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Tag: Letter to Philippians

Fellowship of the Spirit

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Philippians, What’s new?.

What does it mean to have fellowship of the Spirit (Philippians 2:1)?

Living and serving together in Christian harmony is the emphasis of Paul’s teaching in Philippians 1:27—2:18. Aware that the church faces a severe problem of division (see Philippians 3:1–3; 4:1–3), Paul urges the believers in Philippi to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” (Philippians 1:27). Then, using rhetorical language, Paul states that his joy (and their joy) would only be complete as they demonstrate loving, like-minded unity: “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1–2, NKJV).

The Greek noun translated here as “fellowship” (NKJV), “participation” (ESV), or “common sharing” (NIV) is koinonia. It refers to “the act of sharing together in the activities or privileges of an intimate association or group, especially used of marriage and churches.” The “Spirit” (pneuma) here is God’s Holy Spirit.

Fellowship of the Spirit describes the harmony and community that can exist in the body of Christ because of the gospel—because God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, has brought believers into a right relationship with Himself (Ephesians 2:18–19). Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1–2 resonate in the apostle John’s writings: “And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. . . . If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:3–4, 7, NLT).

God the Father, through His Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit, has established, by His grace, a covenant relationship with His people. Those who believe the message of the gospel are united in the fellowship of the Spirit (John 14:16–17) through “partnership with his Son” (1 Corinthians 1:9, NLT) to the Father (John 15:1–17; 17:1–26; 1 John 1:3–7). This relationship is the basis of the communion between humans and God (Hebrews 10:19–22; Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Colossians 1:20–22).

Those who take part in the fellowship of the Spirit also participate in communion with one another (1 John 1:3; Mark 9:37; John 17:21; 2 Corinthians 13:11). This interconnected reality, this spiritual communion, is koinonia, or fellowship in the body of Christ. It does not initiate with humans but is God’s gracious gift, flowing from the eternal triune fellowship of the Godhead (2 Corinthians 13:14).

The church, the body of Christ, is an intimately associated group of redeemed individuals who share a mutual life of fellowship (Acts 2:44; 4:32). Being part of the fellowship of the Spirit involves living in God’s love, humility, and service to one another (1 John 3:10; 4:10–12; John 13:34; 15:12; Ephesians 5:1–2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 3:8; John 13:14). For this reason, Paul urged, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:3–6).

Fellowship of the Spirit and dwelling together in unity does not imply total uniformity. Instead, as members of one body, we recognize and embrace different gifts, personalities, and ministries (1 Corinthians 12:4–30; Ephesians 4:11–13).

Christians who participate in the fellowship of the Spirit share in the work of the gospel (Philippians 1:5), worship, pray, and take communion together (1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 14:26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Acts 1:14; Hebrews 10:24–25; James 5:16). They are interested in the lives of other believers (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). They “let the peace of Christ rule in [their] hearts” (Colossians 3:15), united in purpose and “striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27; see also Matthew 18:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:24). And they make every effort to quell division and cultivate unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 14:26; Romans 12:16).

Let this mind be in you

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Philippians, What’s new?.

What is the meaning of Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”?

In Philippians 2:5, Paul sets Jesus before us as the example of the type of attitude we should have: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (NKJV). Or, as the NIV has it, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians to encourage them to rejoice even in difficult circumstances. Paul was in prison, and he encourages the Philippians that, even though he was imprisoned, they should rejoice because God was still working (Philippians 1). The church at Philippi was commendable for several reasons; however, they were also dealing with some disunity (Philippians 4:2). Paul asks them to make his joy complete—to provide him joy even in his difficulty—by “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2). The Philippians could help Paul in his difficult time by simply showing the maturity that they should show in the first place. Paul explains how they can do that. They shouldn’t do anything out of selfishness or pride, but, instead, with humility in their thinking they should consider the other person as more important than themselves (Philippians 2:3). They shouldn’t be simply concerned about their own interests, but also the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). After these exhortations, Paul gives them a supreme example to consider: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

The idea of “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5) is to have the same mindset or thinking that Christ had. Specifically, Paul is talking about how Jesus as God was willing to give up His glory (Philippians 2:6) and to humble Himself to become a man and to die on a cross (Philippians 2:7–8). Jesus gave Himself up as an expression of love and was willing to lower Himself to express that love. He is the supreme example of love and humility—as Jesus Himself put it, no one has greater love than to give his life for another (John 15:13). Paul is challenging his readers to think like that—to be willing to lower themselves for the benefit of the other. That is how they could be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, and intent on one purpose (Philippians 2:2)—by being willing to make their own interests and purposes subservient for the good of the other person.

Humility is a basic and necessary aspect of the Christian life, and we have the perfect model of how to be humble in Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Further, as James recounted, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, ESV). God sees when people respond to Him and to each other with humility, and He is gracious. Peter adds that we should humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and at the right time He will exalt us (1 Peter 5:6). Any anxieties we might have about the implications of humility we can cast upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). This is one facet of God’s grace for the humble.

Paul challenged Euodia and Syntyche to live in harmony (Philippians 4:2), and that same challenge is applicable for us today. We need to “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” and treat each other with humility and honor so that we are valuing each other as God values us and as He intends for us to value each other.

I can do all things through Christ

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Philippians, What’s new?.

Can I really do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)?

In Philippians 4:13 the apostle Paul writes, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” The “him” of this verse is the Lord Jesus, and Jesus is, of course, all-powerful (Colossians 2:10). But does this verse mean that we can do anything and everything we set our minds to?

The context of this verse focuses on the God-given power to endure any circumstance. Verse 12 notes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Paul had faced times of abundance, yet he had also faced many trials for his faith.

In 2 Corinthians 11:24–27, Paul shares some of his sufferings up to that point in his faith: “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” Despite these and other problems, Paul believed and taught he could persevere because he could do “all things through him who gives me strength.”

Also, the focus in Philippians 4 is what the believer can do through the strength that Christ gives. This is not a promise that Christians will have superpowers or that they will be invincible or immune to life’s challenges. Instead, the promise of Philippians 4:13 is that we will have strength from the Lord to faithfully endure the difficulties that arise in life.

This passage is not about having financial abundance. Some teach a prosperity gospel that says God will bless us financially if we are faithful; in contrast, Paul taught that the believer will endure suffering but can be content in any circumstance, given Christ’s strength. Just as Christ faithfully endured on the cross, His followers can faithfully endure the problems they face. In fact, Philippians 4:11 states, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Paul focused on contentment, not earthly abundance.

Finally, Philippians 4:13 is part of a larger passage that addresses Christ’s ability to meet our needs. Christ can give contentment during times of plenty and of poverty. He can help us do all things through His strength. In Paul’s case, it was the strength to serve as a missionary despite facing intense suffering. In our lives, this same strength is available. Whether we serve in another country or help someone in our own community, Christ’s power can enable us to stand firm on His promises and endure the most difficult of life’s challenges. Paul concludes this passage with these words: “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (verses 19–20).

To be content

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in What’s new?.

What does it mean to be content (Philippians 4:11)?

There is a tale of a king who suffered from a painful ailment. His counselors advised him of the only cure—to find a contented man, get his shirt, and wear it night and day. So, the king sent messengers to find such a man, with orders to bring back his shirt. After months of searching the kingdom, they returned empty-handed.

“Did you find a contented man in all my realm?” asked the king.

“Yes, O king, we found only one in all thy realm,” they replied.

“Then why did you not bring back his shirt?” the king demanded.

“Master, the man had no shirt.”

(Condensed from Tan, P. L., Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, Bible Communications, Inc., 1996, pp. 272–273).

The story’s point is that contentment is a rarity, yet something we all desperately want and need. What, then, does it mean to be content? The apostle Paul seemed to have the insider’s scoop: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11–12).

Paul’s statement, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,” is truly astonishing considering the circumstances he endured and situations he encountered while serving the Lord. He was beaten, whipped, stoned, shipwrecked, tossed in the open sea, harassed by enemies, and betrayed by false believers. He endured hunger, thirst, and even nakedness, just like the man with no shirt (see 2 Corinthians 11:24–28).

The Greek term Paul used, translated as “content” in English, describes a state of being satisfied or satiated with things as they are. Paul had “learned the secret,” meaning he “learned the mystery” of contentment. This expression implies acquiring special information.

Contentment is learned, and we gain it through experience. Like Paul, James had learned to be joyful and optimistic through trials and testing because he understood them to be privileged occasions for growth—to become “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4). Paul’s deficiency, his weakness in hardship, was an opportunity for God’s “all-surpassing power” to shine forth through him (2 Corinthians 4:7–9). He had discovered that the indwelling power of Christ supplied him with strength, grace, peace, and contentment no matter what life threw at him (Philippians 1:6; 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:16). When Paul hit a roadblock or faced a storm, He drew on the deep well of resources springing from his faith in God and his life hidden in Christ (Philippians 1:21; 3:10; see also John 15:5).

The author of Hebrews described contentment as being satisfied with what we have, knowing God will never fail us or leave us (Hebrews 13:5). Paul told Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6–8).

Paul was content in every circumstance because his life was anchored in Christ and focused on eternity: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18; see also Colossians 3:1–3).

To be content as believers, we must resist the temptation to become over-attached to the things of this world (1 Corinthians 7:31). The opposite of contentment is anxiousness and worry. Jesus told His followers, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25, ESV). If our heavenly Father feeds and cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, certainly He will take care of us, His treasured children. Jesus continued, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32–33, NLT; see also Philippians 4:6). Trusting God in everything, even if we are shirtless, is the secret of being content.