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Philippians is sometimes called the “epistle of joy,”
because of Paul’s admonition, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Paul joyously looked forward to
heaven, longing to see it. “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a
desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you”
(1:23-24).
Paul loved his brethren, “my brethren dearly beloved and
longed for, my joy and crown … my dearly beloved” (4:1), so he
wanted them also to share in the joy of heaven. The route to heaven that
he showed them has a surprising turn, however, as he stressed
suffering.
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only
to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same
conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me” (1:29-30).
Paul believed that the things he had suffered were for the
glory of God. As he discussed the preaching of the gospel that resulted
from his imprisonment, whether by brethren emboldened by his bonds, or
others preaching “even of envy and strife,” “supposing to add affliction
to” his bonds (1:15-16), he rejoiced, believing Christ would be
magnified, “whether it be by life, or by death” (1:20).
Christ is our great example of sacrifice. He “took upon him
the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross” (2:7-8). The proper response of the
Philippians was to humbly “Do all things without murmurings and
disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God,
without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among
whom ye shine as lights in the world” (2:14-15). In our dark
world, we must follow this example, “For our conversation is in heaven;
from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (3:20).
The
Route to Heaven
by Bob Prichard
www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com |
