Philippians 1

As we look at the book of Philippians we need to understand that Paul writes to the church of Philippi from a prison cell.  In addition, as he sits in the jail his fate is uncertain, at any moment he could be sentenced to death/execution.  However, during this time Paul does not become bleak or dismayed.  Instead, he opens his heart to extend the gracious love of God to the jailers, the church of Philippi and even unto his enemies.  Paul shows forth a masterful display of the attitude we should, no must, exhibit when our life path suddenly turns to a stony path lined with briars, thorns, and even ravenous animals.  His heart is bent on what Warren Wiersbe described as rejoicing in spite of life’s hardships.  Wiersbe says, “Paul rejoiced in spite of his circumstances, because his circumstances strengthened the fellowship of the Gospel (Phil 1:1-11), promoted the furtherance of the Gospel (Phil 1:12-26), and guarded the faith of the Gospel (Phil 1:27-30).”

Paul’s demeanor is not set by a determined will or a disciplined mind alone, though these two factors were necessary for his time.  Instead, Paul was engulfed with what we discussed yesterday in our study of “The Contextual Church.”  He was devoted single-mindedly to two critical components.  First, he wanted his life to glorify God in every aspect.  Secondly, he sought to share the Gospel with as many people as possible in all ways of life.  Wiersbe says that single-mindedness is the attitude that says, "It makes no difference what happens to me, just as long as Christ is glorified and the Gospel shared with others."   Is this attitude the one we carry each day?  Do we care not what happens to us so long as God is glorified and Christ is shared?  This is the mind of Paul.  While some may have contended Paul to be suicidal when he made the statement in verse 21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain,” that could not be farther from the truth.  Paul simply longed to do the will of Christ, yet he knew that if he died in the process his life would then be spent in eternity with the One whom he loved and adored.  However, until that day when Christ summoned him home, he would live to share the Gospel in every situation of every day. 

The opening verses of the book share with us the intense joy of Paul to have partners in his ministry to advance the Gospel.  The church of Philippi had been tremendous avenues of support and encouragement.  Paul acknowledges that their support, both material and emotional, were of tremendous encouragement.  He considers them to be his partners in advancing the kingdom.  While they may not have been with him physically, they were spreading the Gospel in their world and sending him support for his ministry, which they felt strongly regarding.  This approach is not different than that of the ministry which we do at FBC with regards to local ministry and support of international ministry.  Not all of us can go, as Paul did, but we can support and encourage, AS WE DO LOCAL MINISTRY.  So here is the question?  How are we doing in supporting missions abroad?  Financially?  Prayerfully? Encouraging through emails, letters, care packages?  How are we doing in sharing the Gospel at home?  Today, let us evaluate and do what God has called us to do!  In the words of Josh Wilson’s song “I Refuse”

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

As we live, can we say, “For me to live is Christ?”