Philippians 4:14-20 Follow the Money Trail

Philippians 4:14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 

18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The apostle's "Thank you note". Paul had just told the Philippians that he could survive whether richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in danger or safety, in hunger or feasting.   He could endure "all these things through Christ who gives him strength".   But he goes on to tell them that it's good for them that they did help him financially, when no one else did. 

 Paul knew he would be provided for... it probably didn't matter too much where his provision came from, because ultimately, he knew it came from God.   Whether God had ravens bring him bread like they did for Elijah, or whether the Philippians sent resources, Paul's trust was in God taking care of his needs.   What made him glad was the implication of their material gifts. It was evidence of their spiritual condition and their love for him. 

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be" Matt 6:21   Notice it doesn't say that you should "put your money where your heart is".   It says that the things we invest in are the very things that our heart will be drawn to.  Read it again.  Spending patterns are a map to our devotion and affections.  When we choose to invest in spiritual things our heart becomes attached to them. Follow the money and you'll find the heart and soul.  Show me your checkbook and I'll tell you what or whom you love.

Giving is the antidote to selfishness.

Giving reminds us to hold loosely to the temporary and material

Giving is a chance to invest in the eternal.

Giving changes our heart and our longings.  

Paul reminds them that God is pleased with the their gifts and that He is the one who will meet their needs as well.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, keeps the planets in orbit by the word of His mouth, causes the seas to meet the shore and go no further than He ordains each day, and provided atonement for our sin.   God needs nothing  from us... nothing.  His kingdom does not change one bit if we decide to keep all our time and money for ourself and our family.   You see, it's not that we HAVE TO give, it's that we GET TO give and be a tiny part of the amazing things He does.


We have seen Paul's great love for the Philippians and his concern for their spiritual journey.  What a comfort for him when Epaphroditus brought gifts and supplies from the Philippians to Paul... he got to see their love and concern for him and for his mission in sharing the gospel.

Want a devoted heart for God?  Invest your time, talent and money in eternal things.   Where you put your treasure, your heart will follow.  Let's invest wisely.

Philippians 4:10-13 All Things

Philippians 4:10 

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 

2 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Paul shares a few lines that are pretty powerful.  While he is grateful for the Philippians sharing their pesos, he tells them he doesn't really need their financial support, because giving is more important for them than it is to him.   Paul knows that what we do with our money is great barometer for what or whom owns our heart.  Then Paul speaks about contentment.... more valuable than any financial gift. 

Verse 13, "I can do all things", the misused Christian "rah-rah" verse we throw around like pixie dust to convince ourselves we can be superheroes and get that promotion or accomplish all that we can dream of. #callthecontextpolice #again  

Paul has been in jail, in danger, in hunger, in persecution.  He has been stoned (no weed involved) and left for dead, been shipwrecked and lost at sea, been bitten by snakes.  He's broken over his sin, broken from beatings, broken for the lost and broken for the church.  He has lived with abundance and with nothing. He could do all these things, through Christ. It wasn't as much about what he could achieve, but about what he was able to endure.

Paul had to 'learn' this contentment as we do.  Trials, pain, living 'without', desperate situations are not the parties we hope to get invited to, but they are the classrooms where we learn to be content... the class no one signs up for.  Through experience, Paul came to see that no matter what situation or what provision was lacking, Christ could sustain him. He could do all those things through Christ who gives him strength. 

There is still great 'rah-rah' in this verse in its context. Just ask the ones who have endured.  The ones who make you wonder "how do you still get up every morning"?  They'll tell you... it was all Him... His strength.   Our contentment doesn't depend on our bank balance, possessions, or comfort (that's a lot of encouragement and conviction in one line ).  It can even being found in the trials, the sacrifices, the suffering.. when we've 'got nothin' left' or have to start over from scratch.  In hard times, His presence is magnified, and we learn to rest and trust in Him.  In difficult seasons, I have found His strength, and an intimacy I wouldn't know otherwise.... not things I want to repeat, but I wouldn't change them either. As you think about it, you can probably say the same.   With abundance or when we are broke... comfort or difficulty... we can do all these things through Christ who gives us strength.

  

4:1-7 Philippians The Real Housewives of Philippi

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!  2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellows, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Paul reminds them of his deep love for them.  He encourages them to rejoice, stand firm...be gentle... pray, don't be anxious... but now it's not about outside persecution or trials.... this time it's inside!

'There's a 'girl fight' going on! ... and by some "A- lister" sisters... girls who have labored with Paul for the gospel... is it possible?  Yep.

alright you two.. knock it off

So Paul calls for referees... twice (v2&3)!  If word of the contention got to Paul, it must have been big. We are supposed to work on rejoicing (v4) and being gentle, not working our left hook.  And now the whole church is aware... this is a divisive disease in the body of Christ.   If it’s not enough to know others are watching (that girl you invited to church, the one you've been discipling, new believers...), Paul reminds them (v5) the Lord is at hand; God sees.  So Paul calls for the leaders to 'help them' (v3) resolve it. This is the household of God, not Real Housewives of Philippi.  (And yet, there is this little part of me wants to know what it was about... was it who gets to decorate?, who got more attention?... or.... oops... I digress). How easy it is to get caught up in it all. That's what happens with discord in the body of Christ.

But here we are... the context of our favorite refrigerator verse "be anxious for nothing", is this ‘chick fight’ in the church. 

pssst... come over here...

Anxiety, frustration and conflict are a call to prayer, supplication and thanksgiving.  Prayer, Supplication and Thanksgiving.  P.S.T. 

Lord, set a guard over my mouth,
or a gate, or some duct tape..

“Pssssst,  Psssst”. He is trying to get our attention.  When we bring our requests and anxious thoughts in prayer, He will give us a peace that will guard our heart (those nasty attitudes) and our mind (that judgmental thinking) in Christ Jesus.  I love that he uses the word 'guard'.  If I have a guard over my heart and mind, it's less likely to come out of my mouth.  

Silence is golden and duct tape is silver (another tattoo idea for me).

Euodia and Syntyche had their ugly moment forever etched in scripture, like an ancient TikTok for all the church to see. Yikes! I'm so glad our ugly moments aren't written and published.  And even if we're not making the Philippian headlines, He sees right through any facade or excuse or selfish agenda.  He sees. He is at hand.  Anxiety, bad attitudes and frustration are a call to prayer. He doesn't promise here that He will change the situation, but prayer changes us. Being in His presence always does. 

The Lord is at hand.  He alone can give us a peace that will allow our 'gentleness to be known to all'.  A peace that the world does not know, but desperately longs for.  A peace that quells all our anxieties.  A peace that is greater than we can comprehend.  And it starts on our knees.

 

Philippians 3:15-21 Footprints

Philippians 3:15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.  20 But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 Paul warned the Philippians about those robe-dressed, ritual-observing, glory-seeking guys whose destiny is destruction.  He told the church how to spot the difference... "take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you".   Take a look around (v17)  ... watch long enough and you'll spot the 'real deal'....follow their lead and mine'.

When my husband worked a night shift in the Winter, I'd often walk in the snow with the kids to a local convenience store for some kind of 'treat', to get out of the house and break the monotony (ok and maybe to get me some Haagendaz).  The snow was often too deep for Tricia so I would tell her to 'walk in my footprints' ... ya know, the holes I made where I had already walked, so it would be easier for her.   We need to find people whose footprints we can walk in and 'follow their example'.

Look closely... Are they devoted to the 'body' of Christ?  Do they honor God when times are rough?  Do they complain or get offended easily? Are they 'real' or do they always seem like they're trying to be 'on'? Find someone who doesn't think 'they have attained' but is pressing toward the goal. The givers... the doers...the encouragers.. the ones who hold His word in higher regard than worldly philosophies or TV preachers. They set the bar. They establish the pattern.

They likely won't look like you or be in your age bracket. Don't know where to start? Join a Bible study... a small group, or sign up to serve in ministry somewhere.... that's where you'll find them... gathered around God's word with His people.    And Read. The. Book. ... where you'll find the "pattern" Paul gave us to live by.

Find good footprints to follow.... like Timothy... like Epaphroditus... like Paul .... like Christ. Put yourself in the places where you'll find a 'big sister' who can pray for you, and walk you through mountains and valleys that they have already navigated. It's life changing. When the waters of life get rough, these sisters have been like 'swimmies' that kept me afloat.

 And today, let's make sure we are leaving good footprints for others to follow as we 'eagerly await our Savior' and our citizenship in heaven to be realized.  (I get excited thinking about it!)

And if that's not enough to inspire you.... v21 says we will have a glorious body when He comes..... okay, probably not like hers... but way  better than the one we have ;)

Philippians 3:1-11 That Resume of Yours, Put It In The Garbage

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 

2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 

3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Rejoice.... again and again.... in prison, in persecution, in deep concern for the churches... there is his joy in the midst of difficulties.

Then Paul warns the Philippians about these 'dogs', mutilators of the flesh.   He's referring to circumcision.  Circumcision was a Jewish covenant, a blood covenant even, that was a sign of the relationship with God.  But if all you did was lose some skin, and did not have a changed heart, you missed the point. Like baptism, it was to be an outward sign, intended to show an inward change. (Romans 2:28-29)

Paul says, 'you wanna brag about our own accomplishments?... I got a list a mile long'.   Raised on the 'right side of the tracks', a godly family lineage, trained by Gamaliel, circumcised the 8th day, had all the rules and scripture memorized. Saul of Tarsus had an outward obedience to the law that would make their heads spin. 

Paul knew all the things he prided himself in meant nothing.... garbage.... some translations say 'dung'.  Compared to Christ's sacrifice, all our good deeds are like filthy rags to Him (Isaiah 64:6).  Gross.

Don't be a Pharisee, cuz
they're not fair ya see

There's only one thing we offer Christ in the relationship for salvation... our sin.   He gets covered in our sin and punished for it, and we get covered in His righteousness and blessed because of it.  We can look really holy on the outside, but God sees through to the heart (ouch).  Good works should follow as we become servants to the One who set us free, but they don't come before nor do they contribute one bit to what He did. Paul says stay away from those religious-looking, box-checking, skin-snipping guys. #somanyhyphens

As my husband always says "you don't get extra credit for doing good, because you're supposed to do good".  This is what Jesus meant by 'blessed are the poor in spirit'.  Spiritually broke... that's us.  There was no way we could reach heaven, so He came down to meet us where we live.  Christ took our place on the cross and said 'it is finished'.  Nothing we can 'do', it has already been 'done', completely, and so we are left humbled by a forgiveness we could never deserve and never, ever repay.

That is Grace... and man, is it ever AMAZING!

"So I stood outside the gates and trembled, in my rags of unworthiness

Afraid to even stand at a distance in the presence of holiness

But just as I turned to go, the gates swung open wide

And the King and His only Son, they invited me inside"

Verse 2  The Invitation by Steven Curtis Chapman

Philippians 2:25-30 Silent Heroes

Philippians 2:25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 

28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Silent heroes.... don'tcha love these guys?   I have this great fondness for these saints who are so briefly mentioned in Scripture that we usually miss them.  

Paul is in prison in Rome at the time of this writing, and the Philippians, dealing with their own persecution, sent Epaphroditus to care for Paul's needs. The selfless care their mentor modeled, they now demonstrate.   I'm not sure, but I'll betcha 2 gelatos that this guy wasn't hopping on a flight with Delta to get there.   I'm looking at the map and shaking my head.... 800 miles if you walked directly west and crossed the Adriatic Sea in between.  *Heavy sigh.  

If my husband parks far away, I joke: "That's ok, I can take a cab from here". If I leave town without GPS on my phone, you won't see me for days.  But this guy?... no car, no phone, no Chick-Fil-A ... even when he's sick. 

Epaphroditus gets there and he is almost to the point of death.  I am sure that a trek like that would involve some serious physical sacrifice just to minister to Paul's needs and bring the gift from the Philippians.  Instead of taking care of himself, he is worried about Paul. Ugh... I feel this need to make him a pot of Pasta Fagioli, except I'm a few hundred years too late. I wish I could ask him about it.. maybe one day.

   

I've had the honor of knowing some silent heroes like this... living with devastating loss, shattered dreams, thinking they'd be relaxing at this stage of life and instead raising their grandkids, and some carrying burdens that would snap me in two.  Yet they pour out anything that's left to care for others... mind-boggling and inspiring... it is so clearly Christ on display. I wanna be like that when I 'grow up'.  Silent heroes.  Right there in our midst and we don't even know it.  We judge by the outside and don't make time to know what's inside, and so we miss God's glory on display in them.

We see it again - the best leaders are those who are willing to humbly minister to the needs of others, even while struggling themselves. Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus were either sharing the gospel or pouring into others in the body of Christ.  

"Epaphroditus".... his name shows up twice in all of Scripture and only in the book of Philippians.... the words are few, but the lesson is profound.   #goalsgoalsgoals

Philippians 2:19-24 Father and Son

Philippians 2:19  I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon that I may also be cheered when I receive news about you.  20 I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest your welfare 21 for everyone looks out for his own interest, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because, as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the gospel.  23 I hope, therefore, to send him, as soon as I see how things go with me.  24  And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Yep, seriously... he went back

Paul met Timothy, his mom and grandma on his trip to Lystra & Derbe... not quite a vacation since they stoned the apostle for sharing Christ. They dragged him out of the city thinking he was dead.  So Paul's natural response was.... to go back the next day. Seriously?   Yep, seriously. From then on, Timothy stuck to him like glue.

After seeing Paul's sacrifice on behalf of those who needed to hear the gospel, Timothy took a genuine interest in the welfare of others (v20) when everyone else was worried about themselves. I'm pretty sure it's not that Timothy didn't have interests, preferences or concerns of his own, he just put those things behind his love for the brethren. Timothy wanted to see them secure in the faith, grounded and growing.

Timothy proved himself (v22) by working 'as a son with a father'.   There's a humility here that smacks against everything the world show us about rising to the top.   Timothy didn't have to call the shots, cast the vision of where they should go, or 'tap out' every time there were in crazy circumstances.  No fancy title.  No recognition or award.  Over and over and over, just faithful to do what needed to be done so that others could grow in their faith.  That is how he 'proved himself'. 

So sorry, I can't be there.  I'm a little tied up at the moment...

So, while Paul couldn't get to Philippi, he reminds the Philippians that he loves them and he is sending his 'son'; the only other one with a love and devotion for their spiritual well being.  One who has attached himself as a student and apprentice to a great mentor/father.  One who has been proven faithful.

This is church.  This is 'making disciples'.  This is our mission as well. We all need a Paul to follow and a Timothy to disciple.  Someone to help us strengthen our resolve to be faithful in serving, and someone we can strengthen and encourage in following their mission.

Father,
Life is jam packed with activity.   Help us to throw some things overboard that won't matter eternally, to make room for the things you have created us to do.   Help us to be like Timothy in a world where everyone looks out for their own interests and not the spiritual well being of others.  Give each one of us a Paul to follow, to encourage us toward godliness by their example, someone we can 'stick to like glue'.  Give us each a Timothy as well, so that when we near the finish line, we can pass the baton.   Amen

Philippians 2:12-18 Cheese and Whine

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.  17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul rejoices over the things I whine about.  He knows the Phlippers are suffering greatly and he is suffering even more.... response?.... 'you guys should be glad and rejoice with me'  (v18)  ....  'I'm the cake and your suffering is like the sweet icing on it' (v17 loose paraphrase).   Either this guy does not know how to party, or  I don't know how to suffer in a godly way.... guess which one of us is wrong 🤔. #SoFarToGrow  Only someone convinced that God is in control can have peace and joy in the midst of madness.  This guy sure does.

Paul continues to commend the Philippians in the middle of their persecution and tells them to work out their salvation.   He doesn't tell them to work for it.... we can't.... the blood of Christ is the only acceptable payment.    He's telling them to work out the salvation God has already worked in them (v13).   "Keep it up... C'mon... stay the course".   In the middle of his own pain, he focuses on theirs, and cheers them on again.  This is why it was needful for Paul to stay rather than go to be with the Lord.  He was their coach, mentor and their biggest cheerleader. We all need that.

Want some cheese
to go with that WHINE?

At the end of verse 15 he tells them to shine bright in this dark world after first telling them how in v14.  "Do everything without complaining and arguing". No murmuring... or whining... or bickering.... that's how you shine in the dark. That keeps you 'blameless and harmless'. (Yike! am I the only one he is talking to? Sure feels like it)

Blameless?... I'm to be blamed if I whine?  Our complaints are ultimately an indictment against the good character of God.. (I know, that 'stung' me too).  Harmless? ..I'm harmful if I complain?... it hurts us and it's contagious, so it harms others. Sadly, we complain when we are not running for our lives or being persecuted... we do it in the midst of comfort.   #whatawretch

Of course we all go through hard seasons that seem to crush us.  Maybe that's why he pleaded for their unity.  We need to care for one another. We all need somebody to lean on (𝅘𝅥𝅮 did you read that or sing it?), someone to confide in, to get counsel from when we are overwhelmed, and someone to pray for us as Paul did for them.  Prayer should the primary place where we go to pour out our anxious hearts to the only One who can change things... or change our hearts, and keep us from complaining.

Paul didn't focus on his bad situation.  He praised God in the good, the bad and the ugly.  When we consider who we really are, what we really deserve from God annndddd what He has given us instead, the response should be humble gratitude and praise.  

Paul lets them know:  Wanna start shining?... then stop whining.... knock it off... cut..it..out!  Complaining is toxic to the soul.  Praise is empowering and encouraging.  Both are contagious.  And you cannot do one while doing the other.  You cannot do one while doing the other.  I know, I wrote it twice because I needed to hear it twice.  May we  have an attitude of praise and gratitude, and may it be contagious today.

Philippians 2:1-11 Consider Others More

Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Be 'like-minded' with each other, and demonstrate the mindset (v5) of Christ.  Uh oh!  I smell some division brewing in the pages ahead (oh yes, I peeked)  We expect it in the world, but sadly we see it in the church as well.  Like a Dad watching his kids fight, Paul is pleading with them.   "Did Christ ever encourage you, comfort you, love you, show you compassion?, then do me a favor.... make my joy complete... be humble and serve each other.     Paul pleaded out of love, for them to be united.  The enemy has a 'field day' when there is division.  We all know it happens: jockeying for position, looking for titles, seeking the praise of others.... ugh.... it's gross and we are all guilty at some point.  Paul tells them the opposite of what our pride tells us.  

He takes aim at their ego and pleads for their unity.  Paul reminds them of the ultimate example.  From the highest height to the darkest depth, the King of Creation, left His throne, came to dwell with sinful man who would mock, torture and crucify Him.  His perfect holiness was covered in our sin as God's wrath is poured out on Him in our place.  Just his 'little reminder' (ouch), ya know, in case we think we are 'too cool' to be humbled. 

While they're suffering persecution from the outside, seems there may be some sparks flying on the 'home front' as well.  James says (ch 4v1) that quarrels come from our selfish desires... that 'me first' mentality. We should be 'putting out fires' in the church, not running around with matches. Do nothing, not-a-thing, out of selfish ambition.

In 2 Corinthians 11:28 Paul reminds the church that of all his many afflictions, persecutions and imprisonments, there is this daily heartache of concern for the churches.  It is not a burden he carries once in a while but every day...  every - single - day.... an ache that probably no one else even notices. That's why he pleads.

Paul reminds us of that 'humble servant thing' again. It won't come if we are all seeking our best interest or pushing our own agenda. The One who was 'in the beginning with God' (John 1:2), made Himself as nothing (v7), allowed Himself to be humbled to the point of death in His final act of sacrifice. He didn't consider Himself 'too cool' to be humbled the way He was.... neither did the imprisoned apostle who wrote this ...  and so, neither should we. Let's park that 'high horse' we rode in on, be united as one, consider others' needs first. 

Philippians 1:27-30 Sufffferin Succotashhh

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 

28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Stand strong...  don't blow your testimony... stay focused... don't let them scare you.  Paul has to remind them, because like his life, the Philippians aren't seeing all rainbows and unicorns.... they're seeing some serious trials and persecution themselves.

We have been given so many things when we came to Christ: forgiveness, new life, power over sin, a life of purpose and much more but it's also been given to us to  suffer for Him (v29) who suffered for us.  (Not my favorite gift... one I'd usually like to return). Yes, suffering... it's to be expected.  Yeah, doesn't make me want to rejoice either.  Those who promise you health, wealth and prosperity when you come to Christ, couldn't be more contrary to God's word.  Suffering is part of the deal. 

As much as we hate it, it is never in vain.  God uses these things to shape us and mold us and draw us to Himself.  I don't like saying it ('because Lord, this is not an invitation to send some') but there will be no growth or maturity without hardships in life.  The times I have felt closest to the Lord, or grown most in my faith, were the hardest times.  Think back for a minute.

But no matter the circumstance, Paul tells them to 'walk in a manner worthy of the gospel'.   Don't be fearful.  This is no time to start trash-talkin' like the ones who trouble us.  Don't let your faith waver.   Don't even think about tossing off the royal robes to get in the ring with those looking for a fight.  This persecution is evidence that you are in the family of God .... and (v28) they are not... 'they will be destroyed' 😟... 

oh, wow...that should make us change our perspective.

Most of us are not remotely familiar with the religious persecution of Paul or his fellow servants, or Christians around the world today, but we all understand adversity.   Life is filled with trials that can turn our world upside down.  Abandonment.  Bad diagnosis. Unfair bosses.  Rock-throwers. Faith Mockers.  It's inevitable.  

"Conduct yourselves worthy of the gospel" Paul tells them. The way we behave is not based on the behavior of others, how they treat us or what difficulty we face.  We are to respond based on the character and example of our Savior.  We are His ambassadors to those around us.. even to those who persecute us... yikes!  So, whether it's sunshine and rainbows or darkness and trials he tells them to stand firm and not be fearful. We need to keep our nose in His word and our feet of faith firmly planted. Let's live the gospel out loud.  Like Paul says to us, and as Christ demonstrated for us, and regardless of how we are treated -  let's walk worthy today.

Philippians 1:19-26 Here or There, It's All Good

Philippians 1:19 

for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 

"Daddy, can we go home now?"

In my selfishness, I'm ready to go.... I'm sick of my flesh; the sin and bad attitudes in me that I can't wait to be done away with...... I'm tired of the world's philosophies that are so contrary to His word. The idea of a permanent retirement in heaven with the One who gave Himself for me... no more tears or heartache... it melts me to the core.   Some days I look up and wonder .... like a little kid after a long day "Can't we go home now?"

Now imagine Paul saying this.  He would love nothing more than to be with Christ and leave this world.  Yet he is happy to stay if it's helpful to the family of God... but when he says that, he knows it means.... 'even if I am persecuted again', 'even if I have to go to jail again', 'even if I get shipwrecked or beaten with rods again'... 'if He wants me here to disciple and mentor others, I'm in'. 

If I am honest, most days, 'for me to live is me'. (cuts my heart as I type it) But 

if we are still here, there's a bigger purpose for it.  

Rather than whine, we need to focus on the eternal stuff... making disciples, encouraging the brothers and sisters (some of whom carry overwhelming burdens),  and becoming more like Christ. That's why we go to church. That's why we work where we do.  That's why we end up with people in our lives we'd never expect... He is in all that stuff here. 

 So if we get called home, we serve Him there. While we stay, we serve Him here.   It's a win/win.

When Paul says "for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain", he hasn't lost his marbles... he is just 'good' with whatever God chooses for his life... here (earth), or there (heaven)... it's all good.  When we desire His will above ours, it's all good because He is good and what He wants for us is good.  Stay here and serve.... it's good.   Go and be with Him ... it's good.  Even when it looks like it's bad...it's all good... cuz He is so good and what He wants for us is good.   Got it?   Good. Let's keep that in mind as we venture out today.

"It's All Good", by Joy Williams   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rti5OzB9wI4