Bible Study Philippians 4: 1-9

 

A Commentary of the Book of Philippians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Philippians 4: 1-9

Text:

Rejoice in the Lord Always

4 Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I ask you also, genuine companion, help these women who have contended together alongside of me in the gospel, with also Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is [a]near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [b]comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [c]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 1: “Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.”

In this verse, Paul reveals his deep affection for the Philippian believers. The Greek term for “longed-for” refers to the deep pain of separation from loved ones. The Philippians were his “joy and crown.”  Paul did not derive his joy from circumstances, but from his fellow believers in Philippi. The Greek word for “crown” refers to the laurel wreath received by an athlete for winning a contest or by a person honored by his peers at a banquet as a symbol of success or a fruitful life. The Philippian believers were proof that Paul’s efforts were successful. The Greek word for “stand fast” was often used to describe a soldier standing at his post; here it is a military command. Paul loved the Philippians, and he took great joy in them.

Verse 2: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord.”

Paul urges here, not commands. Paul wants them operating in love with each other. This does not require absolute unity, but rather a unity based on love for God and each other. Paul knows the correct attitude is mandatory to “think the same way.”

Verse 3: “Indeed, I ask you also, genuine companion, help these women who have contended together alongside of me in the gospel, with also Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

The Greek word for “companion” refers to two oxen in a yoke, pulling the same load. A companion is a partner or an equal in a specific endeavor, in this case a spiritual one. The last phrase “whose names are in the book of life,” is an assurance to all the elect that their names are written in the book of life permanently and will not be removed.

Verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

Remember the context of this book. Paul is a prisoner suffering the worst possible scenario. The theme of joy and rejoicing is prominent in Philippians. The command to rejoice can always be obeyed, even in the midst of conflict, adversity, and struggle, because joy rests not on your circumstances, but “in the Lord.” As we walk “in the Lord,” we will be able to rejoice no matter what is occurring. Paul was human and if he could do it, so can we.

Verse 5: “Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.”

The Greek word for “considerate” means the generous spirit that rises above offenses, or a forbearing spirit, of which Jesus provides the supreme example. Such a person does not insist on his or her rights. Only such persons learn the true secret of joy and rejoicing.

Verse 6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Fret and worry indicate a lack of trust in God’s wisdom, sovereignty, or power. Delighting in the Lord and meditating on His Word are a great antidote to anxiety.  This truth applies to all circumstances. All struggles and challenges are within God’s purposes. Gratitude to God accompanies all true prayer. When one is tempted to be anxious, remember that God is at work in everything that touches your life. That will be a cause for faith and rejoicing in contrast to worry.

Verse 7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ”

When one practices verse 6, you can expect the results found in verse 7. This verse is the direct answer to the prayer of worry. Events in your life that cannot be fully understood can nonetheless be peacefully experienced by those who are “in Christ”. Just like you check the time by looking at your watch, if you feel anxiety, check your faith and adjust accordingly. The Greek word translated “comprehension” means “mind.” There are many things that occur in our lives that are beyond our understanding. When they occur, do not run, but rather embrace the challenge and look to the Lord Jesus Christ for His Peace.

Verse 8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.”

Paul is providing the reader with a formula to follow. If you are feeling worried, get your eyes off what is causing you to have anxiety and focus on things that are true, dignified, right, pure, lovely and commendable. Notice the cumulative effect of the list. Something may be true, but not pure. However, when you combine all the elements in this verse together, you will have a change of mind and that change will reduce your stress.

Verse 9: “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Paul concludes his line of reasoning with a guarantee. He says if you do the things described in the first nine verses of this chapter, the “God of peace WILL be with you.” (Emphasis supplied) The Philippians were to be guided both by Paul’s teaching and by his example, especially his love for the Philippians. I have said for years that what circumstances God brings or allows into your life is the qualifying degree for you to share with others. Remember that when you are experiencing great struggles.

Bible Study Philippians 3: 12-21

 

A Commentary of the Book of Philippians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Philippians 3: 12-21

Text: 

Pressing On Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on [a]so that I may lay hold of that [b]for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are [c]perfect, think this way; and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal that also to you. 16 However, let us keep [d]walking in step with the same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk—of whom I often told you, and now tell you even crying—as enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach and glory is in their shame, who set their thoughts on earthly things. 20 For our [e]citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform [f]the body of our humble state into conformity with [g]the body of His glory, by His working through which He is able to even subject all things to Himself.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 12: “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”

The race towards living a holy life begins with a sense of honesty and dissatisfaction. The Greek word translated “press on” was used for a sprinter, and refers to aggressive, energetic action. Paul pursued holy living with all his might, straining every spiritual muscle to win the prize. . .. “Lay hold” means “to make one’s own possession.” Christ chose Paul for the ultimate purpose of conforming Paul to His glorious image, and that is the very goal Paul pursued to attain. I know several denominations that believe in sinless perfection. They believe that if an hour before they died, they committed a sin, they would go to hell. I can state confidently that these people have never known true salvation. They could not have. Once one has experienced the grace and mercy of God in salvation, you understand this verse. I’m not there yet, but I am one step closer than I was yesterday.

Verse 13: “Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,”

Paul had reduced the whole of sanctification to the simple and clear goal of doing “one thing: pursuing Christlikeness. The believer must refuse to rely on past virtuous deeds and achievements in ministry or to dwell on sins and failures. To be distracted by the past debilitates and distracts one’s efforts in the present. This is not complicated. We forget the past efforts, both good and bad, and press forward to be more Christlike every day. That is walking on the “highway of holiness.”

Verse 14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Paul is pressing on the “upward call.” He pressed forward toward the goal of life in glory. While salvation is 100% of the Lord, sanctification (becoming more Christlike), was a synergetic process. We cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He works on us to become more like Christ every day. We both are involved in sanctification.

Verse 15: “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way; and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal that also to you.”

The word “perfect” means mature, not sinless perfection. There are no contradictions in these verses. Verses 13-15 provide instruction in growing in sanctification. Verse 13, you forgot what you have done in the past, both good and evil. Verse 14, press forward means you are expending effort in growing in Christlikeness. Verse 15, Paul is teaching that those that are mature should think this way, and if you don’t, Paul was confident that God the Holy Spirit would instruct the erring one.

Verse 16: “However, let us keep walking in step with the same standard to which we have attained.”

The Greek word translated “walking” refers to following in line. Paul’s directions for the Philippian believers were to stay in line spiritually and keep progressing in sanctification by the same principles that had brought them to this point in their spiritual growth. Sanctification is a daily and ongoing process of increasingly reflecting Christ to those we meet in our day-to-day activities. 

Verse 17: “Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”

Paul’s example is the opposite of what follows in the next two verses. Paul is faithful to the gospel message of the cross. To Paul, the message was always about the Lord Jesus Christ and his mind was set on heavenly things. The next two verses summarize much of the church in the USA, especially the heretical prosperity ministries.

Verses 18-19: “For many walk—of whom I often told you, and now tell you even crying—as enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach and glory is in their shame, who set their thoughts on earthly things.”

Paul could have been referencing the Judaizers (legalists) or Gnostics (heresy that believed that all physical things including the body were evil and only the spiritual realm good) but notice Paul’s tears. He did not rejoice in their error. The ones in error made their stomach their god. This speaks to me of people that want to use the gospel for financial gain. In our day, this is the majority of the charismatic church. May we have tears in our eyes, not anger, when we speak truth to them.

Verse 20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”

As Philippi was a Roman colony, the church is a colony of heaven. We must always remember that this world is not our home. We are merely passing through. We need to keep this at the forefront of our experiences on earth. One day we will be at home.

Verse 21: “who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by His working through which He is able to even subject all things to Himself.”

The believer’s new body will be like Christ’s after His resurrection and will be redesigned and adapted for heaven. It is Christ who will transform us into a heavenly body. “Subject” refers to arranging things in order of rank or managing something. Christ has the power and authority both to providentially create natural laws and miraculously overrule them. What a mighty God we serve!

Bible Study Philippians 3: 1-11

 

A Commentary of the Book of Philippians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Philippians 3: 1-11

Text:

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the [a]mutilation! 3 For we are the [b]circumcision, who worship [c]in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of [d]knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, [e]for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own which is from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God upon faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and [f]the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 [g]in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 1: “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.”

Paul’s theme throughout the epistle is rejoicing, however, this is the first time he adds “in the Lord,” which describes the sphere unrelated to the circumstances of life, but related to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. When you have Christ as your Substitute, you can rejoice notwithstanding your circumstances.

Verse 2: “Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation!”

Today, people are so word conscious. Words offend people so easily. However, look at Paul.s words: “Beware of the dogs.” A person may have to speak directly to opposition. When you stand for truth, you may offend someone. Paul would not let that fact stop him from speaking truth. Paul’s opponents here may be either Christians (as in Galatians) or non-Christians who champion the law of Moses and insist on circumcision as the badge of salvation.

Verse 3: “For we are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,”

In response to the Judaizers and their mistaken focus upon the physical rite of circumcision, Paul argues that Christians are the true circumcision, i.e., the spiritual Israel. Paul draws a distinction between those that glory in Christ versus those who glory in their own flesh through circumcision. The true Christian knows his flesh is not to be exalted, but rather the work of Christ. 

Verse 4: “although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:”

Verses 4-6 express Paul’s extensive pedigree under the law. If anyone wanted to boast in his flesh, it was Paul. However, he refused to do so. Only Christ is to receive glory; never man. 

Verse 5: “circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;”

Paul’s life was one of legalistic obedience to the law, both the Torah and the Talmud (the body of Jewish civil and ceremonial law). Male circumcision was to take place exactly on the 8th day after birth. Paul’s family was Torah obedient as was Paul. He is making a strong point that since he would not boast in his flesh, neither should the Philippians.

Verse 6: “as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.”

Paul was a persecutor of the church, but he knew that no matter how evil he had been, God’s grace and mercy was bigger. He was a chief of sinners, but forgiven and his eternity established. This was not a claim of sinlessness or perfection, but of obedience to the Old Testament’s prescribed way of life. Paul’s obedience to the law was honorable, but his resulting “confidence” could be considered prideful.

Verse 7: “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”

Whatever Paul’s impressive pedigree as a Jew was, he counted it as unimportant and a loss for knowing Christ as Messiah. Paul’s choice to leave the place where he was very respected demonstrates the transformation he had experienced when he was born again. I have seen a similar type of commitment when I held crusades in India. New Christians forfeit their government benefits when they leave the Hindu faith for the Christian faith. May we be ever so faithful as they were.

Verse 8: “More than that, I count all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of ]knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”

To “know” Christ is not simply to have intellectual or head knowledge about Him. Paul used the Greek verb that means to know “experientially” or “personally”. One of the dangers of the man-made doctrine that man can come to God without grace first being given to him as a gift is that at most the person has a head knowledge of Christ only. However, when the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, reveals to your heart that you are destined for a devil’s hell for eternity, brings you to the blood stained cross of Calvary and shows you that Christ died for you, it results in a transformation that enabled Paul to leave his impressive past into a persecuted future. The word “rubbish” could mean waste or manure. 

Verse 9: “and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own which is from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God upon faith,”

Paul now understands that salvation is based not upon human works of obedience to the law, but entirely and exclusively upon “the righteousness from God,” given to those united with Christ. We receive His righteousness as we have faith in Christ. This is not a head acknowledgment of who Christ is, but rather a faith that transforms every aspect of your life. A true Christian has no areas of their life that are hidden or held back from the Lord Jesus Christ. His righteousness is both imputed and imparted to believers. There is both a cover (The Father sees the Son’s righteousness not our sin) and change (His righteousness impacts how we live our lives). This is an active faith, a faith that works, and not a passive faith.

Verse 10: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,”

This is Paul’s most passionate and desired longing. He speaks not merely of greater mental understanding, but one of deepened personal union. Paul wants a closer walk with the Lord even if it means suffering. The true believer wants more of the Lord even if it means being shipwrecked, imprisoned, or beaten. This is a real active faith. Paul knew this. Does your life reflect this truth?

Verse 11: “in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Paul understands that the believer’s perseverance depends on the will and the working of the Sovereign God. This is not the doctrine of “once saved always saved. “ That evil doctrine teaches that you can say a prayer for salvation and then live like the devil and still be saved. The true doctrine of salvation is that the Holy Spirit will insure that no believer is ever lost once saved unless they become apostates. If they willingly turn from the faith, it is likely that they never were genuinely converted. True Christians will make it to the end.