The Believers Blessings in Christ

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Salutation

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First we see a gesture of kindness by Paul to include young Timothy in the opening of the letter. It is very possible that Timothy wrote this letter as Paul dictated it because, by now, Paul's eyesight was very poor.

Notice how Paul describes himself and Timothy, "Servant of Jesus Christ". The Greek word translated "servant" in English, meant, "one bound to another, voluntarily". It meant giving of your work, thoughts, plans, lives, all that you had to one Master. This, of course, Paul did to his Master, Jesus Christ.

Now notice to whom the letter was written, "All the Saints who are in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi". Who is a Saint? Anyone who is without condemnation. Who is without condemnation? A believer in Jesus Christ. Rom. 8:1, "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Jesus Christ." Sainthood is not something that can be declared by a church or a minister nor are we Saints because we are "saintly". It is a gift of God to those who believe. Also mentioned in the letter are the Bishops and Deacons at the church at Philippi. The Bishops, or Elders as they were sometimes called, were the teaching and ruling members of the church. The Deacons, still had the job that was created for them in Acts, the taking care of the monetary business of the church. These were the only officers in the church at that time.

Then Paul greets them with what has become known as the "Apostolical Benediction". "Grace be with you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." As we have seen, Paul uses this in most of his letters. "Grace" and "Peace", the greatest of the gifts of God. No peace without Grace, no salvation without Grace. No Grace accept God gives it. Peace comes as the result of claiming all the blessings that are ours in Christ.

Assurance

Then Paul began his "love letter". He expresses his love and devotion for them and his concern for these people who had brought nothing but joy into his life. This church was the only church that Paul established that did not bring some grief into his life. The church at Corinth was in constant turmoil because of divisions within the church. The church at Galatia was plagued with legalism brought on by the Judizers and the church at Ephesus had grown cold and lost their first love. But this church was worthy of phrase.

Paul says, "I thank God in all of my remembrances of you." As Paul, from time to time, thought and spoke of them, it was always with joy and thanksgiving, having nothing to remember about them but good things. It brought great comfort to Paul to speak about the Philippians. He was thankful for their "partnership" in the Gospel. He had a "warm spot" in his heart for these people for several reasons. One, because they were partakers with him of Grace, and two, because they defended him on every occasion. They believed that Paul had been called to be an Apostle to the Gentiles and they also felt that he was unjustly imprisoned in Rome.

This support from these people must have given Paul much assurance in this time when he needed it most, and he returned the favor by assuring them of their salvation. "I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." The believers assurance, never forget it nor allow anyone to make you doubt it.

Advancement

These verses describe two advancements. One, for the Philippians and one for Paul. Even though Paul was in prison, he considered it an advancement. Notice how Paul prayed for their advancement in Christ:

1. He prayed that their love would grow, more and more. Even then, they were abounding in love for one another, for the lost and for Paul, but even so, there was still room for improvement. Paul knew that we never stand still, we either grow or regress.
2. He prayed that they would grow in knowledge. There is always room for improvement in that department. When we stop learning, we are as good as dead.
3. He prayed for their sanctification. This included approving what was excellent, striving for purity, trying to be blameless, and seeking the fruits of righteousness, remembering to seek all of this for the glory of Christ.

These were the areas that Paul prayed for, areas that he sought advancement for them.

Now, how about Paul, how had imprisonment helped advance his ministry? He was now in a place where he could witness. The Romans did not restrict his speaking out for Christ. He tells in these verses and history bears this out that Paul witnessed to all the Roman Guards and many accepted Christ as the result of it. So to Paul, when the Gospel advanced, he advanced.

There was also a side effect to this witnessing of Paul's, others became more confident and less afraid to witness. However, some were sincere and some were not. Some preached out of envy and strife, others out of love and good will. There were those who were envious of Paul's reputation and these men endeavored to undermine his work and win over those who had been converted by Paul's ministry. They hoped that in some way this would add to Paul's problems and affliction.

Fortunately, there were others who sought to preach the Gospel out of love and were sincerely concerned for Paul and his sufferings. But notice, Paul did not judge either one. He believed that it was God's prerogative to judge the principles and motives that men act upon. "I'm so happy that the Gospel is being preached, wea5ther in pretence or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed."

Surly Paul had grown in love, understanding and humility. That was his advancement.

Assignment

What was Paul's assignment? Verse 20 says, "That Christ would be honored in his body." Paul had just told them that Christ was proclaimed in pretence as well as in truth and that he rejoiced either way because people, regardless of their motives, were taking their assignment seriously. Paul's life was the "living out" of his assignment, the one he received there on the road to Damascus.

Here Paul expresses his assurance that because of their prayers and because of the help of the Holy Spirit, the condition that he now found himself in, imprisonment, would ultimately turn out for his deliverance. Paul believed that he would either be killed or freed, either way, he would be delivered. In the meantime, Paul, knowing that he was human like every one else, earnestly hoped that he would not do anything for which he would be ashamed.

Paul was faced with two facts of life, he would either live or die and he had very little to do with either one. He appeared to desire both. To live meant he could continue to witness for his Lord, to die would mean the end of his persecution. Paul knew that as long as the Lord had work for him to do, he would be there to do it. The thought of dieing and being with the Lord was pleasing to Paul, but the knowledge that there was much more to do, that even the Philippians still needed his assistance, gave him a desire to live. Finally, he confessed, "Which one I would choose, if I had a choice, I cannot tell." "To die would be far better, but to remain is more necessary." This was Paul's approach to his assignment.

What about our approach to our assignment, are we as dedicated? Paul has some instructions for us. Verse 27, "Let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ." Then he gives us a "for instance".

1. Stand firm, in spirit and in faith. Do not be swayed by every wind of doctrine.
2. Be of one mind. Let your understanding be Bible based. Let your neighs be neighs and your yeas be yeas.
3. Strive (grow) side by side. This will increase your witness and support the growth of the Gospel.
4. Do not be afraid of your opponents. Paul knew from experience that those who opposed him were afraid of him, they knew, even if they would not admit it, that Paul's courage was from God and it meant their destruction and his salvation.

So what is the "believers assignment", live so that Christ will be honored in your body.

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