TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . . . the very nature of a servant. - Philippians 2:5, 7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In book 3 of John Milton’s epic Paradise Lost,God the Father tells the Son and angels of His plan of grace and salvation for soon-to-fall humanity. But there is a price to be paid--divine justice must be satisfied. God needs someone to become human and pay that price. He asks: “Where shall we find such love . . . Dwells in all Heaven charity so dear?”

Heaven is silent, waiting, holding its breath. Then the Son volunteers for His mission of incarnation and redemption, death and resurrection. The Father responds that the Son is the only One worthy to do so and that mankind will “live in thee transplanted, and from thee receive new life.”

In narrative poetic form, Milton was attempting to capture the same truths expressed in Philippians 2. The humility Paul commanded (see yesterday’s devotional) was ultimately an imitation of Christ (v. 5).

Arriving at the ultimate destination of Christ, Paul then broke off for extended praise for our Redeemer (vv. 6-11). This section of Scripture may have been based upon an early hymn. Even if it does not reflect a current hymn, it is certainly one of the most classic pieces of Christology ever expressed.

The first point to notice is Christ’s servant nature. Although He is God, He voluntarily took on human nature (vv. 6-7). Why? So that He as a man could repair what the first man had destroyed (Rom. 5:15). Christ had nothing to gain from this action and acted solely out of love, for our salvation (Matt. 20:28).

These verses indicate that in the Incarnation the Son surrendered the visible aspects of divinity. “Made Himself nothing” literally means “emptied Himself.” In other words, He laid aside His glory. This does not mean He ceased being God. Jesus was both fully God and fully man!

Another key point is Christ’s obedience (Phil. 2:. He freely spoke and acted only as His Father directed (John 5:19; 8:28-29; 14:31), up to and including a humiliating public execution. His will was in perfect submission to His Father’s.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Commenting on today’s Scripture reading, early church leader John Chrysostom wrote the following: “What then is humility? To be lowly minded. And he is lowly minded who humbles himself, not he who is lowly by necessity . . . It is not possible to show humble-mindedness except it be in our power to do otherwise.” Christlike humility is always a choice.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:9-11
God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. - Philippians 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the final months of World War II, after Germany’s surrender, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Just days later, Emperor Hirohito agreed to surrender. On August 14, 1945, President Harry Truman announced the end of the war!

Within minutes, the festivities began. In New York, two million people poured into Times Square. In Washington, 75,000 gathered in front of the White House. In Chicago, 500,000 danced and celebrated in downtown streets. Thousands gathered in churches to worship and thank God for the war’s end and to remember loved ones who had died in military service.

If that kind of party breaks out for winning a war, imagine the heavenly celebration for Christ’s ultimate victory! The second half of the Philippians 2 “hymn” gives us some interesting insights into that day.

The early verses focus on Christ’s incarnation and redemption, praising His love for humanity and obedience to His Father (vv. 6-8). Now we turn to the “therefore”--because of Jesus’ actions, God exalted Him to the highest place. Everyone will one day acknowledge that His name is above all other names (v. 9).

History will end and the kingdom of God will come in power. Christ will return! Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (v. 10; cf. Isa. 45:21-23; Rev. 5:9). To what end? “To the glory of God the Father” (v. 11).

While on earth, Jesus had prayed for this very thing--“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:4-5).

The last book of Scripture reveals another incredible picture of that day. “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth . . . singing: ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” (Rev. 5:13).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In our study of Philippians, we’ve been talking mostly about suffering. But as today’s devotional shows, the end of faith’s journey is victory and hope. Christ conquers!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:12-13
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Daniel did his job so well as a civil official in the Persian Empire that the other administrators were jealous. They watched him carefully, looking for a “skeleton in his closet” so they could run to King Darius and tattle. But Daniel, dedicated to his God, lived blamelessly. His rivals could find nothing wrong. That didn’t stop them, however, from concocting a plot leading to the famous story of Daniel in the lions’ den, which you can read in Daniel 6.

Daniel lived a godly life, being light in a dark, paganenvironment. In today’s reading, Paul wanted the Philippians to be “Daniels” and “christs” to the world around them.

Paul’s exhortation here was a follow-up to his earlier command to imitate Christ

(v. 5). The intervening verses are an inspiring “detour,” but they also form the foundation for Paul’s teachings that follow.

How can believers have the same attitude as Christ? Through obedience and blameless living (v. 12; cf. Phil. 1:10).

Living this way honors the salvation Christ has won. That’s what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” --not to be afraid or fearful, but to cooperate in reverence and awe with God’s sanctifying work in your life. Salvation is not by works. It is wholly by God’s grace, and we have a part to play after we are saved (Eph. 2:8-10).

That’s why Paul immediately balanced “work out your salvation” with “for it is God who works in you” (Phil. 2:13). We are never on our own. We don’t have to complete what God started. The strength in which we live out our faith comes from God. He is always working in us for our benefit and for His glory.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One clear theme in Philippians is the importance of witnessing the gospel. Paul was in prison for the sake of the gospel, and he rejoiced that it was being preached even if some people had bad motives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:14-18
Become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. - Philippians 2:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
When you’re caught in a blackout, what’s the first thing you do? Probably you look for a flashlight or candles.

When these are located and lit, the loss of electricity immediately becomes easier to bear. The small light provided by the flashlight or candles seems more welcome in darkness than when the house was fully lighted.

Why is this? The answer is simple: contrast. When all was bright, light was taken for granted. But when darkness fell, light was necessary and precious.

That’s the picture Paul has in mind when he hoped that the Philippians would shine like stars, piercing the darkness of their society with the light of the gospel.

His injunction not to complain or argue (v. 14) is a practical application from yesterday’s reading. Complaining and murmuring show discontent with God’s will. If believers avoid these sins, however, their purity will be a bright witness to the sinful culture around them (v. 15). As “stars” we follow in the footsteps of Christ, the “bright Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16).

The idea is to behave without reproach, in a manner worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27). And that is our motivation--holding out the word of life (Phil. 2:16) is a tremendous privilege and responsibility (Matt. 5:14-16).

The power of Paul’s reasoning is clear--purity versus depravity, light in darkness, the word of life pitted against the way of death.

If the Philippians obeyed this command, Paul would boast, not about himself but about God’s greatness and for His glory. He eagerly wanted to know that his ministry had benefited them. Then, both he and the Philippian church could rejoice (vv. 17-18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul hoped the Philippians would “shine like stars in the universe” (v. 15) in contrast to the ungodly people around them. What does that image mean?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:19-24
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. - 1 Timothy 6:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Maxwell is a former pastor in California who since 1995 has focused full-time on leadership development through books, tapes, and an institute, Injoy, Inc.

Mentoring and discipling leaders takes personal risk and energy. As Maxwell told Leadershipmagazine: “The future of our ministry and our churches depends on developing others to lead . . . When you understand that leadership is influence instead of position, that changes everything. You don’t strive to be a leader; you strive to add value to people.”

Paul had this same attitude toward Timothy. He was as a transparent, heart-sharing father teaching his spiritual son not systems or methods but godly character and passion.

He hoped to send Timothy to Philippi soon (vv. 19, 23), indicating that they were at that time together in Rome. Probably Timothy had been helping the apostle and evangelizing in that great city. But instead of keeping Timothy for himself, Paul planned to send him to minister to and return with news of his beloved Philippians.

Timothy was personally known to these believers, as he had been with Paul on both of his recorded visits to the city. That’s why Paul could say that they knew “that Timothy has proved himself . . . in the work of the gospel” (v. 22). The fact that Paul would send a close, valuable companion no doubt spoke volumes to the Philippians about his love for them.

Paul had specially recruited Timothy for missionary work (Acts 16:1-3). The relationship between them was like father and son, as may also be seen from the two New Testament epistles Paul wrote to Timothy. Timothy shared the apostle’s heart for the gospel and for this particular church.

Paul wanted the Philippians to know that Timothy represented him. He was unable to visit them, but remained confident that he would be vindicated and released soon (Phil. 2:24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Imitation is a basic principle of learning. We imitate whom we admire, and admiring the right person for the right reasons is important. That’s why Paul urged believers to imitate Christ and himself, and why he held up Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples at the end of Philippians 2.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:25-30
Welcome [Epaphroditus] in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him. - Philippians 2:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Edward Kimball is a name you should know. One day in Boston, Kimball passed the shoe store where one of his Sunday School students worked. He wanted to share the gospel with him, but wasn’t sure if he should bother him during working hours.

He decided to enter the store. Despite what Kimball thought was a weak gospel presentation, that young shoe salesman trusted Christ. His name was D. L. Moody, the great evangelist and founder of Moody Bible Institute.

Because Edward Kimball shared the gospel with one man, D. L. Moody preached Christ to tens of millions of people! That qualifies Kimball as an “unsung hero”--a hidden part of a spectacular work of God.

Epaphroditus is another such “unsung hero,” earning high praise from the apostle Paul in today’s reading. He had been sent to minister to Paul as a personal representative from the church in Philippi. In Rome, he had fallen seriously ill and nearly died. Paul put death in this case on a par with a martyr’s death (v. 30), since Epaphroditus would have died “in the line of duty.”

But now Paul was glad to be able to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians. They had been worried because of his sickness. He also had been anxious, knowing that they were worried. And Paul had been troubled that a mission of love and care might have been the cause of sorrow and grief. He was not speaking of sinful anxiety or worry (cf. Phil. 4:6), but of natural human anxiety prompted by the emotions and close relationships involved. After all, Christians are not stoics!

The Philippians were told to esteem Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:29), who may very well have been the original bearer of this letter. If so, they could have immediately obeyed the instructions to rejoice and honor him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God has always used “unsung heroes” to accomplish His purposes, men and women whose faith and obedience are mostly “behind the scenes.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:1
I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise. - Psalm 101:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Kathy Thibodeaux leaps, spins and twirls for the Lord. She is a professional ballet dancer who sees her art as an offering of praise to God. At the 1982 International Ballet Competition she danced to a worship song, “We Shall Behold Him,” and won the silver medal despite the fact that some of the judges were from communist-ruled nations.

After her conversion, Kathy left a promising career with Ballet Mississippi to found a Christian dance company, Ballet Magnificat!, which in 1997 celebrated its tenth anniversary. Ballet Magnificat! presents about one hundred shows a year in churches and schools, incorporating many music and dance styles into the performances.

What motivates Kathy? She told Christianity Today,“Dance is from God and was meant to worship and glorify Him.” Her attitude and art exemplify the praise-filled heart that Paul speaks of at the beginning of Philippians 3.

With “finally,” Paul signals that he is moving from one section to another in the epistle. The focus of this chapter is “knowing Christ.” Flowing logically from the last chapter’s topic of “imitation,” the book now turns from the practice of following Christ to the motivation for doing so--love for the Savior and an overpowering desire to know Him.

It’s appropriate that Paul started this section with a reminder to rejoice. This is a central theme in his letter, especially necessary since the church in Philippi was going through a time of struggle. “Rejoice in the Lord” was far more fruitful advice for them than “grin and bear it.” And it had a special credibility coming from Paul the prisoner!

Why is this exhortation a “safeguard” for the Philippians? A joyful spirit would protect them from discouragement and losing faith in God. God would be faithful to them, as He had been to Paul, and worship was the best way to keep that spiritual truth uppermost in their minds and hearts (cf. Eph. 5:19-20; Col. 3:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you remember the list of themes in Philippians we encouraged you to make (see November 1)? Since Paul spoke often of “joy” or “rejoicing,” one or both probably made your list!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:2-6
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. - Romans 3:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
All-Star baseball player Brett Butler put up some impressive numbers in his career. Playing for several teams over a fifteen-year period, he posted a .291 batting average with over 2,200 hits and more than 500 stolen bases.

But the most important moment of Brett’s life has nothing to do with baseball. That was the evening he accepted Christ after a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting at his high school. He was deeply bothered by the speaker’s question: “If you were to die tonight and stand before God, would you go to heaven?”

Brett listened to the explanation that salvation is found in Christ alone. That night he got down on his knees in his room and trusted Him as Savior.

The core of the gospel--grace not works, Christ not Paul--was what Paul is driving at in today’s reading. Just as Brett might have put his confidence in his sports achievements, so Paul might have placed his faith in his excellent religious credentials.

The context for Paul’s recollection and testimony (cf. Acts 9:1-19; Gal. 1:13-24; 1 Tim. 1:12-16) was his warning to keep the gospel pure. Some were teaching legalism, specifically circumcision, adding human “merit” to Christ’s gospel.

Paul reacted strongly, calling such teachers several nasty names. Why? Because of what’s at stake--the truth of the gospel (Gal. 2:16). Devout Jews called Gentiles “dogs,” making Paul’s use of the term doubly insulting (Phil. 3:2). “Men who do evil” is direct, and the startling “mutilators of the flesh” tells us that the issue was circumcision (cf. Gal. 5:11-12).

The truth is that “we . . . are the circumcision” (Phil. 3:3). True godliness has always been internal: “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts . . . so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 30:6).

Paul proclaimed grace despite the fact that he had every legalistic cause for boasting. From a Jewish point of view, he not only had the right pedigree, he also had a zealous record of keeping the Pharisaic law (Phil. 3:4-6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Considering Paul’s reflection on his past, this is a good time to reflect on your testimony.

Paul gave a “resume” of his earthly (Jewish) credentials, reasons he had to put his confidence in himself. But since his encounter with Jesus, he put his confidence in Christ alone.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:7-9
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. - Philippians 3:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
After two thousand years, Jesus is still big news. In recent years He has made the cover of most of the country’s major news magazines and Christian periodicals. One researcher says that four new books about Jesus are published every day!

Why? It’s all part of a new “quest for the historical Jesus”--a tag line for academic debate about the Gospels and the life of Christ. While many theologians are defending the biblical, orthodox view, other groups such as the notorious “Jesus Seminar” have rejected as not factual everything from the Resurrection to Judas’s kiss.

Jesus’ identity is not just an academic question, but an issue that vitally concerns every person on earth. We must be as convinced as Paul that salvation rests in Christ alone.

In yesterday’s reading Paul detailed the reasons he had to put his confidence in his own merit and works. But compared to knowing Christ, these things were worthless (v. 7). In fact, by comparison all else was “rubbish” (v. ! This term communicated total, vehement rejection, since to a Jew that word would signify uncleanness in God’s sight.

Paul’s expression “consider loss” suggests an economic metaphor. Like the merchant who sold all to obtain the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45-46), Paul had cast aside human “treasures” to take hold of God’s priceless grace.

What, or rather, whom, had he “traded it all in for”? “The surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (cf. Phil. 1:21). He had gained eternal salvation in Christ! Positionally, in God’s eyes he possessed Christ’s righteousness.

The gospel is presented here in a nutshell: not human righteousness but Christ’s, not works but faith (Phil. 3:9). Christ’s redemptive work (Phil. 2:6-11) deserves our wholehearted acceptance. We dare not attribute any part of salvation to our own credit! Faith in anything less than Christ is worthless.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The tremendous truth of salvation in Christ filled Paul’s heart as he wrote his letter to the Philippians.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:10-11
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings. - Philippians 3:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The apostle Paul revealed his heartbeat in today’s verses. To be a Christian is to know Christ, pure and simple.

The famous preacher Charles Spurgeon described it this way: “The best enjoyments of Christ on earth are but as the dipping of our finger in water for the cooling of our thirst; but Heaven is bathing in seas of bliss. . . . How sweet it will be to be married to the Lord Jesus, and to enjoy forever, and without any interruption, the heavenly delights of His society! Surely, if a glimpse of Him melteth our soul, the full fruition of Him will be enough to burn up with affection. It is well that we shall have more noble frames in Heaven than we have here, otherwise we should die of love in the very land of life.”

This joyful motivation and desire consumed Paul as he finished a train of thought that started with condemning legalists and extended through this defining statement of the gospel and of Paul’s life purpose (v. 10).

So what exactly did Paul want? First, he wanted the person of Christ. Second, he wanted the power of His resurrection--the power that defeated death (cf. Eph. 1:17-23; 1 Cor. 15). We can all get excited about tapping into that kind of power!

Third, and equally important, Paul wanted the “fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.” When we suffer in Christ’s name and for His sake, we are following His example and becoming more like Him (cf. Rom. 8:17; 1 Peter 4:12-14). After reading of Christ’s life and death in the “hymn” of Philippians 2, we should expect that pursuing His way will involve suffering and sacrifice.

Christlikeness is Paul’s ultimate goal (Phil. 3:11)--living to die, dying to live--the Christian paradox of a seed falling into the ground, dying and producing life (John 12:24-25).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“To know Christ” (v. 10) is an excellent three-word purpose statement for every Christian life!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:12-14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, an Ethiopian runner won the 26-mile marathon. But an athlete from Tanzania won a personal contest in courage and perseverance.

Early in the marathon, John Stephen Akhwari stumbled and fell, severely injuring his knee and ankle. But determined to finish, he kept running. By the time he arrived in the stadium at the course’s end, only a few thousand spectators were left, and all the other competitors were long gone. His leg wrapped in a bloody bandage, Akhwari limped around the track as those present cheered him on.

“Why did you do it?” someone asked later.

He replied, “My country did not send me seven thousand miles to begin a race; they sent me to finish the race.”

That Olympic spirit is what Paul had in mind in today’s reading. After expressing his heart’s desire in yesterday’s reading, he then recognized what it would take to pursue it actively in everyday life.

Even after about thirty years as a believer in Christ, Paul did not consider himself to have “arrived.” Although an apostle as well as a veteran missionary and pastor, he was in process, just like the Philippians and ourselves.

Paul pictured the Christian life as a race (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1-2). What does this suggest? Determination, self-discipline, strong exertion, giving all you’ve got, and a desire to win. Just as an Olympic athlete would be called to the judges’ stand to receive a wreath in Paul’s day, so the apostle had been called heavenward (Phil. 3:14). The prize is Christ--one day we will be with Him!

Running the race well has two dimensions (v. 13). We must forget what is past--in other words, leave behind sin and confidence in works. And we must also strain forward, desiring and following Christ with intensity and perseverance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, Paul compared our Christian lives to a race.

Let’s get creative! Can you think of your own simile for the Christian life? Just fill in the blanks of this sentence: “The Christian life is like a _________ because __________.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:15-16
We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way. - Colossians 1:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jonathan Edwards was one of America’s greatest pastors, philosophers, and theologians. Part of his greatness sprang from an early commitment of his life to Christian service. In 1722, when he was about nineteen years old, he sat down and wrote out 21 resolutions declaring how and why he intended to live for God. These included the following:

Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God.

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.”

That spirit of all-out dedication to the Lord is what Paul exhorted every believer to strive for. After rejecting legalism and upholding the pure gospel, he had been speaking in the first person to describe knowing and following Christ. He then made it clear that this was not merely about him--all believers should similarly think and act. Desiring the power of Christ’s resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, and running like an Olympic athlete, are not characteristics only of “super-Christians” like Paul--they should be characteristics of all of us! To live in this fashion is a mark of maturity (v. 15).

What about those who did not uphold this standard? They were wrong, but Paul was confident that God would show them the truth. This was definitely not tolerance on Paul’s part, which he willingly showed on issues of freedom (for example, saying that believers are permitted to eat meat offered to idols). He was saying that such people were immature and would grow into agreement with his understanding. This was not arrogance on Paul’s part, but a recognition of the importance of the issues involved. Salvation and knowing Christ are not optional or peripheral!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul’s words in this chapter are convicting and challenging. Let’s keep running the race!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:17-19
Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Today’s reading well describes the character and behavior of Dmitri Karamazov in the novel The Brothers Karamazov.The author, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, a Russian Christian of the last century, portrayed Dmitri as a slave to his appetites and passions. If he wanted a woman, he pursued her shamelessly. If he had money, he spent it on pleasures. He loved fine clothes and the best food, parties and entertainment, and did whatever it took to get them.

Thankfully, Dmitri changes for the better as the novel progresses. But some people never learn, just as some vices are timeless. The spirit of Dmitri Karamazov is alive and well in our modern materialistic culture.

Paul warned against this very mindset in Philippians 3. The Philippians (v. 16) may have been asking themselves, “How can we live up to what we know?” Verse 17 answers that question by referring to a theme earlier in the epistle: imitation.

Who should they imitate? Paul. Was this a prideful command on his part? No--we have already seen his humility (v. 12). He was primarily concerned with a Christlike pattern of living, and in fact the Philippians should imitate anyone who lived in the way Paul described.

Then came the warning, given with strong emotion (vv. 18-19). Many did not live by the pattern and were bad examples for believers. Opposing Paul’s life purpose (v. 10), they were “enemies of the cross of Christ.” Their eternal destiny of “destruction” (separation from God) should have been a red flag to the Philippians not to follow in their footsteps. “Destruction” is the opposite of salvation and definitely not the “prize” for which Christians were called (v. 14).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is your mind on earthly things these days? Even the best of us can fall into this error, at times becoming short-sighted and failing to see with eyes of faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:20-21
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:2-3
TODAY IN THE WORD
When an American citizen travels abroad, he or she must carry a passport. Inside the passport is printed the following: “The Secretary of State of the United States of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/ national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection.”

In other words, wherever a person goes, a passport symbolizes the rights and privileges of American citizenship. All the power and protection the United States can offer stands behind its people when they are abroad.

If a U.S. passport carries such great weight, imagine the eternal power behind our heavenly citizenship!

That’s the metaphor in today’s reading, one that the Philippians would have particularly understood. Philippi was a Roman colony, and the people of Philippi had the full rights of Roman citizenship, including being exempt from taxes. They lived in one city but were citizens of another, just as believers live on earth but are citizens of heaven (v. 20).

Actually, Paul had already suggested this metaphor earlier in his letter. The Greek word for “conduct” (Phil. 1:27) was a political term meaning “live as citizens.” Living worthy of the gospel is a right and responsibility of our heavenly citizenship (cf. John 17:14; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

What does that citizenship entail? We should behave differently. If others’ minds are on earthly things, contrast suggests that our minds are to be on heavenly things. And at the center of heaven we find Christ, the focus of Paul’s thinking in this chapter. What is our great hope and the end of our salvation? His Second Coming!

What will this mean for us? Christ will transform our earthly bodies into spiritual ones (Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:20-26, 42-44). With the power we have already read about (Phil. 2:9-11), our Lord will raise and transform believers (3:11) and complete His great work of salvation (1:6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To get a better grasp of the idea of “heavenly citizenship” versus “earthly citizenship,” you might try this exercise.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:1-3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
American inventor and diplomat Benjamin Franklin played a key role in the struggle for independence. He is the only person to sign all four documents on which the United States was founded: the Declaration of Independence, the alliance treaty with France, the peace treaty with England, and the Constitution.

As he and other leaders prepared to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Franklin joked, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately.”

His humor had a serious message--without unity, they could not hope to defeat the military might of England. Paul had a similar message in today’s reading. Unity can and must characterize the church if we are to be effective spiritually.

“Therefore” in verse 1 signals another section transition. Notice how Paul didn’t just say, “So do it.” He first expressed his personal love for the Philippians and his joy in their faith, then he exhorted, “That is how you should stand firm” (v. 1).

But what is “that”? He was referring to the letter so far, especially chapters 2-3. The believer’s life should consist of imitating Christ (and anyone who imitates Him), hoping and rejoicing in Him, desiring to share in His sufferings and resurrection, holding onto the pure gospel and witnessing it to the world, and living out our God-guaranteed destiny with Christ. That’s a lifetime assignment!

The various exhortations and messages of this last chapter of Philippians flow from these attitudes and priorities. Paul first urged two women to “agree with each other in the Lord” (v. 2). Evidently they had a quarrel or a difference to settle.

Notice two facts. First, these were not a pair of “crabs.” Euodia and Syntyche had worked faithfully at Paul’s side in the cause of the gospel. The lesson? Even the best of us can fail to practice Christlike unity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Of what does Christian unity consist? Writer and preacher John Stott offers several insights linking unity and God’s Word. “True unity will always be unity in truth, and truth means biblical truth.” “Since Christian love is founded upon Christian truth, we shall not increase the love which exists between us by diminishing the truth which we hold in common.”