It’s All Good: God Is At Work

It’s All Good: God is at Work!

Over the next four weeks, we will be discussing Paul’s letter to the Philippians.  These lessons have the same theme:  It’s All Good!  Today we will be learning how God’s activity in our lives is reason to rejoice – regardless of our circumstances.  However, in this article, let’s learn a bit more about the Philippian church.

The circumstances of Paul and the Philippian church give rise to the occasion of (reason for) the letter. Paul is in prison (guarded in chains, perhaps still in a rented house).  Epaphroditus was sent from Philippi with a gift (some means of financial support) for Paul.  Paul now sends him back to Philippi with this letter.  The letter updates the church on his condition, thanks them for their gift, and addresses some issues going on at Philippi (presumably as reported by Epaphroditus).  The issues deal with the suffering of the church due to opposition and some sort of internal unrest or division.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Philippians 1:27-30   

Both the church and Paul are suffering at the hands of the empire for the defense of the gospel. As a Roman Colony, residents of Philippi were Roman citizens and very “pro-Rome” and “pro-Emperor.”  The primary titles for the Emperor were Kyrios and Soter (Lord and Savior); he was approached in a manner resembling a “god.”  You can see how that would conflict with our Christian perspective.

Paul reminds the Philippians that their true citizenship is in heaven (3:20) and that Jesus had obtained sole privilege to the title of Lord (2:9-11); one day every knee would bow to him.  Jesus is also uniquely the Savior (3:20). The Philippians, of course, knew this and that is the very reason they were suffering at the hands of their opposition.  As to the form of this opposition, we can only speculate.

I will discuss more about their “internal unrest” next week’s article..

Rejoice!  Joey