There are some words that may be true, but if spoken from a stranger, have no place in our lives. However, those same words can be spoken by a loved one, mentor, or trusted alliance and have all the weight in the world. That’s who Paul was to the Philippians. Known as one to never hide his feelings, Paul opens his letter full of gratitude and heartfelt praise in his thanksgiving towards the church at Philippi. They had done a bit of life together, which resulted in a style of communication that is honest and direct.
Paul’s love for his friends at Philippi is evident in this letter. He reminds them, “You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece” (v. 7). The church at Philippi was filled with people who had stood alongside and supported Paul through some of his best moments and some of his most painful, unlike many of Paul’s other church plants and they proved to be a faithful community of support.
Much like our world today, running at its fast pace with contrasting news from every outlet, the Philippians were hearing the gospel presented in every which way. As a young church filled with many new Christians used to a pantheistic culture, it was not surprising Paul had to explain how he kept his peace. Paul’s conviction from verse 6 continues on in verse 18, that “the king is being announced, whether people mean it or not! I’m happy to celebrate that”. Paul was rooted in the lasting fact that salvation is paramount.
Paul goes on to explain to the church the importance of “moral discernment”. Paul writes, “your public behavior must match up to the gospel of the king” (v. 27). Philippi was under Roman rule. In the eye’s of Roman authority, there was one king – one higher power, and all society must abide by him - the emperor. Here, Paul offers an alternative, their lives must match up to the Gospel way, the law provided by Jesus. The family dynamic must be leaned upon, “struggling side by side with one united intent” (v. 27). The greatest strength of the early church must be their unity.
Q: It is said that Sir Francis Drake had a common prayer that centered on this thought, “it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same, until it be thoroughly finished, that yeildeth true glory”. How do you react to this thought? In what area of your life can you practice consistency?
Q: Paul had a tenacious faith in the midst of his own imprisonment. He knew the easy way out but persisted until the end. How do you think we can follow his model?
Q: In light of society today, how do modern Christians “struggle side by side”? What are some cultural norms we may have let slide into our church that do not “match up to the gospel of the king”?
Q: how can we as a connect group be steadfast in unity?
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