Intro to Philippians


For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

What would you be willing to do for $10,000,000.00? James Patterson and Peter Kim’s book, The Day America Told the Truth, reveal some shocking statistics about how far people in America were willing to go for that amount of money.

Would abandon their entire family (25%)
Would abandon their church (25%)
Would become prostitutes for a week or more (23%)
Would give up their American citizenship (16%)
Would leave their spouses (16%)
Would withhold testimony and let a murderer go free (10%)
Would kill a stranger (7%)
Would put their children up for adoption (3%)

What the above responses reveals is simply a reflection of what is in the heart of every person in the world, idolatry. In seeking after idols, we incorrectly attribute them as the source of true and perfect satisfaction and contentment. But idols will never satisfy, and they will never bring peace.

Paul writes his letter to the church of Philippi during a time where he really could do with peace. And while it is a very short letter, we find teaching on how the church can live in humility, fellowship, and unity despite suffering and persecution. They are also warned against false teachings which promote legalism and perfectionism which stood in direct opposition to the doctrine of justification. He is currently in prison during the reign of Nero, one of the most brutal dictators of all time and an initiator of Rome’s official persecution of the church, and yet we find that he is joyful.

It is quite a positive, heartfelt, and personal letter which he writes to the church to inform and encourage them of his status and condition. And he does not keep secret the source for his joy and peace. Paul is able to be content and full of thanksgiving, despite facing death in prison, because he knew that in Christ he could endure through any situation as he did the Lord’s work. It was for this reason that Paul was completely satisfied with his lot in life and could proclaim that whether he died or lived, Christ would be honored in his body.

Paul knew that, in doing God’s work, he was bringing Him glory with his life and if he were to die that would be “far better” not because he had a death wish, but because he would be with the Lord (Phil 1:23). Paul’s letter reminds us that nothing in this world will bring us ultimate satisfaction, only when we submit ourselves to God will we find a peace that transcends all our understanding (Phil 4:7). As John Wesley said, “I want the whole Christ for my Savior, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field.” My prayer is that may be our heart’s cry as well.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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