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