Philippians 2:19-24 ESV

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

AN HONORABLE LIFE.

Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) This son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother had joined Paul during one of Paul’s later missionary journeys. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra. Although he was just in his early twenties, he had distinguished himself as faithful as noticed by the elders at Derbe and lystra.

Interestingly, to Paul, Timothy was true to his name – honorable. In what ways?

Firstly, his sincerity is unsurpassable. There was no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for their welfare as Paul. His love to the Philippians was genuine. The issue isn’t just enough that we minister to people. But, do we love them or treasure them as precious in our hearts.

Moreover, his selflessness for Christ is unequivocal. While all seek their own interests, he sought Jesus Christ all his life. Certainly, he was a person of conviction. That is, he was neither distracted nor having second thoughts to have his interests in Christ alone.

Lastly, his submissive spirit as Paul’s subordinate. He has had proven his worth as a dependable servant of the gospel. Paul was in prison but Timothy was his alter-ego – like father, like son relationship, who has the same heartbeat as him.

Like Timothy, may we be found honorable through our sincerity, selflessness and submissive attitudes. And, may we have more parents who do raise their kids as ‘Timothy’ in the 21st century. That despite the growing secularization, may we see more young people who are deeply commited to serve the Lord.

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Philippians 2:16-18 

16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

HOLD FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE.

To see the brethren at Philippi holding fast to the word of life was Paul’s source of pride. Why? That is what matters when the ‘day of Christ’ comes, that is, during Jesus’ return. Interestingly, he had confidence that God will keep them through, saying, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” [Phil 1:6]

Jesus is the word of life.[John 1:1] Like him, Paul had wanted them to be committed to Christ as himself.[Phi 1:21] Otherwise, either his run or labor for them are all in vain. Simply said, this was his joy.

Even Peter had expressed this when asked if the disciples should stop following Jesus like the others. “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”[John 6:38]

In other words, Peter did believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is the life [John 6:53,54;14:6]

For this, Paul has expressed his joy at being able to serve them, though he does refer to his life as a "drink offering." This was an Old Testament practice of pouring a drink offering in worship (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:1–8). The priest would sacrifice a lamb, ram, or bull. Then, he would pour wine beside the altar as a show of worship. He did expect that the Philippians brethren do reciprocate.[v.18]

What matters most to you? What would give you the most satisfaction in life? At the end of the day, it is the life devoted to Christ that all matters at the ‘day of Christ.’

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Philippians 2:14-15 ESV

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

DO SHINE AS LIGHTS.

Jesus had referred us as ‘lights of the world.’ He said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” [Matt 5:14-16]

In what ways?

Should we live to please God, we should refrain from complaining about serving Christ. Do serve in "fear and trembling" not "grumbling or disputing."

The idea of "disputing" includes arguments and quarrels. Those who serve the Lord should not be known for arguing, but for humble service. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”[Gal 6:9,10]

As lights shine through darkness, so we do good works despite the circumstances – crooked and twisted. The mean characters of the people are not excuses. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[Rom 12:21] A good act like this will separate us from the world. As Jesus said, “ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” [Matt 5:46-48]

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Philippians 2:12-13 ESV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but 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 work for his good pleasure.

GOD WORKS IN AND WE WORK OUT.

Today, we will learn that the principle in Christian living is ‘in and out’ not ‘up and down’. God is working in us so that we can work out the life we received from Him.

Firstly, our salvation can’t be worked for. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”[Eph 2:8,9] Definitely, Jesus [ and His work] is a gift and thus He must be received by faith alone. Have you received Him as yet. [John 1:12]

Should Christians have the life, they should express it as a muscle builder displaying his muscles. Working out in the gyms doesn’t produce muscles, does it? In the first place, they had the muscles. It is basically enhancing their muscles so that they will become evident. Similarly, Paul had encourage us to demonstrate our salvation. In what ways? By our good works where we live, work and play.

We are saved to do good works, are we not?[Eph 2:10] But, it isn’t from our power. We do good because of Him who “works in” us. Can we pump out something we don’t have? God had deposited in us all that pertain to life and godliness. [2 Pet 1:1-3] Thus, living the Christian life is possible.

Let’s not forget that God had created His own for His pleasure and glory. As Isaiah had said;

“Everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made.”[Isa 43:7]

As Martin Luther had articulated, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” James said, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”[Jas 2:18b] Christianity is far from being passive. As the Spirit is working within, we do work our attitudes and actions out. Thus, our attitudes then aren’t ours but by the Spirit’s working. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”[Gal 5:22,23]

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Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.

After Jesus’ ‘emptying of himself’ and even His death at the cross, He was exalted. Sin, death and hell couldn’t contain Him. He rose from the grave and had sealed His victory permanently. His obedience to the Father’s will had resulted to His exaltation. Indeed, ‘humility comes before honor.’[Prov 18:12]

In His prayer, He has had expressed, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” [John 17:4,5]

Here, the apostle Paul is declaring the divinity of Jesus. When will this declaration that ‘every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as Lord’ will happen? Definitely, this will happen at the Second Coming of Christ. During His first advent, Christ came in humiliation. In His second advent, Christ will come with power as the Conquering King.

This will be the fulfilment to what the Lord Jesus had predicted in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 25:31–46) and as the vision of the apostle John. [Rev 20:11–15] And as the prophet Isaiah foretold years earlier, the King of kings and the Lord of lords returns to this earth, then will come true what: “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear allegiance.”

What are you looking forward today? Let us be ‘waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’[Titus 2:13] He is coming eminently so that everyday is 24-hour closer to His coming. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”[Matt 24:46]

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Philippians 2:5-8 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

JESUS, OUR MODEL OF HUMILITY.

Clearly, Paul has enjoined us to pursue the same humble attitude like Christ. Jesus is our model. Humility is a choice to make. It’s possible that a person is humiliated yet proud within.

“The Greek word translated “humility” in Colossians 3:12 and elsewhere literally means “lowliness of mind,” so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance.” [https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-humility.html]

Jesus has ‘equality with God” status eternally. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” [Heb 13:8] Yet, He did not "grasp" or “hold on” to His positional authority. Instead, He ‘emptied himself’ which doesn’t mean that He stopped being God. By ‘taking up’ the form of a man and servant, He had chosen not to exhibit His unlimited powers.

The Son of Man [Jesus] came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [See Matt 20:28, Mark 10:35] As a humble servant, He was consumed in fulfilling His Father’s will. He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”[John 4:34] Even if it required a horrible death at the cross, He didn’t budge. Upon seeing the gruesome image of His crucifixion, He prayed at the garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”[Luke 22:42]

Jesus had shown that true humility may involve struggles and pains. It was never easy for Him. As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” [Heb 5:7-8]

Since Jesus was humble, we should be too. Could we think of any sensible reason to be proud in and for ourselves? Let’s continue to wear the garb of humility. As Peter exhorted, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[1 Pet 5:5b]

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Philippians 2:1-4 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

OTHER-ORIENTEDNESS.

Counting others as better than ourselves and looking into their interests are antithetical to sinful men. Yet, we are going to practice these among ourselves according to Paul, are we not? However, how could we fulfill it, if selfishness is our fundamental problem?

Thus, Paul had pointed out that we have to recognize the blessings that we receive in Christ, namely; an encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy. We can’t give what we don’t have, can we? Should we receive the goodness and love of Christ, we could show the same to others. These blessings therefore are absolutely essential.

Technically, this unity in spirit, mind and spirit is the Holy Spirit’s working within that overflows towards others. “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.” [John 7:38,39]

Unless Paul would see this relationship of ‘other-orientedness’ happening among God’s people, he wouldn’t experienced ‘complete joy.’ Like Paul, let us commit to live in harmony through the instrumentality of the Spirit. Let us not allow ‘bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth’ that will lead to disorder and vile practice. [Jas 3:14-16]

Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior? If you do, you have had these blessings. Thus, you will be able to see others as better than ourselves and look at their interests as well.

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Philippians 1:28-30 ESV

28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

THE GOSPEL AND SUFFERING.

The "opponents" were likely the false teachers and antagonists threatening them in Acts 16. Hence, Paul did encourage them to live with great courage, rather than in fear. How different—relatively speaking—to be a follower of Jesus today, as compared to the first century Christians.

When believers live without fear in the face of threats, it does serve as a form of promoting the gospel witness effectively, doesn’t it? The confidence and peace of Christians have should be seen as a rebuke to those who reject their message. This considerably explains why Christianity spreads so well under persecution. True believers claim Christ, and when their true belief is lived out in love, it does provide a powerful testimony, doesn’t it?

Perhaps, they had wondered why they had to suffer since they were faithfully living for Christ. Thus, Paul made it clear that godliness and suffering often go together. There will be times when we suffer, at the hands of the world, because we are following the will of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Tim 3:12 says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

The world do hate the gospel or Christ, and it will naturally try to discredit it forcefully. Jesus had warned us, saying, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:1-4,33]

Believing Christ is as cruising in an ocean of destruction in unsinkable ship – the gospel. But, we‘re not exempt from the waves and storms. Let us brace for it brethren.

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Philippians 1:27 ESV

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

LIVE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL.

Whether Paul would see them or not in the future, he had highlighted one main concern to the Philippian believers, that is, live a life worthy of the gospel.

Similarly, the same challenge he said to the believers at Ephesus and Colossae, respectively. He said in Ephesians 4:1: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." And, to the Colossians, he also wrote,” so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [Col 1:10] That they would walk their talk.

The gospel to us is as the tuning fork to a thousand pianos. If every piano is attuned to the tuning fork, all the pianos will sound in the same tune. This echoes the high priestly prayer of Christ. “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” [ John 17:22,23). A loving and united community is irresistible. As Jesus had said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”[John 13:34–35].

And this oneness of spirit and mind is as the waterjet that can cut a steel. Our unity in the gospel is the cutting edge that can effectively advance the ‘faith of the gospel.’

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Philippians 1:24-26 ESV

24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

A LIFE DEVOTED FOR OTHERS.

Either we look at others as a nuisance or a nonparallel. For Paul, others are the cause for him to exist. He had committed to continue with them all, for their progress and joy in the faith. He desired to visit Philippi once again so that his coming to teach them would make them glorify the Lord. Clearly, his freedom meant serving others.

Didn’t Paul say, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” [Gal 5:13] For this, he practiced what he preached. Apparently, Paul had a selfless attitude.

Similarly, Christ did come not for Himself but for us. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[Mark 10:45] He had sacrificed His deity by embracing the nature of man. “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”[Phil 2:6-8]

May like Jesus and Paul, we do find joy in serving others today and everyday. Our sense of importance is enhanced upon knowing that others are blessed by our service, is it not? “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”[Acts 20:35] That is, it is more fulfilling to serve than to be served.

We are saved to serve.[Eph 2:10]. Thus, esteeming others as better than ourselves should be our posture. One is only motivated to serve another who he values dearly, isn’t it not? May the love of Christ flows in and through us so that we would see others the way He sees them – priceless.

“Let me see this world, dear Lord,

As though I were looking through Your eyes.

A world of men who don’t want You Lord,

But a world for which You died.

Let me kneel with You in the garden,

Blur my eyes with tears of agony;

For if once I could see this world the way You see,

I just know I’d serve You more faithfully.”

- by Mike Otto, ‘Looking through His eyes’

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