Read Philippians 1:27-30

What is the gospel of Christ? Is it a system of theology to be discussed, arranged into a system, and believed in our heads, much as we believe the multiplication tables? Or is it a living rule of life to be obeyed?

As Paul sees it, the Christian does not have much choice about how he lives. The great unifying principle behind every real Christian’s life is submission to Christ, that is, obedience to all of God’s known will for each of our lives, and faith in him. A real, born-again Christian has a settled moral steadfastness. That resolute commitment frees us to become better citizens of earth than ever before because we are living as good citizens of heaven. Paul enjoins the Philippians to live that way—“stand firm,” as he says—whether he is there to teach them or far away (v. 27).

Will it be easy? No, it will be warfare. But do not be frightened, Paul says. You will be saved. Enemies of Christ will ultimately be destroyed (v. 28).

I’m standing with you, he says, because you are facing the same struggles that I have. How can Paul, in prison in Rome, and the Philippian Christians 800 miles away in Greece join forces? By prayer. This is not just a sweet thought. We Christians still unite around the world in prayer for problems and specific needs. And we watch for answers.

Read Philippians 1:21-26

What is your life goal? What kinds of life goals do we see frequently? Power, either personal or political? Money? Fame? Pleasure? Physical comfort and self-gratification? None of these is necessarily wrong.

Paul’s life goal was different. It was single-minded. No divided loyalty here. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” he says (v. 21). His love and allegiance went to a Person, not a cause. This is God’s order. Love and devotion to Christ come first. If we get that right, then high principles and loyalty to family or to a church, school, or other institution will follow.

Did Paul want to die just to escape the hardships of life? He had plenty. That is not what he says. He wants to depart to be with Christ (v. 23). The Greek word translated “to depart” means untying a ship from its moorings or loosening tent pins to take down the tent and break camp. He wants to pack up, ship out, and go home to heaven for one reason: that’s where Jesus is.

But he says he will stay for the sake of his friends. Paul didn’t hate his life and feel it was futile. Neither should we. The great unifying principle in any Christian’s life must be submission to Christ and faith in him. Work hard, be loyal to Christian causes, serve other people. But keep your priorities straight. Christ comes first.

Read Philippians 1:12-20

When you write a letter to friends or family, how does it differ from a letter to a stranger or a business acquaintance? You include homely details to family and friends because you assume they are interested, do you not?

“I want you to know how I’m getting along,” Paul seems to say in this passage. Dear friends would be interested.

Well, how is he getting along?

He is in prison and absolutely overflowing with joy. If he was in Rome, then we know that he was allowed a house of his own, and he could have visitors (Acts 28:30-31). He was probably chained to a Roman guard. What happened? He bloomed where he was. The guards heard the gospel. His visitors heard the gospel. The guards realized Paul was in jail only because he was a Christian. Furthermore, other Christians spoke out more boldly because of Paul’s chains (v. 14). Paul was going to preach Christ no matter what.

Of course Paul would like to be free. But no trace of bitterness is here. Do you think Paul, the strong-willed, arrogant Jewish scholar achieved this attitude by himself? No, and neither will we. It was Christ working in him. Even in jail, he reports opposition (vv. 15-17). Paul doesn’t care. Just so the gospel is preached and Christ is glorified. Nothing else matters.

What matters most to us? Christ or something else?

Read Philippians 1:1-11

How many friends do you have who love you for yourself? How rare and marvelous such friendship is, to be valued not for social position, influence, or money, but for yourself.

Paul’s expressions of love for his friends in the city of Philippi are that way. Paul would have been justified in asking for prayer for himself because he was in prison, probably in Rome, when he wrote this letter. But he does not mention it. Instead notice all the different good things Paul prays for his friends, the Philippian Christians.

“I thank my God every time I remember you,” he says. “I always pray with joy” because you partnered with me in preaching the gospel (vv. 3-4). He says it is right for him to think of these friends in that way because “I have you in my heart” (v. 7). He says they all share God’s grace.

He wants their love for Christ to deepen for interesting reasons: so they will discern what is best for them, and they may live pure, blameless Christian lives (vv. 9-10). He wants their spiritual growth channeled in the right direction. If you do all of that, says Paul, your life will be fruitful, a glory and honor to God.

Can you think of someone who would be helped to receive a letter like that from you? Thanks for what you have done, lots of encouragement and no criticism.