OUR FATHER IN WHOM WE ALWAYS REJOICE

The final chapter (chapter 4 ) in Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians says this;

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Amen.

11

 OUR FATHER WHO REVEALS THINGS OF THE SPIRITUAL REALM TO US

The Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians reaches a crescendo in chapter 3 verses 12 - 21 in which he urges them to follow his example and press ahead relentlessly towards the goal of reaching the prize. This incalculably valuable prize is the eternal call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Paul intimates to his readers that he had not attained the level yet and that he had not been perfected yet but nevertheless he pressed forward straining with all his might to accomplish the task for which Christ had acquired him to do. At the time of the writing his letter, Paul did not consider his task completed but he nevertheless forgot what was behind and surged forward towards the things that were available to grasp.

Addressing those who were mature christians, Paul concedes that there were those who disagreed with him over his characterizations of the Christian directives but he believed that God would reveal the truth to them. In any case, even if his readers did not believe that there were higher plateaus to aspire to in their walk with God, Paul encouraged the mature Christians to at least preserve  the levels of spiritual growth they had already attained.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

The apostle tells the Phillippians to follow after the patterns of spiritual pursuits they had seen in his life and in the lives of others like him. He tearfully warned them to be aware that there were enemies of the cross of Christ in their midst whose aims and aspirations were strictly earthly and who were headed for destruction.

Paul reminds the Phillippians and believers in general that our citizenship is in heaven and it is for that kingdom that we eagerly await when our saviour the Lord Jesus Christ will transmorgrify us from our temporal humble bodies into the glorious bodies that are like the eternal body of Christ which will be capable of the dominion over all things in creation like Christˋs does.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHOM WE WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT

The Apostle Paul begins to conclude his letter to the Phillippians in chapter 3 verses 1 - 11.

He lets them know that even though he is writting the same things to them repeatedly, it is not tedious for him because he knows it is an important safety measure for them.

He cautions them to be alert for those he referred to as dogs (those who return to their vomit and re-instate what they should have already abandoned) for example those who wanted to return to the law of circumcision as a marker of righteousness.  Paul explains that in Christ, the circumcision is a spiritual separation from the flesh by those who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in the Lord Jesus and have discarded the affairs of the flesh. 

Paul tells his readers that if following the law of Moses were the standard to follow, he would be at the top of the class because he had fulfilled all the elements of the law a jew who was born from the tribe of Benjamin and circumcised in the flesh when he was eight day old as the law prescribed. He was faultless under the law and yet he, in the light of the glory of Christ, considered all these works of law as rubbish. 

If Paul, a perfect practitioner of the law of Moses was glad to dump the standard of law of Moses for the knowledge of the excellencies of Jesus Christ the Lord, how much more should we, who do not have the pedigree and record of attainment in the matters of the law, do the same.

1 Finally (Some translations say ˋFurtherˋ), my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 

Paul, having his own righteousness rooted in the law, was glad to lose everything so that he could be found in Christ with his righteousness being gained through faith in Christ because he could know Him and the power of His ressurection and share with Jesus in suffering even to death so that he would hiself attain the ressurection from the dead in Christ.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO WORKS IN US TO WILL AND TO DO FOR HIS GOOD PLEASURE

In the second chapter of his letter to the Phillippians, from verse 12 - verse 30, the Apostle Paul advised the Phillipians to the continue earnestly in their own personal journeys of salvation even though he was not with them any more.  

Paul advises them to exliminate complaining and disputing from their midst so that they would develop into faultless children of God as they live among crooked and perverse people to whom the light of their lives is meant to illuminate.

Paulˋs urgency towards the Phillippians that they hold fast to the word of life was because  he had laboured so hard to cultivate the faith in them and he did not want to reach the day of the revealing of Christ and find that all his work had been in vain. Paul describes his life as a drink offering that the Lord was pouring out as a sacrifice on the service and faith of the believers. 

What is meant by the image of the libation (the book of Numbers chapter 15 verses 1 - 10) is a sacrifice of a ram or a cow would be accompanied by an amount of wine as a drink offering. The service and sacrifice of the lives of the believers were the main sacrifice and Paulˋs life being poured out on top of the sacrifice was the drink offering added on top.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Paul writes to the Phillippians about two servants of God they were depending on to convey messages and assistance between them named Timothy and  Epaphroditus. 

Paul commends Timothy to them as a trusted fellow servant in the service of the gospel and Epaphroditus as a fellow worker who risked his life to asist Paul and he tells the Phillippians to esteem such men in their midst who sacrificially live to benefit the brethren.

Amen.

8

OUR FATHER IS GLORIFIED WHEN THE SON IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS LORD OF ALL

The Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians in chapter 2 verses 1 - 11 says this;

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Paul encouraged to the believers in Phillippi to be like-minded in the unity of love and purpose because they were themselves beneficiaries of consolation and comfort in Christ, love and fellowship and affection and mercy. 

Paul presses the Phillippians to be utterly humble in their minds so that they would not harbor selfish ambitions or conceit. Paul tells them to esteem others to be more valuable than themselves and concern themselves with the interests of others as they do their own.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Continuing with his counsel to the Phillippians, Paul reminds them of the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who, even though was God, relinquished His privileges as God and reduced Himself to a mere man of no rank among men and then humbled Himself even further by being obedient to the point of even allowing Himself to be subjected to the ignominious and agonizing death on a Roman cross.

From this obedient descent of Jesus Christ, God the Father highly exalted Him and give him a rank higher than any rank in existence so that every being in heaven, on earth and below the earth would bow to Him and confess or admit that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Amen

8

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON SUFFERED DEARLY FOR US 

Continuing his letter to the Phillippians in Chapter 1 verses 12 - 30, the Apostle Paul tells of the counter-intuitive effect that his being in chains had had on the furtherance of the gospel and even on the guards who held him in captivity. Instead of his captivity making people more fearful, they became more bold in proclaiming the gospel to the people in the city.

In fact, Paul documents, preaching the gospel gained so much cache that some people were preaching the gospel out of envy and selfish ambition to keep with the times and be seen to be following the trends while other were doing so out of sincerity and goodwill and love to identify with Paul and stand in solidarity with him while he was imprisoned.

For either motivation of envy or love, the apostle Paul was content that the gospel was preached for the power of God is carried in the message of the gospel itself independent of the motives of the messenger.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Even in the captivity he endured, Paul writes of his hopes that the prayers of the believers in Phillipi and the supply of the Lord Jesus would propel him in boldness as he submitted his body for the magnification of the Lord Jesus Christ through his labor.

In his condition, Paul is ambivalent about whether he wanted to live or to die because to him, going to be with Christ was highly desireable but on the other hand, remaining to serve his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ was still needful.

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Paul encourages the Phillippians that whether he was there or not, they should persist in unity in the spirit and together working dilligently in the service of the gospel. He instructed them not to be terrified by those who opposed them (which was proof of the condemnation of their adversaries) but conversely, was proof of their salvation for the Phillippians were, as Paul recorded, among those who were blessed to not only believe in Christ but also to suffer on his behalf as as they saw in the life of Paul.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO OFFERS GRACE AND PEACE THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in the city of Phillipi, starts of with an introduction of himself as a bondservant along with his protege Timothy.

He then warmly greets the Phillippians with grace and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ. Paul tells them of his gratitude to God when he remembers them every time he prayed for them and he recalled how they started in the fellowship in the gospel from the very beginning with confidence that what Jesus began in them He would surely complete it until the great day of the Lord.

The Apostle declared that his delight in them was valid because they were a sign that the bondage he had been placed in was not in vain.

Paul prays that the Phillippians would grow in love as well as in knowledge and disernment so that they would only accept things of excellence and be sincere and filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Phillippians chapter 1 verses 1 - 11 reads this way;

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Amen.

6

OUR FATHER WHO OPENS DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HIS SERVANTS

Colossians chapter 4 concludes the Apostle Paulˋs letter to the believers at Colossae. chapter contains the last bit of exhortation that Paul has for masters regarding their conduct towards their servants.

Paul then encourages the Colossians to be vigilant in prayer and to be grateful. He asks them to pray for Him and those with him who were preaching the gospel which is the great mystery of Christ among those who were opposing their efforts and had imprisoned them. He asked for prayers that they might be guided to correctly speak of such things even though there was a threat towards them for doing so.

Regarding the people outside their fellowship, Paul advises the Colossians to walk in wisdom such that the time is redeemed so that opportunities to introduce people to the kingdom of God through the Lord Jesus are always taken and that they always speak words of grace and be salient in a way that evoques genuine interest.

1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul lists vaious people who were partakers of the ministry and he encourages some and  exhorts others to fulfil their ministry.

• Tychicus - Fellow bondservant to Paul and entrusted with the news of Paul 
• Onesimus - Faithful and belowved brother
• Aristarchus - Paulˋs fellow prisoner (Jewish)
• Mark - Paulˋs fellow worker (Jewish)
• Jesus - Known as Justus who was also Paulˋs fellow worker (Jewish)
• Epaphras - Paulˋs fellow worker from Colossae
• Luke - The beloved Apostle who passes greetings to the Colossians and Laodecians
• Demas - Passes greetings to the Colossians and Laodecians
• Nymphus - House church leader to whom greetings are sent
• Archippus - A message passed to him to pay attention to the ministry he was given

Paul instructs the Colossians to take his letter to the Laodecians and read it to them and that they should read the letter that he wrote to the Laodecians. 

Amen.

51