Philippians 1- The Ultimate Win-Win!

Click Here to Listen to or Read Philippians 1 

Today we begin reading through Paul's letter to the Philippians. Philippians is a thank you letter to the church of Philippi. The Philippians supported Paul's missionary work even beyond what they could afford. They gave sacrificially. In Philippians, we see Paul's deep desire to live his life to reach as many people as possible for Christ. He leaves it all on the field, so that God's grace given to him through Jesus would not be without effect. 

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Paul includes Timothy in his opening greeting. Timothy was Paul's right hand man, who he trusted implicitly. We see the leadership structure of the early church as he mentions "overseers and deacons". Overseer is the same Greek word for both "bishop" and "elder". The elders oversaw the spiritual matters of the church and also taught people in the church. The word "deacon" also means "servant". Deacons were in charge of the more administrative aspects of the church. Deacons made sure the widows and orphans were taken care of. They did things to free up the elders to focus on preaching and teaching the word of God. Paul gives qualifications for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3.

Churches today use many forms of church government are a hybrid of a deacon/elder model . The key thing is that the leadership is spread out and not in the hands of a few people like the Lead pastor or President of the Council/Board.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul shows his gratitude for the Philippians for their partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. Note the corporate nature of the early church. There were no denominations and no names for churches. The church was the church of that area.  I.e. Church of Philippi, Church of Ephesus. My prayer is that local churches in city might more reflect that. I.e. The Church of Fallbrook, The Church of Irvine. 

There are many memory verses in this short letter. Here is the first one. 

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Notice a couple of things. It is God who began the good work in us. God chose us before we choose him. God chose us in Him when he sent Jesus to earth to redeem it.  God is also the One who continues the good work in us. The good work in us is what we call discipleship. It is learning to become more like Jesus in all we say and do. It is the good work he accomplishes through the church to fulfill the Great Commission! Finally, he will carry it on to completion. So from beginning to end our life of faith is God's work in us. 

This does not mean we don't play a role in this good work. We will see how we partner with God in this work throughout the rest of this letter. 

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel 

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[ that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 

Paul used any and every situation to further the gospel. He sees it not only as a chance to convert his captors, but also to encourage his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. When we keep our strong faith during tough times it shows others that we don't follow Christ just when things are going well. Trials purify our faith and make us more like Christ are a great witness to the gospel. 

Here is another memory verses especially 1:21.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 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.

What a great value to live your life by, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!" Paul tells them that if God wants him to stay here on earth, he will be laboring in the vineyard making a difference that lasts for all of eternity. But if the Lord takes him home, he will be with His Savior forever. You might call this a "win-win" for Paul.  

In fact, he says to be with the Lord is much better. Though he doesn't specifically know what that will be like, he did meet the Lord on the Road to Damascus. so you could say it will be a glorious reunion. 

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 the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

Paul closes chapter 1 with another core value that is non negotiable for any Christ follower. This is to, "Life a life worthy of the gospel." Though we did nothing to earn our salvation, we can choose to live a life worthy of the gospel. What does that mean? We can start by saying Jesus gave everything for us on the cross. 

So, a life worthy of the gospel is one that lives in response to the great sacrifice Jesus made for us. A life worthy of the gospel happens when we glorify God in all we say or do. A life worthy of the gospel is when we use our gifts to help the local church reach and disciple as many people as possible! 

As you read through the book of Philippians, where can you better live a life worthy of the gospel? What changes would you need to make to be as "sold out" for Jesus as Paul? It starts by going to church tomorrow to hear God's word, worship him with all of your heart, and encourage your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? 

It seems so simple to say you should go to church, but really why would you not go to church if you are able?