DOES? Paul bases his encouragement to them on things they know to be true! _Robert Rainy_ says: "Deeds are the true profession of our faith; they are the verification of our religious experience. And in this practical form we must overcome, not the temptations of other people or other ages, but our... [ Continue Reading ]
I URGE YOU, THEN. "Because you know all these things I just mentioned are true, I ask you just one thing more. Make my joy complete by really being _one in Christ!"_ What Paul describes in this verse is a _messianic community_ with a life style which finds its main expression in love and respect, an... [ Continue Reading ]
DON'T DO ANYTHING. Selfish ambition or a cheap desire to boast, would destroy the _spirit of community!!!_ Christians must work together, not compete!!! BUT BE HUMBLE. When each tries to seize the honor and glory for himself, no one is honored! But when each gives the honor and glory to the other pe... [ Continue Reading ]
AND LOOK OUT FOR. See 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Corinthians 10:33 and notes.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE ATTITUDE. "Let me show you the example which Christ set for us!" There was a real threat of division in the Philippian church, and it was of vital importance that they develop a _spirit of community!_ They must _relate to each other_ through their reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21_ and note).... [ Continue Reading ]
HE ALWAYS HAD. _Ernst Lohmeyer_ has expanded the meaning of this section of verses. He says this is a very early Christian hymn, originally written in Aramaic (the Judean dialect of Hebrew), and sung in connection with the Lord's Supper (Holy Meal). But in studying this, note that Paul uses it to em... [ Continue Reading ]
INSTEAD. "The Son, who is the Eternal Logos, of his own free will gave up his _rank_ (but not his divine nature) to take the nature of a servant and become what we are - _a human being,_ with a human nature (Romans 8:3) and be tempted as we are (Hebrews 4:15)_."_... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WAS HUMBLE. The pagan world thought of _humility_ as we think of _humiliation!_ OBEDIENCE. Remember Paul is stressing the Christian ethic!!! Christ set the example by his obedience!!! HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS. This is the ultimate humiliation!!! Note: (1) He always (even in human form) had the very... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD. The first part of this hymn tells what Christ did. The second part shows God's response. _"God raised him_ from the dead and took him up to the highest place above, _in his crucified body!_ This is how God rewarded Christ for his humility and obedience! I show you this as an example." AND GAVE... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SO, IN HONOR. In honor to the authority that the name "Lord" represents, all Creation and even his enemies, fall on their knees in praise and submission to him!!! Angels, men, and even the dead!!!... [ Continue Reading ]
PROCLAIM. It is the beings mentioned in Philippians 2:10 who proclaim this. The symbolism is of subjects swearing loyalty to their king. _Johnson_ says: "All the universe is called to confess him as Lord, and thus glorify God. All will yet confess him, either in joy or shame.... [ Continue Reading ]
SO THEN. Now Paul draws some needed lessons from this example of Christ he showed them in Philippians 2:6-11. AS YOU ALWAYS OBEYED ME. "Even though I cannot be with you in person, it is more important than ever that you show the attitude of humility and obedience that Christ had!!!" KEEP ON WORKING.... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE GOD. After stressing personal responsibility in Philippians 2:12, Paul shows God at work in us. _Johnson_ says: "God works in the converted person by his word and Spirit. His Spirit is a helper. He does not destroy our free will, for we may resist him (1 Thessalonians 5:19)_."_ TO MAKE YOU W... [ Continue Reading ]
WITHOUT. "Do not be like restive slaves, who complain about everything they are asked to do; nor like disobedient children, who argue with their parents about everything they are asked to do!... [ Continue Reading ]
INNOCENT AND PURE. If they do as Paul urges them, they will be innocent and pure. AS GOD'S PERFECT CHILDREN. Compare Ephesians 5:8 and note. YOU MUST SHINE. Compare Matthew 5:16 and note.... [ Continue Reading ]
AS YOU OFFER THEM. _Johnson_ says: "Always preaching Christ in word, in life, and in deed. That was their work. Unless they did this they were a failure." REASON TO BE PROUD OF YOU. Compare 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and notes.... [ Continue Reading ]
PERHAPS MY LIFE'S BLOOD. Paul viewed his service to Christ as an offering for the Gentiles. In Philippians 1:25 he seems confident he will not die just yet. Perhaps here he looks into the future to the time his life's blood will be poured out as an offering - poured _over_ the sacrifice of the Genti... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE SAME WAY. "You must have this same attitude and be glad when you suffer and even die for the gospel! In this way you will share your joy in Christ with me!... [ Continue Reading ]
TO SEND TIMOTHY. "Through the help of the Lord Jesus, I hope to send Timothy to you soon. He can tell you about me, and he can bring back the good news of what you are doing!... [ Continue Reading ]
HE IS. _Robert Rainy_ says: "Notice the importance which may justly attach to human instrumentalities. One is not as good as another. Some are far more fit for use than others are. The Apostle thought earnestly on the point who was fittest to go, and he was glad he had a man like Timothy to send. It... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERYONE ELSE. Paul does not mean his associates, if any are with him. _MacKnight_ says: _"For all_ the teachers here _seek their own_ pleasure and profit, and _not the things belonging to Christ Jesus."_... [ Continue Reading ]
AND YOU YOURSELVES KNOW. They knew Timothy well (Acts 16:3; Acts 16:12). Paul speaks like a _proud father!_ Timothy played an important part in the spread of Christianity!... [ Continue Reading ]
AS SOON AS I KNOW. The fact that Paul is _inspired,_ does not mean the future is an open book to him! He feels the need to keep Timothy with him until he hears the Emperor's verdict!... [ Continue Reading ]
AND I TRUST. Paul has great confidence in the Lord, and may have had a vision about this, yet he knows he cannot place an obligation on the Lord. Compare Philippians 1:25-26 and notes.... [ Continue Reading ]
EPAPHRODITUS. This is the messenger which the Philippian church sent to Paul. Now Paul is going to send him back to them immediately, with this Letter.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE IS ANXIOUS. Epaphroditus has stayed at Rome much longer than he had intended to do. He is eager to get home, and is upset because he knows they have worried about him!... [ Continue Reading ]
ALMOST DIED. This makes some ask: "Why didn't Paul use his power to heal this man???" _MacKnight_ says: "Those who possessed the power of miracles could not exercise it according to their own pleasure, but according to the direction of the Holy Spirit; otherwise Paul would have most certainly have h... [ Continue Reading ]
SO THAT YOU. "I could use his help here, but I send him back to you, so that your own happiness will make me happy tool... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH ALL JOY. This is a genuine praise for one who had demonstrated his willingness to _lay down his life_ for the Good News!!! SHOW RESPECT. It is right and proper to show respect and give honor to all who show themselves worthy of it!!!... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE. "He risked his life and nearly died! He thought no price was too high to pay, to spread the Good News of God's act in Christ to set men free!!! He was your _proxy_ to me!... [ Continue Reading ]