Philippians

Some people have the idea that the world owes them a living. Instead of being grateful for what they have, or for what people do for them, they regard what they are given as merely receiving what is theirs by right. This attitude is in sharp contrast to that of the Apostle Paul.

One of the most difficult lessons in life can be how to get along with other people. We perceive things differently, we think differently, we have different ways of doing things. We think that we know best. Getting along with one another can be difficult even for the followers of Christ.

Most of us have desires which have not been met, but what is it that we want? Many want more things. They think that happiness depends on material possessions or wealth. But wealth does not satisfy. Solomon wrote, “ He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) Other people crave fame or power and are willing to pay a terrible price to get it. In the end, though, power or position has little value. As Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?” (Luke 9:25)

One of the most important questions a person faces is how to obtain salvation. If one were able to live a completely sinless life, the question would not arise. But Scripture is very clear that Jesus is the only one who was ever able to avoid sinning. All the rest of us do sin. How, then, does one obtain salvation in spite of being a sinner? Is it by living a ‘good’ life? Is it by doing works of merit? Do we escape hell by having the right ancestry? The Apostle Paul addresses these questions in his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Philippi.

When we are separated from those we love, it is only natural to be concerned about how they are. On the other hand, when we are going through trouble, we are tempted to think that no one cares about us. In both of these situations, an encouraging letter or a visit from a concerned friend can be a tremendous boost to our morale.

Words are powerful. They can wound and hurt. They can soothe and comfort. They can embolden and stir people to action. It is because words are so powerful that we must be very careful to say and write only what is good and true.

If we truly love someone, we are not only willing to endure trouble on their behalf but even count it a privilege. We are happy to trouble ourselves for those we love. Human relationships often disappoint because our love is not reciprocated. Jesus, however, never disappoints.

Even though he is writing from prison, the Apostle Paul tells the followers of Christ at Philippi that he has much in which to rejoice.

What is it we pray for? Do we ask God for material blessings? Do we ask for health? When we pray for others are these the things we ask God to grant? There is nothing wrong in asking that needs be supplied. Jesus, Himself, taught his disciples to pray, “Give us day by day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3) But He also taught his disciples to pray, “...Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.” (Matthew 6:10) In harmony with Christ’s teaching, the Apostle Paul gave greater importance to spiritual needs than to physical.

After greeting the followers of Christ at Philippi, the Apostle Paul continues with a very remarkable statement. In chapter 1, verses three through six of his inspired letter he writes: “I thank my God whenever I remember you, always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”