In the book of Philippians, the church in Philippi is understood to have
i. Given good gifts to Paul supporting his ministry.
ii. Is worried about Paul’s imprisonment
iii. A start of confusion by Jewish leaders in the Church who emphasize circumcision and other Jewish standards.
iv. A need for spiritual growth.
In this context Paul, in a few verses introduces some qualities as qualities in christ. Let us medidate on this.
1. Affection of Christ
1:8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
This verse explains that Paul, once a supervisor of massacre, has become such a soft person who misses his fellow brothers. Paul makes sure to declare that this affection was not sourced at his own self. The love of Christ is so huge that it changes the recipient’s complete attitude towards his fellow men. The love of Christ hopes and truly wishes that every person in the fellowship will be great contributors and performers in the Lord’s ministry (v 6).
The love of Christ makes us think about others, carry their burdens in our hearts and pray for their salvation even though we are in deep trouble and in chains. (v 7)
The love of Christ makes one pray that not just his own self, but all the believers to grow up in the knowledge and insight of the Lord and attain great heights in righteousness. (v 9-11)
All these qualities are expressed in just in this context. We have plenty more examples in the bible. The study here is that if we are not affected by Jesus’ affection and if that affection does not change our attitude like Paul did, it means that either we have not valued the affection the Lord Jesus Christ has showered upon us at the cross, or it makes us ungrateful animals.
As in Mathew 5:40, 41 true selfless actions should be shown even though we are being insulted. This is the expectation of Christ.
2. Joy in Christ (1:26), (3:1) and Rejoice in the Lord (4:4)
The bible clearly differentiates worldly happiness which comes from satisfaction of the flesh with the happiness in Christ.
This joy comes to us when we are blessed with fellowship. This is an example of how we treat fellowship at Church or other places we are given. Good fellowship has no jealousy in it. Good fellowship first respects, honours and then receives with extreme happiness.
Also, in these contexts, Paul clearly explains that though we have no reasons for rejoicing with the situation, the presence of Christ gives us enough reasons for rejoicing not just once but indefinitely.
1. When we are in sorrow or when we think that we may be tormented for Christ.
2. When confusion comes
3. To build good character
It is important to tackle these problems by rejoicing.
3. Hope in the Lord Jesus (2:19)
Hoping in the Lord is described a lot of times in the Bible. Ex: Ps 130:7 where Israel is asked to put its hope completely in the Lord for redemption. All other occurrences are very similar in the Bible.
But, here in this context, Paul uses Hope in the Lord for a very different purpose.
Paul’s companion or co-worker Timothy’s character is praised here. He is described as a completely selfless human and a sincere worker.
The hope Paul has is that the church in Philippi enjoys the presence, service and encouragement of Timothy or himself (v 2:24). The reason Paul involves Jesus in this hope is an emphasis on the will of Christ in the matter. Otherwise, the reason for Timothy’s visit may be to exalt the ministries of Paul or to show that Paul has a subordinate who is very obedient. Here, Paul wants Timothy to visit Philippi but only for the purpose of God to be served.
In all our hopes, desires and plans, are they in line with the will of Christ? Our human hopes are defined on standards the world made. Our hopes should be so selfless and pure that Christ’s will is executed in our lives and the world.
1 Cor 15:19 says that it is a pity to have hope in Christ for this life alone.
4. Knowledge of the Lord (3:8)
The verse says that nothing can be compared to the knowledge of Christ. Worldly knowledge is not appreciated anywhere in the bible.
In Col 1:9, Paul clearly says that we grow in the knowledge so that Christ may be pleased by seeing us. All other purposes of this knowledge goes to wastage.
In Isaiah 1:3, we can read that even oxes and donkeys know their masters, but Israel does not. It means that the expectation on Israel is higher, but it had failed by not knowing who its master is.
It is very important that when knowledge in Christ grows, we should humble ourselves more and more and glorify Christ. We need to ensure that Christ is pleased by our mature actions. Otherwise knowledge becomes wasted.
5. Righteousness in the Lord (3:9)
We all claim to be righteous according to our own measures. But, being in the new testament covenant, it requires all of us to attain the righteousness that comes through Christ.
We may get a great deal after a good bargain. After paying the person, we may be happy that we have paid in full and feel right. But the reality is that the seller may got hurt as he had to sell the product for a much lesser price because of your bargain. There is a major difference with our own standards and that of Christ.
For Righteousness in Christ may be attained in two steps:
i. Through Faith (Phil 3:8,9).
ii. Through Obedience (Rom 6:16).
These are not two distinct paths towards righteousness, but together constitute the path.
We should consider obedience a part of faith (faithfulness) and so, Righteousness through faith is made true.
6. Riches in Christ Jesus (4:19)
This is the final goal we all have to be rich and prosperous.
The new testament of the new covenant never does speak of Riches in the world. In fact we are expected to hate worldly riches and pursue riches in Christ.
For a true Christian, riches in Christ (Ep 3:8 onwards) are translated as:
i. The opportunity that we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
ii. Access the hidden mysteries.
iii. Strength for the inner being.
iv. And plenty more...
All the riches the bible gives us are of the spiritual kind. This means that the purpose of our worldly living is for the soul to reach God in his likeness. All other purposes become void.
In this context, Paul says that all their needs are met with the riches in Christ. This means that all our needs (spiritual or material) will be met by the riches in Christ which is spiritual.
Mat 6:33 (Seek ye first the kingdom of God...)
Conclusion
To conclude, we should see that we desire many qualities and blessings. But, our actual pursuit should be towards all those qualities in Christ. That is, measure every quality according to the standard of Christ himself. Involve him in our hopes, desires, love and happiness.
