The book of Philippians is in stark contrast to the books of 1 & 2 Corinthians. It is a very “happy” epistle. The words “joy” or “rejoice” occur 16 times in this short letter. The striking significance of that fact is that Paul is writing this epistle as he sits in a Roman prison! Yet, Paul has a lot to rejoice about as he considers the help from the Philippian church by means of Epaphroditus (2:25; 4:18). He also takes some time to reflect on the partnership in the Gospel that he had with the Philippians and how this same Gospel was being advanced (ch1).
Paul does call the Philippians to do a number of things in this epistle. The first major thing (and something that recurs throughout the book) is to have a unity of mind (2:2). The path to this is one characterized by humility and selflessness. The thought of these virtues launches Paul into a grand illustration of selfless humility as demonstrated by the incarnation, life and death of Jesus Christ (2:5-11). The surprising end of this step by step humiliation and servitude as described in vs5-8 is lofty exaltation. This is why it is so often said that the way “up” in the Kingdom of God is “down.” Nowhere is that more clearly seen than in the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Paul also calls the Philippians to “work out” their salvation (2:12). This is not what it may seem to be on the surface. Paul is not saying that the way to salvation is one of works, but rather that once a person is saved, the inner change that salvation brings about needs to be “worked out” into the practice of that saved individual. Another surprising twist comes in the next verse (13). This working is something that God does! We are to work out what God is working in us. These verses put the responsibility of man and the sovereignty of God side by side with seemingly no tension. How we need divine illumination to keep ourselves from failing to reconcile these two truths!
To keep this post from getting way too long, let me just point out a few other verses that warrant further contemplation: 1:6 – our confidence in God’s work in our lives; 1:21 – can we truly say this along with Paul?; 1:29 – faith and suffering are gifts from God; 3:9 – Christ’s righteousness is the only “outfit” that is acceptable in the presence of God; 3:10 – Knowing Christ is the ultimate pursuit of the Christian; 3:12-14 – if Paul hadn’t “arrived,” what makes us think we ever will this side of heaven?; 4:6-7 – don’t worry! Pray!; 4:13 – divine enablement makes all things possible—there’s always hope!
The book of Colossians is somewhat of a “sister” epistle to the book of Ephesians. It follows the same basic structure of truth first, then practice. It is unique. There are plenty of differences that not only add to the message of Ephesians, but also that complements it as well.
Chapter 1 contains, in my opinion, the most lofty expression of the exaltation of Jesus Christ every found in the Bible (1:14-19). It is certainly worthy of further consideration. In chapter 2, Paul’s concern is for the Colossian church to be grounded in the truth of the Gospel so as not to be led astray (2:8). As a result, he lays out one of the most beautiful recitations of the Gospel (2:9-15). Chapter 3 calls the believer to have a heavenly mindset that is demonstrated in killing the sinful desires and putting on what is fitting for the regenerated lifestyle. This then affects every relationship (3:18-4:6).
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