TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:5-11
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Let's take a moment to review the points in Paul's letter to the church in Philippi so far. If opposition to the gospel calls for standing firm, and if standing firm requires unity, and if unity only comes from humility and love, then Paul had to illustrate the critical importance of humility and love. The best way to emphasize the importance of humility was to remind them of the attitude and conduct of Jesus.

Here is the ultimate example of humility and the primary reason for unity: Jesus. He didn't assert His position and privilege as deity in order to escape the Incarnation (vv. 6-7). In fact, when He did come to earth, He didn't become a powerful king or mighty general. He came as a baby to a poor family in an occupied country.

Jesus did this out of selflessness. As the polar opposition of selfish ambition, He looked to the interests of others. His humility and obedience to God resulted in the most shameful death possible at that time—death on a cross. Philippi was a Roman colony and familiar with crucifixion. It was considered so horrific that the word wasn't used in polite conversation. Paul wants the Philippian church to remember the full extent of the humility of Christ—humility willingly undertaken, for their eternal benefit.

The humility and love of Jesus pleased God. He resurrected the Incarnate Son and exalted Him. He has dominion over all creation, and dominion demands worship. Every knee will bow before Him. Every tongue will confess His rightful status as Lord. In this way, all creation will finally give God the glory that He has intended (v. 11).

This passage provides a practical example of humility and also deepens our knowledge of the faith. It expands our theological understanding of the Son of God—Jesus was fully God and became also fully man. These verses echo Isaiah 45:22-35, where God declares that every knee will bow before Him. The doctrine of the Trinity—the three Persons in one God—is supported by this text, since bowing before Jesus is equated with bowing before God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our passage today promises that one day, every tongue will declare that Jesus is Lord. There's no need to wait, though, for future opportunity—you can praise the Lord now! Acknowledge His rightful position as Lord, and then offer Him praise through singing, reading these verses aloud, or meditating on statements of praise found in the Psalms. Our praise of our Savior is one way to let joy grow out of our increased knowledge of Him and love for Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

 United We Stand

If you've ever taken a long car ride with young children, “peaceful” is probably not the adjective that would best describe the experience.

The trip might start out well. Modern parents are able to keep kids busy with DVDs or hand-held electronic games. But no matter what technological distractions are offered, peace and quiet inside the car rarely last for long.

“Stop touching me!” the youngest yells. “She's on my side of the car,” accuses the oldest. “He's taking my toy!” “It's her fault!” The conflict escalates until Mom or Dad intervenes, threatens consequences, and restates the rules of the backseat. There's some semblance of peace and order . . . at least for a few more miles.

An atmosphere of peace is often not easy to maintain. In the same way that our families benefit when its members live in peace, the church is stronger and most effective when its members are distinguished by their unity and love. Christ commands us to “love one another” (John 13:34). In 1 John 4:12, we are told that “if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.”

As a church member and former pastor, I know the atmosphere of our churches may sometimes be far from Christ's perfect love. Congregations can be torn apart by spiteful comments, lack of cooperation, accusations, and lingering, unresolved conflict.

The apostle Paul writes to the church of Philippi from prison, beginning with an expression of thankfulness. Paul commends them for their growth and reminds them of their goal: Christian unity. He asks, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Phil. 2:2-3).

Jesus was the best example of this humility. In John 17:22-23, He prayed, “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me . . .”

In his book The Peacemaker, Ken Sande writes about conflict in the church. He challenges believers to strive for peace: “Whether our conflicts involve minor irritations or major legal issues, God is eager to display his love and power through us . . . peacemaking is not an optional activity for a believer.”

A famous aphorism asserts, “United we stand, divided we fall.” This accurately describes Christians, who are not called to be “Lone Rangers,” but rather to work together with brothers and sisters in Christ to point others to God. Together in Christ, we become a more powerful reflection of God's glory. Through humility and a contagious spirit of love, we can be the body of Christ marked by unity and peace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Theology & Unity

In one of the final prayers of His earthly ministry, Jesus prayed for the church to be one (John 17:21). The church's unity was clearly a high priority for Him. But is unity more important than doctrine? Theology is sometimes a source of contention between believers. This has prompted some to suggest that believers ought to emphasize the mutual bond they have in Christ and downplay doctrine. This suggestion doesn't acknowledge that doctrine and unity are related.

In Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges the church to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Later in this chapter, he explains that Christ has given the church leaders and teachers to build up the body of Christ “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Eph. 4:13). The unity that Christ envisions for His church is doctrinal as well as experiential.

The Bible teaches us to take pains to protect the church's unity—but not at the expense of truth. We are commanded to “keep away” from those who cause division through false teaching (Rom. 16:17). Believers are to watch their life and their doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16). Lifestyle and doctrine are linked in the Scriptures in a way that indicates that false teaching leads to bad behavior (2 Thess. 3:6, 14; Titus 3:9-11).

Some doctrines are so foundational to the faith that without them Christianity is no longer Christianity. The Bible's teaching about the deity of Christ, His death on the cross as a payment for sin, His bodily resurrection, and His personal return fall into this category. This does not mean that believers must agree on every point of doctrine. Other doctrines, such as when someone is baptized and how it is carried out, may be important enough to warrant separate practice in the church; but these differences do not necessarily threaten the essence of the Christian faith. Still other differences are minor enough that believers can “agree to disagree” over them and still function comfortably as members of the same church. Before it can experience true unity, every church must know which doctrines qualify as “fundamentals of the faith,” which are central to its identity and practice, and on which it will allow members to disagree. Theology is the basis for our unity in the church, not the enemy of unity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 4:29-5:2
Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. - Ephesians 5:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Young people often model the saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” They dress to look like their favorite athletes or pop stars. They study how their sports heroes play the game and read magazines to find out the lifestyles of the beloved actor or singer. Whether they like it or not, these famous celebrities are role models, making decisions that will be emulated by many adoring fans.

Scripture tells us there's nothing wrong with having role models—but we must be careful whom we choose to imitate. In yesterday's reading we looked at the example of Jesus' humility. Today we're taking a brief pause from Paul's letter to the Philippian church in order to see him discuss this same theme in his letter to the church in Ephesus.

This passage opens with a contrasting command: we are to avoid “unwholesome talk,” and we are to embrace words that encourage, strengthen, and build up others. The way we speak to and about others is not only for their edification, though that's important. It also reflects on our spiritual condition. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we tear down others.

To be clear what actions and attitudes provoke grief for the Spirit, Paul emphatically instructed the church to get rid of these things: bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and all malice—what we might call ill will. We might be tempted to think these are not such “big sins”; murder and sexual immorality aren't even on this list! That is the punch of this text—these are indeed “big sins,” and they destroy Christian communities and bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit.

Each of these sins is a form of self-centeredness. Instead of self, the passage instructs us to focus on others. “Be kind . . . to one another, forgiving each other” (v. 32). We can't do this on our own, and Paul didn't expect anyone to. We have the ultimate model of self-giving love—God loved us so much He gave His Son, and Jesus loved us so much He gave His life. This is the love that we are to imitate in our interactions with those in our families and churches.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The instruction might sound simple, but we know it's not easy. It's difficult to forgive the person who has hurt us deeply. It's difficult to restrain our bitterness and anger. It's difficult to show compassion. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit, who lives within us to bear testimony to the model of love provided by Jesus. God didn't just tell us what to do. He didn't just show us what to do. He also places Himself within us to transform us into what He wants.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:12-13
For we are . . . created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Greco-Roman culture, obedience was considered a shameful quality suitable only for people with lower status like slaves and children. The ideal person authored his own moral code, not following dictates from others about what was right or wrong. The city of Philippi was a Roman colony on the Greek peninsula, so they would have been familiar with this cultural assumption.

In this cultural context, Paul's emphasis on obedience would have been startling. In the verses preceding this passage he described the obedience of Jesus (v. 8; see July 10). He then connected the life and work of Jesus with his concern for the Philippian church.

The structure of these two verses closely resembles Philippians 1:5-7. There, Paul began by recognizing their conduct, then stating that God had begun a good work in them and would complete it, and finally praising their steadfast partnership. Here, Paul recognized their obedience, then urged them to continue on in the work, and finally stated that God was doing the work in them.

Some focus primarily on what these verses imply for personal salvation—was Paul suddenly teaching that we're supposed to work for our salvation? This notion contradicts the rest of this letter, so that must not be the case. Rather, Paul connected the behavior of the Philippians to the example of Christ in the earlier verses and the work of God in verse 13. He was in the middle of the discussion that began in Philippians 1:27: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Jesus is the model, and God is their energizing power: “God who works in you” could also be translated as “God who energizes you” (v. 13).

If God was energizing them, and they had the example of Jesus' humility, then they were to continue in obedience, working out (or living out) their salvation. Their obedience and work did not save them, but did demonstrate the work God was doing in them.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's helpful to remember that these verses were addressed to the entire church, not just individuals. Paul was not focusing on the sequence of individual salvation; he was urging a church to live in a way that was worthy of their profession of Christ. He was decrying selfishness and ambition, and instead calling for humility and unity. Our individual relationship to God is important, but our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ reflects on whether we are living out the salvation we receive from God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:14-18
Do everything without complaining or arguing. - Philippians 2:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many parents would love to have today's verse followed in their home! From debating naptime with toddlers to reminding teenagers about the consequences of flouting the rules, parents have many opportunities to observe how early and often we human beings choose to complain and argue.

We might expect such behavior from a preschooler (or teenager!), but our passage today assures us that it's not appropriate conduct for the church. Complaining and arguing are signs of valuing self above others, and if we lack humility, we will also lack unity and obedience to the example of Jesus.

The words Paul used in verse 14 echo those used to describe the grumblings of Israel during the wilderness wandering (see Ex. 15:24; cf. 1 Cor. 10:10). Paul wanted this church to resist the temptation to grumble, so that—unlike Israel—they would be blameless before God. In fact, a church free from this self-serving, complaining spirit is an obvious testament to God's work, as clear as brilliant stars against a black night sky. Such an expression of humility and unity would be truly counter-cultural!

Scholars are unsure whether the phrase in verse 16 should be translated “as you hold out the word of life” or “as you hold on to the word of life.” In the theology of the New Testament, though, the two meanings are virtually intertwined. If the Philippians are holding on to the gospel, remaining steadfast in obedience to Jesus, then they will also hold out the gospel, witnessing about His salvation. This also means that their attitude and actions toward each other impact their ability to evangelize others in their city.

The testimony of the Philippian church, seen in their attitude toward each other, affected Paul as well. He recognized their faith as “sacrifice and service,” and compared his ministry to a drink offering (v. 17). The drink offering, both in Jewish and pagan sacrifices, was something offered in addition to the more substantial sacrifice. For Paul, a church found faithful was the main offering to God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you live in an area where you can see the night sky filled with stars, take some time on a warm summer evening to sit outside and look at God's vast universe. Use the time looking at the stars to be reminded of today's passage and to give up your inclination to complain and argue. Pray that your church will be characterized by humility and unity, so that it will shine as a bright light against the darkness of a world that needs to know the Light of the World.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:19-24
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Hercataeus, from the Greek city of Miletus, wrote his book Geography to recount his many travels around 500 b.c. Today, bookshelves groan from all the travel guides, and Web sites cater to everything from planning your next travel to providing space to post photos from your last vacation.

This section of the letter is often described as Paul's “travelogue,” where he updated the church on some personal information and discussed upcoming travel plans. Some scholars have puzzled over its placement here; it seems that it would fit better with the opening section of chapter 1, or perhaps at the end of the letter. But Paul was not an absent-minded writer; the placement of the “travelogue” was not accidental. Indeed, even in recounting some travel plans and personal news Paul was emphasizing the same themes that permeated the rest of the letter.

Our passage today includes Paul's description of Timothy. Timothy had spent time in Philippi and was dearly loved by the congregation. There's some hint that the Philippians were expecting to see him, and Paul needed to explain why a visit from Timothy would have to wait.

First, Timothy was described as having a genuine interest in the Philippians (v. 20). This contrasted with others who had selfish concerns, an echo of Paul's lament in Philippians 1:17. Timothy's unselfishness and concern for others ultimately reflected his concern for the things of Christ (v. 21). Seeking to serve Christ cannot be separated from caring for others—they go hand-in-hand.

Second, Timothy had proved his character and work through the years. He had continued in obedience, modeling the behavior that Paul urged in verse 12. Timothy was another example for the Philippians to follow. As Paul awaited trial, he wanted Timothy to minister with him and provide encouragement. Paul was a great spiritual leader, but even he recognized when he needed the assistance of others (v. 23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Notice a phrase that Paul uses several times in this passage: “in the Lord” (vv. 19, 24). Paul couched his plans in the knowledge that he was a servant of Jesus Christ. Every plan, every hope was submitted to the will of his Savior. We are not created to sit around twiddling our thumbs while we wait for God to tell us what to do. Nor are we autonomous creatures who can determine our own fate. Instead, we make plans according to how we sense God's leading, always willing to submit our plans to the direction of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:25-30
Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him. - Philippians 2:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
A church in Pennsylvania supported a family serving as missionaries in France. They received word that the husband had fallen seriously ill and was in the hospital. Every morning, praying church members checked e-mail for updates from his wife to hear the condition of his health. When he was finally released from the hospital, the church gathered for a praise service to thank God for sparing his life.

The Philippians obviously didn't have access to e-mail, and they were very concerned about the report they had heard that Epaphroditus had become gravely ill on his journey from Philippi to Rome to see Paul. This section of the letter updates the church on what had happened to Epaphroditus, explains why he has returned, and provides another example of the humility that Paul has been urging for the church.

These verses are the only time in the Bible that we hear of Epaphroditus. His name comes from the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, indicating that he most likely was a convert to Christianity from a pagan family. The Philippians were sending Paul a substantial financial gift (see 2 Cor. 8:1-5), and Epaphroditus was chosen to deliver it. Along the way, he became so ill that he almost died (v. 27). But God spared his life, and Epaphroditus pressed on his way to Rome to keep his commitment.

Some think the Philippians expected to see Timothy bearing this letter and would have been surprised to see Epaphroditus back again. Paul explained his return: he had heard of the church's concern, and wanted to reassure them that he had been spared by God and fulfilled his mission (vv. 26--28).

Paul instructed the church to welcome and honor Epaphroditus. Timothy provided a model of humility in serving Christ and others; Epaphroditus provided a model of humility in his suffering for Christ and others. His care for Paul and the Philippian church came from his concern for the work of Christ, motivating him to persevere on his mission despite the threat to his own health and well-being.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul presented Timothy and Epaphroditus as role models of humility, in addition to the ultimate model of Jesus Himself. Do you have spiritual role models who inspire you to seek Christ more faithfully? If so, let them know your appreciation for their lives (see v. 29). Do others look to you as a spiritual role model? Could your life be described as faithful service for the gospel, full of humility and concern for others? Ask God to make your life worthy of imitation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! - Philippians 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The story is told of a little girl who asked her father, “What does the preacher mean when he says, ”˜Finally, brothers and sisters . . .'?” The father replied, rolling his eyes, “It means he's just getting started!”

Today's verse has provided plenty of fodder for jokes about long-winded preachers and has confounded commentators trying to analyze this letter. Why did Paul write “finally” when he was only halfway through the letter? How does this verse fit with the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus before and the exhortations that come after?

Most scholars of Greek agree that “Finally” is probably not the best translation. It might better be rendered “As for what remains to be said.” Paul had urged the Philippians to reject selfish ambition and pursue unity through humility. He had given them examples of Jesus, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. But he still had important things to tell them.

The exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord” acts like a bookend to this section of the letter; the other “rejoice in the Lord” bookend appears in Philippians 4:4. In between, Paul discussed doctrinal issues, his own example, and another appeal for unity. All of these fall within the context of rejoicing in the Lord.

What's so important about rejoicing? The word is an active verb, unlike our noun joy that often connotes a passive feeling. Paul called for an activity of praising the Lord. This rejoicing is not connected to circumstances, situations, or feelings. It is a commitment to praise the Lord, for He is the basis of rejoicing and focus of praise.

Rejoicing and praise are also part of the “safeguard.” Paul was preparing to warn the Philippians about doctrinal error, but he began with recommending joy. This is consistent with the Old Testament declaration that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). This connection between joy and strength also appears in Psalm 81:1: “Sing for joy to God our strength.” The strength to understand the Word and resist doctrinal error comes from praising and rejoicing in the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Scripture tells us, “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord” (Ps. 150:6). Did you wake up this morning with breath? Then praise Him! This passage can help shape our hearts to praise God: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength” (Hab. 3:17-19).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:2-3
Men . . . will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. - 2 Timothy 4:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Spirituality has become fashionable in recent years, but doctrine and theology are dismissed as old-fashioned attempts to control people and confine God. In a discussion about the book, The New Earth, talk-show host Oprah Winfrey put it this way: “God, the essence of all consciousness, isn't something to believe—God is. God is a feeling experience, not a believing experience. If God for you is still about a belief, then it's not truly God.”

This doesn't conform to the teaching of Scripture. A relationship with God is important, but we aren't free to define it however we choose. Paul warned the Philippians about the threat to true Christian unity that comes from false teaching.

Paul's ministry had been plagued by Judaizers for years. They taught that in order to be right with God, Gentiles had to embrace the Jewish law regarding dietary regulations and circumcision. Paul vehemently rejected the notion that they were required of Gentiles. In fact, these cultural things added requirements to the gospel, diluting it into no gospel at all.

These verses are filled with plays on words. Judaizers used the term “dogs” to describe Gentiles and others who were ceremonially unclean (v. 2). Whereas they declared that circumcising the flesh was necessary to please God, Paul denounced them as “mutilators of the flesh,” using a term that sounded similar to “circumcision” but recalled the pagan practice of ritual cutting and scarring. The Judaizers were actually the embodiment of all they despised.

The confidence of faith doesn't come through external ritual or anything of the flesh. It comes from glorying (or boasting) in Jesus and His work, and worshiping Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 3 echoes Jeremiah 9:24, where the Lord says, “Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me.” To boast or glory in Christ means He is the full measure of our confidence and trust.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Why would the Philippians be tempted by the claims of the Judaizers? It likely had to do with their political and cultural context: the Roman Empire did not recognize the Christian faith, but it did sanction and permit Judaism. The Philippian church was being tested and persecuted; it might have been tempting to adopt just a few elements of the Judaizers to get some relief, to fit in more. We must beware of adding things from our culture to Christian doctrine to make things easier or to fit in!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:4-7
Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. - Philippians 3:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2001 and 2002, a series of accounting scandals rocked the U.S. economy, leading to the bankruptcy of several major companies and even criminal convictions such as the notorious Enron case. The so-called creative accounting included overstating revenue, understating expenses, overstating the value of assets, and understating the amount of corporate liabilities.

Paul was concerned that his spiritual accounting sheet gave an accurate picture of the situation. According to the values of the Judaizers, Paul's list of assets looked impressive. But Paul knew the poverty of self-confidence, and he warned this church that such self-confidence would undermine unity.

The first things mentioned were distinctions Paul received by virtue of his birth: circumcised the eighth day as prescribed for a male Jewish baby; born into the people of Israel (not a convert); from the tribe of Benjamin; and a Hebrew of the Hebrews—born into the ethnic identity of Israel and also into the religious identity. The next section of this autobiography includes choices Paul made as an adult: he was a Pharisee, belonging to a conservative religious group concerned with keeping all the purity laws; he was zealous for the identity of Israel, willingly persecuting the disruptive Christians; and he kept all the requirements of the purity laws and legal restrictions without fault.

Including the privileges of his birth and the path of his adulthood, Paul had an impeccable resume to be confident that he was pleasing God. The problem was that God doesn't require confidence in our efforts—He requires confidence in Christ.

Paul balanced the ledger with a stark statement: “whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” If a background like Paul's isn't enough to give confidence and trust in oneself, then no one else can hope to claim such self-confidence on the spiritual balance sheet. Paul asserted that it was far better to give up all his claims to self-confidence in order to gain confidence through Christ alone.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When it comes to the way we please God, we are constantly and subtly tempted to put our confidence in ourselves. We tout our denominational affiliation or our record of financial giving or our Christian parents and grandparents. None of these are inherently bad—they may even be gracious gifts from God and expressions of our love. We must be sure that our spiritual accounting is accurate, however: none of these could ever pay our eternal debt of sin. We must trust in Christ alone to make us right before God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:8-9
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. - Philippians 3:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
This scene is replayed in children's sports leagues around the country: a player has the ball and with full determination, blazing speed, and deft athletic skill takes the ball and scores . . . in the opponent's goal. Confidence and speed don't mean much if they're focused on the wrong goal!

The past two days we've seen warnings against false teaching and self-confidence that undermine unity. Today's reading turns to a passionate description of what creates unity in the church: a focus on knowing Christ.

Including verse 7, which we examined yesterday, Paul continued his accounting imagery, three different times comparing his former view of God to knowing Jesus, each comparison building in intensity. He described his earlier attempts to please God as a loss compared to Christ (v. 7). He expanded this in verse 8, claiming that everything (not just his earlier self-righteousness) was a loss contrasted with knowing Jesus, which he called “surpassing greatness.” Paul cannot be accused of rhetoric without reality here. He said that indeed, he had lost everything for Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 he recounted a list of hardships that accompanied his life with Christ. He was not urging the Philippians to count the cost while he lived in comfort and ease. Yet, he did not pity himself either. He knew that the choice of Christ was worth giving up everything else.

The final statement of gain/loss is the most emphatic; the word “rubbish” in the niv is far more polite than the word Paul used in Greek, which is more accurately translated as “excrement.” In case Paul's readers didn't get the point, he used a shocking word to get their attention—any attempt at self-righteousness was disgusting and worth casting off in order to gain Christ (v. 8 ).

Finally, Paul clarified that true righteousness has God as its source, Christ as its object, and faith as its means. This has eternal value and is worth everything.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul's use of the accounting metaphor provides a good example of evaluating our own lives. Take some time to make a balance sheet of your values and priorities. Where do you place most of your energy? Do you have more rejoicing or complaining in your life? Are you seeking to know Christ more? Do you value God's gifts as His grace or as your own qualifications for His favor? Is there anything you are holding on to more tightly than to Jesus?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:10-14
I want to know Christ. - Philippians 3:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
On December 27, 2001, basketball legend Michael Jordan did something almost unimaginable: he barely scored in a game. He held an NBA record of scoring at least ten points in 866 straight games, but that day he could muster only six points. Sportswriters began buzzing that at age 38, Jordan was too slow for the game. Two days later, Jordan took the floor again and this time scored 51 points, almost half of his team's total.

World-class athletes know how to put a bad performance behind them and focus on the game ahead. In our passage today, Paul presented a similar analogy for our Christian journey and continued to describe his ongoing passion for Christ.

In our passage yesterday we studied Paul's focus on knowing Christ. Today we see more specifics about what knowing Christ means: the power of His resurrection and fellowship in His suffering. Paul was no masochist, enjoying suffering for its own sake. Rather, suffering that came as a result of knowing Christ he viewed as a privilege, a way to know Christ more deeply. The resurrection of Jesus was a demonstration of the power of God, a vindication of Jesus' person and work (see Phil. 2:9-11). It is this power that transforms sinners into followers of Christ and enables them to follow Him. Just as Jesus was faithful and was resurrected, Paul too sought to be faithful and resurrected through God's power.

A quick note is helpful about the word “somehow” that might raise our eyebrows (v. 11). Paul was not uncertain about his eternal future. Rather, he expressed humility in recognizing he did not know when or how his eternal future would unfold, whether through the coming of Christ or through death and resurrection.

Paul wanted his readers to understand that he made no claims to be perfect (v. 12). Christ had taken hold of his life, and he continued to press on (see Acts 9). Paul used athletic imagery here; just as an athlete must focus on what is ahead, he kept the goal in his sights. His eternal destiny informed the direction of his earthly life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Imagine entering a race and being told that you will win a guaranteed prize as long as you complete the race. What's more, you will get special training and assistance along the way. Would it make sense to refuse to enter the race or to drop out before the finish line? In a way, this is what God has promised us: He has a “prize” for us. He has provided Jesus as our model of how to run the race, and He gives the Holy Spirit to assist us (v. 14). We, too, can press on with our eyes on Jesus (see Heb. 12:1-2).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:15-17
Take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. - Philippians 3:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Frederick Lenz claimed to be the first earthly incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. He offered to share his special powers and the path to happiness and success with his followers—in exchange for fees that reached nearly $70,000 a year. Lenz required his followers to trust him absolutely and do whatever he asked, including extended sleep deprivation and leaving their families, in order to speed them toward enlightenment.

Paul urged the Philippians to follow his example. But he did not present himself as a spiritual guru, claiming to have spiritual “superpowers” or manipulating his followers for profit. He had just expressed the passion of his life: to know Christ (v. 10). After describing his spiritual focus, he expanded the discussion to others; all mature Christians would be characterized by this same act of pressing on to be faithful, wanting to know Christ (v. 15).

The second sentence of verse 15 might give us pause. Suddenly Paul, the great preacher and defender of the gospel, seemed to say that disagreements were no big deal and everyone should just get along. Since this would have been completely out of character, we can rightly conclude that this could not have been his intention (see vv. 2-3). Paul was not referencing doctrinal disagreements; the fundamentals of the gospel cannot be compromised. Rather, he was acknowledging that people in the church will not see eye-to-eye on every issue, and he modeled humility here. Some issues are not worth taking sides over, and Paul did not attempt to browbeat or cajole but instead trusted God to bring unity.

Even when disagreements are present, this is no excuse for Christians to fall into un-Christian attitudes and behaviors. God has called us; Jesus has taken hold of us. Therefore, we need to live like the children of God that we are (v. 16; cf. vv. 12, 14; 1:27). Paul presented his own life as a model for the Philippians. His example was to encourage them, reminding them that they had examples of people who were living in humility and unity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In his letters, Paul encouraged the churches to follow his example. If you have time for additional Bible study, look at these passages: 1 Corinthians 4:16; 10:32-11:1; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:4-9. What is the context in each for Paul's command to follow his example? What does spiritual imitation mean? How does the presence of godly models make a difference in the church? Would you feel comfortable telling another believer to learn how to live the Christian life by watching you?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:18-19
Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. - Philippians 3:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout the ages, people have found phrases to express the worldview of materialism: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!” In the 1980s, a popular slogan was “Party hearty!” More recently, rapper 50 Cent became famous for his movie and album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. If there's nothing after this life—no rewards or judgment—why not “go for the gusto!” and seek as much money and fun as possible?

Of course, as Christians we know there are rewards and judgment after this life, and Paul wanted believers in Philippi to remember this and live accordingly. He had encouraged them to Christian maturity in seeking to know Christ more, and then he presented the contrasting attitude.

Those who don't follow the model of humility, unity, and seeking Christ are in fact enemies of the cross. Note two things here: first, Paul focused on false practice or lifestyle here, not false doctrine. These “enemies of the cross” are those who live as if the cross doesn't exist or doesn't matter. Some scholars conclude that in fact these “enemies” are those who profess correct doctrine, but their lives contradict what they claim to believe.

Second, Paul was moved to grief over these people. His tears revealed his deep heart of compassion, and in this way he followed the example of Jesus who grieved over stubborn people (see Matt. 23:37).

Verse 19 explains the way these enemies live and their final fate. Their mind was on earthly things in contrast to living in light of the prize in Christ Jesus (see v. 14). Their own appetites drove their decisions. They had made an idol of their own desires and sought to please themselves rather than serving God and others. What should have shamed and embarrassed them was paraded about in pride. They were the opposite of humility and unity.

Though they might not have thought about their eternal end, they will still encounter the judgment on their lives. Sadly, instead of a heavenly prize, they will receive destruction.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We don't have to look hard for examples of people who live for their own desires and take pride in shameful things. Sadly, these examples can be found both in our churches and in our culture. Does our heart break like Paul's over these people? Are we filled with smug self-righteousness, or do we shed tears over the “enemies of the cross”? Spend time in prayer today for those who are living for earthly glory. If you don't have examples from your church, pray that famous people with wide influence will be reconciled to Christ.