Philippians 3:1-11

We’re half-way through Philippians (at least according to the chapter divisions), and it seems like Paul is trying to wrap up the letter... Finally brothers, rejoice... Rejoice (or joy) appears in the letter 16 times (in the NAS translation). Let’s think back to our last Lit Class and try to remember what it means when an author uses repetition. I’m just guessing here, but it seems like Paul is pretty stuck on the emotional state of the Christians in Philippi. As verse 1 indicates, he has already instructed the Philippians to rejoice earlier in the letter, here in verse 1 he repeats it, and he’ll say it again in chapter 4. Now, as we have already seen in our study of the Letter to the Philippians, and as we will see again in future passages, the book is full of really deep theology and seemingly impossible commands (he sure could have spent more time on that DO NOT COMPLAIN thing), but what Paul keeps coming back to, what he peppers in all throughout the letter, is rejoicing. So, I think that we can take two things from this fact:
First, joy is a choice that we make. Fundamentally, as much as we would like to argue to the contrary, when we are in Christ the way we feel should not be dependent on our circumstances. Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice. There are no ‘if’s, no exceptions for bad days, crummy roommates or depressing weather. Rejoice in the Lord – I’ll write it down again – rejoice - again I say – rejoice. Salvation in Jesus Christ alone is enough for joy, now do it.
Second, let’s remember where Paul was when he was writing the letter. Learning to rejoice in the Lord while in prison must have been an incredible way to learn the lesson. Have you ever noticed that what the Lord is teaching you tends to be the thing that you can’t seem to shut up about? Paul is uncomfortable in every way, but he is obviously having some incredibly joyous times with the Lord. So much so, he can’t quit talking about it. We ought to be the same way – that really fresh lesson, the piece of Himself that the Lord is showing you right now, ought to be the thing we repeat to the people around us. Just as in the context of the letter, we can hear the joy in Paul’s voice as he almost begs the Philippians to rejoice, our conversations ought to drip with the truth of how God is moving in our lives – what an encouragement we would be to each other!
--Natalie West, Summer Camp Director

Philippians 2:19-30

In Philippians 2:19- 30, Paul talks about two men whose lives provide a great example for how we should live. First, Paul describes several characteristics of Timothy that we should emulate. Paul shares with the Philippians that Timothy takes a genuine interest in their needs. The Greek word for interest means a strong feeling to the point of being burdened. Timothy is sympathetic and truly wants to help the Philippians in whatever way he can. He thinks about them, prays for them, and is even willing to set aside his own needs for the sake of the Philippians knowing God more. Further, Timothy is single-minded with a focus on God’s will. He obviously knows it is God’s will for Him to look to the needs of others before his own. He has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer Timothy who lives but Christ lives through Him. His life is not driven by what He feels but what God desires. He wants not his will, but God’s will to be done. Timothy also has a proven character. Paul reminds the Philippians that they have seen Timothy be faithful. If you read through Acts, you will find times when Timothy has been faithful to stay and minister in a certain place when Paul had to leave. He is willing to do the difficult things that God calls him to. He also sat faithfully under Paul to learn from him just as a son would sit under a father to learn his trade. Timothy desires the things of God and kept his focus there.

The second life we can learn from in these passages is Epaphroditus. Paul gives Epaphroditus several titles that teach us about who he is. First, Paul calls him his brother. We know that this means that Epaphroditus is a believer, but Paul also uses the word “my”, showing us that they had a close relationship. We can see that Epaphroditus was willing to risk his life for the opportunity to help and encourage Paul. Because Paul was under house arrest at the time he wrote this letter, then we know that Epaphroditus was at risk by caring for Paul’s needs. If Rome decided at any time to execute Paul, then they would likely also kill or arrest any of his associates. Epaphroditus was a good friend who was willing to look out for his own needs last. Paul also called Epaphroditus a fellow worker. This meant that Epaphroditus’ focus was like Paul’s. They both desired for the gospel to reach all peoples for the glory of God. Their life verse may have been Acts 20:24- “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” Further, Paul described Epaphroditus as a fellow soldier. He understood that they were in a spiritual battle. He recognized the risk and was willing to take it because He knew God is bigger. Finally, Epaphroditus was identified as the Philippian’s messenger. He was sent to meet Paul’s needs because he was willing, trustworthy, and courageous.

As you can see, we have much to learn from these two men. We need to evaluate our own lives. Where is our focus? Are we single minded about God’s will? If we are, then we will be willing to look to the needs of others before our own. For us to be the friend, family member, co-worker, student, employee, etc… that God has called us to be, we must look to the needs of others first. We must also be focused on the interests of Christ if we are going to be aware of and take the opportunity to share Him with others. When we set aside our own agendas, fears, and comforts and are willing, God will use us to minister for His glory. This is truly where abundant life is- when we get over ourselves and experience the fullness of knowing God. Timothy and Epaphroditus seem to have figured it out. Let’s follow their example as they followed the example of Christ.

--Jennifer Jones, Discipleship Manager

Philippians 2:12-18

The passage prior to this one discusses the perfect example that Christ has set and how we should desire to strive to follow it. So, when we read “therefore” in verse 12, we can think “because of the example Christ left for us, we can follow it by…”. Go ahead and plug it into that passage. We can follow by being obedient consistently out of our love for Him, and all the while “work out our salvation with fear and trembling”. This is one of the main phrases that stuck out to me in the passage. It is a popular one, of course. Preachers talk about it on Sundays, your leaders mention it at Bible studies, and here I am talking about it too. I wish I could have a picture of what it looks like to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, but I don’t and might not ever truly have one. As for now, this is what I think is an important part of working out our salvation: Verse 14 says to do everything without complaining. Being discontent with the portion God has given could come close to unbelief. Unbelief that He might be incapable of…well, you name it. When there is unbelief it is more difficult to please God (Heb 11:6) and it is more difficult to act in a way that pleases Him. Second, arguing debatable points can sometimes lead to more harm than “showing someone the truth”. Verse 15 says we are becoming blameless as we strive to avoid complaining and arguing. Beyond reproach is my favorite way of putting it. That means to be without shame, at all. Because of God we are able to be that way. I love it. This leads to shining in a dark place and in this we should rejoice along with Paul. So, our part is to work out. God’s part, which He will do and does always, is to work in.

--Kristi Smith, Assitant Summer Camp Director