Thoughts on Philippians 1

How do you know if you are living a life that is a blessing to others? Ask yourself, “Do people thank God and are filled with joy, when they think about me?”

And what will make people thank God, whatever their circumstance? The Gospel!

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:14 ESV)

How did Paul’s imprisonment bring about confidence in the disciples? Because they saw that even imprisonment has a greater purpose – yes, that God allowed it – for the advancement of the Gospel. Paul’s momentary trials resulted in more people hearing about the Good News of God’s love through Jesus, restoring them back to God. One person in a temporal earthly prison in exchange for a multitude of people set free from an eternal prison.

But not everyone who was proclaiming Christ in the early Church was doing so with good motives. Sadly that has continued even 2000 years later. Human nature, we struggle against envy, pride and selfish ambition. Paul’s attitude? “They think this will make me jealous or envious? Not really, I’m glad that they are spreading the Good News!”

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me… to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:21-22a, 24-25 ESV)

When it comes to the life, and earthly death, of a true follower of Christ, there are no accidents. When God says it is time to go, it is time to go. Until then we have our marching orders, we have our purposes to fulfill.

It won’t be easy – there will be trouble from the outside, and trouble within. We need to stand firm and be united in God’s Spirit.

To know Him and to make Him known.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)

Amen.

The chapter starts with a command. Comfort – then it repeats, almost like to emphasize on an emotional level – comfort my people, says your God.

Why Lord? And How? The “why” is explained in the next verse. I find that the The Message version is easier to understand.

“Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem, but also make it very clear. That she has served her sentence, that her sin is taken care of—forgiven! She’s been punished enough and more than enough, and now it’s over and done with.” (Isaiah 40:2 MSG)

I hesitated to post that verse. The idea that God punishes us for our sins is not very appealing. “I thought God is love? I thought God forgives?”, we protest. The fact is God IS love, but He is also Just. His laws are clear: “I am the Lord your God, you should have no other gods besides me”, “Be holy for I am Holy”, “Love your neighbor”, and so on.

There are consequences to disobedience to His laws – which to us looks like punishment. But, God is also love. For those who understand God’s nature, this punishment is actually less than what we deserve. We deserve death and separation, but He gives life and redemption. For His children, this punishment is discipline – yes, because of our stubbornness we need it, because of His love he allows it. When we protest, it probably is because we have double standards. We are quick to agree that God should punish those who we think are wrong, but when it is about us we disagree. Man’s standard is subjective, God’s standard is clear. In the presence of a Great and Holy God, no man can stand. The comfort is this: in spite of our sin, God loves us.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:10-23 ESV)

His strength is great, boundless. His armor, perfect and all sufficient. Why the reminder?

“…that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:11b-12a ESV)

There will be trials and temptations – schemes. Our enemy is not men – though it might seem like it many times on the outset. This reminder will help us understand how God sees people, and will help us to be channels of His grace.

Let’s look at this armor:
• belt of TRUTH (holds it all together)
• breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS (for close ranged attacks)
• shoes of readiness of the GOSPEL of peace (for speed, urgency)
• shield of FAITH (for long ranged attacks)
• helmet of SALVATION (for head, mental attacks)
• sword of the Spirit, the WORD of God (for fighting back!)
• PRAYING in the Spirit (our source of strength!)

“…making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18b-19 ESV)

We are not in this battle alone. Our brothers and sisters are also with us, and we need to strengthen one another by praying for one another and encouraging one another.

The tribe of Levi, thousands in number, were set apart by God specifically for full time service in the temple. In terms of practicality and efficiency for the whole nation of Israel, this does not make sense. That’s about 8%~9% of “unproductive” population, who are themselves consumers, and add to that, are key people in the sacrifice of animals and produce. Hahaha! I just love it how God’s ways are so strange compared to man’s understanding. In spite of this, or I believe, it is because of this “setup” the nation of Israel was blessed. It shows trust and dependence on God’s goodness. And it allows God to prove it that yes, He is good!

Each group/family in the tribe had their specific assignment. To me it looks similar to how the Church has different parts and how the Holy Spirit gives us different gifts in order to fulfill our part.

One particular assignment that struck me was “guarding” the temple. I understand that the temple is central to the life of the Israelites, and that it also contains some monetarily valuable items. It should be guarded from theives, robbers, desecrators, etc. But what do we know about the temple so far? That with one wrong move, even those who are ministering are struck dead in an instant. So maybe they are not really guarding the temple from people (God, of course, is more than capable of defending himself), but are guarding (protecting) people from the temple. Which is an analogy of what Jesus eventually did for us. Jesus made sure that we, as imperfect beings, will be acceptable to the Holy God. That we are able to enter His presence and not face fire.

It’s amazing how the Bible pieces together like that.

Didn’t ride the train yesterday. No train time, no quiet time? It shouldn’t be the case. But at least now I’m sure, I have another two years’ worth of train time – quiet time. : )

Look to God in your spiritual journey. Look intently, expectantly, attentively. There will be people who, intentionally or not, will look at you with contempt. Some will mock or scorn, some publicly, some privately.

Now that you know that this is just part of human nature – it was true in the psalmist’s time, it is still true today – you can refocus your anxiety. Look to the Master. He is just and merciful, He knows what is best. He is able to guide you and give you strength. If you abide in Him, He will bring about from you “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23 ESV).

Keep your eyes focused on God.