Philippians by Chris Hearty (2021)

The spiritual life is a work of God from beginning to end. Genuine biblical fellowship engages not only the heart toward others but the mind in knowledge and discernment as well. It involves active participation in both vertical and horizontal relationships.

Our purpose in living will shape our perspective on dying. Paul was confident that no matter how his trial in Rome turned out, guilty or innocent, that God would be glorified. Paul's goal in life was to glorify God whether with his life or by his death. He trusted God with the outcome of his trial. Either way was a win-win for him: more fruitful ministry or to be in the presence of his Lord.

Paul wants the Philippians to be standing together, striving together in the faith. As duel citizens of earth and heaven, Paul calls them to live out their lives on earth in such a way as to honor their heavenly citizenship. Do not substitute the truth of God for a lie. Stand firm in the truth of who they are in Christ.

Jesus' life was the ultimate example of what serving love actually looks like. Paul sets the bar very high when he uses Jesus as the example for how we should have the same mindset of humility. Although he retained his divine attributes and abilities, he set them aside to live fully as a human. He did not demand his rights as the sovereign creator of the universe, but instead went to the cross to save us.

Paul calls upon the Philippians to answer the call that God has made on their lives. There are two aspects of how a believer in Jesus can grow. One aspect is God's role and the other is our role. God's role is to WORK IN his salvation for the person who asks for forgiveness. A believer's role is to WORK OUT his salvation with awe and reverence which means to live out what he already has, that is his salvation. So, the believer is not working for his salvation but living out the salvation he already has. God supplies the desire and ability to live out our salvation. Our responsibility is to respond to his ability which he freely supplies.

If there ever was a person who could claim righteousness under the law it was Paul, but he denounced all his accomplishments as worthless dung in comparison to the surpassing value in knowing Jesus. Instead he proclaims that righteousness only comes from Jesus not our good works. Paul warns the Philippians to beware anyone who presents a gospel other than righteousness through faith in Jesus.

The four steps toward spiritual progress begins with desiring to know Jesus better and more intimately, to know the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and to be like him in his death. The second step involves a single-minded, focused pursuit of Jesus. The third step is to break form the power of the past whether feeling guilt or nostalgia for it. Learn from it, don't live in it. The final step is to respond to God's guidance whether from personal prayer, or bible study, or from the fellowship of mature believers.

Paul offers that there are two ways to live. One way is the earthly mindset that invests in temporal things that are destined to perish, that is enslaved to desires, and ends in ruin. The other way to live is accept the gift of salvation that is in Jesus. This enables one to have an eternal mindset that leads to investment in things that last forever. The eternal perspective leads to the realization of unparalleled freedom in Christ, no longer to be enslaved to worthless things. This leads to the glory that comes from God who transforms us.

\r\nPaul describes to the Philippians how to stand firm in the Lord. Experiencing the peace of God is one way of knowing that you are in the will of God. He lists seven ways we can become spiritually stable. Have unity and humility in relationships. Cultivate a heart of joy. Become a person that is easy to please. Live with expectancy that Jesus is returning soon. Replace anxiety with prayer. Think about the positive things listed in verse 8. The facts in our heads should become truth in our hearts and lead to action in our lives.

Contentment can never be achieved by always getting what you want. It must be learned through practice. Paul had learned the secret to contentment regardless of his circumstances, whether good or bad. He learned this through the Holy Spirit who strengthened him. Paul connects the state of contentment with the act of giving. When we are content, with or without, we are not afraid to give generously because we know God will provide for us. Paul calls this trusting generosity worship, a pleasing and fragrant offering to God