Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your concern for me, for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how both to make do with little and I know how to have an abundance. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have an abundance and to go without. I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:10-13)

Philippians was written by Paul in either Rome or Ephesus around 62 AD. It is really a practical guide for enabling the mind of Messiah in all situations. A guide to how to deal with each other righteously and graciously. It is about engaging the Joy that is available in and through Jesus. Philippi was the first body of believers to thoroughly support Paul and they never stopped. Though this letter was written while Paul did not have freedom, it does not reflect the mindset of someone bound. It is a letter of the freedoms we have in Jesus when dealing with each other. It is all based around humility. When we are humble, we will experience both Joy and unity with other believers. Both things are only available in Jesus – and if nothing else, Jesus was VERY joy-filled.

Chapter one is about Paul’s concerns for the believers. There was a disunity among them and it was hindering their ability to work together for God’s kingdom. Paul’s prayer for them was that they were always to rely on Jesus for everything, presenting their requests to Him with joy (not resentment or gimmie-gimmie). It is in Jesus that we get life (John 10:10), so it is through Jesus that we retain it. That we live in it. That we rest in it (Matthew 12:8). We need to align our behaviour to the gospel. To actively grow our fruit from His Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). That focus on Jesus frees us from fear of our problems and adversaries.

Chapter two is Paul’s essay on the joy of serving. How it is done in a spirit of helpfulness and humility – just as Jesus performed it (John 13:1-17). In fact, it is because they were joyful with Paul that the church became such a blessing to him. Such good fellow workers – they really were his first and best partners in ministry. That is what JOY enables: the child-like acceptance and willingness to overlook faults if and when they occur as they hang out and enjoy each other’s company.

Chapter three is Paul’s exhortation for them to be looking ahead. Not to human accolades, but for the real prize: being face to face with God. Because we can enter Jesus’ righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), we should be striving to bring God glory. To keep our focus on Him and not on what is in front of us. We don’t IGNORE what’s in front of us, but things outside of God don’t have the same sharp focus as things inside God. We are not citizens of the world, merely passing through shedding and spreading His Light. When we remember that, our identity and reward is found in Jesus and not in things (3 John 2).

Chapter four is split into two main sections: the need to rejoice in the Lord to maintain our joy and an appreciation for the generousity of the Philippian church toward Paul personally. When we focus our minds on the blessings of God, on the good gifts of God, and the positive, uplifting things of God it transforms our thinking, which transforms our attitude. When we align with God’s thinking, we get close to Him – and that is where true peace is found. Paul was also very touched and blessed by the church’s treatment of him. He did not shy away from thanking them. In closing, he asked for his greetings go to each and every member of the church. And he blessed them.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Paul

Key Verse(s): Philippians 1:3-8; 2:12-18; 3:15-21; 4:6-9