For example, the opening of chapter 3, where Paul is saying that he doesn't mind writing the same things to the people of Philippi. But perhaps my favorite section is from verse 2 to verse 6. (Again in the Message translation)
2-6 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.
Barking dogs, knife-happy circumcisers....what a clear mental picture these words paint, and even more importantly the emotions that go with them. But aside from these non-traditional word's, Paul's message is coming through loud and clear. The real believers know the work that they are responsible for, and they do it. Not with their own power, or intelligence, or tenacity, but by God's will.
Paul's message to us to remain focused on the goal, finishes out the chapter. We're to keep running with him, and keep an eye out for others running towards the same goal we are. He also warns us about others out there who are running towards different goals, and how they want "easy street". But he reminds us that "easy street" is a dead-end street. The people looking for easy street are focused on themselves and how they can feed their various appetites. We as believers, striving towards what Jesus would have us do, are citizens of high heaven. Think about that. We won't be visitor's. We won't have to pass a naturalization test. We won't have to sneak in and hope not to get caught. There is no paperwork to fill out in triplicate and return to 3 different places. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are citizens. And with that citizenship, we will be free to enjoy all of the great work that Jesus is doing to make heaven an amazing place to be.
As Paul closes out his letter in chapter 4, we're reminded that just like today, there were arguments and disagreements between believers and friends. Paul isn't even in Philippi - remember he's in prison in Rome - and he's calling out Euodia and Syntyche! Two women who for whatever reason have been quarreling about something. And - to make matters even more personal, he's asking Syzygus to help them work things out. If we all think about it, I'm sure we can come up with examples from our own lives of two friends that are bickering at each other. I wouldn't want to be any where near that! Who knows when the tables will turn and both of them will start bickering at you. But Paul knows how much work these ladies have down for the church, and how their names are written in the Book of Life too. Even though they're -
We're also reminded to not fret or worry. We're supposed to pray and let God know our concerns. If we do this, we will be overcome by a sense of wholeness and be settled. My hope is that you have experienced this first hand. It is such an amazing feeling to go from totally stressed out to relaxed and calm about a situation. Especially when our fretting doesn't do a thing to change the situation. Verses 8 & 9 makes it pretty clear: "We're supposed to fill our minds and meditate on things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, the best (not the worst), the beautiful (not the ugly) and things to praise (not to curse). If we do this, then God will work us into his "most excellent harmonies." As a music person that one word says so much to me. What word would you use?
Paul also reminds us that he is happy and content! In fact, probably more happy than he should be, given his circumstances. Remember - he's chained to a prison guard in Rome. But he's happy because the people in Philippi are asking about him. Makes sense to me. I always get a few goose bumps when someone lets me know that they've been thinking about me, or my family, or about our church. With everything going on in the world today, and our 24/7 life style, knowing that someone took even just 2 seconds to think about you makes a pretty big difference.
Paul thanks the people of Philippi for thinking of him and his needs and tells them that God sees their good works and that he will take care of their needs. And, he reminds them to give regards to everyone they meet on behalf of he and his friends in Rome - especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar.
And his closing words are ones that I wish for you today: Verse 23: "Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.
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