Confidence in the Flesh

Reading:  Philippians 3:1-6
    
     Paul has a warning about a group that promotes a dangerous mentality:  “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.  For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh”(Phil 3:2-3).  He is probably referring to Judaizing teachers who emphasize the need for circumcision for salvation (“mutilate the flesh”).  Disciples of Jesus are different; we are the circumcision because we put no confidence in the flesh.  We do not rest on our accomplishments, good works, or lineage.  Our confidence is not in ourselves.

    Yet this is the mentality that Judaizing teachers spread and Paul is well-acquainted with it because of his past.  “If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless”(Phil 3:4-6).  It reads like a resume.  These are Paul’s well-rehearsed credentials and reason for boasting.  He is properly circumcised, a native Israelite, a Pharisee by training and temperament, zealous to a fault, and with no accusations of lawbreaking.  There is a lot to be confident about here.  Yet “whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ”(Phil 3:7).  Jesus changed everything.  When we follow Jesus, we “glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh”(Phil 3:3).

    We all have unique talents and attributes.  Some of us have impressive bloodlines.  Some have a long history of righteous living.  Our world encourages us to build this type of moral resume, justifying to others why we are worthy to be praised or heard.  Yet when we come to Jesus, it is no longer about us.  All our accomplishments go in the garbage (they are “rubbish,” Phil 3:8).  Even in my best moments, I cannot save myself or atone for my own sins.  My confidence now is in what Jesus has done for me.  

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One Thing to Think About: How am I tempted to have confidence in myself?

One Thing to Pray For:  Awareness of my tendency to trust myself rather than Jesus
 

Honor Such Men

Reading:  Philippians 2:19-30
    
    This section centers around two of Paul’s co-workers whom the Philippians know well.  First is Timothy, who is not accompanying the letter:  “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ”(Phil 2:19-21).  This is high praise.  Paul sees a unique gift in Timothy:  he is “genuinely concerned for your welfare” as he does his preaching work.  Preaching is not a job for him, nor is it about giving others a piece of his mind.  Timothy sees it as an opportunity to serve and bless.  The Philippians also know this (“but you know Timothy’s proven worth,” Phil 2:22) and so Paul hopes not only to send Timothy to them soon, but also to join him there once released from prison (Phil 2:23-24).

    The Philippian church sent Epaphroditus to Paul with their gift to him (Phil 4:18) and now Paul is sending him back, presumably with this letter.  “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill”(Phil 2:25-26).  In the course of his mission, Epaphroditus has become seriously sick and nearly died.  Paul connects his sickness with his service:  “he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me”(Phil 2:30).  Somehow this sickness (or his inability to recover) has been worsened by his efforts to deliver the gift and help Paul.

    Having discussed these two noble men, Paul gives an instruction to the church:  “honor such men”(Phil 2:29).  Christians honor men who are examples of genuine faith, humble though they may be.  We often fail to recognize admirable traits in people we know well.  Paul speaks of these men in glowing terms, highlighting Christian virtues and real-life sacrifices.  They do not require ceremonies or recognition, yet Christian examples deserve honor.  Will we honor them?

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One Thing to Think About: Who do I know who is living a life for Jesus worthy of honor?

One Thing to Pray For:  Appreciation for the positive spiritual influences around me
 

Work Out Your Salvation

Reading:  Philippians 2:12-18
    
    Though Paul hopes to be released from his imprisonment, he wants the Philippians to continue to do what is right whether he comes to them or not.  “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure”(Phil 2:12-13).  “Work out your own salvation” does not mean that salvation is a difficult math problem we must puzzle over.  Paul urges the Philippians to do the work that stems from the new relationship they enjoy with God.  In context, this includes standing firm, striving for the faith, refusing to be cowed by persecution, and humbling themselves like Jesus (Phil 1:27, 28, 2:5-11).  As we do this work, we are assured that “it is God who works in you,” supplying both the knowledge and power to continue to obey him.  When we have done what he asks, we still cannot glory in ourselves because he is ultimately responsible.

    There is more practical work here too:  “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”(Phil 2:14-15).   Part of working out our salvation is eliminating our habits of complaint and argument.  We will always encounter unpleasant situations; mature believers do not bemoan every inconvenience.  We will always disagree on some level with those around us; mature believers do not constantly dispute.  These differences make us shine like lights in a dark world full of bitter, divisive, malcontents.  Christians have their eyes on different goals than whether we are always happy or always proven right.

    Salvation is not an end, but the beginning of a life of service.  As we obey “with fear and trembling” because of the awesome responsibility we have and the unique closeness of God to us, we give him glory for his work in us.  We approach the tasks of the believer with passion and vigor, eager to represent him in a dark world.

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One Thing to Think About: How will I work because of my salvation today?

One Thing to Pray For:  The appropriate mixture of gratitude and fear
 

Humble Like Jesus

Reading:  Philippians 2:1-11
    
    Paul wants the Philippians to keep serving Jesus “whether I come to see you or am absent”(Phil 1:27), so he urges them toward unity.  “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind”(Phil 2:2).  We think in the same ways, love the same things, and have the same goals.  There is one great enemy to this unity:  the selfishness that dogs us all.  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”(Phil 2:3-4).  Our selfish ambitions tear us away from others; thoughtful service unites us.  

    This renunciation of selfish ambition originates with Jesus himself.  “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”(Phil 2:6-8).  Jesus refused to regard his divine privileges (including “equality with God”) as rights he would not give up.  Of his own will, he “emptied himself,” embraced “the form of a servant” and became fully “obedient” to the will of God and the needs of men.  It is only after this tremendous humiliation that “God has highly exalted him,” reinforcing Jesus’ statement that “whoever humbles himself will be exalted”(Matt 23:12).  If Jesus can give up so much, I can surrender my petty desires and ambitions.

    Disciples of Jesus do not simply sign up for a new set of beliefs.  We grow to become more like him.  Where our lives were previously about pleasure, accomplishment, esteem, and the acceptance of others, now we aim to honor our God and bless our fellowman.  We “empty ourselves” like Jesus, trusting that following God’s will is more important than self-expression.  We join ourselves to others who embrace the humble path.  We become humble like Jesus.

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One Thing to Think About: Do I feel others’ needs and interests as keenly as my own?

One Thing to Pray For:  The faith to relinquish my ambitions and seek for God to exalt me
 

Far Better

Reading:  Philippians 1:19-30
    
    As Paul languishes in Roman custody, he muses on his fate.  He is confident that “through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance”(Phil 1:19), yet he remains aware that other outcomes are possible.  He shows remarkable poise, given the stakes, when he matter-of-factly discusses the possibility of his death.  “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death”(Phil 1:20).  Whether he lives or dies, he only wants his life and body to show his devotion to Jesus.  This is not a new perspective for Paul as he stands near death; it is the same “now as always.”  

    Yet which outcome does he prefer?  What does he root for?  “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.  Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard pressed between the two.  My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account”(Phil 1:21-24).  Paul speaks as though this is his choice and he sees that both outcomes have their advantages.  Continuing to live “is Christ” because he will keep serving Jesus by teaching and helping other disciples.  But dying is “gain.”  Why?  “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better”(Phil 1:23).  As sweet as life can be, Paul would rather be with Jesus.  Regardless of the outcome, he wants the Philippians to “(stand) firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”(Phil 1:27) despite opposition and challenge.

    Departing to be with Christ will mean that we miss countless sports championships, elections, TV shows, and the enjoyment of the nest egg we’ve been saving up.  As much as we love our families, friends, brethren, and work, the day will come when we will depart to be with Christ.  Do I really believe that will be “far better”?

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One Thing to Think About: Am I too attached to this present world?

One Thing to Pray For:  The selfless heart of Paul