Paul's Passion II

Paul's letter to the Philippian church is full of joy. Let's find out why he's so happy and strive to be the same.

Paul prays “with joy” because the Philippians are his family and his co-workers in the gospel, and because God is working in them to make them perfect at Christ's return. “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:4-6) As his brothers, they are in his heart, sharing in God's grace. They are his joy and crown. He loves and longs for them and is cheered when he receives news of them.

Paul's joy will be made complete if the Philippians are “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose . . . in humility consider[ing] others better than yourselves . . . look[ing] not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (2:2-4). For this reason he rejoices greatly in their Christ-like character when they support him financially.

The brothers in Philippi also rejoice in their relationships. Their joy in Christ Jesus will overflow when Paul is with them again. They will be glad to see their brother Epaphroditus again. Indeed Paul commands them to welcome him “in the Lord with great joy and honour men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ” (2:29-30).

Let's see our Christian family as Paul does. Let's love them! Let's rejoice in their progress!

Paul also glories in Christ. He considers it a surpassing greatness to know Christ Jesus, who:

“being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.” (2:6-11)

Paul wants to know “the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings” (3:10). He eagerly awaits his heavenly Saviour, who “will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (3:21).

And so he rejoices whenever Christ is preached, even if it's from false motives. He eagerly expects and hopes that he himself will exalt the Lord Jesus, whatever the circumstances, even in death. In fact, he so loves Christ that it is his desire to depart and be with him. So it comes as no surprise that three times in his letter to the Philippians, Paul tells them to "rejoice in the Lord" (3:1; 4:4).

Let's know Christ as Paul does. Let's rejoice in him! Let's learn to love him more than life itself!