Recap

So far in Philippians, we've read as Paul has greeted the church in Philippi, given them an update on his life, and then encouraged them to live lives worthy of their calling in the gospel, being united in one mind. The letter was likely written around 55-63 CE, and was an encouragement and thanks after the Philippians had sent Paul a care package while in prison.

Paul planted the church in Philippi (Acts 16), one of the first in Macedonia. In his letter he praises them for their faithfulness, in his absence. He then prayed for their growth in love and knowledge, urging them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

Paul used his circumstances as an example, noting how even his imprisonment helped spread the gospel. He rejoiced that others were sharing Jesus, whether for genuine motives or self-interest. For Paul, life or death meant Christ would be exalted, inspiring the Philippians not to fear persecution.

He then called them to unity and humility, using Jesus’ example of emptying himself for the gospel. Paul encouraged them to work out their faith, relying on God’s strength. He also praised Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of this selfless dedication to Christ. He offering them as models for the Philippians to follow.

Philippians 3-4

If the Philippians are to continue to live in a way worthy of the gospel, then they need to be weary of those who would cause problems in the church. He specifically addresses ‘those who mutilate the flesh’ (Philippians 3:2).

This would have been the same group that Paul mentioned in his letter to the Galatians who were going round telling people that they needed to be circumcised to be saved and considered a proper believer.

Paul points to himself and other who are circumcised. They no longer trust in their Jewish roots or circumcision to save them. In stead they trust in Jesus and worship him in the spirit.

If there was anyone who could trust in their culture and traditions, it is Paul. He was an Israelite who was circumcised according to the proper rituals. He was from the tribe of Benjamin, and he was a strict follower of the law, a Pharisee. There was no one who was as passionate as he was or as obedient to the law as he was.

And yet none of that meant anything once he had met Jesus. Now there are no traditions or cultures or practices that mean anything to Paul outside of Jesus. He has willingly set all of that aside so he could properly pursue Jesus.

Paul’s righteousness doesn’t come from following a code or set of laws. It comes from faith in Jesus. The end goal for Paul is to participate in the resurrection power of Jesus, both in this life and after death. But that only happens when believers also participate in his sufferings and death.

This isn’t a goal that Paul can say he’s already reached, but one he’s constantly working towards. This is because he has now been claimed by Jesus.

Everything he has done has not been in his own strength, but in Jesus’. Paul’s only focus is on that end goal of resurrection and ultimate reconciliation with Jesus. This way of thinking requires a level of maturity, and so Paul encourages believers who think differently to allow God to shape their thinking and reveal this to them.

Paul then offers himself up as someone worthy of imitating. There are those, presumably like those who spread circumcision, whose way of living makes them enemies of the Jesus’ work on the cross. For some, that means chasing after rules to follow, rather than trusting in Jesus to save them.

For others, it’s their own selfish desires that set them at odds with the cross. They seek only to satisfy their own desires. The things they celebrate are the very things they should be ashamed of. All they can focus on are the things the world says are important.

Instead, the Philippians should see themselves as different. As citizens of heaven, who aren’t behold to any particular earthly culture but to a heavenly culture. As citizens of heaven, with their eyes set on Jesus, he will transform and renew them.

It is only the power of Jesus that will ultimately redeem the Philippians and see them reconciled with him.

Based on all that, Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm and gives them a series of challenges. First, they need to address any conflicts in their midst.

There are a couple of women, Euodia and Syntyche, who have been in disagreement with one another. May the church work together to help the women reconcile.

Next, the Philippians be marked by their rejoicing in God and by their gentleness. Rather than be anxious or worrying, they should seek to hand everything over to God through prayer and then thanksgiving. That way peace will guard their hearts and mind.

They should also focus on all that is good. Whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing, or commendable. By focusing on these things, the Philippians will be shaped by them.

Then Paul thanks them for the gift they sent him, and turns it into a learning opportunity. In many ways, Paul didn’t need a gift, because he’s learnt how to be content no matter what he has. If he has a lot, great. If he has little, fine. In every circumstance, Paul has learnt to be content in God, and the Philippians should model this.

That’s not to say that Paul isn’t grateful for the gift he sent. While he did not need it, the sending of the gift allowed the Philippians to practise their generosity and share in his struggles. Because of this, God will satisfy their needs in Jesus. Paul then ends with his final greetings.

At its core, Philippians is a letter to those who are already established in the faith to persevere in it. To practice the self-sacrificial humility of Jesus. To trust in Jesus for their salvation at all times, not falling into the traps that it is their morals or cultural practices that make them good.

To fight for the unity of their community, while practising patience and joy and peace, focusing on what is good. That is Philippians.

Psalm 10

This psalm is attributed to king David and falls into the category of lament psalms. Interestingly, this psalm continues on the acrostic of Psalm 9.

ל) Psalm 10:1-3a - Trouble is near, but God seems far

נ) Psalm 10:3b-5a - The nature of the wicked

ס) Psalm 10:5b-6 - The wicked seem to go unpunished

פ) Psalm 10:7-8a - The wicked curse, oppress, and ambush others

ע) Psalm 10:8b-9 - The wicked search for was to oppress the poor

צ) Psalm 10:10-11 - The helpless are crushed, seemingly forgotten by God

ק) Psalm 10:12-13 - A cry to God to rise up

ר) Psalm 10:14 - God isn’t far. He does see

ש) Psalm 10:15-16 - Bring judgement on the wicked as the king of the nations

ת) Psalm 10:17-18 - God does hear and strengthen the innocent. He is a just father and protector

Though clearly linked to Psalm 9, this psalm has a very different tone. Rather than starting off focusing on the goodness of God and then introducing their problems into that, here the psalmist is consumed by their struggles.

To them it feels like God is far away. That he’s hiding. He is surrounded by suffering and pain, and has to deal with the accusations of the wicked who say “there is no God” and the hurting who say “God has forgotten [them]”.

There are sometimes where life feels like this. That there is no justice. That the wicked get away with whatever they want and the poor suffer. There is a part of each of us that longs for justice, and in these moments, it can seem like there is none.

So the psalmist turns to God and throws these questions at him. They ask Go to be active and not forget those in need. They ask God why the wicked see to get away with whatever they want, confident that God won’t do anything.

The psalmist grounds themselves in the truth that God does hear and does care and then appeals to God to his nature. He is the king of the nations, and a just king who accepts no wickedness. He will defeat the wicked and protect those in need.

While the psalm started off being very bleak, it ends on a high note. There’s a sense of victory and confidence that God is just and faithful to his people.

When we take Psalms 9 and Psalm 10 together, we more clearly see the contrast that we noticed yesterday. Some days, you might start with God and then move on to address your problems. Then on others, all you can do is bring God your problems and work through them before you can stand in the truth of his faithfulness.

What’s important is that when we lament, we turn to God, honestly bring him our complaints, ask him to intervene, and trust in his faithfulness. The exact order and structure you do that in doesn’t matter.