Drew’s Blog - Drew Boswell

“The Two Circles” Philippians 3:1-4:1

https://youtu.be/jel6iYd_tSA?si=l86vuZx7G0dkiG-x

A Study of the Book of

“Philippians” Unity. Humility. Joy.

“Two Circles”

Philippians 3:1-4:1

Introduction

At the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz above the entryway were the words, Arbeit macht frei. The same thing stood above the camp at Dachau. It means, “work makes free“—work will liberate you and give you freedom. It was a lie—a false hope. The Nazis made the people believe hard work would equal liberation, but the promised “liberation” was horrifying suffering and even death.

Arbeit macht frei is because it is the spiritual lie of this age. It is a false hope—an impossible dream for many people in the world. They believe their good works will be good enough to outweigh their bad works, allowing them to stand before God in eternity and say, “You owe me the right to enter into your heaven.”

But it’s the love of God that liberates. It’s the blood of Jesus Christ that liberates. He died in my place, and I am free.

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Prayer

The Inside Circle and the Outside Circle (vv. 1-11)

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh

Paul has given three examples that should encourage the Philippian church to be selfless, united, and to have no quarreling (Jesus, Timothy, and Epaphroditus). Now he tells the church to be on the lookout for three bad examples, (the dogs, the evildoers, and the mutilators).

These groups that the church is to watch out for, “were posing as Christian teachers, they placed their emphasis on belonging to the Jewish people. They heaped scorn upon those outside the Jewish family by calling them dogs and evildoers.”[1] These are prejudiced words, that Paul is using toward these groups, it is satire, using their own words that they used to refer to outsiders. “Paul is warning against false teachers who, though not yet in the church in Philippi, are nevertheless a clear and present danger.”[2]

Dogs at this time were not thought of as being man’s best friend, or have special places within the family. In ancient culture dogs were despised, because they would eat anything, including dead animals, human corpses, and their own vomit.[3] So there were some Jewish believers who thought of non-Jewish believers (Gentile Christians) as dogs, because of what they ate, and did not follow the ceremonial law – so they thought of them as unclean. They were outside the circle of the holy people of God. So Paul is wanting to show who is on the true inside, and who is truly on the outside – both of these ways of thinking can’t be correct.

Also, this group that Paul is warning the church about, think of themselves as being “servants of righteousness” because they follow the law, and according to them, those that don’t follow the law are evildoers.[4] But Paul uses their own terms against them – they are evil doers because they put their confidence in what they do.

If they are confident in their keeping of the law, as the means of being made right with God, then there is no need for Jesus. They are self-reliant, self-righteous, they have no need to be saved, no need for a Savior – just keep the law. The irony is they in thinking they are righteous in their own efforts, they become evildoers. They are also evil doers because they are working to pull away Christians who place their faith in Jesus alone.

Romans 2:28-29 “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.”

For the Jewish people, they were so confident that they called themselves, “the circumcised.” This outward act, was what made them God’s people. Paul says to Jesus’ followers, “we are the circumcision.” “Their identity in Christ gives them the right to be called by the names for the people of God. Followers of Jesus (all followers, Jew and Gentile) are now included as God’s people.

It’s a question of confidence; where does our confidence for our right standing before God come from? Paul says that true Christians are, “put no confidence in the flesh.”

Instead, they “worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus,” – Worship is an inward display of faith, that expresses itself outwardly. If you only consider what happens on the outside, then you are an evildoer. By only focusing on the outside, they were just like the pagans around them who wanted to gain their god’s favor by mutilating themselves.

1 Kings 18:27-29 “And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.”

If your confidence to stand before God is you saying, “I am a good person, I have grown up in the church, I am not as bad some other people, etc.” then you are in the same category as the worst rapist, murderer, and child molester. There is a line of salvation – you don’t get across it by being good, or doing good things.

Paul then says, if it’s about doing good things, and following the law, then look at what I have done. . .

— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for 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; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

If anyone should have confidence in how they have followed the law, even to the point of hunting down Christians – he surpassed all those who would hold this argument. Paul’s entire life, before his conversion on the road to Damascus, was centered around his pursuit of the law and trying to be a good person. But look at how he views that time of his life. . .

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

All of it before Jesus was garbage. Paul jumped from the religious circle into the Jesus circle – look at how many times he points to Jesus just in these few verses (11 times).

He uses financial terms of gain and loss – before Jesus his investment was in going to church, following the festivals and ceremonies (be there for mother’s day), memorizing Scripture, serving on various councils and committees (he was a Pharisee). That was a stockpile of gain, adding all those good works up, he was very confident in those things – until he met Jesus. You can’t have both – your righteousness and Jesus’ righteousness. You have to choose. You can have your righteousness from trying to be a good person, or you can put your faith in Jesus – but you can’t have confidence in both to be made righteous.

You need to get home from the airport, so you ask a friend to pick you up. But you are not really confident that the friend will show up, so you ask another friend to pick you up too. As you are standing at the pick-up point at the airport, they both pull up at the designated time. Can you get in both cars? No, you have to pick a friend to go home with.

Like a scale all of our actions are piled up on one side, and on the other is to know Jesus; when you compare the two, our righteousness is not enough to make us right with God, Isaiah 64:6 “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Paul calls his good works garbage – he does not have a high view of all his accomplishments – we have to have the same view as Paul. We can’t be our own savior, our attempts to be our own savior need to be thought of as garbage.

By placing our faith (Paul says it twice here), having right standing before God comes through faith in Jesus Christ, when we do this we, “know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” We are able to have power over sin and death, and join Christ in his second advent appearance, by our faith in Jesus – what we gain by faith in ourselves is garbage.

Living Inside the Right Circle (12-21)

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

The dogs, the evil doers, and the mutilators are teaching that you can be spiritually perfect by following the moral law, and adding Jesus to your life. Jesus, plus being a good person, equals perfection. Paul says that in Christ, he has come to realize that as a sinful man, he has a long way to go – but he strains forward. To strain means to “exert oneself to the uttermost.”

“Paul knows that his passionate intention to know Christ does not in itself make him perfect. His decision to consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ was only the beginning of a daily discipline to press on toward the goal. The authenticity of faith in Christ cannot be measured only in the intensity of one’s initial decision to receive Christ. Receiving Christ is a lifetime adventure.”[5]

There are two things that Paul mentions here that cause Christians to stop in their journey with Jesus. One is to look back, “forgetting what lies behind,” — your right standing with God has nothing to do with what you did in your past – it doesn’t matter, your focus is Jesus, not your past. Paul stood and held the coats of those that stoned Christians, Acts 7:6 “Then they cast him (Stephen) out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Even more recent in Paul’s life he says, “as to zeal, a persecutor of the church” (v. 3:6)

The other reason people stop striving is because they feel they have already arrived; there is no need to try, you are already perfect. When asked if they love Jesus, they would say, yes, look at all the things I am doing for Him. But it has been a long time since you have been broken over your sin. When we enter into a true time of worship, a true time of wrestling with God’s Word, and spend time with Jesus, we realize how far we have to go. Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect.”

Strive. Stretch. Strain.

Don’t Quit Because of Your Past. Don’t Be Self-Righteous.

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

“The temptation to drop out of the race and simply “enjoy life” seduced many to “set their “minds set on earthly things” – faith is not simply a decision in the past or a static state of existence; faith is running a race, straining toward what is ahead.”[6]

(v. 18) Paul, through tears, now mentions those that “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” There was a path they were following, then came a fork in the road, and they went the wrong way. They went from being focused on Jesus, to being focused on themselves.

(v. 19) “their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame” – we tend to associate our belly with food and it may seem like Paul is saying that these enemies of the cross are over-eating, etc. but in Paul’s culture, the belly was the seat of desire. Their bodily appetites dictate their actions.

They are so focused on their bodily cravings because their “minds set on earthly things.” They have even received glory in something that should bring them shame. Paul’s focus for the Philippian church was that they would be united, or like-minded, partners in the gospel – but these people are like-minded in their desire for the things of this world. The fork in the road they chose was that Jesus was not enough, so they turn back to the world.

(v. 20) “But our citizenship is in heaven,” – earthly minded and heavenly minded. If your mind is set on the things of this world, and satisfying the desires of your belly then, “Their end is destruction,” – Seek after Christ, strive to hold on to him with all that you have.

Conclusion

“In the story of The Wizard of Oz the characters have some famous lines, “If I only had a brain!” The Scarecrow doesn’t believe he is smart because he doesn’t have a piece of paper that tells him he is smart. Yet he masterminds the journey to Oz and rescues Dorothy, proving he already had a brain. “If I only had the courage!” The Cowardly Lion is afraid even though his species is supposed to be fearless. He learns that he can overcome his fear when he cares more about Dorothy than himself. Finding meaning and purpose helped him gain courage. “If I only had a heart!” The Tin Man is sad because he is hollow and doesn’t have a heart. But his compassion and care for his companions along the journey showed that he could love and be loved. It didn’t matter that he was made differently. “There is no place like home.” Dorothy learns she had the power inside her all along and so had all the others.

“The Wizard will know what to do!” Dorothy, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow believe that there is some powerful being that will be able to solve their problems. But, as they are unmoored from familiar environments, they learn to be responsible for themselves and band together to help and support each other. When the curtain is pulled back, they realize that the Wizard was not the all-powerful savior they expected. They had saved themselves.”[7]

This is the story that the dogs, the evildoers, and the mutilators tell – this is their favorite story; you can do it, the power to save yourself is within you. But, from what Paul has shown us today, do you think this is true?

You have to pick the car that will take you home, your eternal home – you can drive your own car, or you can get in Jesus’ car. Which one will you choose?

___________________________

[1] G. Walter Hansen, The Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan; WM. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009) 217.

[2] Hansen, 219.

[3] Ps. 22:16, 20; 59:6, 14

[4] Psalms 14:4-6

[5] Hansen, 249.

[6] Hansen, 257.

[7] https://pamroyblog.com/the-scarecrow-already-had-a-brain/

“The Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise” Philippians 2:19-30

A Study of the Book of

“Philippians” Unity. Humility. Joy.

“The Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise”

Philippians 2:19-30

Introduction

For many years Monterey, a California coast town, was a pelican’s paradise. As the fishermen cleaned their fish, they flung the offal to the pelicans. The birds grew fat, lazy, and contented. Eventually, however the offal was utilized, and there were no longer snacks for the pelicans. When the change came the pelicans made no effort to fish for themselves. They waited around and grew gaunt and thin. Many starved to death. They had forgotten how to fish for themselves. The problem was solved by importing new pelicans from the south, birds accustomed to foraging for themselves. They were placed among their starving cousins, and the newcomers immediately started catching fish. Before long, the hungry pelicans followed suit, and the famine was ended.[1]

An example in a person’s life can be a very powerful thing. This morning we will look at two examples that help us to understand how we can be a life changing example for others, and can look to others who are faithful to encourage us in our walk with the Lord.

Prayer

The Example of Timothy (vv. 19-24)

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

(v. 19) “I hope in the Lord Jesus to”[2] – Paul hopes to do something but everything he does, is “in the Lord” or under God’s direction and control. We have seen several times, in Acts 16 and in the opening verses of Philippians, that Paul has a plan, but then has to change his plan as the Lord leads. In today’s passage he plans to send Timothy back to them. He plans to be released from prison, but he doesn’t know for sure.

He planned to plant churches in one area, but God in a vision, told him to go to Macedonia, completely ignoring the areas he planned to go to. Paul had a strategy of going to Jewish synagogues and showing how Jesus fulfilled prophecy, but when he got to Philippi there were not even 10 Jewish men, much less a synagogue; so his plans had to change.

James 4:13-16 “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance.” With Paul we see a principle that we can apply to our lives;

Plan and be active in the Lord’s work,

but as the Spirit leads, be willing to change your plans.

Paul has people with him that are helping him in the ministry of defending the gospel, and serving together while he is in prison, and he first highlights Timothy. Paul describes Timothy as “no one else is like him,” Timothy is truly concerned about the Philippian church, he was a person who seeks the interest of Jesus Christ, and he has proven himself to be a co-worker in the kingdom.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul is saying that there are people in the Philippian church that are looking after their own self-interests, that they are selfishly causing division in the church, “Timothy will be an antidote to this spiritual toxemia infecting the Philippians. In his concern for them, they will see a man who seeks not his own interests but those of Jesus Christ. In effect, Paul writes, ‘When I send Timothy to you, you will see in his selfless concern for you the very attitude that you should all extend to each other.”[3]

So Paul is going to send Timothy to the Philippian church, but the language allows us to see that he is not going many miles “on a multi-week journey simply to ask, ‘so, how are you?’ Rather Timothy will ascertain the spiritual state of the church vis-à-vis a hostile culture and in terms of their internal unity (1:27-30).”[4] Paul is concerned about the issues the church is facing, and Timothy is just as interested (or concerned). Paul’s love is expressed for the church in that these issues (disunity, splintering, selfish ambition, conceit, etc.) need to be addressed.

Love is being willing to deal with the unpleasant hard stuff. When I say, “deal” I mean talking with a person who is sinning, and in love point them to Scripture – it is not love to accept sin in a person’s life.

(v. 22) “how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel,” – “It is not that Timothy serves Paul, as ancient fathers would expect to be served by respectful sons; rather, Timothy serves with Paul in the gospel.”[5] The word for served here, refers to the service of slaves (1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus”).

In recruiting people to do the work that needs to be done in the church, I have heard it said many times, “Can you come and do this for me?” Or “I’m going to help out so-and-so do this task of that task.” The danger of this way of saying something is that the person is going to do this to serve the person. We all serve the Lord with each other – side-by-side. If a leader asks you to do something, they are asking you to come along side them to serve the Lord. We have leadership, like Paul was Timothy’s leader, but Timothy and Paul served together, with each other (just on different roles).

By Paul describing Timothy as a son, serving with him, “assures the Philippians that Timothy would have the same concern as Paul for their welfare: he will show genuine concern for their welfare.”[6] They share the same heart and concern for the gospel and for the church’s health. Why does Paul emphasize this?

He has already mentioned earlier, that 1:15 “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry,” that they “proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me (Paul) in my imprisonment.” Timothy is not like these leaders, he has the same heart as Paul in wanting them to be unified in advancing the gospel (and to solve this, is to root out sin).

The Example of Epaphroditus (vv. 25-30)

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Paul wanted to wait until he heard the decision from the emperor (either his death or his release from his “chains”) until he sent Timothy back to Philippi. However, he wanted to send Epaphroditus back immediately. As soon as the ink dried on the letter – he would be sending him back.

Paul refers to Epaphroditus as “my brother and fellow worker (yokefellow) and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.” In discussing him with the church the emphasis is on their relationship, Paul says that Epaphroditus is my brother, etc. There is a closeness that comes from being a fellow brother, worker, soldier, messenger, and minister in Paul’s ministry of expanding the gospel. As Christians serve together, each seeking to do their best for Jesus, there are relationships that grow and develop.

He had delivered the church’s contribution toward Paul’s expenses while he was in prison, and stayed to help Paul in other ways. In that service he became deathly ill, and the church had heard about it and were concerned. Paul doesn’t want the church to think that Epaphroditus was working against Paul, no he was like a brother he didn’t slack in the work, no he was a fellow worker; he did not cower in sickness, no he was a fellow soldier – he was faithul in delivering what was sent, he was their messenger and ministered to Paul on their behalf.

Epaphroditus was sent by the church to help Paul (he was representing those who could not go and help), however he was returning sooner than expected. Paul wanted the church to know that he was returning in good standing, he did what he was supposed to do – he almost died twice.

There are different ways to interpret Paul explaining what happened while he was with Paul, but I believe that best explanation is that Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to take the money of support to him, to stay and help with the gospel – but instead of helping, he was deathly ill (twice), and Epaphroditus was concerned that the church would be disappointed in his service to Paul. So, Paul is explaining the seriousness of Epaphroditus’ condition.

Why would God allow Epaphroditus to be sent to help Paul, only to have battle two life-threatening rounds of sickness, and then to be sent back sooner than expected?

https://trotters41.com/2013/09/28/sometimes-missionaries-get-sick/

https://www.alifeoverseas.com/how-does-physical-health-impact-a-missionarys-decision-to-leave-the-field/

(v. 27) “But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” The theme of joy runs throughout the story of the Philippian church. Remember how Paul and Silas were singing hymns and praying after they had been beaten and thrown into prison. Paul expresses the joy that the church has brought to him – but here there is mention of the reality of ministry – Those that allow themselves to feel deeply for others, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ do experience sorrow in the work. So Paul is saying that for him to lose Epaphroditus to death/illness would have been “sorrow upon sorrow.”

It would have been a wave of sorrow (these other preachers that Paul describes as “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry,” and how they “proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment) the near death of a dear friend, his imprisonment, what ever that first wave was, to then have it followed by another wave of sorrow would have been overwhelming for Paul.

The challenge of just living life, especially being a Christian and living life is you don’t know where people are in these storms. Have they been hit by a wave of sorrow, that you just didn’t see? Are they recovering from a wave of sorrow that has been life changing for them even from years ago? Are they about to enter a storm where they will be hit wave upon wave? God has called us to stand by eachother, to love one another in these storms.

When I was younger my family went to Mexico Beach, Florida every summer for vacation where we would spends many hours at the beach. My dad would take a folding chair and book and to cool off would wade into the water. But because I was little I couldn’t go as far as he could – so I would swim out into the deeper water, and I would put my arms around his neck and I was completely safe – even though the giant waves would sweep over us, no matter how big the waves that came, one after the next. Sometimes in life we need someone to hold on to when the big waves come.

Sometime we Christians will say to someone experiencing a wave of sorrow, ‘“You need to claim the peace of God to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. You need to learn to be content even in the time of death.’ But Paul’s admission of sorrow is not a confession of sin. The emotion of sorrow is a God-given, Christ-like emotion, especially in the face of death, ‘the last enemy to be destroyed’” (1 Cor. 15:26).”[7] Often times we need a person just to be there during the storm.

God has given us the church to be there when those waves of life come.

Paul mentions Timothy and Epaphroditus as fellow servants who are there with him, and have faithfully served beside him to advance the gospel. “In the NT, approximately one hundred people are named as associates with the apostle. If we narrow the list to those mentioned in his letters with some form of ministry designation or a particular role, we have a group of about thirty-six, who are referred to with nine different designations; coworker, servant, brothers, etc.”[8] Paul always had people with him in his ministry, and they were sent from a particular church. Living for Christ is a group activity.

When I graduated from high-school I took some money that I was given for graduation and bought scuba lessons. I went through the process of taking the classes, we practiced in the pool and for the final test we went to Panama City, Florida, went out in a boat and went diving off of a jetty. You are told constantly “stay with your dive buddy,” well I was swimming along and turned around and my buddy was gone, and about that time I was swept up in a strong current.

It’s like trying to walk in a hurricane – no matter how hard you swim you are being swept backwards. Head over heals (or flipper) – disoriented and freaking out. Eventually, I just relaxed and let the current carry me, and I made my way to the surface to see if I could see the boat and the other divers. When I got to the surface, I was way away from everyone. But if I had continued to fight the current I would gotten tired, ran out of air, and bad things could have happened.

Paul had to be willing to let go of his strategies, ministry plans, and to be led by the Holy Spirit. Timothy had to be willing to let go of control and go or stay with Paul. Epaphroditus was willing to give his life for the sake of the gospel but Paul wants to send him home (he has to let go of the pride of staying and return) – he was a faithful servant, who probably wanted to stay until the end, but his health would not allow it. All of these men had to be willing to let go of their plans and to be guided by the Holy Spirit. It is our nature to fight the current, but God has put us in a church family so that we can support and be there for each other.

____________________________

[1] http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/e/example.htm

[2] Robert Burns, 1785, for the origin of the phrase “the plans of mice and men often go awry” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43816/to-a-mouse-56d222ab36e33

[3] Dennis E. Johnson, Reformed Expository Commentary, Philippians (Phillipsburg, New Jersey; P&R Publishing, 2013) 175.

[4] George H. Guthrie, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Zondervan Publishing, 2023) 205.

[5] Johnson, 178.

[6] G. Walter Hansen, The Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan; William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009) 194.

[7] Hansen, 206.

[8] Guthrie, 208.

“Let Your Manner of Life be Worthy of the Gospel of Christ” Philippians 1:27-2:18

A Study of the Book of

“Philippians” Unity. Humility. Joy.

“Let Your Manner of Life be Worthy of the Gospel of Christ”

Philippians 1:27-2:18

Introduction

“During World War II, Hitler commanded all religious groups to unite so that he could control them. Among the Brethren assemblies, half complied and half refused. Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp.

When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally, they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ’s commands. Then they came together. Francis Schaeffer, who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there, “What did you do then?” “We were just one,” he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred. When love prevails among believers, especially in times of strong disagreement, it presents to the world an indisputable mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ.”[1]

Most churches given enough time go through times of strong disagreement, but when that happens the gospel stops moving forward, and it is not until the church reunites, and heals that it begins to move forward again. This morning we are going to look at how a church experiencing division and how it moves forward.

Prayer

A Worthy Life Defined (vv. 27-30)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

(v. 27) “let your manner of life be” – “Behind our English versions of this phrase is a single Greek verb that has citizen at its core; to maintain a standard of conduct befitting a citizen, to behave in a way that enhances the reputation of one’s city.”[2] Or “as citizens of heaven, behave in such a way . . .” This entire city was established by retired Roman soldiers and the colony of Phillipi was given to them as a reward for their winning a very strategic battle. These citizens considered their citizenship in the Roman empire to be very important – so Paul is playing off of this common understanding of the people regarding the importance of citizenship.

Paul writes to the church in Phillipi, to live a life that is “worthy of the gospel of Christ.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God in his love for us, sent Jesus to endure all that went along with the crucifixion, so that we can live with Him in eternity. Now, in light of that level of sacrifice live a life worthy of that level of sacrifice. How does a person even begin to live that kind of life? Not that we have earned it or deserved it or were worthy of it, but the free gift was given – live your life as though you understand the gospel’s value and the expectations of Jesus for you.[3]

Jesus in Luke 14:25-33 is talking with the crowds about what it means to be a follow of Jesus, what is expected of them, “Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Discipleship requires repentance (of sin) and obedience (following Christ’s commands).

So in order to be a follower of Jesus you have walked away from everything, you are now a follower of Jesus and there clearly is the expectation that you are apart of a/the church; so what does this worthy life look like? “Paul defines three specific aspects of their life as citizens: 1) that you are standing firm in one spirit, 2) striving side by side for the faith of the gospel 3) not frightened in anything by your opponents. These three phrases unpack the obligations of good citizenship (or church membership)”[4] and what it means to live life in a way that is worthy.

“Standing firm in one spirit” – Standing firm is a military term, where soldiers have to hold a line, they cannot fall back, or lose ground to the enemy. As the enemy advances, the gospel doesn’t lose ground. The church was facing persecution and potential imprisonment – because of their advancing the gospel. It would be very easy just to stop, stay at home, focus on each individual’s concern. If this happened the church would splinter.

“striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” – “striving side by side” is a translation of “one psyche, one soul” When the soldiers would fight side-by-side they are fighting as one person, one unified unit. – as though they are the same man. Christians are not striving as individuals, but as a unit together. When Christians fight with eachother, unity is lost, ground is lost, and the gospel loses. Striving also indicates effort, working hard, putting in the work. Christians working/serving, with the same mind, for the faith of the gospel. Working toward a common goal.

Bellevue Baptist Church Exists to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our working, striving, and serving in our church is so that the gospel can move forward – we hold the ground, so that no ground is lost, and when the enemy advances against us, we are not afraid.

Adopted by the Nazi Party in the 1930s, Hitler’s infamous “sieg heil” (meaning “hail victory”) salute was mandatory for all German citizens as a demonstration of loyalty to the Führer, his party, and his nation. August Landmesser joined the Nazi Party in 1931 and began to work his way up the ranks of what would become the only legal political affiliation in the country. Two years later, Landmesser fell madly in love with Irma Eckler, a Jewish woman, and proposed marriage to her in 1935. After his engagement to a Jewish woman was discovered, Landmesser was expelled from the Nazi Party. Landmesser and Eckler decided to file a marriage application in Hamburg, but the union was denied under the newly enacted Nuremberg Laws. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Ingrid, in October 1935. And then on June 13, 1936, Landmesser gave a crossed-arm stance during Hitler’s christening of a new German navy vessel. The act of defiance stands out amid the throng of Nazi salutes.[5] August Landmesserstood alone amongst evil.

“not frightened in anything by your opponents.” – The word used here for frightened is same used for horses startled or frightened on the battlefield. Christians as we stand side-by-side, striving for the gospel, we are “not to run from any battle, back down from any attack, compromise anything, or concede in any way.”[6]

(v. 30) The church is also engaged in the same “suffer for his (Jesus’) sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict” as Paul. The church were suffering from and engaged in the same conflict as Paul. Their partnership with Paul in advancing the gospel, has now brought them the same struggle Paul had.

A Worthy Life Explained

A Reminder of the Blessings of Unity (vv. 1-4)

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Paul now continues his urging the church to be unified, by reminding them of what they experience when they are unified; 1) encouragement in Christ, 2) comfort from love, 3) participation in the Spirit 4) affection and sympathy. As a church, when you see storms of arguments and disagreements growing on the horizon, remind each other that if this (whatever the things of the day is) causes disunity, then the whole church loses these four things. If you value the joy, love, and encouragement that you have at church then;

(v. 3) “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Jesus helps us understand this when he says in Luke 14:8-11 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

We maintain unity through humility and compassion for others.

(v. 4) “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” We are not wired to put other’s interests above our own, to consider others of more value than ourselves. Our natural tendency is to put yourself first, and to look after your own self-interests. So, where does a person find this kind of mindset? The answer is the gospel – Jesus gave himself for the salvation of others. We are His disciple – therefore, we give ourselves for the salvation of others.

Jesus’ Example (vv. 5-11)

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so 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.

Paul uses Jesus’ incarnation (Jesus as God taking on human flesh, being born into this world) as a way of showing us what he means by humility and relating to others.

The one who “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so 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 – Jesus has the right to do what he wants, to follow his own self-interest (far more right than we have to say, “I’m going to do this, or I believe that this should happen).

But what does this highly exalted one, this one whose name is above every other name do? What is the example that Paul is pointing to? “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Instead of holding on to “grasping” his rights, authority, privileges as God the Son, he followed the leadership of God the Father and humbled himself by taking on human flesh and becoming a human being. The Exalted One, stepped down from His throne and did what he was told, and endured horrific torture and disrespect to purchase the salvation for humanity. If Jesus was willing to humble himself, so should we.

A Reminder of the Seriousness of What the Church Does (vv. 12-17)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

(v. 12) “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” – Paul is very clear that we don’t earn our salvation, we don’t work for it, or achieve it by works. The context helps us to understand what Paul means, this whole passage has been focused on unity within the church and how that advances the gospel. In the verses following (not grumbling or disputing), again follow this idea. The working out salvation is given in the corporate sense. Just like earlier the church is striving (working hard) to advance the gospel, here the church works (extended effort).

“The entire church, which had grown spiritually ill (2:3-4), is now charged with taking whatever steps are necessary to restore itself to health, integrity, and wholeness.” It is a call for the whole church to rebuild social harmony – and if everyone is focused on themselves and their personal desires, conflict will only continue. That restoration comes when the church serves one another. Stop having attitudes and using words that tear at the fabric of the community.

Everyone has work for unity within the church.

Paul also adds the words, “with fear and trembling.” This phrase indicates the weight and gravitas, the importance of what the church does. We are partners in the gospel – what we do is eternally important. So we approach that seriousness and responsibility with “fear and trembling.”

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Grumbling and Disputing wrecks the unity and joy of the church. Don’t you want to finish the race blameless and innocent, without blemish? We are to “shine as lights in the world” The light we shine is the hope of Jesus Christ and power of the cross. We must work hard so that nothing gets in the way of that happening.

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[1] http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/u/unity.htm

[2] Dennis E. Johnson, Reformed Expository Commentary, Philippians (Phillipsburg, New Jersey; P&R Publishing, 2013) 89.

[3] For more on this topic see https://www.gotquestions.org/cheap-grace.html, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, published in 1937. In that book, Bonhoeffer defined “cheap grace” as “the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline.”

[4] G. Walter Hansen, 95.

[5] https://www.businessinsider.com/the-lone-german-man-who-refused-to-give-hitler-the-nazi-salute-2015-6

[6] Hansen, 98.

10 Commandments For Makers (inspired by Adam Savage)

10 Commandments for Makers

(by Drew Boswell)

Recently I came across a speech given by Adam Savage (of the tv show Myth Busters fame) at the Bay Area Maker Faire in 2014.[1] In the speech he gives his 10 Commandments for Makers. Using his list as an inspiration, I present to you my own such list.

1. Make something that is different than what you do for a living. I have found that what makes creating and making so appealing to me is that it is a source of relaxation, comfort, resetting my mind, and a way to step out of the stress of my day-to-day work. So if you make cabinets for a living, don’t make cabinets to relax. Make something totally different. Make a garden, sew a shirt, tan some leather. Whatever.

2. Make different stuff to make better stuff – try something different. I know you have to invest in tools (sewing machine for sewing, anvil for blacksmithing, chisels for woodworking, etc.) but learning new skills in different areas will help you make even better stuff in your preferred area of “stuff making.”

3. Give something you have made to someone else (even your early stuff, your just starting out stuff, your just giving this a shot stuff). There is something special to giving your creations away, even if the other person doesn’t get it.

Another form of this commandment is helping someone with a skill that you have learned. Sew on button for someone, replace someone’s windshield wiper, glue the sole back onto their shoe, etc. Take something you have learned by making something, and help another person with this knowledge.

4. Let done be good enough. Do your best, but it doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. Give yourself a reasonable deadline, and when you are done, you are done. Walk way, let the paint dry. You are done. Resist the urge to go back and make it better – push publish. It is time for it to live in the world.

5. Get the good stuff. It is ok to invest in yourself. Don’t be greedy, you have mouths to feed but when you can, it is ok to buy the best (at the least buy the better).

6. If you totally mess something up (and you will), or can’t figure out how to make something work, just step back for a while. Take a walk, watch a movie, sleep on it. Then go back to it and many times the answer to how to fix it will come to you. Give your brain some time to think about it.

7. Invest in relationships with other people who make what you make. People who do what you do may come in all shapes and sizes, color, age, etc. but it will bring you so much joy to share your journey with them. Find another maker to encourage – the world is full of sand castle stompers, and too few sand castle builders. Probably because it takes heart and imagination to build and brainless aphantasia to destroy.

8. Keep your work area clean, your tools oiled and sharpened, and put away. There is a common adage, “a place for everything and everything in its’ place.” You take valuable time away from building and creating when you have to look for a tool that is out of place, or your tools need to be replaced (which adds expense) because a tool has been left out to weather and fall into disrepair.

9. Get rid of “widow maker” tools ASAP – my widow maker was a Ryobe table saw. These are the cheap beginner tools that are dangerous. Not only are they dangerous to your health, but they are also dangerous to you learning bad habits, or getting frustrated with it breaking, and your making comes to a standstill. I get it, when you are starting you don’t know how fully involved you want to be in any area (sewing, baking, leather working, blacksmithing, etc) so you go cheap to try it out.

Once you know you want to make some more stuff in a given area, get rid of the poorly made tools ASAP. But most crafting things can be done inexpensively, with fairly low-cost tools. Just make sure they are not cheaply made. Also, the really expensive well-made tools tend to hold their value. If you want to get out of a given area, sell your tools on E-Bay, if you invested in good stuff, there is a good chance you can get most of your money back (check out Lie-Nielsen tools for example). This also keeps your work area clear of the clutter from tools you don’t use or want any more.

*see https://drewboswell.com/knowledge-allows-you-to-live-a-simpler-life/ for more about Widow Maker in my shop.

10. Words to my younger self – the things you have made brought you joy. Keep making stuff.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER7rhQ7N69k