Monday, July 21 – Philippians 3, 4

1. Which Jewish sect did Paul belong to? (Philippians 3:5)5)

2. How did Paul want to be found in Jesus? (Philippians 3:9)9)

3. Where does Paul say our citizenship is? (Philippians 3:20)

Paul writes to the first church established in Europe, the church in Philippi, Macedonia, in northern Greece. He founded this church. This letter was sent toward the end of his two-year imprisonment in Rome.

In chapter 3, the apostle shares his experience of moving from Judaism to Christianity with the Judaizers. The church was under attack from various angles, just like today. Judaism was one of those angles. The Judaizing Christians found it hard to understand and accept Jesus’ ministry because they clung to the symbols and rituals of the old covenant, festivals, fasts, ceremonies, and circumcision. It’s like someone waiting longingly for a loved one who had been gone for many years, and then, when that person finally arrives, they continue to cling to a photograph instead of welcoming the real presence. Once the person is there, the photo is no longer needed.

In his testimony, Paul describes what he used to be, qualities highly valued by the Judaizers: circumcised, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, blameless regarding the law. If anyone could place confidence in the flesh, it was he. But he writes:

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
(Philippians 3:7–8, NKJV)

A couple of questions for reflection: In what ways can religious practices obscure Christ in my life? How can we be found “not having [our] own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith”? (Philippians 3:9, NKJV).

Paul expresses the deep desire of his heart: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10, NKJV). It’s possible to know much about religion but not truly know Him or experience His transforming power that gives new life.

Paul writes: “Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:21, NKJV)

He knows he has not yet attained perfection: “But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14, NKJV)

What a beautiful testimony from the apostle! What a precious and powerful passage.

The conclusion of the letter in chapter 4 contains gems of spiritual counsel.

The sisters Euodia and Syntyche were fighting. Paul publicly rebukes them because the dispute had become public. He urges one of his fellow workers to help reconcile these sisters. One or both of these women may have been known for having a sharp or harsh spirit.

Paul writes: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:4–5, NKJV)

He then shares advice on attaining the inner peace we all long for. Let’s pay close attention to what he says:

1. Don’t be anxious about anything. Pray! And when you pray, give thanks to God. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV)

2. Focus your thoughts on what is positive, not negative. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NKJV)

3. Learn and practice the discipline of being content with what you have. “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12, NKJV)

4. Trust that with God, all things are possible. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)

May the desire Paul expressed for the church in Philippi be fulfilled in you today: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV)

Amen! May God grant you an abundantly blessed day.