Philippians

Philippians radiates joy and thanksgiving despite Paul writing from prison, encouraging believers to rejoice in the Lord always and display the humble mind of Christ. Paul thanks God for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, confident that He who began a good work in them will bring it to completion. Paul's imprisonment has advanced the gospel—the whole imperial guard knows he's in chains for Christ, and most believers have become confident to speak God's word without fear. Some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, others from goodwill, but either way Christ is proclaimed and Paul rejoices.

Whether he lives or dies, Christ will be honored in his body. For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If he remains, it means fruitful labor. He's torn between desiring to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, and remaining to continue helping the Philippians' progress and joy in the faith.

Paul urges them to conduct themselves worthy of the gospel, standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith, not frightened by opponents. They've been granted not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him. Paul appeals for unity—complete his joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant.

Let each look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though He was in the form of God did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every name, that at Jesus' name every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is working in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God shining as lights in a crooked and twisted generation. Paul hopes to send Timothy soon, having no one else of kindred spirit who will be genuinely concerned for their welfare. He also sends Epaphroditus, who nearly died for Christ's work, risking his life to complete their service to Paul.

Paul warns against dogs, evildoers, and mutilators of the flesh who put confidence in the flesh. Though Paul could boast—circumcised on the eighth day, of Israel, of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law a Pharisee, as to zeal a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under law blameless—whatever gain he had he counts as loss for Christ's sake. He counts everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. Paul wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, sharing His sufferings, becoming like Him in death, that he may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Not that he's already obtained this or is already perfect, but he presses on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Brothers, join in imitating Paul and observe those who walk according to the example set. Many walk as enemies of Christ's cross, their end is destruction, their god is their belly, they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But believers' citizenship is in heaven, from which they await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform their lowly body to be like His glorious body.

Therefore, stand firm in the Lord. Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord always; again Paul says rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, any excellence, anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Paul rejoices that the Philippians have revived their concern for him, though he has learned in whatever situation to be content.

He knows how to be brought low and how to abound, in any and every circumstance facing plenty or hunger, abundance or need. He can do all things through Him who strengthens him. Yet it was kind of them to share in his trouble. They sent him aid once and again when he was in Thessalonica.

Not that Paul seeks the gift, but he seeks the fruit that increases to their credit. He has received full payment and more; he's well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what they sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And God will supply every need of theirs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.