Philippians 1-2
Secret of Joy

We sing “new” songs of praise, because God does new things in our life as we walk with Him. Those sanctified by God gather to praise Him for what He's done. Those submitted to Him find joy in His rulership in their lives. Your relationship with God should make you so joyful you want to dance with a tambourine. God takes pleasure in His people and blesses the humble with deliverance and honor. The theme of being pleasing in God's sight (fearing the Lord) is a major motif in the OT.

Those who raise an eyebrow over dancing for joy will have a lot more “problems” with the end of this fourth Praise Psalm. The blessed saints of God have exalted praise on their lips and a sword in their hands to execute just vengeance/payback and punishments upon the nations that have afflicted God's people. What the “problem people” fail to realize is that when the God who is infinitely just expresses that attribute in justice, the bad guys get hurt, and the good guys get delivered. It is an honor to execute justice, because it carries out the written will of God, and removes evil from the land.

Paul and Timothy write to the saints who are in union with Jesus the Messiah, along with the overseers and deacons. Remember that the tasks of shepherding and overseeing are entrusted to elders (see comments on Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). The word for deacons means servant, and deacons are most likely those serving the church in some recognized capacity (see comments on Acts 6).

Paul thanks God for the Philippians every time he thinks of them, because they are the ones who are making his ministry possible from a human perspective. He thanks God for their partnership/fellowship (financial support) in furthering the gospel, from the first day he met them, to the present. On that day Lydia (Acts 16:14, 40) opened her heart to the Lord and her house to the church. The church had continued to support Paul, and he is confident that they will continue to do so. Take a peek at the ending:“

Phil 4:14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”

In 1:6 the confidence is in the context of their support, prompted by God (2:14). So the good work that Paul refers to is their giving, which he is confident God will perform or complete until the day when Christ returns (and rewards them). Paul says it's OK for him to feel this way about them because he doesn't view them as a bank account, but as cherished partners in the gospel. He has them in his heart. It isn't about getting the money, but about their getting blessed in the process. Since they support the work, they also share in the benefits/blessings (grace) of it (cf. 4:17). They share in the sufferings, and thus they will share in the glory (Romans 8:17). He calls God as his witness that He really cares for them, not just their money. He wouldn't be making these disclaimers if the “good work” was God maturing them in the faith or something like that. This probably isn't the interpretation you've heard, but it's the only one that fits all the facts and contexts.

He prays that their sacrificial love may abound/grow more by means of knowledge and discernment, so that they might approve/manifest in their lives, the things that are excellent. Approve is the word for a “proof” coin, in which the design in the die was proven or demonstrated in the reality of the test coin. This demonstration of God's design/plan in their lives is necessary to be sincere (from a word that means “shown pure when unfolded in the sun's rays”) and blameless on the day when they are standing in the light of Christ's judgment. The other characteristics Christ will be looking for are fruits of righteousness. That means one needs to be righteous (know and do what is pleasing in God's sight) and be doing it consistently so that the fruits of that righteousness can grow and mature (think Galatians 5 fruit of the Spirit and ministry). This state of holy fruitfulness is produced by abiding in Christ, and results in the glory of God and the praise of God. It doesn't happen without the knowledge and discernment Paul prays for, since the flesh is the enemy of fruit, and good is the enemy of excellent.

Paul wants them to know that the plans of the devil's agents to thwart the gospel of glory have actually advanced it. The whole palace guard knows the message of the prisoner they guard 24/7 as does the surrounding household, and their sphere of influence. Believers are made bold by the good treatment Paul is receiving, and are sharing the message freely. Some however, “preach” to stir up trouble for Paul, so that when the Jews react negatively a case can be made for Paul causing riot. But others preach out of love knowing that Paul's mission is to preach and defend the gospel. They share the burden, doing the part he can't do while in prison. Paul doesn't care if evil people are trying to make things worse for him, what he cares about is that the gospel is proclaimed. In this he rejoices, and gives us a major lesson in life, which will be seen throughout the book: Joy comes from choosing what is best! It doesn't matter if doing what God wants gets him it trouble, God will make it up to him. It doesn't matter if it hurts, God will sustain him, and make it up to him (the mindset of the mature -3:15). Joy is mentioned more in this letter than any other epistle. Paul has chosen to do what is excellent and suffer for it, knowing that it will turn out for his salvation, by the prayers of the saints, and the supply of the Spirit, regardless of whether he lives or dies. This salvation is the future/glorification aspect, since Paul is clearly justified. The prayers aren't for his physical deliverance since the following verses indicate that's not in view, so they are probably for his strengthening and being unwavering in his sanctification. Paul's earnest expectation and hope is that whether he lives or dies, Christ will be magnified by him.

In accord with his desire to live for the glory of Christ, to live is to preach so that Christ might be magnified, and if that causes him to be martyred, that would be gain/reward. But if he lives on in the flesh, he will have more fruit from his work (ministry and reward). So Paul faces a mini-dilemma. Being in prison isn't all that fun so to die (depart) and be with Christ is one desire. However, if he stays alive he is able to minister to help the Philippians progress in the faith (belief that the Messiah will return and reward those who diligently seek Him, with resultant joy). Paul recognizes that being other-centered and benefiting the Philippians is the Christlike way, so he looks forward to being reunited with them, to the praise of God.

He admonishes them to live in a manner worthy of those who will be rewarded by the Messiah (the good news of the NT is that the promised OT kingdom is coming in which the Messiah/Christ will bless those loyal to Him - Isaiah 41:10, see introduction to Matthew). The worthy way to live is in unity (like he told the Ephesians) standing firm in one spirit (against Satan's attacks) and striving with one soul (mind, values, will, emotions) for the faith for the gospel, not being intimidated by their adversaries. It's less likely that this is about sharing their faith, although that happens as they live in accord with the faith, as it is about living with the expectation/faith that the Messiah will reward them for their service to Him. See Philippians 3 before you reject this. This steadfast unity and purpose is Spirit enabled (2:13) and evidence of the judgment and destruction that awaits those opposed to the saints, and evidence to the saints of the salvation (glorification) that awaits them, when God glorifies them. The reason Paul can say this, is because not only did God grace them (the word is the verbal form of “grace”) with the privilege of believing in Christ, but also with the privilege of suffering for Him. Suffering is a privilege because it is meritorious (Acts 5:41, 1 Peter 2:20, Romans 8:17). They are experiencing the same conflict they saw in Paul, which should be a cause for joy, knowing what it yields.

In light of the fact that their Spirit-developed and maintained unity is necessary to work in a manner worthy of the reward proclaimed in the good news about the kingdom of the Messiah (1:27), Paul exhorts them to manifest the unity that should flow out of their relationship with Christ. If in union with Christ there is encouragement, love, sharing of the Spirit, mercy and compassion, they should draw on those resources to live in unified love, being like-minded, of one accord/soul, and intent on the same purpose (cf 1 Corinthians 1:10 and see the Study Guide on Church Unity on Truthbase.net). Not only do believers need to make the choices to develop that unity, they need to refrain from destroying it through self-centeredness. Worthy believers should do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit/vain glory, but consider others as more important than themselves (which is the reality, when it comes to gaining eternal glory, just look at Paul choosing to stay and serve in the last chapter). One needs humility (Ephesians 4:2) to have the proper estimation of others. Each should not only be concerned about one's own needs and interests but also of looking out for the welfare of others. Those who seek praise and glory from others, at the expense of others, will miss out on the glory that comes from God (John 5:44; 12:43).

This other-centered mindset was evident in Christ's life, and resulted in His reception of glory. It is the mindset we need to have. Jesus existed in the form of God, but didn't consider (mindset/value) being equal with God something to be held on to (grasped; in some versions translated robbery, because that's what a thief does when they take your stuff). Jesus didn't hold onto the comforts and glory of heaven, but emptied Himself of His glory to come to earth to take on the outward form of a human, became a humble servant, and died to obey the Father's will, even experiencing crucifixion, to meet our need for a sin-bearer. Therefore, as a result of His humble, obedient, other-centered service God exalted Him to the highest glory, giving Him a name/power/reputation above all others, so that angels (good and bad) and people would bow in homage before Him and confess (agree) that Jesus the Messiah is Lord, which glorifies the Father, as His glory is bestowed upon Christ. Christ did all His miracles and ministry in dependence upon the Father's power, mediated by the Spirit. But that's not the point of the passage. The context has been believers being glorified and the way to get it is by imitating Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2).

So in light of the example that obedient service is the route to glory (cf Mark 10:45 comments), believers need to obey, and work out the glorification aspect of their salvation with fear of displeasing God, and trembling. This is not about working at being justified by faith, that's the gift; it's about being glorified by works. The works aren't just random acts of kindness, but Holy Spirit directed doing of God's will/desire. Verse 14 is crucial to understand God's enabling grace. God's Spirit works in us to produce both the willing or desiring, as well as the doing or accomplishing of His good pleasure. He prompts us through His word and sometimes subjectively to do what He wants us to do, and then gives us the power, endurance and perseverance to accomplish His will, as long as we faithfully depend upon Him. This is how Paul can say in 4:13 that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.

The good pleasure of God that Paul wants the Philippians to excel in is doing all things without fussing or fighting, so that they will be blameless (1 Thessalonians 3:13) and unblemished (cf 1:10) children (heirs) of God. They are already born again, so this isn't the means of justification, but of sanctification that results in glorification. The non-grumbling and non- complaining believer will shine like a light in the midst of the dark and crooked/perverse generation around them as they flesh out (uphold, take heed to) the word of life. It's not that they hold out the word for people to see a book, but that they incarnate the Word in their lives like Jesus did (Jn 1:14). Paul wants them to do this for what looks like pretty selfish reasons. He doesn't want to have wasted his time on them and have them not perform, so when Christ returns, he'd have nothing to show for his efforts. Paul wants to be able to boast/glory in them in the presence of Christ. This would please Christ, and result in blessing for both Paul and the Philippians. So it isn't purely self-centered, it's good stewardship; everyone needs to be asking if their efforts in ministry are according to the will of God and producing what God desires. If not, it's time to do something differently. God judges based upon faithfulness, not results (see the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3), but one needs to ask if one is being faithful to seek and do the Lord's will.

Even if Paul is poured out like a drink offering he has cause for rejoicing. A drink offering in the OT was a cup of wine that was poured out on the ground to accompany another sacrifice and “complete” it as a total meal offered to God exclusively for Him (Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:40). If Paul is a drink offering it means that the Philippians were rendering sacrifice and service to God that pleased Him, and thus this was occasion for Paul to rejoice (because he had not run in vain, and would be rewarded for his labor among the Philippians). Another example of joy resulting in choosing what's best. Sacrificial service that delights God, delights us, and is best. If we decrease so others can increase (like John the Baptist and Jesus) so much the better. God knows, and we will get our recognition from Him (as John did -Matthew 11:11).

Now Paul provides the vignettes of Timothy and Epaphroditus as mentioned in the introduction. Timothy is a like-minded son in the faith, who truly cares about the Philippians. Everyone else just cares about their own things (cx 2:4) not the thing Jesus cares about. It must have pained Paul to write these words. Of all those he ministered to and were still around, only Timothy actually got it, and developed the Christlike mindset (2:5).

Epaphroditus also had the Christlike mindset and had already been sent to the church (see postscript of the letter). He exhibits many of the same other-centered traits of Timothy (and Paul) being a fellow-worker and fellow-soldier. He was sick to the point of death because of his service and risking his life for the work of Christ. Yet he was distressed that the Philippians would be worried about him. The church is told to receive him with joy and honor him, and others like him, for their service. Then Paul puts in a zinger, Epaphroditus risked His life to supply what was lacking in the Philippians' service to Paul. Apparently they had failed to send the money Paul needed (prisoners had to supply their own needs). This is why Paul expressed the confidence in 1:6, that God would bring their desire to support him to fulfillment. The thought to remember is that Christ-like believers are more concerned about others and the cause of Christ than they are about themselves.