Philippians 2:6-11

Yes, this post has taken a while, but I think it is worth it to reflect on this passage of Philippians during the season of Advent. In verses 1-4, Paul appeals to the breadth of Christian experience and brings it into focus in this great early Christian hymn. Yes, Paul is quoting an early Christian hymn like we might quote “Amazing Grace”. We don’t know where this hymn came from, whether Paul composed it himself, or how broad was its usage.  We call it a hymn because of its grammatical structure and Paul’s use of it here in Philippians.

The Hymn is composed of three stanzas. The first stanza is devoted to Christ’s pre-existence. This early hymn states that Christ was before all things, even time. Christ was and is eternal plain and simple. We call the next stanza incarnation, that is the eternal becoming finite, the Word becoming flesh.  The hymn states it this way, “He emptied himself.”
We hear a lot in this season about excesses; spending too much, being too busy, being too extravagant. That might be true of the Christmas story itself as well. We have ‘embellished’ the story substantially, after all where do you find anything in scripture about Mary riding a donkey? Take a ‘Christmas quiz’ sometime, it is rather eye opening how much has been added.
The important thing this hymn addresses is the basics. Jesus emptied himself, yes, that means he was in ‘poor’ circumstances not just that he gave up being God, The phrase implies literal poverty. This is reinforced by the next line in true Hebrew poetic fashion, ‘taking on the form of a slave.’ That’s the way Hebrew poetry works it doesn’t rhyme words but thoughts. The writer of the hymn ties emptying with being a slave.

This is truly good news for us.  The pre-existent Christ did not think taking on human flesh was ‘beneath’ or ‘repulsive’, like we might think of mucking around in a sewer.  There is no ‘untouchable’ part of humanity, unlike in the Indian caste system.  This is truly about God becoming flesh and bone, this is what is meant by the term Incarnation.  And this makes for an appropriate post during the Advent season.  Maybe this was the first ‘Christmas Carol’?

In verse 9, notice how the perspective changes.  In the first two parts, Christ has been the actor.  Now the action is being done to Jesus.  God is now exalting Jesus, glorifying Jesus and setting him upon the throne (to quote Psalm 110).  Simply striking really, when you compare this with the two previous stanzas.  There Jesus acts upon our behalf.  taking on our nature, enduring the cross and death for us.  Now God acts on Jesus’ behalf.  Raising him up and exalting his name above all others.

Could it be, the underlying attitude that Paul is suggesting when he urges us to have the same mind as Christ, is acting on behalf of others?  Often, I think, we tend to simply regard this passage as a call to humility, yes, Paul does speak of humility, but I think Paul would say acting on anothers behalf is what humility looks like.  Have a blessed Advent and Christmas.

Philippians 2:1-11

Paul begins chapter 2 of his letter to the Philippians by rhetorically asking them to examine the benefits of their relationship with Christ (have they experienced encouragement, comfort, tenderness and compassion, felt the Spirit’s power and/or presence) and if so, then Paul makes a personal appeal for them to be like-minded with Christ or to have the same mind as Christ–a desire Paul says, that will personally bring him joy.

What does this mind of Christ look like? Well, Paul tells us that as well. It involves having the same love as Jesus has, which means loving those that Jesus loves. Being one in the spirit with Jesus and being of one mind. In other words, if we have the mind of Christ, we will not seek what is necessarily in our best interests or think too highly of ourselves, placing ourselves (at least in our mind’s eye) above others. Rather, we will hold others in high regard as Jesus does because each person is created in God’s image, and as such we will be concerned about what they are concerned about and not just with what I personally am concerned about.

This makes me think about a study that I often share with couples in premarital counseling. The study done several years ago now, found that couples that end up in divorce often do not make the transition to thinking like a married couple. What does that mean–well, it means that instead of asking themselves, ‘what does my spouse need?’, ‘what’s best for our marriage?’; they instead find themselves asking ‘what do I want?’ ‘what do I need?’ I often tell them marriage is about finding ‘win/win’ solutions because if one of you wins and one of you loses, it’s the marriage the loses.

I think this is somewhat like what Paul is talking about here in these verses. If we have the mind of Christ, we will not put ourselves at the center. We will find ourselves asking ‘what would Jesus want me to do?’, ‘what’s best for that other person?’ ‘how can I meet their needs?’

Now let me caution, I do not think this means allowing ourselves to be a doormat or to be abused by others. And sometimes it may mean that we need to take care of ourselves before we can care for others; even Jesus went away from time to time to be in prayer with God, regularly went to the temple to worship God, often spent time with friends, so that he could meet the demands of his life. But ultimately, Jesus’ concern was for those to whom God had entrusted into his care–so much so that as 2: 6-11 remind us, Jesus was even willing to die for us, rather than live without us.

I could continue on and Pastor Chris or I may come back and develop 6-11 in greater detail in our next post, but for now I think we have enough to chew on.

SO! have you been encouraged through your union with Christ? experienced his compassion, comfort and tenderness, shared in his Spirit? If so, is there a time that you might be willing to share when you experienced Christ’s presence?

How easy do you find it to be like-minded with Christ? When you hear Paul’s call to be humble, is that an easy or difficult thing to wrap your mind around? How well do you keep selfish ambition and vain conceit out of your thinking?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and questions. Pastor Sheryl

Philippians 1:27-30, take 2

It’s been a crazy week and I must confess that I hadn’t taken time to really read Pastor Chris’ earlier post on Philippians 1: 27-30 or even to read the verses he was commenting on. So, this morning for my devotions I opened my bible and read these words from verse 27, “Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.”

One of the things I think Paul is talking about in these verses is living our lives with integrity so that our private and our public lives reflect the gospel–that we not do and say one thing in public (when someone we admire or want to impress or who happens to be in authority over us happens to be around) and then do something different in private.

It reminds me of the number of times (far too many to count) when someone is swearing or using God’s name in vain and then they realize that I am there and have just heard them and they look at me and say, “oh, I’m sorry pastor, I didn’t know you were there”  As if somehow that language is okay as long as ‘the pastor’ doesn’t catch them at it.  My stock response is to say, “well, if it doesn’t bother you to say it in front of God, why does it bother you to say it in front of me?”  I don’t know that it’s ever really changed anyone’s behavior, but I think it gets at the heart of what Paul is saying in these verses.

On a larger scale, I think we only have to look to the news this week to see the results of what happens when someone does not live their public and private lives with integrity. Sin abounds. People/children are hurt. Reputations and lives are destroyed. And so it is that I am reminded that even as much as life has changed since Paul’s time; obviously in many ways it hasn’t changed at all–and thus Paul’s call to live lives consistent with the faith of the gospel is just as important today as it was then.

Is it always easy to live this life of integrity? Of course not. And sometimes, as Pastor Chris has already commented it may mean being criticized perhaps even suffering for not being ‘with it’ or ‘hip’ or whatever the term is these days ; yes, I know I’m showing my age! : )  But as Christians, we are called, no matter how hard it may be, to live for Christ–to seek our approval from God and not from those around us–to live consistent with the faith of the gospel even when no one else is around–because God is always there.

Philippians 1:27-30

Paul continues on his discourse regarding motives. The upshot is simple, don’t be intimidated by those whom Paul sees as unsettling the believers through their ‘impure’ motives. I think the best handle on this comes from C. S. Lewis in the “Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. In that installment of the Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis writes of Lucy’s errand to find the book of potions. Upon finding it, she runs across a potion to read another’s thoughts, distracted from her quest for the right potion, she is tempted and calls on this potion about a girl back in “London”. Lucy begins to hear some ‘not very nice things’ and contemplates mischief upon this girl but Aslan intercedes and stops her. Lucy is repentant but still wants to know what will happen to that other girl. Aslan’s reply is, “I tell no one’s story but their own.”

Another thought about this thinking about my own actions. I am a ‘pleaser’ and like to have everyone get along. Because of this I worry about what others think. What I sometimes find myself doing is what I call a ‘reverse judgement’. Instead of paying attention to the things I can control, I get upset with others for ‘criticizing me’. Paul is pretty clear, pay attention to your own actions.

This according to Paul does not mean our life will be a bed of roses, quite the opposite. Standing firm in our own actions will invite trouble. Again thinking of my own actions, I recall my high school days. I never have liked the taste of beer, but I also had strong convictions about underage drinking. I refused to drink while most of my ‘friends’ did. I would go to gatherings where they drank and I had a coke. What I found was, the more they got into drinking the less I was invited along the party. Now it seems like a small thing, but then I remember feeling quite hurt and rejected, alone with no one who seemed to understand.

Paul then makes an interesting statement referring to the actions of the ‘opponents’ saying it is ‘the evidence of their destruction’. Bishop DeFreese reminded us at theological conference (and my excuse for this post being so late) that sin is simply being turned in on oneself (which is actually a quote from Martin Luther). Unless we are freed from thatbondage of being turned in on ourself, we can only respond in that manner, which leads us to further alienation from God. It’s a vicious cycle not unlike depression, which can only be interrupted by intervention, Jesus’ work of salvation. I am going to post this as it is so late and add further comments later. A coupel of random thoughts really, more later.

Philippians 1:18b-26

In the second half  of verse 18, Paul returns to his theme of rejoicing, particularly giving thanks for the support of the Philippians’ prayers; prayers which, when coupled with the work of the Holy Spirit have the power to bring about his deliverance. Paul clearly values the support of his friends and the efficacy of prayer; always remembering that neither he, nor they, can do anything without the help of God.

Starting in verse 20, Paul begins a section that seems to me to be almost stream of consciousness; as if he is thinking through his own thoughts as he writes–rather than having formally thought through them before he begins writing. You get the sense that as Paul is writing God is speaking to him–giving him clarity. I have often found this to be true in my own life when I take the time to journal or write out my prayers to God. Somehow, just in the process of writing out my thoughts, God is able to work bringing about clarity and a sense of direction of what I need to do, where I need to be focusing my attention, or simply assuring me of His presence and power at work in my life, calling me to trust in Him.

As Paul writes, he expresses the quite human concern that he would not do anything during the time of his imprisonment that would cause him shame and that he would continue to preach Christ with boldness bringing honor and glory to Christ.

We also gain a sense of how serious Paul’s imprisonment is; that although under house arrest, the threat of execution (when Paul’s case finally goes to trial) is evidently a distinct possibility. Yet, Paul is actually quite philosophical about the thought of his possible death. “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.” We sometimes speak and live as if we think death is the absolute worst thing that can ever happen to us.  Paul keeps even death in perspective–to die and be forever with his Lord and Savior was something which Paul looked forward to–not something to be avoided at all costs.  And I imagine such a mind set gave him great courage to face and even defy those who sought to silence him through threat, intimidation and imprisonment.

Yet, Paul clearly comes to realize in the midst of his writing that it is most likely he will not die, but live (at least at this time), because he surmises it would be better for the Philippians if he lives, so that through their mutual relationship and ministry with Paul in the gospel of Christ Jesus, they might continue to grow in their faith and and experience the joy that comes from believing in Jesus. So that, Paul, basically says, when I get out of prison you will have even more reason to boast about what Christ Jesus has done through me! In other words, Paul’s eventual release from prison will be a testimony to the Philippians faith and the effectiveness of their prayers.

So, some questions to ponder. 1) Have you ever written out your thoughts or prayers to God in a journal or some other manner?  Did you find it helpful? Did God speak to you through your writing?  2) What is your attitude towards death? Are you able to keep death in perspective? Does have an eternal perspective about death help you to have courage in facing the things of this world? 3) What do you think about this idea of boasting about what Christ Jesus has done for you? Do you find yourself uncomfortable with the notion of boasting, even if it is about Jesus and not about you?

Remember, these questions are just meant to prime the pump! If you have a different question or a thought that I have not thought of or addressed.  Feel free to share!  Pastor Sheryl

Regarding Philippians 1:12-19

Paul turns his attention to the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. We have already mentioned his imprisonment as part of our backround material. Paul has breifly mentioned it, now he addresses the topic fully. Keep in mind Paul is under guard but more than likely is under house arrest, so he probably is not literally in chains at this point. However, that does not undermine the burden he feels. He is not free.

A large part of that burden is that he, himself, is no longer free to plant churches and to visit the churches he has established. There is a strong sense that he chaffes at this thought. The burden is real and its not going away.

Still Paul finds a bright spot, noting that the whole palace guard has now heard the gospel. Evidently, the guards take turns, probably to keep them from getting too familiar with the prisoners. In this gurad rotation, Paul found an opportunity to advance the gospel. Here is a key word, “advance”. This word frames Paul’s discussion, beginning in verse 12 and is repeated in verse 25, there often translated as “progress”.

This is Paul’s light at the end of the tunnel. His yardstick simply becomes, the question, “Is the gospel andvancing?” As he struggles with his ‘bonds’ he keeps his head up by noting how the gospel continues to be procalimed.

This extends beyond his limited sphere. In his absence he notes that others have stepped up to the plate. He rejoices in this but notes that as with any power vacuum, not everyone who steps in to fill the void has pure motives. (Later, even Paul will admit that his motives are mixed.) Some might recall his earlier letter and his castigation of those oppose him and wonder what is the difference here. It might be that Paul has mellowed in his old age. It might be that Paul does not see this as a ‘doctrinal difference’. The bottom line is that even though some are out for profit or gain, or worse to keep Paul out of the picture, still the gospel is advanced.

This leaves questions which I relate from the Serendipity Bible. 1. What does this passage 1:12-19 say about what your attitude should be toward people whose motives you might question? 2. Where has God been able to use bad for good in your life? Two qeustions that spin off lots of other questions. Any thoughts?

Philippians 1:1-11

Paul had started the church at Philippi (read Acts 16:11-40 to see how it all began) and the members of this congregation held a special place in Paul’s heart and he in theirs.  So it is, that when the Philippian church hears that Paul has landed under house arrest in Rome, they send Epaphroditus (probably one of the elders of the church) to encourage Paul with greetings from the congregation and also to provide him with a financial gift.

Evidently, house arrest meant that Paul was able to receive visitors as well as write and receive letters. But it also meant that Paul had to finance his own imprisonment. Acts 28:30 states that Paul had to pay for his own rented apartment in Rome; plus he had to pay for guards as required by Rome. While Paul normally didn’t accept gifts from the churches (so that he could not be accused of having a ‘profit motive’–no one get any ideas!!!!!) he did accept a gift from the Philippians for his support in prison. One way to think about this letter is to see it as Paul’s thank you letter (you know like the one’s your parents always made you send to grandma after she’d given you a gift!) to the Philippians for their gift to him.

While the letter begins with greetings from Paul and Timothy it is generally believed that the letter is written only by Paul. Timothy was a frequent visitor during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome and was most likely with Paul when he writes this letter; thus Paul’s including him in the greeting.

Because of Paul’s special relationship with the church of Philippi, he begins this letter with a simple greeting–there is no defense of his apostleship as there is in many of his other letters (establishing his authority in this case is not needed); so he simply refers to himself and Timothy as servants of Christ Jesus.

In v. 2 Paul uses his standard greeting proclaiming ‘grace and peace’ to them–it is important to note that he makes clear that such grace and peace come not from him but from God (the greeting we exchange at the beginning of worship ‘the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all…and also with you’ is offered in the same vein).

Grace is, of course, God’s undeserved and unconditional love for us which leads directly to our salvation. Peace refers to the peace that Christ brings about between sinners and God through his death on the cross, but it also refers to that inner assurance and tranquility that only God can give.

Following the convention of first-century letter writing, Paul extends his greeting by expressing thanksgiving for those to whom he is writing and by saying a prayer for them. Paul was genuinely thankful for the Philippians’ gifts and partnership in the gospel and their support specifically of his ministry.

Paul’s thanksgiving and his prayer for the church are excellent examples for us. How often do we, not only give thanks for the people who nurture our faith, but actually tell them how thankful we are for their example, support, nurturing, and teaching of the faith?  How often do we pray for the church and its people that their love might overflow and their knowledge and insight might grow so that they might be able to determine what is best–i.e., what it is God is calling them to do?  How often do we extend God’s grace and peace to those we meet? And what exactly would that look like? How confident are we that what God has begun in us and in our fellow believers will be brought to completion in the day of Jesus Christ?

Just a few questions reflecting on this passage to get the dialogue started. What are your thoughts, questions, reflections? I look forward to reading your comments and questions.

“I thank my God every time I remember you…”