Philippians 1:27-30

Participation in the Evangel

27 The citizenship or enfranchisement here referred to is celestial, not terrestrial.

THE PHILIPPIANS' SUFFERING

29 It is our privilege to enjoy the sufferings which come to us in seeking to do God's work, for they are not, as we are wont to think, a token of His displeasure, but a favor which is granted to the few who are faithful in the performance of His will.

PUTTING ON THE EVANGEL

This division takes up the body of the epistle, setting before us the four models, Christ, Timothy, Epaphroditus and Paul, mingled with exhortations to imitate their example.

EXHORTATION TO IMITATE CHRIST

1 Our conduct should reflect the unselfish humility of Christ, considering others and their honor rather than our own.

THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST JESUS

6 Form denotes outward appearance, as is shown by Paul's use of it in the contrast, "having a form of devoutness, yet denying its power" (2Ti_3:5). We have found it impossible to sustain the idea that it refers to intrinsic essence. Figure or fashion denotes the form prevailing at any time. Christ was the Image of God, the visible representation of the Deity. Paul himself saw Him on the Damascus road in celestial glory. Yet the form in verse Php_2:6 was laid aside for that of a slave, at His incarnation. Adam and his progeny seek to exalt themselves and will be humbled. But Christ, Who might easily assume the place of equality with God, found His delight in submission and humiliation.

The ending -mos of the word for pillaging denotes the act, not the object of pillage. When He was in the form of God His glory was too bright to be gazed upon by men. The apostle John presents Him as the audible Word, but Paul shows Him as the visible Image of the Deity, too bright for mortal gaze and seen only by our spiritual perception. As such He is seen in this epistle.

7 Empties cannot refer to a partial relinquishment of His previous state, but a total change of form, in which none of God's glory was apparent to the physical sight.

The Example of Christ

The enormous sweep of this synopsis of Christ's service and suffering takes in the whole universe and all the eons, from the beginning to the consummation. Being in the form of God, He was above the heavens, under the curse of the cross He was beneath all. Yet, as He voluntarily descended from the highest to the lowest place, so, too, shall be His exaltation. Every tongue will acclaim Him Lord for God the Father's glory. This cannot be until every heart will have been subdued at the consummation (1Co_15:28). Until then there are enemies who oppose His rule. Ever since His resurrection God has been engaged in His exaltation. Even now, many celestial powers are subordinate to Him (1Pe_3:22). When He comes again the earth will be added to His domain, until finally the whole universe will be reconciled to God by the blood of His cross (Col_1:20). This is His reward. It is as Jesus (Jehovah the Saviour), the name of His humiliation, that He will be exalted to the place supreme. He Who was lowest shall become the highest.

EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE

12 There is no question here of sinners working for salvation. This is an exhortation to saints to make the salvation they have effective in their daily life and action.

16 The "word of life", or a living expression of the evangel consists in conduct so consistent with it that the life alone will proclaim the spirit of the message apart from its formal announcement. Christ, Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus were living expressions, for their service and sufferings exemplify its message.

17 The priest in Israel, officiating at the altar, poured a libation, usually of wine, upon the sacrifice (Num_15:5). Paul wished to be the libation on their sacrifice.

TIMOTHY

19 Timothy was the ideal servant. Though himself suffering with infirmities, he was not concerned about himself but took a genuine interest in the saints whom he served.