Philippians on Christian Priorities
On a trip to India a senior Christian from the USA was talking with someone who had been a Hindu priest, named Satis Prasad. The Indian said he wanted to come to the United States to work as a missionary among the Americans. The Christian assumed that that he wanted to convert Americans to the Hindu religion, but when asked, Satis Prasad said,
“Oh no, I would like to convert them to the Christian religion. Christianity cannot survive in the abstract. It needs not membership, but believers. The people of your country may claim they believe in Christianity, but from what I read at this distance, Christianity is more a custom than anything else. I would ask that either you accept the teachings of Jesu in your everyday life and in your affairs as a nation, or stop invoking His name as sanction for everything you do. I want to help save Christianity for the Christian.”
The Philippine church stood out in the way they understood the Christian life and Paul highlights what he most admires about them. They understood something that many Christians today have ceased to practice. Paul wrote this open letter ‘to all the saints of Christ Jesus at Philippi’ but intended its message to be understood by all Christians everywhere. They had understood the grace of God, the undeserved kindness he has given us in coming as Jesus, and longs that, even in the tussles that will result in trying to live for him, they will all experience a deep peace.
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2
What thrilled Paul most about this church?
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,. . .” Philippians 1:3-5
They had realised that they had been accepted by God into his kingdom in order to serve him. They were all partners with the apostles in the work of sharing the gospel with others. This was not meant to be a short lasting enthusiasm that disappeared over the years. Paul’s prayer and confidence was that, what had so clearly started, would continue throughout life until people meet the Lord Jesus in person.
“. . . 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 1:6
This emphasis was at the heart of Paul’s thinking. Nothing would stop him from sharing the news about Jesus, this was his life.
“. . . whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” Philippians 1:7
The evidence that they share in God’s grace is that they share in God’s purpose for life. These are not just empty words of love, God knows all about how people think and act:
“God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:8
What motivated Paul most?
For Paul, even imprisonment had not dulled his deep-seated longing that others should be saved.
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12
Paul would not allow any problems, such as imprisonment, to restrict this commission God had given him.
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Philippians 1:13
What clear thinking - Paul recognised that those Roman soldiers in the Palace Guard who were chained up to him for four hour shifts during his house arrest were a God-given opportunity to share the gospel. Can you imagine Paul’s conversation? After politely introducing himself he would surely ask,
“Do you know why I am in this situation?”
The conversation would then inevitably move on the the subject of Jesus and who he was and consequently the gospel message was discussed by the whole regiment.
Richard Wurmbrand
Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001) was a Romanian pastor of Jewish origin who was imprisoned and tortured by the communist regime for his unshakable faith and bold witness for Christ. He became a Christian in the 1930s after reading the New Testament and hearing the gospel. Subsequently he became a Lutheran pastor and a prominent underground church leader. After World War II, when Communism took over Romania, Wurmbrand boldly preached that communism and Christianity were incompatible and that Jesus Christ is in charge of all.. He was arrested in 1948 by the Securitate (secret police) and spent a total of 14 years in prison. Despite severe torture, isolation, and starvation, he refused to stop preaching about Jesus. He secretly preached to other prisoners and even witnessed to his torturers. He subsequently wrote the famous book ‘Tortured for Christ’, detailing his experiences in prison and his love for Jesus and his persecutors.
“I have seen Christians in Communist prisons with fifty pounds of chains on their feet, tortured with red-hot iron pokers, in whose throats spoonsful of salt had been forced without water, starving, whipped, suffering beyond description - and they would not give up their faith. They sang songs in prison.”
Wurmbrand spent 3 years in total isolation in an underground cell, no light, no sound, no contact with anyone. But even there, he shared Christ, he tapped out Bible verses, sermons, and encouragement in Morse code on the walls or pipes of his cell. Other prisoners tapped back - and in this way, a secret fellowship of believers emerged even in total darkness. In ‘Tortured for Christ’, he wrote:
“We preached the gospel where only whispers and taps could be heard.”
He used every opportunity to preach Christ crucified and risen, and that God remained with his people. He said:
“Alone in my cell, cold, hungry, and in rags, I danced for joy every night.”
Nothing could stop them talking about Jesus and the Bible’s message:
“It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price. The following scene happened more times than I can remember: A brother was preaching to the other prisoners when the guards suddenly burst in, dragged him out, and beat him severely. Afterward they brought him back and threw him — bloody and bruised — on the prison floor. Slowly, he picked up himself, painfully straightened his body, and said, ‘Now, brothers, where did I leave off?’”
Similarly for Paul, what mattered to him was to honour Jesus Christ by all he did and said. He knew he was ‘in chains for Christ’. The effect of Paul’s brave witness encouraged other Christians in Rome to have this same priority:
“And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:14
Similarly the effect of Richard Wurmbrand’s brave stand had great effect on Christians throughout the world when his story became known.
Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee (1903–1972) was a powerful Chinese Christian leader, evangelist, and teacher who preached the gospel throughout China and suffered greatly for it. Like Richard Wurmbrand, he refused to stop talking about Jesus, even when it cost him everything.
Watchman Nee was born in Foochow, China, into a Christian family. When 17 years old he committed his life to Christ, after hearing the gospel in high school. He gave up academic ambitions to preach and teach full-time. I had the joy of seeing his bungalow in Foochow. It had a large front room where people could come to hear the Bible taught and a small bedroom at the back for him to sleep in. He preached extensively across China in the 1920s–1940s, trained many church planters, wrote books, and established strong local Christian communities. He was known for his well applied biblical teaching — especially on the inner spiritual life, the cross, and Christ as life. His book ‘The Normal Christian Life’ (based on Romans 6–8) became a global classic in Christian literature.
After the Communist takeover of China in 1949, Christianity was seen as foreign and subversive. In 1952, Watchman Nee was arrested by the Communist authorities, falsely accused of being a reactionary and counterrevolutionary and was imprisoned for 20 years.
In prison he endured hard labor, isolation, and ‘re-education’ but despite severe restrictions, he continued to witness to fellow inmates and guards whenever he could.
He was unable to write much during this time, but testimonies from fellow prisoners confirm that he remained steadfast in faith and witness. One prisoner reported:
“He was a shining light in that dark place.”
Watchman Nee died in prison in 1972 at the age of 68 and his family was not allowed to see his body. A prison worker later passed on a note found under his pillow, believed to be his last written words:
“Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and was resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief in Christ.”
Paul continues to stress that the promotion of the gospel is what really matters, even more than life and death. He writes,
“What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12
“I am in chains for Christ.” Philippians 1:13
“. . . most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:15
Paul had his enemies but still he could say,
“I am put here for the defence of the gospel.” Philippians 1:16
“The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.” Philippians 1:18
Nothing thrilled Paul more than to see the person of Jesus being talked about and his message proclaimed:
“And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18
Paul was hopeful that his forthcoming trial would result in him being cleared, but whatever happened he was able to hope that he:
“ . . will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20
Paul then shares a wonderful summary of what his life was for:
“ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
This is what Paul longs for all Christians in all ages to decide. It is a decision we all need to make. Christians are the slaves of Christ. This is how Paul began the letter:
“Paul and Timothy, servants (or slaves) of Christ Jesus,” Philippians 1:1
This why he can say:
“If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me.” Philippians 1:22
To work hard and imaginatively for Christ was his heart’s desire until the Lord called him into his presence:
“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Philippians 1:23-24
Paul again returns to the purpose of his life, this was to encourage and help others live for Christ.:
“I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” Philippians 1:25-26
Whatever happens to Paul he longs for all Christians to live their lives for Christ just as he has:
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27
What does this mean? It must be by their lifestyle and by what they say to others. The church is a unified community that is working together for Jesus to be honoured. People won’t be offended by kind, generous godly living but there will be upset by the unique message we share. In spite of this opposition we must keep going and not be afraid.
“. . .without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:28
Sharing the message of the Word of God with others is a vital ingredient of the Christian life:
“ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold out the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain” Philippians 2:14-16 (1983 NIV)
Some translations say “as you hold firmly to the word of life” which suggests people hanging in there with Christ. However to “hold out the word of life”, an equally valid translation suggests sharing the gospel, and in context, it almost certainly includes that idea. Paul encourages the Philippians to shine like stars in the world, and that shining involves offering Christ, the word of life, to others.
Opposition to Christ
If Christians are not experiencing any opposition they should be asking themselves whether what they are saying to people is helping them come to Christ. It does seem that there are many in our churches or all denominations who don’t seem to understand or care that those who reject Christ are rejecting eternal life with him. Hell is the future for such people according to Jesus and his apostles. Don’t we care? Some worry more about cats, dogs and donkeys than that all the people God made should live in harmony with him.
“This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God.” Philippians 1:28
Any who oppose Christians who are trying to share the gospel with others face eternal separation from God but for those involved in gospel ministry, it is a sign that they will be saved.
Genuine Christianity
Paul knows that sharing the faith is not easy but to suffer for Christ is the mark of Christians. All who are devoted to the Lord’s service will face troubles but that is a feature of the Christian life.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in 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 1:29-30
Paul said the same in his final letter to Timothy and the churches:
“ In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 2:12
The joy of working for Christ keeps recurring throughout this letter. Timothy was an example of a Christ-centred servant.
Epaphroditus, who came from Philippi is described as being:
“ . . . my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier.” Philippians 2:25
At a Bible Study looking at this book someone asked:
“Isn’t this standard of how to live as a Christian different for the apostles and a few idealists? Surely all Christians aren’t expected to be like this?”
Surely our model is the Lord Jesus, it is he that the apostles tried to emulate. In chapter 3 urges all Christians to follow his example. He didn’t see himself as being extra-ordinary:
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Philippians 3:17
This is a repeated theme throughout the New Testament. Paul wrote to the troubled church at Corinth advising them to follow the example of the apostles and not that of their pseudo-apostles. Paul longs that all Christians should do everything they can to be close to other people so that they may learn about Jesus and become his followers:
“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1
All Christians are meant to be radically different from the world because we live with heaven in mind. That is what motivates us in the way we live:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21
It is the power of God’s Spirit that can transform us into christ pleasing people.
Worldly Christians
In contrast to Paul, Titus and Epaphroditus, Paul knew that some in the churches were still self-centred::
“For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” Philippians 2:21-22
Paul later returns to the problem that was so rife in churches then and continues to be so today. It is all too easy to be involved in a church and agree with its creeds but to be worldly in our thinking and behaviour. To be a Christian is costly.
“ For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19
This recalls what Jesus himself had said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
We all have to decide what sort of people we are going to be.
BVP
