Reflections on Philippians 1.3-8

1. Paul prays for others a lot. I don't think the opening sections of his letters are a mere formality. Here he begins by claiming to give thanks "to my God in every remembrance of you" (3). The following phrase, I think, either explains when he gives such thanks or the means he uses. He says "always in every prayer of mine on your all behalf, I make my prayer with joy" (4). It's one thing to be thankful of another person or persons in the course of our daily lives, as many of us are; it's quite another matter altogether to invest considerable effort in expressing thanks to God as Paul seems to do. Why is this so tough?

2. For Paul, one's consistent identification with the gospel is evidence of God's hand at work in a person's life. Paul gives thanks for the Philippians "because of" their partnership "toward the [goals of the] gospel from the first day until now." Even when things got tough, the steered toward a course charted by the gospel message. I think Paul is not just talking about affirming the truth of the gospel, but committing to a way of life that is determined by the gospel.

Because the Philippians have exhibited such consistency in their dedication to gospel living, Paul is able to say with confidence that he is persuaded that "the one who began a good work" in the Philippians "will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (6), which is simultaneously a day of deliverance and judgment. Consistency in life commitment to the gospel evidences the reality of God's work in a believer's life.

3. Paul's confidence in and affection for the church is not built around some superficial connection but rather in their identification with him in advancing the gospel. Paul explains (7) that it is right for him to feel this confidence ("this way"--could point back to Pauls' thankfulness (3), but I'm taking it here with v. 6) because he holds them in his heart because they are "partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel" (7). He expounds on this by calling upon God to witness to his true yearning for them, yearning with affection which "proceeds (or has its origin) in Christ Jesus" (8).

Does my life bear witness to a consistent commitment to the goals of the gospel?

How can I more consciously and proactively live out the truths of the gospel and identify (and parnter) with causes and activities and people that seek to further the gospel's redemptive work in our world?