The Pattern
Philippians 1:15-24
Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason
Philippians 1:15-20
1:15-18
Philippians 1:15-18 HCSB Some, to be sure, preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will. (16) These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; (17) the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me trouble in my imprisonment. (18) What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
Preach...out of envy and strife. They weren't preaching heresy. Paul had no tolerance for that at all! They were preaching the truth but out of wicked motives. What a terrible thing; to preach the Word of Life with darkness and death inside us. What judgment will fall on ones who are foolish enough to do so?
When we speak, and we all have a message for someone whether we're formal teachers in the church or not, one of the first things that we need to examine about the message that we have is: who does it benefit most, us or the person to whom we are delivering it? If it is a piece of information that will give us more satisfaction that the person who hears it, we should be cautious. Maybe we even need to re-think the situation because that kind of message is often something that rises out of one’s own ego or hurt feelings. These kinds of messages that rise from our own hurt feelings or our self-righteous indignation only create more havoc. So, my advice is to spend some time discerning the message and its source. Mull it over for a couple of days. If the urge is still strong and is not something that “riles you” every time you think of it, then this is probably a message that is meant to be spoken.
Others out of good will. This means, though they may not be perfect and may not always know the right thing to do in a given circumstance, their hearts are in the right place and they are honestly trying to do their best.
They preach out of love. Love is what compels them to preach boldly and even fiercely, in spite of the likely consequences, evidenced right before their very eyes in Paul's imprisonment. They preach out of love for their community because they want to see them truly saved. They preach out of love for their congregation because they take to heart the fact that the mandate is not to make mere converts but disciples. They preach out of love for Paul who led them to the Lord and whose work they are continuing. They preach out of love for the Lord Jesus who also spoke boldly and fiercely to them, though it cost Him His life.
In every way...Christ is proclaimed. Still, though there are hypocrites and malicious people out there, sometimes even in the pulpit, there is some positive truth to be gained from this. We need to understand that the Gospel rises above its messenger. The message is more than the medium. Someone may stand in the pulpit and preach but that doesn't make him a messenger from God. Indeed,
Nevertheless, should a person hear the Gospel and accept it gladly, even though it was delivered by a false messenger, the Gospel and that person's salvation still stands. Were the power and effectiveness of God's Word be dependent on its human messengers we would ALL be lost and miserable.
Preach...out of envy and strife. They weren't preaching heresy. Paul had no tolerance for that at all! They were preaching the truth but out of wicked motives. What a terrible thing; to preach the Word of Life with darkness and death inside us. What judgment will fall on ones who are foolish enough to do so?
- Matthew 24:50-51 HCSB that slave's master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. (51) He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
When we speak, and we all have a message for someone whether we're formal teachers in the church or not, one of the first things that we need to examine about the message that we have is: who does it benefit most, us or the person to whom we are delivering it? If it is a piece of information that will give us more satisfaction that the person who hears it, we should be cautious. Maybe we even need to re-think the situation because that kind of message is often something that rises out of one’s own ego or hurt feelings. These kinds of messages that rise from our own hurt feelings or our self-righteous indignation only create more havoc. So, my advice is to spend some time discerning the message and its source. Mull it over for a couple of days. If the urge is still strong and is not something that “riles you” every time you think of it, then this is probably a message that is meant to be spoken.
Others out of good will. This means, though they may not be perfect and may not always know the right thing to do in a given circumstance, their hearts are in the right place and they are honestly trying to do their best.
They preach out of love. Love is what compels them to preach boldly and even fiercely, in spite of the likely consequences, evidenced right before their very eyes in Paul's imprisonment. They preach out of love for their community because they want to see them truly saved. They preach out of love for their congregation because they take to heart the fact that the mandate is not to make mere converts but disciples. They preach out of love for Paul who led them to the Lord and whose work they are continuing. They preach out of love for the Lord Jesus who also spoke boldly and fiercely to them, though it cost Him His life.
In every way...Christ is proclaimed. Still, though there are hypocrites and malicious people out there, sometimes even in the pulpit, there is some positive truth to be gained from this. We need to understand that the Gospel rises above its messenger. The message is more than the medium. Someone may stand in the pulpit and preach but that doesn't make him a messenger from God. Indeed,
- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 HCSB ...such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. (14) And no wonder! For Satan himself is disguised as an angel of light. (15) So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their destiny will be according to their works.
Nevertheless, should a person hear the Gospel and accept it gladly, even though it was delivered by a false messenger, the Gospel and that person's salvation still stands. Were the power and effectiveness of God's Word be dependent on its human messengers we would ALL be lost and miserable.
1:19
Philippians 1:19 HCSB because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Spirit of Christ Jesus. This is not like the “Spirit of St. Louis” or the “Spirit of America” like some inanimate object or concept. This refers to the person called the Holy Spirit or, in Hebrew, the Ruach' ha Kodesh. Discussion of or reference to the Spirit often crops up in Paul's writings. The Spirit called here the "Spirit of Christ Jesus" (see also Acts 16:7; Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6) is also sometimes called the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9, 14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 14). The Spirit is sometimes sent by the Father (John 14:16-17, 26; Galatians 4:6) and at other times by the Son (John 15:26; 16:7).
Deliverance. Here we see the Spirit’s role in deliverance from difficult circumstances. In 2:1 the Spirit brings unity to God’s people and in 3:3 helps them truly worship. The deliverance referenced here in 1:19 may either mean that Paul was anticipating being acquitted (see 1:25 and 2:24) or that he would find deliverance through death (see 2:17 cp Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 5:8).
Spirit of Christ Jesus. This is not like the “Spirit of St. Louis” or the “Spirit of America” like some inanimate object or concept. This refers to the person called the Holy Spirit or, in Hebrew, the Ruach' ha Kodesh. Discussion of or reference to the Spirit often crops up in Paul's writings. The Spirit called here the "Spirit of Christ Jesus" (see also Acts 16:7; Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6) is also sometimes called the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9, 14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 14). The Spirit is sometimes sent by the Father (John 14:16-17, 26; Galatians 4:6) and at other times by the Son (John 15:26; 16:7).
Deliverance. Here we see the Spirit’s role in deliverance from difficult circumstances. In 2:1 the Spirit brings unity to God’s people and in 3:3 helps them truly worship. The deliverance referenced here in 1:19 may either mean that Paul was anticipating being acquitted (see 1:25 and 2:24) or that he would find deliverance through death (see 2:17 cp Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 5:8).
1:20
Death of the Apostle Paul from Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Philippians 1:20 HCSB My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
My eager expectation and hope. Like the Apostle, we need to have faith in Jesus' promise:
Paul wasn't dreading what was coming and half-hoping he could hold out. He was eager to see how the Lord would help him through it. Remember, he'd already been through flogging, stoning, near drowning, poverty, etc. He'd been there, done that and based on that experience he was eager and hopeful that the strength he needed would be there right on time.
Listen to Corrie Ten Boom who survived the death camp Ravensbruck:"When I was a little girl, " I said, "I went to my father and said, "Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ."
"Tell me," said Father, "When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?"
"No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train."
"That is right," my father said, "and so it is with God's strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need – just in time…"
Honored in my body. Our bodies are no longer our own. We are God's sanctuary and the Spirit of God lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20). As a temple is designed to bring honor and glory to the God worshiped there, so our bodies are primarily designed to glorify Yahweh Adonai.
There are essentially two kinds of people in the world - God's and Satan's. In the grand scheme of things, being Canadian or American or French or Chadian is irrelevant. Those kingdoms come and go. They're a dime a dozen. Only two empires stretch back through time to the very dawn of human civilization. Only two empires continue to fight proxy wars to this very day and will continue until the final judgment at the end of the Millennial reign.
Those two kinds of people can be described as "flesh thinkers" or "spirit thinkers" (Romans 8:5-8). Flesh thinkers think that comforting, feeding, and entertaining the body is all there is in life. So they are materialistic and sensual and avoid anything that might limit their pleasures like the plague. Spirit thinkers, while still acutely aware of their bodies, and still struggling with its various weaknesses, know that this body is temporary at best and so put it lower on their value system. Flesh thinkers are unable to please God and because they are unable to please El Ch'aim, the God of Life, their way leads to death. Not just physical death (which pretty much everyone suffers anyway) but spiritual death. Paul took heed of Jesus' admonition:
My eager expectation and hope. Like the Apostle, we need to have faith in Jesus' promise:
- Matthew 10:19-20 HCSB But when they hand you over, don't worry about how or what you should speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour, (20) because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.
Paul wasn't dreading what was coming and half-hoping he could hold out. He was eager to see how the Lord would help him through it. Remember, he'd already been through flogging, stoning, near drowning, poverty, etc. He'd been there, done that and based on that experience he was eager and hopeful that the strength he needed would be there right on time.
Listen to Corrie Ten Boom who survived the death camp Ravensbruck:"When I was a little girl, " I said, "I went to my father and said, "Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ."
"Tell me," said Father, "When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?"
"No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train."
"That is right," my father said, "and so it is with God's strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need – just in time…"
Honored in my body. Our bodies are no longer our own. We are God's sanctuary and the Spirit of God lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20). As a temple is designed to bring honor and glory to the God worshiped there, so our bodies are primarily designed to glorify Yahweh Adonai.
There are essentially two kinds of people in the world - God's and Satan's. In the grand scheme of things, being Canadian or American or French or Chadian is irrelevant. Those kingdoms come and go. They're a dime a dozen. Only two empires stretch back through time to the very dawn of human civilization. Only two empires continue to fight proxy wars to this very day and will continue until the final judgment at the end of the Millennial reign.
Those two kinds of people can be described as "flesh thinkers" or "spirit thinkers" (Romans 8:5-8). Flesh thinkers think that comforting, feeding, and entertaining the body is all there is in life. So they are materialistic and sensual and avoid anything that might limit their pleasures like the plague. Spirit thinkers, while still acutely aware of their bodies, and still struggling with its various weaknesses, know that this body is temporary at best and so put it lower on their value system. Flesh thinkers are unable to please God and because they are unable to please El Ch'aim, the God of Life, their way leads to death. Not just physical death (which pretty much everyone suffers anyway) but spiritual death. Paul took heed of Jesus' admonition:
- Matthew 10:28 HCSB Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Living Is Christ
Philippians 1:21-24
1:21
Philippians 1:21 HCSB For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
Living is Christ. Jesus is the source of our hope for a life beyond this one. He is the reason that anything we do in this life has any meaning. Solomon, the wisest human ever, dedicated a large portion of his life trying to determine if there was any point to anything outside of God. His conclusion was "hevel hevelim", "futility of futilities". Then he went on,
To consider one's life Christ's, to consider life to BE Christ, is to have one's eyes firmly on the only thing that is eternal. It is to follow in the footsteps of our father Abraham.
It is to follow in the footsteps of the prophet Moses.
It is what it truly means to be Jewish.
Dying is gain. What is the gain? Verse 23 points it out: it is to be with Christ, which is far better. Jesus is the treasure that is more valuable than all else we possess combined (Matthew 13:44). Jesus is the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46) for which we are willing to set aside all else in order to gain. Talmidim know that even one's life, if lost for the Master, is not truly lost but actually permanently gained.
Notice that Jesus said some would not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom? Everyone who heard that message died physically. Some were disciples. Some, like Judas, were traitors. We will not really find out who dies and who lives until Jesus returns. That is when the real life begins for us. All this here is just the lobby, the vestibule, the foyer, the waiting room. Up ahead lies the Kingdom in all its glory and the Son of Man returning with legions of holy angels. Let us take a look at our dim, dingy lives, consider the waiting glories and decide whether or not dying is gain.
Living is Christ. Jesus is the source of our hope for a life beyond this one. He is the reason that anything we do in this life has any meaning. Solomon, the wisest human ever, dedicated a large portion of his life trying to determine if there was any point to anything outside of God. His conclusion was "hevel hevelim", "futility of futilities". Then he went on,
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 HCSB When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. (14) For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
To consider one's life Christ's, to consider life to BE Christ, is to have one's eyes firmly on the only thing that is eternal. It is to follow in the footsteps of our father Abraham.
- Hebrews 11:8-10 HCSB By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was going. (9) By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, co-heirs of the same promise. (10) For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
It is to follow in the footsteps of the prophet Moses.
- Hebrews 11:24-27 HCSB By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter (25) and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin. (26) For he considered reproach for the sake of the Messiah to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since his attention was on the reward. (27) By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king's anger, for he persevered, as one who sees Him who is invisible.
It is what it truly means to be Jewish.
Dying is gain. What is the gain? Verse 23 points it out: it is to be with Christ, which is far better. Jesus is the treasure that is more valuable than all else we possess combined (Matthew 13:44). Jesus is the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46) for which we are willing to set aside all else in order to gain. Talmidim know that even one's life, if lost for the Master, is not truly lost but actually permanently gained.
- Matthew 10:39 HCSB Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.
- Matthew 16:25-28 HCSB For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. (26) What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? (27) For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done. (28) I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."
Notice that Jesus said some would not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom? Everyone who heard that message died physically. Some were disciples. Some, like Judas, were traitors. We will not really find out who dies and who lives until Jesus returns. That is when the real life begins for us. All this here is just the lobby, the vestibule, the foyer, the waiting room. Up ahead lies the Kingdom in all its glory and the Son of Man returning with legions of holy angels. Let us take a look at our dim, dingy lives, consider the waiting glories and decide whether or not dying is gain.
Depart and be with Christ
For the believer, to die is to be with Christ. Death is not a mindless, unconscious sleep. Death is not oblivion. Even the death of the brain, the hardware on which the software of our soul runs, does not result in the death of our spirits. The human spirit, that part of us which experiences d’vekut with God, is eternal. The question is not whether the spirit dies, but where does the spirit continue to exist? For the tzaddikim – that would be heaven.
Which is far better. This must mean that when we die we are yet conscious and aware of our improved state for,
Necessary for you. Paul was a good apostle and the one who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote:
So, he considered the personal advantages of death or the next world (olam habah) and the responsibilities that called him to remain in this world or life (olam hazeh) and allowed his people's needs dictate the call. He put their needs before his own, as must all good shepherds.
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 HCSB yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord.
Which is far better. This must mean that when we die we are yet conscious and aware of our improved state for,
- Ecclesiastes 9:4 HCSB ...there is hope for whoever is joined with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion.
Necessary for you. Paul was a good apostle and the one who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote:
- Romans 12:3 HCSB For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
- Philippians 2:3-4 HCSB Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. (4) Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
So, he considered the personal advantages of death or the next world (olam habah) and the responsibilities that called him to remain in this world or life (olam hazeh) and allowed his people's needs dictate the call. He put their needs before his own, as must all good shepherds.
1:22-24
Philippians 1:22-24 HCSB Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. (23) I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ--which is far better-- (24) but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.
I live on in the flesh. Note Paul's distinction between the body and the "I". "I" will continue on, whether in this body or not. My body may be beaten but "I" remain untouched. My body may be killed, but "I" will continue to live. One day "I" will receive a new, glorified body and "I" will be vindicated by my Master. One day all will bow the knee and declare Jesus to be Lord - even Satan the Accuser. But when I look up I will see a smiling, loving face bidding me welcome into His presence. Those who persecute God's people will look up and only see the door to the Lake of Fire slowly swinging wide.
The spirit of the rashaim will temporarily reside in Gehenna (Luke 16:22-24). At some point in the future, Gehenna will be emptied, and all its citizens will be brought before the Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-13). There the Sefer ha Ch’aim, the Book of Life, will be opened. When their name is found to have been blotted out other books will be opened. Their salvation will be determined by their good works and every one of them will fall short, for anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
Fruitful work. For Paul, this was specifically the spread of the Gospel, the establishment of Gentile churches and ongoing discipleship. For us, the fruitful work may be different for all are gifted differently (Romans 12:6). But no matter how we are gifted and no matter where or how we are called to labor, we are all required to be fruitful (John 15:5-8). We need to keep in mind, "Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more." (Luke 12:48) What do you think is expected of those who have received the gift of forgiveness of sins, power to overcome sin, eternal life in glory, and the Holy Spirit?
I live on in the flesh. Note Paul's distinction between the body and the "I". "I" will continue on, whether in this body or not. My body may be beaten but "I" remain untouched. My body may be killed, but "I" will continue to live. One day "I" will receive a new, glorified body and "I" will be vindicated by my Master. One day all will bow the knee and declare Jesus to be Lord - even Satan the Accuser. But when I look up I will see a smiling, loving face bidding me welcome into His presence. Those who persecute God's people will look up and only see the door to the Lake of Fire slowly swinging wide.
The spirit of the rashaim will temporarily reside in Gehenna (Luke 16:22-24). At some point in the future, Gehenna will be emptied, and all its citizens will be brought before the Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-13). There the Sefer ha Ch’aim, the Book of Life, will be opened. When their name is found to have been blotted out other books will be opened. Their salvation will be determined by their good works and every one of them will fall short, for anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
Fruitful work. For Paul, this was specifically the spread of the Gospel, the establishment of Gentile churches and ongoing discipleship. For us, the fruitful work may be different for all are gifted differently (Romans 12:6). But no matter how we are gifted and no matter where or how we are called to labor, we are all required to be fruitful (John 15:5-8). We need to keep in mind, "Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more." (Luke 12:48) What do you think is expected of those who have received the gift of forgiveness of sins, power to overcome sin, eternal life in glory, and the Holy Spirit?
