Category: Philippians

The Power of His Resurrection

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Philippians 3:10-11 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 

‘That I may know him’ – this is life eternal (John 17:3).

‘Power of his resurrection.’ He longed for the resurrection of the body (3:11, 21; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 2Cor. 5:1-21).

‘The fellowship of his sufferings’ – Not fellowship with Him in His vicarious sufferings, but in the offence of the cross and martyrdom for truth (2Cor. 1:5-7; Col. 1:24; 1Pet. 4:13).

‘Conformable’ [Greek: summorphoo] to be formed or fashioned like. Paul wanted to know Christ and the power which was in His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings, even to die as He died.

‘Resurrection of the dead’ – This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Philippians (3:11) and is unfulfilled until the coming resurrections.

‘Of the dead’ [Greek: ek and nekron] out from among the dead. This means that some of the dead will be resurrected from among the rest of the dead. It refers to the resurrection of the righteous from among the wicked dead (3:21; Luke 20:35; 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-54; 1Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6).

Be Found in Him

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Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

‘In him’ The so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (1:7; 2Cor. 7:3;); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn_2:24); men being in Christ (2Co_5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts17:28) and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach the physical entrance of one being into another. It may be best understood by a man and woman becoming one in life together, being in each other’s plans, life, etc. Therefore, because we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.

‘Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law.’ Man’s righteousness is not enough (Isa. 64:6; Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 10:1-13).

‘That which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.’ God’s righteousness comes through Christ (1Cor. 1:30) and by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 3:22-26; 4:1-25; 9:30-31; 10:1-13).

The Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus

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Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ

‘Count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.’ I not only count all things a total loss to win Christ, but I depend upon Him to save my soul.

Twelve great practices of Paul as an example to other Christians: To worship God in Spirit (3:3; John 4:24). To rejoice in Christ alone (3:1, 3; 4:4). To have no confidence in the flesh (3:3-8). To count all things loss (3:7-8). To count all things but dung (3:8). To have no self-righteousness (3:9). I follow after knowledge (3:8, 12). I forget the past (3:13). I reach out for future things. I press toward the prize (3:14). I strive to be an example (3:15-19). I look for the Saviour (3:20).

‘That I may win Christ’ – Twelve great desires of Paul that should be shared by all Christians: That he may win Christ (3:8). That he may be found in Him (3:9). That he may have His righteousness. That he may know Him (3:10). That he may know His power. That he may fellowship of His sufferings. That he may be conformed to His death. That he may be in the first resurrection (3:11-12). That he may be perfect (3:12-13). That he may win the prize (3:14). That he may be one with all other believers (3:15-19). That he may be changed in the body (3:21).

Counted Loss for Christ

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Philippians 3:4-7 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church [congregations]; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 

‘Circumcised the eighth day’ – Part of the Abrahamic covenant all Hebrew males were to be circumcised at the age of eight days (Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3).

‘Stock of Israel’ We can read the history of Israel’s stock in Genesis 29:21-30 and 35:16-29.

‘Pharisee’ – a sect of self-righteous and zealous Jews who held to the letter of their interpretations of the law and their traditions, regardless of whether they nullified the Word of God or not. They were Christ’s bitterest enemies (3:4-6; Mat. 15:2; 23:1-33; Mark 7:8-13; Luke 11:42; Gal. 1:14).

‘Zeal’ – Paul zealously persecuted the congregations and Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1-3; 9:1-2; Gal. 1:13).

‘Blameless’ – As to meeting every requirement of Judaism, being of pure stock, and of fanatical zeal he had no superior (3:4-6; Gal. 1:13-14; 2Cor. 11:22).

‘But what things were gain to me, I counted loss for Christ.’ All these advantages (of Philippians 3:4-6), the honour and respect which I held among the Jews, as well as my future with them, I counted loss for Christ.

‘Loss’ [Greek: zemia] loss as applied to trade, especially the voluntary loss incurred by casting wares overboard to lighten a sinking ship (3:8; Acts 27:10, 21).

Beware of…

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Philippians 3:1-3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 

‘Rejoice in the Lord’ – Let your happiness be in the Lord (4:4; 1Thess. 5:16; 1Pet. 1:8) for the joy of the LORD is our strength (Neh. 8:10). When we live in thanksgiving and joy because of who the Lord is and what He has done for us, all complaining will cease. Through complaining we lose what we received, the enemy knows this and focus all his attacks on stealing our joy. We have a choice between allowing this or resisting him (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:7-8; 1Jn. 5:18).

‘To write the same things to you.’ – he wrote the same doctrines that he had preached and written to others.

‘Dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.’ Jews are called three things here: Dogs – the very things they called others (Mat. 15:26-27); evil workers, Judaizing teachers; the concision, mutilators [Greek: katatome], but the verb katatemno occurs in the Septuagint of heathen mutilations (Lev. 21:5; 1Kin. 18:28). Paul regards circumcision as no better than heathen practices. False teachers lie in wait to catch ignorant souls by their fallacies there are ten marks of false teachers: They cause divisions among Christians. They cause offences against truth (Rom. 16:18). They do not serve God (Rom. 16:17-18). They serve their own bellies (3:19; Rom. 16:18;). They use slick tongues to deceive (Rom. 16:18). They are enemies of the cross (3:18). They walk contrary to the gospel (3:17). They glory in their shame (3:19). They mind earthly things (3:19). They bring in heresies (2Pet. 2:1).

The founders of false religions and human philosophies pamper the flesh and give their victims elated feelings of importance to make an appeal to them for their own benefit and popularity, making followers for themselves instead of for Christ.

‘For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.’ Four points about Christians here: The true circumcision – that of the heart (Rom. 2:29). Worshipers in spirit (John 4:24). Rejoice in Christ (3:1; 4:4; 1Pet. 1:1-25). Have no confidence in the flesh (3:3-4; 2Cor. 5:16).

God Had Mercy on Him

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Philippians 2:26-30 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. 

‘Full of heaviness’ [Greek: ademoneo] heavily burdened.

‘Sick’ – he had been sick. This proves that at the time of the writing of this epistle he was well again. For the work of the Lord, he had been “nigh unto death” (2:30). How could the work of God make him sick if not by overwork and improper rest? In such a case, it would be a physical breakdown rather than some disease. The Greek verb for “he had been sick” is astheneo, to be weak or frail in any sense. It is used 15 times of: Weak faith (Rom. 4:19; 14:1, 2, 21; 1Cor. 8:9-12); weak law (Rom. 8:3); weak (poor) people (Acts 20:35) and weak in boldness and power (2Cor. 11:21, 29; 12:10; 13:3, 4, 9).

It is used 17 times for physical sickness and 3 times for physical breakdowns because of overwork (2:26-27; 2Tim. 4:20). Thus, to conclude that the cases of Epaphroditus (here) and Trophimus (2Tim. 4:20) prove that Paul and the apostles had lost their power to heal, or that it was only occasionally that they had such power is concluding too much. Paul did have the power to do special miracles (Acts 19:11-12). He had the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:18-19, 29). He even had the power to impart gifts to others (Acts 19:1-7; Rom. 1:11; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Gifts are not given so that bodies may be abused by overwork to bypass consequences. They are not to enable man to work beyond what is sensible and best for the body.

‘But God had mercy on him.’ This proves that God did miraculously restore the man and save him from death. Prayer will do wonders even in a physical breakdown, but it will never sustain a body that is not properly taken care of by rest and nourishment.

‘Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.’ This was the cause of his physical trouble – overwork. In such a case like this, and no doubt that of Trophimus, it was best to let them recuperate before going back into the work.

Be of Good Comfort

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Philippians 2:19-25 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 

‘Timotheus’ – this is Timothy who was converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (2:19; Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

‘Know the proof of him’ – This known proof of Timothy is stated in Acts 16:1-3; 17:14.

‘With the father’ – Timothy worked with Paul, not for him (1Cor. 16:10).

‘How it will go with me’ – He was confident of being liberated (2:24; 1:19, 25-26).

‘My brother, and companion in labour, fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.’ Seven facts regarding Epaphroditus: A brother in Christ (2:25); a companion in labour [Greek: sunergos] fellow-labourer in (4:3); fellow-soldier [Greek: sustratiotes]; your messenger [Greek: apostolos] apostle; Minister [Greek: leitourgos] public servant; had a physical breakdown because of overwork (2:26-30); was healed (2:27-29).

Do All Things Without Murmurings

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Philippians 2: 14-18 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me. 

‘Do all things without murmurings’ – we are warned in Psalm 55:22 to cast thy burden upon the LORD – Man is commanded to do one thing; then God will do two things. All promises are conditional. Christians tend to emphasize the promises and ignore their conditions. Then they murmur and complain when the promises aren’t fulfilled. There is more to Christianity than its benefits (1Cor. 15:19). From Jude 1:15-16 we see that God’s judgment will come over those who murmur and complain.

‘That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.’ Six results of obedience to Philippians 2:12-14: [1] Blameless before God. [Greek: amemptos]. Blameless in legal righteousness like Paul (3:6), as well as in keeping the commandments. At the rapture, Christ will meet the saints in the air (1Thess. 4:16) and take them to heaven where they will be presented before God the Father and established in eternal and unblameable holiness by God (1Thess. 3:13). [2] Harmless to men. [Greek: akeraios] God desires that we show wisdom by discerning and choosing good from evil (Rom. 16:19). [3] The sons of God Sonship – adopted sons share the same rights and privileges as one born in the family. (Rom. 8:14-16, 23; 9:4; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5). [4] Without rebuke by man [Greek: amometos]. From 1Timothy 3:7 we see the necessary standard of having a good report from outsiders. [5] Shine as lights (Mat. 5:14-16). When God’s word is in us we can bring light as the sun and moon (John 15:1-5). [6] Hold forth the word of life. Be lighthouses to guide people safe to the harbour of safety and rest (2Cor. 4:4).

Work Out Your Own Salvation

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Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worked in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

‘Obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.’ We all have the responsibility of working out our own salvation until it is completed (3:21; Rom. 6:22; 8:23; 1Pet. 1:5-13). It is everyone’s own responsibility to ask to receive (Matt. 7:7; Jas. 4:7-8) and allow God to complete the work He has begun in us (1:6). God can only bring salvation in us to completion when we are willing to die to the self (Matt. 10:11-13, 37-38).

‘Fear and trembling’ – Why fear and trembling if there is no possibility of a fall and a failure? From 1Corinthians 9:27 we see Paul’s warning to keep our bodies under and bring them into subjection: lest by any means we should be castaways. From Hebrews 6:4-9 we see that Christians can backslide, tearing down the foundation of repentance that is already laid. Should they ever again be admitted into Christ, they will have to build again the foundation of repentance and do their first works again (Heb. 2:1-4; Rev. 2:5) and that Christians can fully apostatize from Christ, completely rejecting Him and His atoning work, so that it is impossible to renew them again to repentance (Heb. 10:26-29; 2Pet. 2:20-22).

‘Worked in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure’ If one will not obey in working out His own salvation, will God continue to work when man refuses to permit Him? Man’s power to will and to do as he pleases should not be puzzling. Such power comes from God but the use of it lies with man. One who will not use this power to work out His salvation will be held responsible. All people possess the power but not all use it (John 3:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; 1Jn. 1:9; Rev. 22:17).

At the Name of Jesus

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Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also had highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

‘Had highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.’ Seven steps in His exaltation: God highly exalted Him (2:9; Eph. 1:21). God gave Him a name above all. At the mere mention of His name, every knee must bow (2:10). Everything in heaven must bow. Everything on earth must bow. Everything under the earth must bow. Every tongue shall confess His Lordship to the glory of God the Father (2:11).

‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow …’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in Philippians (2:10-11) that is unfulfilled.

‘Of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.’ There are three worlds that are inhabited: Heaven (2:10; Job 1:6; 2:1; Dan. 4:35; Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 12:12; 13:6). Earth (2:10; Col. 1:16; Rev. 12:12). Underworld. [Greek: katachthonios] under the earth; subterranean; infernal world (2:10; cp. Ps. 16:10 with Mat. 12:40 and Eph. 4:8-10). This includes the angelic inhabitants in Tartarus (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; 1Pet. 3:19); the pre-Adamites and demon inhabitants of the abyss (Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1-21; 20:3, 20:7); the giant races that have no resurrection (Gen. 2:4; Isa. 26:14); the human inhabitants of Sheol/Hades (Ps. 9:17; 16:10; 71:20; Pro. 9:18; 15:24; Isa. 14:9; Ezek. 31:14-18; 32:18-27; Luke 16:1-31; Rev. 20:11-15); and all other inhabitants of the infernal world (2:10; Rev. 5:13). This proves that hell is not the grave.