Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 8

Paul Declares for him Life is Christ Part 1

Philippians 1:19-20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. KJV

Not only did this great Apostle have exceeding joy that the name of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was preached (even by those who wanted to hurt him), he now declares to these Philippian believers and we believers today that his entire life was Jesus Christ. First, Paul says to them that, “I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:19), that is, the boldness that these Philippian brethren demonstrated in preaching Christ out of love to Him and love for the Apostle Paul seeing that he was confined under Roman guard. The Apostle Paul is certain that their individual and collective prayers for him as a Church would reach the Throne of Grace where our Lord Jesus Christ sits at the Right Hand of God the Father (Colossians 3:1). Paul was equally certain that their prayers would turn to his salvation. This English word salvation Paul uses in his letter here is translated by the Greek word soteria which is used here as a noun meaning rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. The context or setting or the way in which Paul uses this word suggest that he was aware of the Church at Philippi praying for his release from Roman captivity. Therefore, Paul knowing the character of the brethren in this Church was confident that he would be one day released from prison, so that he could spend more time with these fellow believers whom he loved dearly as he already had written to them at the beginning of this letter with these words, “For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:8).

Paul was never unaware, uncertain, or unsure of his eternal salvation “in Christ” for this is the man that wrote these words, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39). However, on the other hand Paul knew that this might be his last time in prison before he would be executed and go to be with our Lord Jesus Christ face to face forever (as we will hear him affirm in the next study), therefore, he knows that their prayers will furnish him with a fresh filling of the “Spirit of Jesus Christ” and this happens to be the one and only time anyone uses the words “Spirit of Jesus Christ” altogether. Paul uses the English word “supply” which is translated by the Greek word epichoregia which means to furnish beside, figuratively to aid or contribute, or to minister nourishment unto someone. Paul knew that even if he were not released from the Roman prison, that he would be nourished by a fresh infilling of the “Spirit of Jesus Christ” in him enabling, empowering, and ensuring him of grace and strength to endure whatever harsh treatment in his house, tent, or body would be required for the remainder of his sojourn here on the earth in his current captivity.

Even though we see Paul throughout all of his letters as a mighty man of faith “in Christ”, we also see him as a weak soldier who needed the prayers of other brethren to strengthen him in the battle as we hear him petition the Body of Christ for him with these words, “Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.” (Romans 15:30-32). Paul’s assurance of comfort, care, and companionship imparted to him by the supply of the “Spirit of Jesus Christ” was thoroughly as he put it here, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death” (Philippians 1:20). The English phrase “earnest expectation” Paul uses here is translated by one Greek word apokaradokia which is only used twice (2) in the entire New Testament; the other time being Romans 8:19, it means an intense anticipation or an inner groaning waiting for a certain event. The idea Paul has in mind here can picture the pregnancy of a women eagerly and earnestly waiting and anticipating the arrival of the child that has been nourished in her womb for 9 months to be born. Paul has the same intense anticipation that the fresh filling of the “Spirit of Jesus Christ” will furnish him with everything he needs to endure all of his sufferings with patience, persistence, and power to overcome them all. The English phrase Paul uses here referring to Christ in his body “shall be magnified” is translated by one Greek word megaluno meaning to make (or declare) great, that is, increase or (figuratively) extol: - enlarge, magnify, shew great. In other words, Paul saw Christ Jesus our Lord exalted in him if it was Christ will to release him from prison in answer to his prayers and the prayers of the Philippian believers or whether it was Christ will for his house, tent, or body be executed by the Roman Emperor Nero in order that he would come to Heaven with Christ, either case Christ would be enlarged or shown to be great in his body.

My own Personal Note: “Just as the man Saul was so very zealous and eager to persecute Christians during his ignorance or spiritual blindness to Christ being the Messiah during his days as a religious Jew being a ruling member of the Sanhedrin, this new man or new creation Paul is even more zealous for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he could say these words spoken by Job and mean them when he said, ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.’ (Job 13:15), I agree with them both and say the same thing.”  

“He had the most confident expectation that God would stand by him, so that he should be enabled, with the utmost liberty of speech, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God; and, should he have the liberty of doing so, he was utterly regardless what the issue might be relative to himself. Whether life or death, was to him perfectly equal, and perfectly indifferent, providing Christ were magnified - His person, nature, doctrine, etc., shown to be, what they really are, most noble, most excellent, most necessary, and most glorious.” Adam Clarke

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 7

Paul Rejoices that Christ is Preached despite some people’s Motive

Philippians 1:16-18 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. KJV

It is disheartening to imagine someone or to think of someone preaching Jesus Christ without desiring or wanting His Name and Power to be known to the lost sinful world of human beings, but this is exactly what the Apostle Paul declares to these Philippian believers and we believers today when he says, “The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds” (Philippians 1:16). These men were not the Judaizers as we declared in the last study because they cared only for their outward observance of the Mosaic Law and entirely nothing for preaching Jesus Christ Crucified. Therefore, these men were a different group or faction who exemplified a fake fervor for Christ and His Gospel when their motive was purely from envy and jealousy of the connection, comradery, and caring the Apostle Paul had from all the Churches. These men did not have love for Christ or for His Church so they preached Christ Name from contention for the Apostle Paul. This English word contention is translated by the Greek word eritheia which means intrigue or fascination or by implication a faction, that is, they were a dissenting clique or circle of people (in the Church) who sought power and control. In other words, these men did not preach Christ because they loved Him and wanted to show their love and gratitude by making known to everyone the grace of God through the Cross of Christ, but they were only motivated by gaining and getting power to themselves. Paul declares they did it “not sincerely” and this English word sincerely is translated by the Greek word hagnos (this is the only time this word is used in the New Testament) which means purely, that is, honestly.

Whether or not these mean had been truly redeemed/born again or not only our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ knows as Paul declared to Brother Timothy with these words concerning some men he knew during his day, “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:14-26).

However, the vessels of honor preached Christ Crucified form a heart of love and gratitude for our Lord Jesus Christ and with a sincere love for the servant of Christ their Brother the Apostle Paul as he declared with these words, “But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:17). These Brothers and Sisters “in Christ” were motivated by God the Father’s agape love poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), they were not interested in power, greed, or anything else but making Jesus Christ known to the world they occupied. Also, because they knew the Apostle Paul was appointed by Christ (plucked out of Judaism) to defend the Gospel of Grace. These Philippian believers observed Paul and saw a sincerity in him to declare the Gospel of Christ wherever he was and in whatever circumstance he was in, for they knew Paul’s motivation was not for notoriety, fame, or fortune as others (2 Corinthians 2:17), but purely from his love and gratitude to Jesus Christ for forgiving his sin. As the Apostle Paul was so apt to do, he warned these Philippian believers shortly after their conversion to Christ of the opposition to the Gospel they would encounter in the world and reminded them in this very same letter latter on in this Chapter just as he did with the Thessalonian believers when he said, “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you --- therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-7).

Having made known to them the truth of those in their midst who were sincere and those who were insincere in their motives of preaching Christ, Paul ask and answers his own question, “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). The conclusion of the matter to the Apostle Paul was clear and that was that our Lord Jesus Christ was preached to sinners no matter the motive of the vessel, for Paul knew that our Lord Jesus would justly judge the motives of men and women declaring His Name and give out proper rewards or penalty to all as Paul declared he would do to the Corinthian believers with these scathing words, “For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbiting’s, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced” (2 Corinthians 2:20-21). It was Paul’s joy to see all those who proclaimed Christ walking and living in His love and that is what rejoiced his heart, but even those who wanted to cause him grief and anxiety while he was confined in Rome could not diminish the joy he found in the fact that the Name of Jesus Christ was proclaimed period.

My own Personal Note: “The Apostle Paul was a man with a nature just like ours as was the Prophet Elijah (James 5:17), yet he was motivated by love for our Lord Jesus Christ and grateful to Him for his salvation, so much so, that he endured much affliction, even that which came to him by virtue of his own brethren. The fact that others preached Christ due to their jealousy of him did nothing to cause him pain or sorrow, but he rejoiced that despite the ill-motives the Name of Christ was proclaimed because Paul knew that bitter envy and self-seeking doesn’t come from above, but instead is earthy and sensual which causes confusion and every evil thing, however, those that preached Christ from a pure heart with a pure motive of love and gratitude to Him walked and lived in that wisdom that comes only from above.”

“The preaching of Christ is the joy of all who wish well to His kingdom among men. Since it may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice in it, though it be done in pretense, and not in reality. It is God’s prerogative to judge of the principles men act upon; this is out of our line. Paul was so far from envying those who had liberty to preach the Gospel while he was under confinement that he rejoiced in the preaching of it even by those who do it in pretense, and not in truth. How much more then should we rejoice in the preaching of the Gospel by those who do it in truth, yea, though it should be with much weakness and some mistake!” Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 6

Paul Rejoices that Christ is Preached because of his Imprisonment

Philippians 1:14-15 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more-bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: KJV

Paul being confined physically, but not spiritually or emotionally (as we learned in the previous study) now documents his joy upon getting the news that “many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more-bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:14). This boldness “in Christ” was the pattern of the great Apostle Paul’s entire life after his encounter with our Lord Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9). Nothing could have lifted the spirits of Paul more than finding out that his boldness in preaching Christ Crucified brought that same boldness to many other followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that Paul says “many of the brethren in the Lord” may mean that an abundance of written letters made their way through to him while he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul surely would have been greatly satisfied by the testimonies from fellow brethren seeing how what came upon him daily was his deep concern for all the Churches of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:28). Or perhaps it was the personal testimony of those fellow brethren who were allowed to visit the Apostle Paul during the course of the two (2) years he was bound in chains to a Roman Guard in the rental house where he was confined (Acts 28:30-31). The English phrase “waxing confident” is translated by one Greek word peitho which is a primary verb that means to convince (by argument, true or false); to rely (by inward certainty): - assure, have confidence, and persuade. Because these other believers witnessed Paul’s boldness and steadfastness for Christ, they themselves were inspired by him to go out proclaiming Christ death, burial, and resurrection from the dead for sinners. They also were more confident and more courageous in seeing God the Father’s Hand of protection, provision, and power over the life of the Apostle Paul, it gave them an abundance of boldness for Christ.

The Philippian brethren were reassured by their witness of the comfort by which the Apostle Paul received from the Throne of Grace upon which our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ sits upon and the spirit of fear held no power over them just as they saw Paul conquer the spirit of fear even if it meant his imprisonment or death as we recall these words spoken by Paul as recorded for us by Dr. Luke, “And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, ‘What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, ‘The will of the Lord be done.’” (Acts 21:10-14). Paul’s joy was in the fact that the majority of the brethren found this more abundant boldness because of his bonds as he declared with these words written to the believers in Thessalonica, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-4).

Despite Paul’s joy that Christ was being preached, he acknowledges that, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:” (Philippians 1:15). The fact that Christ was being preached throughout the land while Paul was confined or bound in chains to different Roman Guards was comforting to the Apostle Paul even if some were doing so to cause him more aggravation, adversity, and affliction while he was confined by the Romans. Those who preached Christ of envy and strife were jealous of the affection and adoration Paul received from the Churches and they wanted that for themselves, so they thought that they would cause Paul more harm during his confinement or even cause him to be put to death by the Romans. The Word of God has real language when describing the twin evils of envy and strife as it is written with these words, “A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30) or these words, “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?” (Proverbs 27:4) also these words, “Set me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm; For love is as strong as death, Jealousy as cruel as the grave; Its flames are flames of fire, A most vehement flame.” (Song of Solomon 8:6). These men wanting to hurt Paul by preaching Christ, not for love to Christ, or to Glorify God the Father will not go unpunished by God, nor will their intention to thwart the Gospels effect in the world or to hurt the Apostle of God Paul by trying to steal away credit from him to themselves for the Gospels success in the Gentile world the very heart of Roman rule.

These men who carried out this extremely wicked act are not known, but many Bible Commentators believe it to be the Judaizers, but I disagree with this assumption because those Jews were never interested in preaching the Gospel at all and certainly not to unconverted Gentiles because their goal was to steal away converts to Christ into the legalistic land of the Mosaic Law in Judaism as we are reminded by Dr. Luke one occasion at Antioch, “So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the Word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the Word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the Word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.” (Acts 13:42-50).

Now, unlike these deceitful men, those that truly loved and belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ preached the Gospel of Grace in order to be witness to the Holy Spirit bringing more sinners into the Kingdom of God making them newly born spiritual sons and daughters of God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ as Paul spoke of those believers in Philippi at the beginning of his letter with these words, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” (Philippians 1:3-7).

My own Personal Note: “Despite the tremendous opposition the Apostle Paul faced in Philippi, he did not let that deter him from preaching Christ Crucified as the only way to forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Heaven, even when Paul had moved on from Philippi to Thessalonica he recounted his afflictions there to the people of Thessalonica with these words to let them know also that there is nothing that the devil can bring against him that will detour from his mission for Christ, ‘But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the Gospel of God in much conflict.’ (1 Thessalonians 2:2).”

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 5

Paul declares his Imprisonment to Christ Jesus

Philippians 1:12-13 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; KJV

Paul shifts the focus or the content of his letter quickly to himself (not from arrogance or being prideful), but to explain to these Philippians believers and to we believers today that his being turned over to the Gentiles (the Romans) was the work of the devil through human instruments because the Holy Spirit through Paul had healed a girl bound by the enemy as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, “Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, ‘These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.’ And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, ‘These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.’ Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16:16-24).

We see our Lord Jesus Christ at work mightily through the Apostle Paul and some of these Philippian believers might have become distraught, delusional, or discouraged seeing the faithful Apostle being bound like this and might question God as to why He would allow such a thing to happen to His servant Paul who was being so faithful. Paul knew this might be the mindset of some of them so he says, “I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12). What? Did you Paul say that your imprisonment has served to further spread the Gospel message? The Philippian believers were surely thinking just the opposite seeing Paul now restricted from going about their city and country proclaiming Christ and this is exactly why Paul reassures them for even Paul himself was no doubt perplexed initially. However, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit quickly showed the faithful Apostle Paul that nothing or no place can bind up His Power to save all those that are appointed for salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9) because the very same night Paul was put into the prison we see the Holy Trinity act mightily as documented again for us by Dr. Luke, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, ‘Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.’ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” (Acts 16:25-34).

We recall that the devil was furious when the demon possessed girl was delivered by the Holy Spirit through Paul’s words, therefore, he had Paul and Silas put into prison thinking that would keep God the Father from destroying his works in Philippi, but we see that those men Paul and Silas were bound but the Word of God nor the Power of God can never be bound as the Apostle Paul said to Brother Timothy with these words, “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my Gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:8-10). Paul was not a prisoner at Philippi or at Rome, but Paul was the prisoner of Jesus Christ as he often spoke thus of himself as he did here, “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1) and also here, “Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you --- being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1:8-9). Paul wanted them to understand that he was no man’s prisoner, but he was the willing prisoner of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Grace.

The Gospel message progressed through Paul no matter where our Lord Jesus Christ led him or allowed him to be, even during his earthly imprisonment as he declares with these words, “So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” (Philippians 1:13). The English word Paul uses here manifest is translated by the Greek word phaneros which means to lighten or shine upon something or to show, shining, that is, make apparent (literally or figuratively); to make appear, to make known. In other words, in every instance and during every waking hour of Paul’s many imprisonments, it was at all times and always known to all that came into this man’s presence that he was not their prisoner, but the prisoner of another and that was our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul exemplified that despite his outward circumstances that he had been bound to Jesus Christ closely, conspicuously, and concretely. It was evident to all that entered into his presence that Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Grace was the current, consuming, and constant passion of his focus and attention. If Paul was not verbally declaring or preaching Christ, he was writing letters to the Churches of Christ instructing, exhorting, praying, loving, caring, and giving them knowledge and wisdom in Christ Jesus our Lord and His Gospel. Paul wanted these Philippian believers and we believers today to understand that he never considered the things he suffered in his physical body to be a hindrance, hurt, or harm to his work for Christ or to his love for Christ because our Lord Jesus Christ had shown him the future glory that awaited him immediately when his body died, “It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago --- whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows --- such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man --- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows --- how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:1-4).

My own Personal Note: “The Apostle Paul suffered because of his declaration of the Gospel of Christ as the only way to salvation and many people did not want to hear or believe that only ‘in Christ’ can a man or woman go to Heaven, but he never ever saw his physical sufferings as obstacles to his faithfulness because he knew though his outer-man was perishing or wasting away the real him his inner man was being renewed day by day and therefore, the things he suffered in this temporary life could not be compared to the glory that would be revealed in him, so do I think, trust, and believe in this same manner.”

“The Gospel, though it is good news and glad tidings of peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation by Christ; yet is very disagreeable to carnal men, they are enemies to it; and do all they can to stop its progress, to shut the open door of it, and hinder its course by speaking reproachfully of it, and writing against it, and especially by persecuting its professors, and particularly its ministers; which oftentimes proves rather a furtherance than an hinderance of it; for hereby the Gospel, like gold and silver tried in the fire, shines out the more brightly, with more lustre and glory, and has the greater influence on the minds of men; persecution in one place has often been the means of carrying and spreading the Gospel in many others.” Dr. John Gill

“We see here the care the Apostle takes to prevent their being offended at his sufferings. He was now a prisoner at Rome; this might be a stumbling-block to those who had received the Gospel by his ministry. They might be tempted to think, If this doctrine were indeed of God, God would not suffer one who was so active and instrumental in preaching and propagating it to be thrown by as a despised broken vessel. They might be shy of owning this doctrine, lest they should be involved in the same trouble themselves. Now to take off the offence of the cross, he expounds this dark and hard chapter of his sufferings, and makes it very easy and intelligible, and reconcilable to the wisdom and goodness of God who employed him. He suffered by the sworn enemies of the Gospel, who laid him in prison, and aimed at taking away his life; but they should not be stumbled at this, for good was brought out of it, and it tended to the furtherance of the Gospel.” Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 4

Paul Pours out his love, prayers, and thanksgiving to the Brothers and Sisters in Philippi Part 3

Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. KJV

Paul had experienced the love of these Philippian believers first hand by their willingness to give of their resources to Paul and to the Church in Jerusalem that was under harsh persecution (2 Corinthians 8:1). Therefore, knowing this he prays for their love to Christ Jesus our Lord  “abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” (Philippians 1:9). Paul wants their love to be like a waterfall of love ever flowing from Christ to them that never runs dry. However, he prays that their love be in knowledge and in all judgment. The English word knowledge used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word epignosis which means recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment. In other words, Paul wants them to love with understanding and with truth as he declared to the Ephesian believers with these words, “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15).

Paul prays for the perception of love for these Philippian believers and we believers today be according to knowledge and that knowledge is according to Christ Jesus our Lord that we may be steadfast always growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Note: “Christianity is a vigorous plant, not the hotbed growth of enthusiasm. ‘Knowledge’ and ‘perception’ guard love from being ill-judged.” (JFB Commentary). Paul wanted them to understand Christ love fully and completely, so he prays that they would because as he wrote to the Roman believers he wanted all believers everywhere (including these in Philippi and us today) to recognize and practice love as our Lord Jesus Christ did as Paul wrote these words to the Roman believers, “Love does no wrong to one’s neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements {and} is the fulfilling of the Law.” (Romans 13:10).

Paul prays that they “may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10). The little English phrase “may approve” is translated by one Greek word dokimazo which means to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: - allow, discern, examine, like, to prove, try. This word used here refers to the types of trials metals are exposed to in order to test their nature. Paul prays for these Philippian believers and we believers today to try, test, and to prove our love to God the Father, our brethren and sisteren, and even the unbelievers to be of true and genuine Christlikeness as he declared to the Corinthian believers with these words when he said, “But earnestly desire {and} zealously cultivate the greatest {and} best gifts {and} graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love].” (1 Corinthians 12:31). The more excellent way of love flowing from Christ’ Throne of Grace will enable us to discern not only what is good for us to do to and for others, but more importantly what is best.

Paul prays that they would be sincere believers in Christ and this English word sincere is translated by the Greek word eilikrines which means (the sun’s ray) and judged by sunlight, that is, tested as genuine (figuratively): - pure, sincere. In other words, a sincere believer in Christ Jesus our Lord is not someone that is perfect yet here on the earth, but one who loves our Lord Jesus truly and is grateful that He (Christ) would redeemed such a wretched sinner as we are from the pit and take us to the palace of Heaven. The Apostle Paul will say it in his own words in this manner latter on in this same letter when he wrote, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14). This is the heart or inner man or inner woman of a sincere believer in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ.

Paul prays for them to be “without offense” and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word aproskopos which means (as a negative particle) actively inoffensive, that is, not leading into sin; passively faultless, that is, not led into sin: - void of offence. It is a prayer for these Philippian believers and we believers today to be of a mind set and to put into action not causing other Brothers and Sisters in Christ to sin (Romans 14:13). It does not refer to the individual as having attained sinless perfection themselves, but it means that the love coming from Christ to every believer should make them actively avoid leading others into sin by virtue of words spoken or actions rendered as the Apostle Paul spoke of himself with these words recorded by Dr. Luke, “But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” (Acts 24:14-16).

The Apostle Paul prays for these Philippian believers and we believers today to keep themselves/ourselves in the “love of God” (Jude 1:21) that we may be blameless and without offense even though we will never be sinless down here as Paul declared with these words to the Corinthian believers, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:4-8). Therefore, as we see it is our Lord Jesus Christ that preserves us to the end (Philippians 1:6) and enables us to bear the fruits of righteousness because they are “by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11).

“First, sincere: that signifies simplicity of purpose, and singleness of heart in following out that purpose. Sincere Christians cherish in their hearts no views, no principles, adverse to the Christian calling. The test of this sincerity is that a man shall be honestly willing to let light shine through him, to evince the true character of his principles and motives. Such a man is on the road to the final, victorious, and eternal sincerity. For the present there may be within him too much of that which hinders him, and mars his life. But if he is set on expelling this and welcomes the light which exposes it, in order that he may expel it, then he has a real, present sincerity, and his course is brightening towards the perfect day.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 3

Paul Pours out his love, prayers, and thanksgiving to the Brothers and Sisters in Philippi Part 2

Philippians 1:7-8 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. KJV

The Apostle Paul remembers the very fond and adoring and loving affection these believers in Philippi displayed to him after their conversion to Christ and confirms to them and in his own mind that God the Father has begun a good work of grace in their inner man and inner woman. When the Apostle Paul says, “because I have you in my heart” (Philippians 1:7), he is affirming to them his great affection for them just as they too so loved Paul after their spiritual eyes were opened when they were born again. As we documented in the last study from what Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers (2 Corinthians 11:28), Paul always carried with him in his inner man the concern for and love for those Gentiles that were brought out of darkness into the light of Jesus Christ through his proclamation of the Gospel of Grace and also as he wrote to the Corinthian believers with these pulsating words, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Again it was Paul’s concern and care for their continued spiritual growth in the truth of the Gospel of Christ that kept these Philippian believers so constant upon his heart and mind. This great Apostle (as we just saw in the letter to the Ephesians) was constantly in great spiritual battles with the devil and his principalities and powers, so he was at all times in prayer for those believing Gentiles that had come to Christ from his preaching knowing that this was the one way he could reach them for good even though he was absent from them being in bonds.

This Church in Philippi was willing to assist or aid the Apostle in whatever manner or method was requested of them from Paul in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ on the earth and they also supported him financially and pray fully during his captivity. The Apostle Paul recognized that they were partakers of the same grace of God as he was by their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of the Gospel. Not only did they support Paul in its proclamation, but they too proclaimed it and also defended the truth of the Gospel when it came under attack. The Philippian believers provided evidence or proof of their love and respect for the great Apostle Paul by their adhering to the doctrines that he taught them and being willing to fight for them and even suffer for them as did Paul on so many occasions as the Apostle Peter said that we should do with these words, “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:13-17). The Apostle Paul will acknowledge his knowledge of them suffering for standing firm in the truth of the Gospel later on in this very same Chapter Philippians 1:28.

The Apostle Paul was so moved by the Philippian believers that he said, “For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:8). The English phrase “greatly I long after” is translated by one Greek word epipotheo which means (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave someone’s presence (lawfully): - to earnestly desire. The English phrase “the bowels” is translated by one Greek word splagchnon which means figuratively pity or sympathy: - inward affection, + tender mercy. In other words, the Apostle Paul has an intense desire to be present with them in person to receive first-hand the comforting love from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through them and that he might comfort them with the same love of Christ seeing that they are suffering for the truth of the Gospel exactly as Paul declared to the Corinthian believers with these words, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

“It is very proper to think the best of other people, and as well as we can of them - to suppose as well of them as the matter will admit in all cases. An appeal to God concerning the truth of this: For God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Having them in his heart, he longed after them; either he longed to see them, longed to hear from them, or he longed for their spiritual welfare and their increase and improvement in knowledge and grace. He had joy in them, because of the good he saw and heard of among them; yet still he longed after them, to hear of more of it among them; and he longed after them all, not only those among them who were witty and wealthy, but even the meanest and poorest; and he longed greatly after them, or with strong affection and great good-will; and this in the bowels of Jesus Christ, with that tender concern which Christ himself has and has shown to precious souls. Paul was herein a follower of Christ, and all good ministers should aim to be so. O the bowels of compassion which are in Jesus Christ to poor souls! It was in compassion to them that he undertook their salvation, and put himself to so vast an expense to compass it. Now, in conformity to the example of Christ, Paul had a compassion for them, and longed after them all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Shall not we pity and love those souls whom Christ had such a love and pity for? For this he appeals to God: God is my record. It was an inward disposition of mind that he expressed towards them, to the sincerity of which God only was witness, and therefore to him he appeals. ‘Whether you know it or not, or are sensible of it, God, who knows the heart, knows it.’” Matthew Henry

“The Philippians were sharers of Paul’s grace, as sharing his enthusiasm for the successful advocacy and confirmation of the Gospel. So they had their share in the grace that was so mighty in him. But besides that, the Apostle’s heart had been cheered and warmed by the manifestation of their sympathy, their loving thoughtfulness in reference to his bonds. So he joyfully owned them as partakers in spirit in those bonds, and in the grace by which he endured them. They remembered him in his bonds, ‘as bound with him.’ Every way their fellowship with him expressed itself as full and true. No jarring element broke in to mar the happy sense of this. He could feel that though far away their hearts beat pulse for pulse with his, partakers not only of his toil but of his bonds. So he ‘had them in his heart’: his heart embraced them with no common warmth and yielded to them no common friendship. And what then? Why, then, ‘it is meet that I should be thus minded,’ ‘should use love’s happy right to think very well of you, and should let the evidence of your Christian feeling come home to my heart, warm and glowing.’ It was meet that Paul should joyfully repute them to be sincere - to be men cleaving to the Gospel in a genuine love of it. It was meet that he should thank God in their behalf, seeing these happy attainments of theirs were so truly a concern of his. It was meet he should pray for them with joyful importunity, counting their growth in grace to be a benefit also to himself. It would be a helpful thing if Christian friends cherished, and if they sometimes expressed, warm hopes and expectations in behalf of one another. Only, let this be the outcome of truly spiritual affection. Paul was persuaded that his feelings arose from no mere human impulse. The grace of God it was which had given the Philippians this place in his heart. God was his record that his longing after them was great, and also that it was in the mercies of Christ. He loved them as a man in Christ, and with Christ-like affections.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 2

Paul Pours out his love, prayers, and thanksgiving to the Brothers and Sisters in Philippi Part 1

Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: KJV

The Apostle Paul was at all times and on most every occasion concerned for and thinking of the Churches that were formed, fashioned, and founded through his proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we recall his words written to the Corinthian Church when he said, “And besides those things that are without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care {and} anxiety for all the Churches!” (2 Corinthians 11:28), yet having said those things, Paul has a special affinity or in other words a natural attraction and a feeling of special kinship with the Brothers and Sisters in Philippi. Perhaps it is because of their great love, care, and concern for this embattled Apostle during all of his trials and tribulations he suffered for being true and faithful to the Gospel of Grace in Jesus Christ only. It was this Church specifically Paul spoke of when writing these words to the Corinthian believers, “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Therefore, we find Paul declaring to them how much and how often, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now;” (Philippians 1:3-5). The little English phrase “I thank” Paul uses here at the beginning is translated by one Greek word eucharisteo which means to be grateful, that is, (actually) to express gratitude towards someone. The Apostle Paul was extremely grateful to God the Father for the work of grace He was doing in the converted believers in Philippi and how much they ministered to him by the Grace of God in many of his times of physical and spiritual need. It was often that Paul remembered the great show of love and grace from them to him and he was reminded then to thank our Heavenly Father for bringing them into his life as Brothers and Sisters in the faith. They became one of Paul’s confident and sure lifelines from the Throne of Grace placed down here on the earth. It was Paul’s desire, dedication, and determination to pray for their continual supply of grace from the Throne of Grace in Heaven that would keep them guarded and protected from every attack they would endure from the enemy of our souls. It brought an extra boost (if you will) of joy flowing into the heart of this great Apostle upon every remembrance of them in his thoughts and in his prayers despite the physical distance separating them, Paul felt as close to them (with great joy) as he did when he was physically in their presence. Note: Here is what Matthew Henry said of Paul’s time spent in Philippi and his affection for the converted Philippian believers in that city, “At Philippi he was maltreated; there he was scourged and put into the stocks, and for the present saw little of the fruit of his labor; and yet he remembers Philippi with joy. He looked upon his sufferings for Christ as his credit, his comfort, his crown, and was pleased at every mention of the place where he suffered. So far was he from being ashamed of them, or loth to hear of the scene of his sufferings, that he remembered it with joy.”

The Apostle Paul was very deliberate in making known to them his love “for you all” (Philippians 1:4) in order to squash any divisions that was creeping into their fellowship. Paul wanted them to know that he did not and would not recognize cliques among them and he will be addressing these potential serious problems later on in this letter because his love and prayers were for all of the Philippian Church and not just some. The Apostle Paul thanked God the Father for the Philippian believers, “fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5). The Apostle Paul was so thankful that God the Father had given the believers at Philippi a heart to proclaim the Gospel of Christ where they were and even suffer for its sake just as Paul had done and was currently doing being imprisoned in Rome. The English word fellowship is translated by the Greek word koinonia which means a sharer or associate or companion; partnership, that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse. The Apostle Paul acknowledges their willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel by words as well as their willingness to give of their goods to support him and others believers “in Christ” often and without persuading ever being necessary from the Apostle Paul as Paul wrote with these words in Hebrews he no doubt had the believers in Philippi as one of the Churches in his mind, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16).

This being the reality within the Philippian Church the Apostle Paul makes this statement to them and about them, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6). The English phrase “being confident” at the beginning of this verse is translated by one Greek word peitho which is a primary verb that means to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. The English phrase “which hath begun” is translated by one Greek word enarchomai which means to commence on. The English word perform is translated by the Greek word epiteleo which means to fulfill further (or completely), that is, execute; accomplish, do, finish, make perfect. In other words, the Apostle Paul wants these Philippian believers to understand that God the Father who drew them to the Cross of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ where God the Son’s Blood was poured out upon them spiritually and God the Holy Spirit regenerated their dead spirits will finish the work of salvation or work of grace begun in them and us today all the way to the end or completion when our Lord Jesus Christ returns for His Bride (the Church) at His second (2^nd) coming as Paul declared with these words in Hebrews, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25).

“The prisoner in his bonds in the alien city had the remembrance of his friends coming into his chamber like fresh, cool air, or fragrance from far-off gardens. A thrill of gladness was in his soul as often as he thought on them. It is blessed if in our experience teacher and taught are knit together thus; without some such bond of union no good will be done. The relation of pastor and people is so delicate and spiritual, the purpose of it so different from that of mere teaching, the laws of it so informal and elastic, the whole power of it, therefore, so dependent on sympathy and mutual kindliness that, unless there be something like the bond which united Paul and the Philippians, there will be no prosperity or blessing. The thinnest film of cloud prevents deposition of dew. If all men in pulpits could say what Paul said of the Philippians, and all men in pews could deserve to have it said of them, the world would feel the power of a quickened Church.” Alexander MacLaren

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…