Philippians: A Death Bed Letter

Philippians 2

English Standard Version (ESV)

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷ Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. ²¹ For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. ²³ I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, ²⁴ and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

²⁵ I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, ²⁶ for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. ²⁹ So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,³⁰ for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

In read Philippians I am seem to be hearing a man on his death bed, writing his final words to his loved ones. The Philippian church must have been very dear to Paul as they did such a good job supporting him. I have at times worked as a hospice nurse on my floor. I have heard grandmothers tell their family,"Now you be nice to each other." It makes me smile as I remember similar words from my grandparents, mom, and dad. How often do I get wrapped up in my own interests? How often do I only see what I want to see in a situation? How often do I plan and scheme to get my way? My answer is all the time and every day... if it were not for the grace of God. The Father gave me the incredible example of His son. God incarnate did not pursue how to be seen as the most important or how to manipulate others to his way; therefore, if there is anything the Spirit asks me to do for others, I need to do it! 

Paul then gives us examples of attitudes and behaviors that get in the way of having this mindset that Christ had. We have all seen movies or perhaps in real life, people  tearing others down so they can feel better about themselves. The bully want to feel strong and like a man so he pushes someone around. The pretty girl feels like another is prettier and can't abide with the idea that someone competes with her beauty. Let the gossip begin. The examples that we can list are exhaustive. Paul remind the the Philippians that he want to be proud of them. He wants them to have joy. It is hard to have joy when the focus is on comparing myself to the world. It's hard to have joy when I am grumbling, gossiping, complaining, fighting, or arguing. 

Paul ask the Philippians to treat each other nicely. Paul started by giving is an example of Christ's behavior. Christ did not seek to be like God. Why should I? He then gave tips on behaviors to avoid if this attitude is to be effective. Don't grumble and complain. Don't fight with everyone. He finishes by sending them living examples of the behavior he was to see in the church: Timothy and Epaphroditus. 

As a kinetic learner, I like examples. I need things spelled out for me in very clear ways. I can take a concept and not know what to do with it; however, Paul here is giving them three living examples of how to behave. How awesome a God we have that he would come to earth and show us how to live.