Philippians 2:19-30

Philippians 2:19-30

Paul singles out two teammates for special praise and does so in the context of a longer discourse on unity. In this discourse Paul has said little to nothing about the “feelings of unity” or the “causes of unity.” He has instead talked about the “right thinking for unity,” and now he shows how humbleness of mind looks in two remarkable men.

First is Timothy, Paul's right-hand man. Timothy will be sent when there is a definitive word on Paul's legal case. Paul says Timothy was his “kindred spirit” (NASB); most English translations fail to catch the unity in that word. The word is a compound word; the first meaning “identical” or “equal,” the second word is “soul,” which can also mean “breath of life” or even “human distinction.” Timothy shared the equal passion and concern for the church at Philippi. That is expressed in his life as in verse 21. Timothy seeks the interest of Christ above his own. The only way to have the unity of a kindred spirit is when we set the interest of Christ first and above our own interest.

The second person identified is Epaphroditus. He came to Paul, bringing the mission support from Philippi. He had served above and beyond expectations. Having faithfully delivered the support, he continued on serving. Paul identifies five roles he filled: brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister. Each of these roles could fill pages, but the last one is the only one we will take a glance at. The word is ‘leitourgos,’ from which we get the English word ‘liturgy. Originally the word meant “the official who works for the good of the people at his own expense.” In the Greek city-states, authorities were not paid, but rather they paid their own way. The word was an apt description of Christian ministers who, at their own expense, led the churches in their works of service and later in worship. Paul is saying, “Epaphroditus is my pastor,” serving me as we serve together. This wasn't a hollow, throwaway compliment, but Paul expressing in a subtle way how, in mutual submission, he was both led by and served by Epaphroditus. Paul concludes with a pun or a joke that we don't notice. Epaphroditus means favored of Aphrodite; she was the patron goddess of gamblers. When a gambler would throw the dice, they would say, “Epaphroditus,” trying to invoke good luck. In verse 30 Paul said, “Epaphroditus has risked his life.” He, true to his name, gambled his life for Christ in a way that, even by Paul's standards, was adventurous and risky. But it was Christ, and not Aphrodite, that blessed that risk.

“Lord, help me to risk all for Jesus. AMEN”

Philippians: 2:12-18

Philippians: 2:12-18

Based on the doctrine or theology of who Jesus was, there needs to be practical application in our lives. Paul gives us that application in verses 12 through 18. But we often misunderstand what Paul is saying. In verses 12 and 13 we come to that passage where we are told to “work out our salvation” and that “God is to will and to work.” This by no means indicates we earn our salvation but that God is the one working in cooperation with us to accomplish His will. Here is where we often miss the point Paul was making. “Work out your salvation” and “God is working” are primarily not about individual or personal behavior. Notice the context. This chapter begins with a call to unity. Paul refers to having the “same mind, “same love,” being “united in spirit,” and having “one purpose.” Following this passage in verses 14 and 15, Paul warns against those things that disrupt unity, “grumbling and complaining.” It would seem unlikely that in the conversation about the cooperative unity of the body that Paul would suddenly slip in a couple of verses about personal development. No, this passage is about working out our salvation in cooperation with God and doing so by sorting out what we are to be and do as and in the community of faith. 

In so many ways we miss the reshaping ministry and growth that God wants to bring about when we are not being shaped by a close contact community. God's will for us is to work toward humility and unity in the context of community. As a community we approach the matter of unity with “fear and trembling.” This is not the paralyzing fear that produces a deer in the headlights effect, but the wholesome, serious caution that is careful to get it right. It is what we see in the motorcyclist approaching a sharp curve, the skydiver packing his parachute, and the pilot approaching a landing in windy conditions. For this work of unity, God is the energy and the One who energizes, and we are the power tools working on unity.

Two final brief thoughts: when we see gross disunity and refusal to allow the frictions of faith and life to shape us, we are seeing some level of disconnect from God. We cannot look at church splits and fights with an ‘Oh well’ attitude. It is more serious than that. We should also note the contrast between “fear and trembling” and “grumbling and complaining.” The former pair will prevent the latter pair. The presence of a latter pair will indicate that we did not take the matter of unity seriously enough.

“Lord, help me to work out my place in your community of faith with holy fear and trembling. AMEN”

Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians 2:1-11

The life of holy living Paul describes in 1:27-30 is more than our personal piety. It impacts the lives of those around us in the faith and often those who are not even close to us. The Philippians will impact Paul all the way over in Rome. This powerful passage presents a powerful effect of unity (v. 1-2), how to protect it (v. 3-4), and the reason we do so (v. 5-11).

Perhaps the most effective tool that Satan has in his toolbox is the disunity of the church. From individual congregational splits to denominations warring against each other, when our focus becomes conflict, we are utterly ineffective at being all the things that the Lord wants us to be. We cannot, in the midst of such conflict, exalt the Lord in our worship, make disciples of all nations, or serve the body of Christ. Compared to the damage caused by disunity, all the scandals of theft, drunkenness, addiction, or immorality among church leaders are minor. Satan, however, will often mix a cocktail of vice with disunity to wreck congregations. Paul describes unity in verse two with mind, love, spirit, and purpose. These terms, including love, are not terms of emotion or feeling. Unity in the church doesn't happen because of an emotional or sentimental rush. Certainly there can and will be an emotional connection within the church, but it is not the foundation for unity; it is a by-product. These four descriptions are choices of the will, the deepest decision-making facility in our person. This is demonstrated in verse 3 when Paul dictates for us specific prohibited behaviors. We make the choice either to or not to do things from motives that are selfish or proud. Unity is a decision that we make out of our will by denying ourselves and following and obeying Christ. This is not easy. In fact, it is profoundly difficult! To look to the interest of others is essential for unity but personally challenging.

But Paul is not calling for compromise to satisfy an ungodly person. In fact he takes the whole matter away from us and turns it to Christ. How do we deny ourselves? The incarnation of Christ is the example Paul uses. Verses 5-11 may have been the first doctrinal statement of the church or creed to recite. In it we see Jesus was fully God but set aside all the advantages of being God to accomplish the purpose. Follow that example, and the church will be united.

“Lord, help me to set aside my rights, my will, and my control, in order to accomplish what You want. AMEN”