Philippians 1

Philippians begins with Paul's customary greeting to the letter's recipients - the people of Philippi.  In Galatians and Ephesians, he called himself an apostle, but here he calls himself a servant.  The KJV uses the word "bondservant" which means "one who gives himself up to another's will...devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests".  I love another part of the definition for this word - that a bondservant is willing to be used by God for His purposes.  Paul set a great example, because he truly suffered and endured a lot for the sake of Christ.  Am I willing to let God use me for His purposes, no matter what the cost?

The rest of chapter one is divided into three sections - "Thanksgiving and Prayer", "Advance of the Gospel", and "To Live Is Christ".  Two phrases stuck out to me in verses 3-11 on "Thanksgiving and Prayer".  The first is that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (verse 6).  This is a reminder I need often, when I am down on myself for failing yet again to walk and live for Him.  He is working on me and He won't stop until I am with Him in heaven.  Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."   My ESV study bible explained that our growth as believers is "rooted in what God has done, is doing, and will do".  He is faithful, He has been faithful, and He will be faithful. 

The second phrase that stood out to me was "to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ" (verse 10).  The day I made the decision to follow Christ and accepted His free gift of salvation was only the beginning of my walk.  I need to be studying His word and growing more and more like Him.  Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  But, because I am still living on earth in the flesh, there is a constant battle in me to do what is right.  So, how can I keep my focus on doing what is right?  Philippians 4:8 has the answer: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

In verses 12-18 Paul gives the reason he is able to endure his sufferings with joy.  His goal is to further the gospel so it is known throughout the world.  The challenge for us, as Christians, is to be bold and speak the word of truth without fear.  How can we be not afraid?  Paul says in verse 20 that he knows "Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" and that alone brings Him great joy. 

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (verse 21).  I remember years ago, at one of my summer jobs, someone had this verse up in her cubicle and several other people were whispering about how it was weird that she would thing death is a good thing.  But, the truth that Paul knew was that death was far better because he would be with Christ for eternity.  However, he also knew his work on earth was not finished.  His purpose was to spread the gospel, help the new and growing church progress spiritually, and to have joy in living out his faith.  So, be not afraid, believers, because even in our suffering Christ is glorified when we are living in Him.  As Galatians 6:14 says, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..."