Willow Journey

Willow Journey

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Willow Journey episodes

  • Day 15 of Journey Through Philippians: PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 3

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 3

    NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH

    1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

    If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

    7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

    12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

    FOLLOWING PAUL’S EXAMPLE

    15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

    17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

    24 min
  • Day 14 of Journey Through Philippians: CITIZENSHIP IN HEAVEN

    COMMENTARY

    As chapter 3 comes to a close, Paul warns his readers about one last group of “enemies.” He writes, “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame” (Philippians 3:18-19). There has been a fair amount of debate over what enemies Paul specifically had in mind in these verses. Some suggest Paul was referring to the same group of Judaizers that he had warned his readers about at the beginning of this chapter (Philippians 3:2). Others suggest Paul was referring to Christian libertines, followers of Jesus who thought that their freedom from the Law meant that they could indulge in all the pleasures that Roman society offered. 

    At the center of the debate is what Paul meant by the phrase “their god is their stomach.” If he had Judaizers in mind, this was an allusion to their strict dietary laws. If he had Christian libertines in mind, this was an allusion to their gluttonous and promiscuous lifestyle. It could be that Paul had both groups in mind. This would explain why he is so vague. Both groups made their “stomach” into a “god.” Whatever the case may be, these enemies had “their mind . . . set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). 

    In this passage, Paul reminds his Philippian readers again that what matters is not whether they are Jews in practice, or that they are fully participating Roman citizens. As a “Hebrew of Hebrews” and a Roman citizen, Paul understood the limitations of both worlds as much as anyone (Philippians 3:5; Acts 16:37). What really mattered was that they lived as citizens of heaven because “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). 

    This continues to be true for us today. We are no longer bound by the unique dietary laws that bound the people of God in the past. But our freedom from these laws does not mean that we are free to give in to every impulse of our bodies, even if we see others doing the same. Jesus wants us to discover that He is an infinitely better “God” than our “stomach,” and He’s inviting us to join Him in establishing the kingdom of heaven on earth.

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 3:17–21

    17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 

    REFLECTION

    1. Verse 18 says that Paul shed “tears” for those he criticized. Why do you think he wept for them? Have you ever shed tears for someone in this way?

    2. Around the time that this letter was written, it was common for the Roman emperor to be referred to as “Savior” and “Lord.” What might Paul have had in mind when he gave Jesus these titles in verse 20? In light of verse 21, what distinguishes Jesus from Caesar, and why should we live in a way that honors Jesus with our bodies today?

    25 min
  • Day 13 of Journey Through Philippians: PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL

    COMMENTARY

    In the Greco-Roman culture where the Philippians lived, sports were a big deal. This is demonstrated by the many stadiums and athletic statues that have been dug up by archaeologists throughout Greece. In Philippi itself, there was an athletic facility known as a palaestra where local citizens would train in athletics. Because of the prominent role sports played in this society, Paul frequently used athletic metaphors in his letter to illustrate the nature of Christian living. For example, in Philippians 1:27-30, Paul uses gladiator language as he encourages the Philippians to continue “striving together” in their “struggle” with outside opponents. Later in Philippians 4:1, Paul refers to some of his own disciples as his “crown,” a reference to the olive wreaths or celery wreaths that champions received in the ancient Olympic and Isthmian Games (for other athletic references, see Philippians 2:16 and 4:3).
    In today’s reading, we encounter Paul’s most famous and vivid athletic metaphor in this letter. He writes, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). In these verses, Paul portrays his Christian life as a footrace. In ancient footraces, runners would fix their eyes on a “goal” which appeared at the end of a track. Those who won their races, were “called . . . heavenward (literally: upward)” by officials who would give them their “prize” on a podium. By using this racing imagery, Paul is teaching that there is a prize that Christians are called to receive from God above. But if we are to receive it, we must “press on,” “straining” with every ounce of our being until we’ve reached the finish line.
    This was an important message for Paul to share at this point in his letter. After emphasizing that “righteousness” comes by faith and not by works, Paul wanted to make sure that his readers didn’t draw the conclusion that their work on earth was now complete (Philippians 3:9-11). In reality, their work had just begun. This is a good reminder for us in the church today. It can be easy for us to conclude that the goal of the Christian life is to make the decision to follow Jesus. The truth is that following Jesus entails so much more than a one-time “yes.” It is a decision we make each and every day to press on, saying “yes” to whatever God has in store for us that day. In some seasons of life, this can be easy. In other seasons, this can be strenuous. What makes it worthwhile is knowing that God has guaranteed the prize at the finish. Jesus has won the race for us. We just need to get to the end.
    The ancient stadium at Delphi
    The ancient stadium at Delphi

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 3:12–16

    12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus

    took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself
    yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

    FOLLOWING PAUL’S EXAMPLE

    15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

    REFLECTION

    1. Paul makes a somewhat paradoxical wordplay in this passage. In verse 12, he uses the Greek verb teleioo¯ to indicate that he has not yet “arrived at [his] goal.” Then in verse 15, he uses the related Greek word teleios to say that those who are “mature” should have this same view. In effect, he is saying that Christians who are mature understand that they are not mature. What do you think he means by this? What does Christian maturity look like and how do you gain it?
    2. How do you need to press on in your own Christian race? What are some things you
    need to forget and leave behind so that you can move forward?

    28 min
  • Day 12 of Journey Through Philippians: THE SURPASSING WORTH OF KNOWING CHRIST

    COMMENTARY

    At the end of yesterday’s reading, Paul provided his religious résumé, listing seven special qualities about himself. These were things that would have distinguished him in the Jewish community. He was “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless” (Philippians 3:5-6). Paul’s reason for providing his résumé was to show that none of the Judaizers who presented a threat to the Philippian Christians could stand to benefit more than he from the works-based religion they promoted. Whatever attributes or achievements they claimed for themselves couldn’t measure up to his (Philippians 3:4).
    In today’s reading, Paul continues this discussion, but we learn that Paul didn’t provide his résumé simply to boast. He provided his résumé to show that he had learned just how worthless human works are in God’s economy. He writes in verse 7, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Here, Paul talks about his achievements as though they are assets. What he discovered is that the things he previously thought were valuable are actually just the opposite. They are like sinking investments. By this, Paul doesn’t mean that human works are intrinsically wrong and worthless. What he means is that when our attributes and achievements are viewed as assets that bring spiritual gain, they actually result in a net loss because they blind us to the one and only thing that can bring us true spiritual gain, Jesus Christ.
    Paul goes further. He writes in verse 8, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Here, Paul expands his argument. It’s not just the qualities he listed in verses 5-6 that are losses. “Everything” is loss when compared to the supreme value of knowing Christ! Paul also extends his metaphor: everything is not just “loss.” Everything is “garbage.” The Greek word translated here as “garbage” appears nowhere else in Scripture, but outside the Bible it refers to human excrement or kitchen scraps (like what dogs eat [Philippians 3:2]). By using this vulgar and uncommon word, Paul is expressing in the strongest possible terms that anything in our lives that competes with or distracts us from Jesus should be regarded as waste and sent away.
    This message is just as relevant for us today. We live in a culture that puts incredible stock in our status and accomplishments. We treasure the things we do and the things we own. Paul’s challenge is for us to know what has true worth and what is just waste. Nothing in this world can make us right before God but Christ, and nothing in this world compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Spending your time, thoughts, and energies on your relationship with Him is the most rewarding investment you will ever make.
    A latrine at the palaestra in Philippi
    A latrine at the palaestra in Philippi

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    SCRIPTURE
    PHILIPPIANS 3:7–11

    7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

    REFLECTION

    1. Where does “knowing Christ” rank in the value system of your life? Do you feel like
    you know Christ? How could you get to know Him better?
    2. According to verse 10, one way we can “know Christ” more intimately is through “participation in his sufferings.” What do you think it means to participate in Jesus’ sufferings?Why might this help us know Christ better?

    24 min
  • Day 11 of Journey Through Philippians: NOT BY WORKS BUT BY FAITH

    COMMENTARY

    In Philippians 3, this otherwise joyous letter takes an ominous turn. At the beginning of this chapter, Paul warns his readers about some opponents who might threaten their church. This is not the first nor the last time in this letter that Paul refers to opponents (Philippians 1:15-18, 27-30, 3:18-19). However, these opponents are unique. Their efforts do not help advance the gospel or give the gospel any opportunity to shine. Instead, they have distorted the message of the gospel, so Paul describes these opponents with his harshest words.
    He writes in Philippians 3:2, “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.” The opponents Paul is talking about are Judaizers, Jewish Christian missionaries who taught that Gentile Christians could not be confident in their salvation unless they abided by certain works of the law like circumcision (Acts 15:1).
    Using harsh words, Paul points out that their version of the gospel is backwards. First, he calls them “dogs,” a derogatory term that Jews used against Gentiles because of their unclean mannerisms. This is ironic because although they thought they were helping Gentiles become clean, Paul implies that they were the ones who were actually unclean. Second, he calls them “evildoers.” This word can also be translated as “evil-workers.” These Judaizers taught that certain works would make people righteous, but Paul implies that their own work resulted in evil. Third, he calls them “mutilators of the flesh.” Paul makes a great wordplay here. The Greek word for mutilation sounds like the word for circumcision, but elsewhere in Scripture this word refers to a pagan ritual (Leviticus 21:5). The idea here is that those who circumcise themselves to become part of the family of God, are in reality more like pagans who are outside the family of God. Paul’s point with all these insults is to emphasize that those who are truly in Christ “put no confidence” in works like circumcision (Philippians 3:3). Rather, they put their confidence in the cross of Christ.
    The debate about whether Christians must be circumcised, observe the Sabbath, or keep a particular diet is not as prominent in today’s world. However, in our culture, it is still common to think that certain things we do can help us win a better standing before God. Paul’s message for us is to hang on to the truth of the gospel message: “a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ . . . for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing” (Galatians 2:16, 21).
    A relief at Philippi which features the Greek goddess Artemis and wild animals.
    A relief at Philippi which features the Greek goddess Artemis and wild animals.

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    SCRIPTURE
    PHILIPPIANS 3:1–6

    CHAPTER 3

    NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH

    1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

    If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

    25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

    REFLECTION

    1. In today’s reading, Paul warns his readers to watch out for those who promote a distorted view of the gospel. How have you seen people distort the gospel in today’s world? What are some unnecessary roadblocks to faith that you’ve seen some Christians create? Have you ever created such a roadblock for yourself or others?
    2. Why is it so difficult for us to place our confidence in someone else? Where do you tend to put your confidence if not in Christ?

    24 min
  • Day 10 of Journey Through Philippians: PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 2

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 2

    IMITATING CHRIST’S HUMILITY

    2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

    5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

    6 Who, being in very nature God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
    7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
    8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
    even death on a cross!

    9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,
    10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
    11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

    DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT GRUMBLING

    12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

    14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

    TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS

    19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

    25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

    24 min
  • Day 9 of Journey Through Philippians: HONOR IN PLACE OF SHAME

    COMMENTARY

    In today’s reading, Paul continues the travel report that began in Philippians 2:19. Previously, he expressed his hope to send Timothy to the Philippians in the near future. Now, he tells them of his decision to send them a man named Epaphroditus for the time being. Unfortunately, we do not know a great deal about Epaphroditus. Unlike Timothy, who is mentioned by name 24 times across 12 books of the New Testament, Epaphroditus is mentioned just twice, and all in this one letter. What we do know about him is that he had been sent by the Philippian church to take care of Paul while he was in prison (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). We also know that he became deathly ill at some point during his stay with Paul (Philippians 2:26-27).
    Though the details on Epaphroditus are few, we can be sure that this was an agonizing ordeal for him, and for many reasons! It was agonizing because of the pain he would have endured with his sickness. It was agonizing because it caused those who loved him to worry for him: “He longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill” (Philippians 2:26). It was also agonizing because of the significant social implications this would have had for him and his home church. In the honor and shame society in which the Philippians lived, Epaphroditus’ seeming inability to tend to the needs of Paul would have been perceived by some as a grievous failure and great source of shame.
    Because of this, Paul uses this part of the travel report as a teaching opportunity. First, he presents Epaphroditus as an illustration of Christ-like living as he had just done with Timothy. Using the same Greek words he had used to describe how Jesus became obedient “to death,” Paul points out that Epaphroditus “almost died” for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:8, 30). Second, he instructs his readers to “honor” people like Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:29). In this way, Paul reminds his readers that the values of the kingdom of heaven are not like those of the empire of Rome. Where they may have been inclined to heap shame, Paul challenges them to bestow honor.
    In modern America, we may not live in a traditional honor and shame society, but there are similarities between our cultures. We know how good it feels to be celebrated. We also know the agony of feeling exposed, embarrassed, or humiliated. Our challenge is to make sure our values are in line with Jesus’ values so that we don’t let shame prevail where there should be honor, especially for those who have sacrificed in the service of Christ.
    Relief of soldier armor at Philippi
    Relief of soldier armor at Philippi

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 2:25–30

    25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

    REFLECTION

    1. In this passage, Paul teaches the Philippians to “honor” Epaphroditus and he models
    this by honoring him with his words. How do you suppose Epaphroditus felt when
    he heard Paul call him a “brother, co-worker and fellow soldier” while the letter was
    read aloud in Philippi? When have you experienced encouragement like this?
    2. Re-read verses 29-30. Why was Epaphroditus worthy of honor? Who in your life is
    like Epaphroditus in this way? Who do you need to honor with your words today?

    21 min
  • Day 8 of Journey Through Philippians: AN ILLUSTRATION OF IMITATION

    COMMENTARY

    Beginning in Philippians 2:19, Paul shares about his plans to send some of his ministry partners to Philippi. This is a common feature in Paul’s letters. Paul often updated his readers on whether he or someone else would be visiting them. What is uncommon about this particular travel report is its size and its location in the letter. Paul’s travel reports are usually short (e.g., 2 Corinthians 13:10; Philemon 22). Also, they typically occur near the end of his letters (e.g., Romans 15:22-29). This particular update is unique because of its length, encompassing a full 12 verses, and because of its location at the very center of the letter to the Philippians.
    This has puzzled many scholars and has led some to suggest that this particular letter to the Philippians is actually a combination of multiple letters with this travel report marking the end of the first letter. This is not a necessary conclusion because this travel report serves as more than just a future travel itinerary. Falling on the heels of the command to imitate Christ in Philippians 2:1-11, this travel report also highlights individuals who have demonstrated how to have the “same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
    This is especially clear in the first half of Paul’s travel report which we will read today. In this passage, Paul writes that he hopes to send Timothy to visit the church in Philippi. In his description of Timothy, Paul points out that Timothy doesn’t look out for his “own interests” but shows “genuine concern” for others (Philippians 2:20-21). Timothy therefore embodies the instruction in Philippians 2:3-4: “In humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Paul also points out that Timothy has “served” with Paul in the work of the gospel (Philippians 2:22). In this way, Timothy has followed in the footsteps of Jesus who became a “servant” in his own work of the gospel (Philippians 2:7).
    What we learn from this travel report is so much more than the historical facts about the travels of Paul’s ministry partners. It reveals to us that living with a mindset like Jesus is possible, and is perhaps the best way we can encourage and build faith in those around us. This is incredibly relevant for us. The last thing our world needs is more Christians who promote the gospel with their words and undermine it with their actions. What this world craves and pays attention to are authentic people who live by what they say.
    The Via Egnatia, an international highway which passes through Philippi
    The Via Egnatia, an international highway which passes through Philippi

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 2:19–24

    TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS

    19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

    REFLECTION

    1. In Philippians 2:22, Paul notes that Timothy previously served side-by-side with Paul “as a son with his father.” Now Paul plans to entrust the church at Philippi to Timothy’s care. What does Paul’s example teach us about how to disciple others?
    2. Who has been like a Paul for you, helping you mature in your faith? Who is like a Timothy for you and how are you helping them grow into a future Christian leader?

    21 min
  • Day 7 of Journey Through Philippians: DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT GRUMBLING

    COMMENTARY

    Unlike most of Paul’s other letters, and for that matter most other New Testament books, the letter to the Philippians includes no direct quotes from the Old Testament. This may be because the church in Philippi was made up almost entirely of people from a non-Jewish background, so the congregation may have been less familiar with the Old Testament. Another possibility is that Paul did not need to cite the Old Testament because he was not writing to correct bad theology like he did in other letters. Whatever the case may be, as someone who was immersed in Scripture, Paul couldn’t help but allude to the Old Testament from time to time because it was so thoroughly entrenched in his way of thinking. In today’s reading, Paul makes a few Old Testament allusions.
    In Philippians 2:14-15, Paul writes, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’” The first Old Testament allusion Paul makes is with the word translated as “grumbling.” In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, this word was used predominantly to describe Israel’s attitude toward God after He had saved them from their slavery in Egypt (Exodus 16; Numbers 17). The believers in Philippi evidently also struggled with grumbling, though their grumbling was more towards each other than towards God. Paul chose to leverage this distinctive term to teach readers that “grumbling,” whether it is towards God or towards others, has no place in the life of those who have been saved. Instead, we “should be glad and rejoice” (Philippians 2:18).
    Another Old Testament allusion Paul makes plays off of what Scripture teaches happened to Israel as a result of their grumbling. Deuteronomy 32:5 says that the Israelites lost their status as “children of God” and became a “warped and crooked generation.” Here in Philippians, Paul reshapes the verse from Deuteronomy to give his readers a positive vision for what they could become if they would give up grumbling: “children of God . . . in a warped and crooked generation.”
    Paul’s point for his Philippian readers was that grumbling was inappropriate for them as a saved people because it prevented them from being the beacon of light that their Greco-Roman world so desperately needed. This point stands for us today. When we allow division, complaints, and arguments to occupy our minds and take control in our relationships, we fail to adequately reflect the message of the gospel. But if we would make the uncommon decision to rejoice and let unity prevail, we could show the light of Jesus to the world and “shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15).

    SCRIPTURE

    PHILIPPIANS 2:12–18

    DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT GRUMBLING

    12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

    14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

    REFLECTION

    1. Philippians 2:12 is a notoriously controversial verse because it can sound like Paul is saying we can “work” for our salvation. This would seem to contradict what Paul teaches elsewhere which is that we are saved by grace through faith, not through works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is important to recognize that the letter to the Philippians was written to people who had already been saved (Philippians 1:1). It is also important to note that Paul calls out those who promote a works-based theology later in this letter (Philippians 3:2). When we keep these things in mind, it becomes clear that Paul is not instructing readers to “work for” their salvation. Rather, he is teaching them to “work out” what it looks like to be saved. In other words, they were to live out the reality that they are a people who have been saved. Why do you think Christians through all generations have struggled to live as though they have been saved? If we have already been saved, why should it matter how we live?
    2. Would those who know you best describe you as someone who grumbles or someone who is glad? When do you tend to grumble the most? What could help you choose gladness in those moments?

    20 min
  • Day 6 of Journey Through Philippians: PEOPLE OVER POSITION & PRIDE

    COMMENTARY

    In Paul’s day, Roman society was made up of a hierarchy of social classes that determined just about everything. They determined what a person could wear, whom they could marry, even where they could sit! So naturally, many people desired to climb the social ladder. One way they could do this was by gaining honor for themselves. We can see this especially in the lives of Roman emperors. Around this time, Roman emperors began to call themselves gods and welcomed the worship of themselves as gods. In doing so, they gained honor for themselves and solidified their spot at the top of the social ladder.
    In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul critiques this social structure. He does this in part by contrasting Jesus and Caesar. He writes in verses 6-7, “[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” Here, Paul implicitly distinguishes Jesus from Caesar. Whereas Caesar was a man who wanted to be worshiped as God for his own advantage, Jesus was God but became a man for our advantage. In fact, He became a “servant,” a member of the lowest class in Roman society, and died on a cross, a form of execution reserved for servants. The irony of this is that Jesus’ humiliation ultimately resulted in His exaltation with every person, including Caesar, acknowledging Him as the one true Lord (Philippians 2:9-11)! Jesus therefore flipped the Roman social structure upside down.
    Paul does not stop there. He continues to critique the Roman social structure by teaching readers to imitate Jesus: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Apparently, some Philippian Christians had sought to advance their social status to the detriment of others and this created division in the church. So, Paul let them know that as citizens of heaven they were not to do as the Romans do, but to do as Jesus did. Jesus did not try to gain honor for Himself. Jesus humbled Himself because He valued people over His position and His pride.
    A lot has changed since Roman times, but many of us still feel the impulse to climb the social ladder. Paul’s message for us is to imitate Jesus by putting others first. It was through an act of humility that Jesus repaired His relationship with us, and it is through humility that we can maintain healthy relationships with others.
    SCRIPTURE
    PHILIPPIANS 2:1–11

    CHAPTER 2

    IMITATING CHRIST’S HUMILITY

    1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

    5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

    6 Who, being in very nature God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his
    own advantage;
    7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
    8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
    even death on a cross!
    9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
    10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
    11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

    REFLECTION

    1. In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul instructs his readers to have a mindset of humble service like Jesus. But Paul is not content to teach only with his words; he also leads the way with his actions. Reflecting back on chapter 1, how had Paul already modeled a mindset of humble service (see especially verses 1, 15-18, 23-25)? Who in your life has modeled a mindset of humble service to you?
    2. In Philippians 2:2, Paul pleads with his Philippian readers to have unity with one another. This is neither the first nor the last time that Paul makes this request in this letter (Philippians 1:27; 2:4; 4:2). Unity was obviously a struggle for the church in Philippi, but why do you suppose unity was so important to Paul? What makes unity so hard to achieve even in the church today, and why should unity matter to us?

    21 min

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