy in Jesus. This book shows us a path to a joy that tis not rooted in circumstances, but in Christ.
Father, in this difficult day, give me your joy day by day. May I walk in the peace that passes understanding!
Think and Pray:
What were your strong impressions as you read the book of Philippians?
Do you walk in peace and joy?
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