Monroe Park Vineyard Church

Philippians – Chapter 2

Paul exhorted the Philippians to have unity and humility towards those in the church.   We can’t have a great relationship with God if we don’t look to the interests of others.   Jesus said that the two greatest commandments were to love God and love others.   We can’t love God without loving others.   We are to be servants just as Jesus was a servant.   By humbling himself, Jesus was exalted God.   Jesus himself said in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Philippians – Chapter 1

Paul is imprisoned for his faith.  Nero, who is emperor of Rome, insists on being called Lord and Savior as part of the cult of the emperor.   Paul says that the whole palace guard is aware that he’s in prison for Christ.   At the end of Chapter 4 Paul greets the saints, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household which implies he’s in Rome.  It’s also a smack against Nero’s declaration that he is Lord and Savior.  

Paul is in a bad situation, but he reflects on how the very circumstances he’s in advances the gospel.  Indeed, if Paul were never imprisoned, we wouldn’t have much of the New Testament.  He wouldn’t have had the time or reason to write so many letters which are now part of our Bible including this letter to the Philippians.    Paul writes to relieve the Philippians’ anxiety, but then his letter turns to his ultimate concern about Christ and the gospel.   He observes that his present imprisonment has ultimately been a blessing in spreading the gospel so therefore it’s a reason for joy.  His guards have become aware of Christ and the believers in Rome are more boldly proclaiming Christ.   It hasn’t been without some personal wounds – he mentions that some of the increased evangelism is because of selfish ambition of others, directed towards him.  However, he responds that it’s all good if Christ is being preached.

Paul also raises the possibility that this imprisonment might end with his execution, and Paul explains how he wants Christ to be glorified no matter what the verdict.   Live or die, Christ is the purpose and focus of his life.  

I find this chapter a challenge to the bad situations in our lives.  Is Christ first?  Is our desire for his glory and that the gospel be preached greater than our own comfort?   For most of us, the discomfort is limited to our worries about social rejection – what our friends will think of us.  Help us to see joy in even the most trying times, by switching our perspective from our immediate discomfort to eyes of Christ.

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