Sharing God’s Grace

August 1, 2010

Background Scripture: Philippians 1
Lesson Passage: Philippians 1:15 – 29

Philippians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. It is written to a church that Paul established in the region of Macedonia known as Philippi. The local church had developed quite a lot since its founding as can be seen by the manner in which they were addressed. The letter was addressed to the saints along with the bishops and deacons that were at Philippi. The fact that this local church had spiritual officers (bishops and deacons) in place shows its advanced state. Throughout this letter Paul admonishes them to rejoice in the Lord. It is truly a love letter that was written to encourage the saints in their Christian walk and to thank them for the gifts they had sent to him. He even acknowledged the gifts they sent to him previously after he departed from Philippi and was in Thessalonica.

Paul recognized that the Philippians’ faith in Christ was evidence that they were partakers of the same grace; or in other words, Paul’s teaching had led them to have faith in Christ and to follow after him and as a result, they were being blessed even as Paul.

Paul then turned his attention to the work of equipping the saints in Philippi for the work of ministry. As long as he lived, he could be of benefit to them in their spiritual growth. On the other hand, if Paul were to lay down his life, he could then be with Christ and reap the reward of his labors which was even better for him. However, Paul was confident that God was going to deliver him from imprisonment and his deliverance would bring the Philippians great joy. He would indeed be reunited with them. Many other Christian workers were being emboldened by Paul’s imprisonment. Because Paul could have joy in his situation, the Philippians could also rejoice in theirs.

A call to rejoice while suffering for Christ’s sake is a redundant theme in this epistle. Suffering for Christ is a higher calling for a saint. To suffer for Christ is to truly follow in his footsteps. When Jesus called disciples, he called them to forsake their plans and situations and take up their cross and follow him. The cross was clearly understood as a symbol of suffering. Paul saw his situation as an example of suffering so that the saints in Philippi might not be intimidated when they faced adversity because of their faith in Christ. Paul continued to labor that the Philippian saints might know that chains did not hinder the gospel. The gospel continued to be shared through Paul and because of him—some in support and others in contention. Even in this, Paul could rejoice. Paul’s objective was the advancement of the gospel message. It did not matter if individuals wanted to work with him or against him in the process as long as the gospel was advancing.


Robert C. Hudson
July 26, 2010