Reflecting on Philippians - Philippians 1:12-14

It seems clear that there is a high level of mutual respect between Paul and the Philippian church. They are concerned about him, and vice versa. I wonder how that is reflected in relationships within churches today.

They knew that Paul was in custody awaiting trial. They were worried about what that might mean, and about how Paul was coping in this adverse situation.

 

In line with the proverb that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ Paul is keen to reassure them that, not only is he surviving reasonably well, but that there are some significant benefits to be drawn from his circumstances. As F.F. Bruce (Philippians) comments: “when the gospel became a talking point because of Paul’s presence in Rome, the Christians exploited the situation and began to bear their public witness with greater confidence and vigour.” I wonder if there are situations which we ought to exploit, but where that is not happening.

 

There are three key words in verse 14 – confident, dare and boldness (NRSVA translation) – which demonstrate the positive way in which the Christian community is speaking the gospel, that speaking, no doubt, including both action and word. I wonder to what extent such words reflect our sharing of our faith.

 

One of the challenges for today’s church is that of being confident in the gospel. We excuse ourselves saying that things are not easy for people of faith in a secular society that is largely indifferent to religion. However, things were not easy for a Christian community, one of whose key leaders was in custody. We need to learn to be confident Christians.

 

We sometimes talk of daring someone to do something. I wonder what we dare do for God. We sometimes talk about encouraging each other. That is Biblical, and good. I wonder if we should dare each other to do gospel things.

Reflecting on Philippians - Philippians 1:9-11

Paul concludes his prayer for the Philippian Christians with expressions of abundance. His clear hope is that absolutely all will be well with them. He hopes that they will be overflowing with love, that they will be incredibly perceptive, and that they will do many good things for God and in God’s name. I wonder what impact that prayer had on them and then, through them, on the world around them. I wonder how great a difference we make in the circles in which we move because we are reflecting the love and light of Christ.

This passage, and prayer, reflects the generous abundance of God’s blessings. There is no holding back. It is not about good stuff, but about the best.

What is interesting in the context of the times is that Paul, who would undoubtedly be seen as leader, is here praying for those who are under his leadership. The expectation would be of that being the other way round. This is effectively, and subtly, an example of Jesus’ reversed approach. The last will be first, and the first will be last. Paul is giving them a real role. He prays that they will discern what is best. As Elsa Tamez (Philippians) points out, “Power relations leaned towards the leader. Members of a movement could pray among themselves for their leader, but it is doubtful that they could tell him directly what they thought he needed to do.”

The kind of relationship that is indicated here demonstrates the different approach of Christianity. Paul does not relinquish his God-given leadership, but he does see it in an unconventional way, recognising the contribution of those he leads and the ways in which they engage in partnership. If and where we are called to leadership, I wonder how we exercise that leadership. I wonder how we relate to those with whom we engage. I wonder what we pray for others. I wonder how we understand the models of leadership provided by Jesus and by Paul.

Reflecting on Philippians - Philippians 1:7-8

Paul warmly expresses the good relationship that he has with the Philippian Christians. In particular, he talks about sharing in God’s grace and about feeling compassion towards them. As Roji Thomas George (Philippians) expresses it: “Paul experiences such a strong emotion for them from his very inner being – his heart, liver and lungs – which in later Jewish writings is the source of deep emotions … in a sense, Paul claims to say: “God is my witness that I feel deep within me like dying for you if it is for your good.””

Grace and compassion are both strong Gospel words expressive of that deep level of relationship to be experienced when God is involved. Paul has a very special feeling towards the Philippians, not least because of his conviction that it is reciprocated. I wonder who it is that we might regard in a similar way? I wonder where we most feel the impact of God’s grace on our lives? I wonder who is compassionate towards us, and who it is for whom we feel compassion, and whether these are the same?

Does Paul’s reference to them sharing with him God’s grace mean that they are suffering the same kind of restrictions as those to which he is subject, perhaps also imprisoned? Or is this a reflection of their sending gifts to sustain him in his difficult situation? Whatever the detail, and we cannot be sure of that, this is surely an expression of partnership. These are reliable people with whom he has a deep emotional bond. The reference to his responding to them with the compassion of Christ indicates the level of commitment within the relationship. Jesus’ modelling of compassion is one that challenges us to look beyond the people and places with whom we might expect to be concerned. I wonder how often, and in what circumstances, we look to others with the compassion of Jesus?

 

Reflecting on Philippians - Philippians 1:6

As Paul prays for the Philippian Christians, he does so with a confidence that is possible because he has his eye on God. I wonder if we keep an eye on God as we should?

Paul recognises that the good stuff within the lives of this supportive group of Christians is not something that they achieved on their own, but rather that it was initiated by God. More than that, what God has begun will not be left uncompleted. God will continue an involvement with these Christians that will enable them to develop their discipleship. As Marcus Bockmuehl (The Epistle to the Philippians) says: “This Christian confidence is rooted not in some assessment of intrinsic likelihood, but in the character of God who unfailingly accomplishes what he sets out to do.”

 

I wonder if we have the confidence that we should. Relying on God ought to come easily, and we ought to be able to cite examples of why we are confident in this – but perhaps we sometimes lack Paul’s clarity?

 

The reference to ‘the day of Jesus Christ’ provides an eschatological dimension. The early Christians believed that time might be short and that provoked an element of urgency in what they did. We may also validly suggest that time might be short, though we will likely have a different understanding of what it means to say that. However, it is always good to get on with God’s work. I wonder if we always do that as we should?

 

Regardless of that, and perhaps surprisingly, God values us and our contribution, and so we may share God’s confidence that God is at work in our world and wants us to be engaged in doing Kingdom things, be they big or small. An appropriate leaving of things with God should, as Bockmuehl points out, free us “from both self-assurance and despondency.” I wonder if it does?