Philippians 4:21-22

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I always enjoy reading through the letter to the Philippians. There are so many great insights and memorable passages noted here that are so usable! I want to remind you of a keeper from each chapter in this letter before we leave this study.

CHAPTER 1--1:21-For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. CHAPTER 2--2:5-Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, CHAPTER 3--3:10-that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; CHAPTER 4--4:6-7-Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. These key passages sum up this letter nicely.

The closing words of the letter to the Philippians demonstrate that characteristic warmth of the early church of Jesus. Check out these last two verses: 21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

5 observations: 1. The fellowship of Jesus consists of saints. The believer doesn't have to perform a miracle in his or her ministry, but each believer IS a miracle, therefore each believer is called a saint in the Bible. Saint means holy one or a person who is set apart unto God for a special mission.

2. The fellowship of Jesus is a family of brothers and sisters who are continually learning how to get along and to love one another.

3. The fellowship of Jesus must be reciprocal. Note that Paul says to greet all the saints there in Philippi and also sends greetings from the saints in Rome who are with him.

4. The fellowship of Jesus is a collection of many different people from all kinds of backgrounds. Note that there were believers who were part of the royal family of Caesar, sending their greetings to the Philippian fellowship.

5. The fellowship of Jesus runs on the grace of the Lord. The Lord has extended His grace-unmerited favor-toward us and we learn to share this grace with others in our family.

Every time I read how the fellowship of Jesus held on to their connection with one another in the first century throughout the world, it seems that the fellowship of Jesus today is too fragmented and disconnected. So, what are we to do about it? I think you start right where you are. Keep connected with other believers in your community, your corporate environment and everywhere you travel around the world. You will find that these connections become a mutual blessing to all who participate. Work on your connections with other Jesus people.

I heard a great visual for believers to keep in mind. When a waitress in the South was asked, "What is a grit?", she said, "There's no such thing as a grit, because grits always come together!"

Philippians 4:14-20

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14Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul says something special here. He says, "It is not that I desire a present from you for my own sake, although your gift touches my heart and makes me very glad. I don't need anything, for I have more than enough. But I am glad that you gave me a gift for your own sake." Their generosity made him glad, not for his own sake but for theirs. Paul's joy in the gift is not in what it did for him, but in what it did for them. It was not that he did not value the gift for its own sake; but his greatest joy was that it and the love which prompted it were very special to God.

In the next sentence Paul makes it clear that no gift ever made any man the poorer. The wealth of God is open to those who love him and love their fellow-men. He who gives makes himself richer, for his own gift opens to him the gifts of God. "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

We've seen this same thing in our experience. We have learned to love and celebrate the relationship that we might have with people rather than their gifts. In a world with all kinds of hidden agendas, especially as it relates to giving or tithing in the spiritual realm, there is lots of abuse in this area. It's too easy to work with someone for what they might be able to do for you or for what they might be able to give into the pot. What we've learned is to make it clear that we want a relationship with the person. It's not their gifts that we want, but we want them. This is the same approach God takes with us. He wants our hearts more than He wants our performance or presents.

Taking this approach with people demonstrates genuine love toward them, genuinely caring for them--a real oddity for people today! This is especially true of those who have great means. They are so used to being "hit up" for money by nearly everyone they meet.

We are seeing this principle play out in our fellowship here locally. We are focusing on the relationship with a few, not focusing on the money or doing any "marketing" or "fund-raising" with them. We are learning to function as family, where we are getting to know one another better and taking the time to really love one another.

But here is the bottom-line! We encourage each other to walk a personal walk with Jesus-turning everything over to His care and direction with a "ruthless" trust. We say things to one another with a sense of expectation that the Lord really will come through on your behalf, like "He knows what you're going through." or "Jesus will continue to give you the strength." or "You'll know what to say and do when the time comes."

We find ourselves living out that passage in Hebrews 10: 22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

In the Message version it goes like this: 22 So let's do it- full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. 23 Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. 24 Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, 25 not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

This is all under-girded with the ringing reality of Paul's words, AND MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN CHRIST JESUS. Over the last few weeks I have found more satisfaction in this, because I've had the privilege of being in fellowship with a few. In those connections of fellowship, I've felt the riches of God-His love, His strength, His peace and His joy-supply all that I need. And you know what, it's just plain old FUN!

Philippians 4:10-13

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Paul gets back to one of the primary themes for writing this letter in the first place.

1. Joy from the concern and love of the Philippians for him and his need. 10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. The believers in Philippi were completely on Paul's team and backed him in every way.

2. Joy that is beyond circumstances. 11Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

As we have discussed before, joy has nothing to do with circumstances. Paul sets forth two extremes between having nothing (humble means) and living with prosperity and he assures his friends that no matter the circumstance, he has learned the secret of being filled in the midst of going hungry and having abundance while suffering need.

3. Joy that is found in JESUS PLUS NOTHING. Paul now gives his secret of being content no matter what-whether in poverty, hunger and need or having prosperity and abundance. Here it is. It is simply: 13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Paul learned that being content is found in the strength and support Jesus gives. Whether you are rich or poor, Jesus is always there to strengthen you. We all experience ups and downs, but Jesus is the constant--the only one who will not flake on you!

Here's the dynamic that is miraculous. If you are in deep trouble or need, hang on to your relationship with Jesus and you will have the strength to get through it. If you are wealthy and it seems like all is well, don't forget your relationship with Jesus or you'll find yourself depending on your wealth rather than Him.

Contentment is only found in Jesus, no matter your external life situation. YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS YOU. This means you can live anywhere in any condition, because you don't find your strength in your life situation but in your relationship with Jesus.

So, don't let your minds be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus. Anything more or less than JESUS PLUS NOTHING will surely end in discontentment. JESUS PLUS NOTHING means contentment and contentment is all about inner, long-term, totally satisfying, joy!

Philippians 4:8-9

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8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Just yesterday we saw that by taking your requests to the Lord, He will give you the peace that passes all understanding and that peace from God will guard your heart and mind. Once you have offered up your desire to the Lord, I think He will either give you that desire or change it!

Now, the concept of peace continues in these next two verses. NOTE the word "whatever" here. WHATEVER is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. DWELL ON THESE THINGS. I like this word WHATEVER, because it fits what I understand about our relationship with the Lord. He first wants us to be interested and then we are called to FOLLOW HIM. And within this followship we have an amazing freedom to dwell on the WHATEVERS, as long as they are not illegal, immoral or fattening. This all fits very nicely with Jesus' words of invitation when He says, "Come unto Me, all of you who are weary and burdened down with all of the do's and don'ts of religiosity and trying to be acceptable to God." COME UNTO ME and I will give you REST. This rest involves a lot of freedom-the whatevers here!

So, first of all, dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and of good repute.

And, second, practice the things that you have learned, received, heard and seen in me. THEN, the God of peace will be with you. In verses 6-7 the PEACE OF GOD will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus. Here, the GOD OF PEACE will be with you, if you practice the things you have seen in Paul. Let me ask you something here. If those around you were to practice the things they have learned from you, received from you, heard from you and seen in you, what would be the result? Would they be assured of the GOD OF PEACE showing up in their lives? Or, would they experience just the opposite?

So, if you find yourself overwhelmed with the stresses of this life, work on applying the formula for peace here. Set your mind to dwell and meditate on the good things. Be a good finder. AND, if you want the God of peace to be with you, then practice the things you have learned, received, heard and seen in those who are spiritually mature around you.

There is one more thing that is the challenge to me throughout the letter to the Philippians. CAN I SAY TO OTHERS, "DO AS I DO!" or am I relegated to "DON'T DO AS I DO, BUT DO AS I TELL YOU TO DO!" I am more aware than ever in my life that those around me are counting on me to be faithful in my walk with Jesus. If I am not faithful, then those around me will not be challenged or encouraged at all, but will embrace more complacency in their lives. But it's important for you to understand that this is not all about me and those around me. But, more importantly, what we're discussing here in this passage is all about you and your walk. As you are walking your walk of faith, walk it in such a way that others will get something out of it--that you have something significant to share with others.

This is how we can all experience the peace of God that is beyond all comprehension and how the God of peace will be with you. It's the difference between living in peace or pieces. YOUR CHOICE!

Philippians 4:6-7

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6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is one of my favorite passages and so practical and powerful! Let's unpack each phrase.

6Be anxious for nothing, Now this is relevant to our lives. Don't worry about anything! What part of this do you not understand? It's not don't worry about some things or most things, do not worry about anything at all!

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving BUT IN EVERYTHING, not in some things, but in everything use general and specific prayer and don't forget to base it in gratefulness and thanksgiving.

Let your requests be made known to God. Offer up your desires to God. Now, think about this. Whatever you may desire-whether good, bad or ugly-tell the Lord about it. He already knows them, but there is a clarity and a powerful dynamic that emerges when you actually share your heart's desires with the Lord. It's like you're coming clean with your best friend.

Now, here's the result of refusing to worry, but to take your requests to the Lord. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, The peace of God which is far beyond anything you have ever experienced or imagined. Now NOTE, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Can you imagine anything more relevant than this? The most wholesome peace ever experienced and your hearts and minds will be guarded by it. Also, think of it this way. Paul and Timothy had experienced some pretty bizarre and nasty receptions most everywhere they went, yet they have discovered a secret for countering worry and anxiety in life.

BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL COMPREHENSION, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS. This passage doesn't need proof; it needs practice!

Philippians 4:1-5

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1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Apparently there is a little tension between two of the women in the fellowship-Euodia and Syntyche. He is urging those in the fellowship to come alongside them, these two women in particular, and with all the fellowship. He is saying, "Calm it all down." Jesus left us here on the planet to work out our differences in love. This is the primary way of demonstrating the His love in real life.

Three times in the next few verses the words "in the Lord" occur. Each one is connected to a command. All three are applicable to us today in the fellowship: FIRST-Stand firm in the Lord. Stay steady in the things of the Lord-with the things that please Him. Stand firm from engaging in disputes or needless arguments against one another. You see, you can stand firm on your own OR you can stand firm IN THE LORD. When you stand firm in the Lord, you will stand with grace and truth. You will say and do what Jesus would do in that situation.

SECOND-Live in harmony in the Lord. There is little harmony without being IN THE LORD. The "brotherhood" of man is impossible without the lordship of Jesus. When each one of us is IN THE LORD, there will be harmony in our fellowship with one another.

THIRD-Rejoice in the Lord always. Joy has nothing to do with what you have, where you are or whom you are with. Joy is the ability to enjoy the scenery while on a detour. He is not saying "be happy" in the Lord, because being happy has to do with circumstantial happenings. Happenings are temporary; joy is ongoing no matter what. So, the command is REJOICE or BE JOYFUL, not in your surroundings or anything else, but IN THE LORD.

You see, when you are IN THE LORD, you CAN stand firm. You CAN live in harmony and you CAN rejoice no matter the circumstances! When you are IN THE LORD, you are empowered in every way. So why would you ever want to be anywhere else than IN THE LORD? Yeah, why?

There's one more thing here of note. After giving these three commands, there is one more statement: "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men." In everything you do, let your demeanor be a gentle spirit of moderation, not antagonistic or powering yourself over another. This was an unusual spirit to posses in the Greek and Roman cultures. So, why would those in the fellowship be motivated to take on such an attitude? NOTE, because THE LORD IS NEAR! Again, IN THE LORD is the operable phrase. Being in the Lord is being IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. When you realize you are in His presence, your actions and attitude will be different. Now, that's a great way to live-IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!

Philippians 4:1

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Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown.

NOTE that the church or gathered believers in Jesus in Philippi are said to be Paul's joy and crown. These believers were most likely brought to Jesus by Paul and Timothy (and other disciples traveling with them). And, not only were they introduced to Jesus, but they were discipled along the way-brought along in Jesus. He calls them "my joy and crown." There are two words translated "crown". One is diadema which means a royal crown or crown of kingship. The second is stephanos which has two meanings: It was the crown given to a victorious athlete at the Greek games. To win this crown was the peak of an athlete's experience. It was the crown with which guests were crowned when they sat at a banquet, at a time of celebration and great joy.

I believe Paul was saying that the Philippians were the crown of all his work. There is no joy like seeing someone in whom you have invested your time and energy-some portion of your life-grow and blossom spiritually and personally. It is the greatest thrill imaginable! It's like seeing your child make a hard decision and maturing in the process, knowing that you taught him that.

In a long season of my life I was placed in a ministry where I was speaking and teaching the masses. Although I saw a few come through who were obviously marked by Jesus through me-my joy and crown, it was very few. I saw lots of people who were introduced to Jesus through what I was doing, but did not experience the "bringing them along in Jesus." I was too busy doing the upfront thing to the masses. That was a season of my life with Jesus for which I am grateful, however I have been brought into a whole new season-an entirely new experience in ministry.

Today, after Jesus recaptured my heart, I am enjoying what it means to have men and women be "my joy and crown" and it is the most thrilling thing I've ever known! I want to encourage you to think outside yourself and all that you're wrapped up in-all that gives you joy and happiness-and invest yourself in others.

Come alongside others, help them through difficult times, support them in decision-making, and introduce them to the only person who can transform their lives inside and out. And when you see them grow and get through the struggles of life, embracing joy in a whole new way, investing their lives in others, you will be able to say with great enthusiasm, "You are my joy and crown." There is nothing more thrilling and satisfying than this! Try it out.

Philippians 3:12-16

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10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1-That I may know Him-This is not to know a lot about Jesus, but to know Him personally, experientially! In order for you to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, you must learn more and more of what He said and did. Then, the more you ask, "What Would Jesus Do?", the more you will discover this Jesus intimately.

2-That I may know the power of His resurrection-Paul and Timothy shared this passion-to know the power of Jesus, the power that raised Jesus from the dead. It's important to realize that it was the resurrection power that changed the disciples from a weak-willed group of stumble-bums into a confident team of revolutionaries that turned the world upside down! When you know the power of the resurrection of Jesus, you know that it supersedes all powers within the universe.

3-That I may know the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death-Paul experienced this greatest of powers, the power of the resurrection, when Jesus apprehended him on the road to Damascus, THEN he was persecuted, beaten, stoned, thrown into prison and his life constantly threatened. He quickly came to know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. You simply cannot have one without the other-the good with the bad. Note that the sufferings and death of Jesus is the greatest demonstration of love ever! To know and share in His sufferings and death is to absorb that principle into our lives, so that we may know how to be lovers in this cold, cruel world.

4-That I may attain to the resurrection of the dead-This is not expressing any doubt that there is the resurrection of the dead at the end, but an expression of Paul's ultimate goal that somehow, whatever the path may be, he will make it to the grand day of the resurrection.

These heart desires give great insight into what Paul and Timothy felt was most important. And, it sets an example for us. I have meditated on these verses over the years, but I've never felt more in tune in my heart with these desires than I do today. I want to know Jesus better, THE PERSON OF JESUS AND NOT JUST THE FACTS ABOUT HIM!

I want to know and experience the power of His resurrection, THE POWER OF JESUS AND NOT BE LIMITED TO MY ABILITIES!

I want to know the fellowship of His sufferings by being conformed to His death, THE PICTURE OF JESUS' LOVE FOR EVERYONE!

I want to somehow attain to the resurrection of the dead, no matter what road God leads, THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF DEFEATING DEATH THROUGH THE RESURRECTION PAVES THE WAY FOR MY RESURRECTION SOMEDAY!

This reminds me Jesus' words in the Gospel of John, I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE; HE THAT BELIEVES IN ME, EVEN THOUGH HE DIES SHALL LIVE! I want to live that resurrection life and share in the sufferings of Jesus. How about you?

Philippians 3:10-11

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10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1-That I may know Him-This is not to know a lot about Jesus, but to know Him personally, experientially! In order for you to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, you must learn more and more of what He said and did. Then, the more you ask, "What Would Jesus Do?", the more you will discover this Jesus intimately.

2-That I may know the power of His resurrection-Paul and Timothy shared this passion-to know the power of Jesus, the power that raised Jesus from the dead. It's important to realize that it was the resurrection power that changed the disciples from a weak-willed group of stumble-bums into a confident team of revolutionaries that turned the world upside down! When you know the power of the resurrection of Jesus, you know that it supersedes all powers within the universe.

3-That I may know the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death-Paul experienced this greatest of powers, the power of the resurrection, when Jesus apprehended him on the road to Damascus, THEN he was persecuted, beaten, stoned, thrown into prison and his life constantly threatened. He quickly came to know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. You simply cannot have one without the other-the good with the bad. Note that the sufferings and death of Jesus is the greatest demonstration of love ever! To know and share in His sufferings and death is to absorb that principle into our lives, so that we may know how to be lovers in this cold, cruel world.

4-That I may attain to the resurrection of the dead-This is not expressing any doubt that there is the resurrection of the dead at the end, but an expression of Paul's ultimate goal, that somehow, whatever the path may be, he will make it to the grand day of the resurrection.

These heart desires give great insight into what Paul and Timothy felt was most important. And, it sets an example for us. I have meditated on these verses over the years, but I've never felt more in tune in my heart with these desires than I do today. I want to know Jesus better, THE PERSON OF JESUS AND NOT JUST THE FACTS ABOUT HIM!

I want to know and experience the power of His resurrection, THE POWER OF JESUS AND NOT BE LIMITED TO MY ABILITIES!

I want to know the fellowship of His sufferings by being conformed to His death, THE PICTURE OF JESUS' LOVE FOR EVERYONE!

I want to somehow attain to the resurrection of the dead, no matter what road God leads, THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF DEFEATING DEATH THROUGH THE RESURRECTION PAVES THE WAY FOR MY RESURRECTION SOMEDAY!

This reminds me Jesus' words in the Gospel of John, I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE; HE THAT BELIEVES IN ME, EVEN THOUGH HE DIES SHALL LIVE! I want to live that resurrection life and share in the sufferings of Jesus. How about you?

Philippians 3:1-9

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1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

This is one of Paul's most profound writings. He is sharing His experience, strength and hope in finding Jesus. He sets forth a biographical sketch of his religious life and it is impressive! He did everything just right, keeping every last letter of the law as he understood it and was most zealous about it. What he is saying is "There is no one you can find who had better religious credentials than I have." But he views all of these accomplishments as a pile of manure when compared to knowing Jesus as Messiah and Lord. You heard it right. MANURE. That's the word used for what is translated "rubbish" here and "dung" elsewhere.

Paul was doing his best to be righteous before God-to do, do, do! But when he found Jesus (or, when Jesus found him on the road to Damascus), he came to realize that Messiah Jesus has already done all that is needed to be done to be righteous before God and invites all those who are 'weary and heavy-laden' with do, do, do, to come to Him and He will give you rest. Like Paul we tend to want to do, do, do, but with Jesus it is DONE. Through His righteousness we can become righteous by faith.

In Paul's zeal to be righteous, he was a good religious Jew who was looking for God's Messiah (God's Christ) to show up someday. He can be truly called a follower and seeker of the Messiah or you might even say that PAUL WAS A CHRISTIAN. THEN JESUS APPREHENDED HIM! Think of it! Paul, being a seeker and follower of the Christ could have been called a Messianic or a Christian, then he met Jesus who claimed to be the Christ he was looking for all along.

This is why I shy away from being called a "Christian" or putting myself in the position of defending the religious system called Christianity. My own experience is that I was a Christian, having grown up in the culture and faith of Christianity, yet that was not transforming in my life. I did not experience spiritual transformation until Jesus apprehended me. Then I became a follower of Jesus. This would be no different than a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Jew, Mormon or agnostic. These are all cultural traditions and faiths. No matter what cultural background you find yourself, you can be a follower of Jesus. Once Jesus gets hold of your heart (apprehends you), you are transformed and become a new person. HOWEVER, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE CONVERTED OUT OF YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND. I know many Jewish followers of Jesus or Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic, Baptist or whatever followers of Jesus. Once you see Jesus in this way, you don't have to argue and debate religion with anybody. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is no one who ever lived to be compared with Jesus! You don't have to feel compelled to "convert" someone from one religious system to another. If you are going to do anything, introduce people to Jesus. Lift Him up and all men will be drawn to Him. I have come to realize that even Jesus doesn't want to become a Christian. He wants to be Lord, Savior and friend. You see, it really is JESUS PLUS NOTHING.

Philippians 2:25-30

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25But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Apparently, Epaphroditus had been sent to Paul by the believers in Philippi to come to the aid of Paul. While attending to Paul, Epaphroditus became deathly ill. Now, Paul wants to send him back to the Philippians to see how they are and to show them that he is well, too. Paul identifies Epaphroditus as "my brother", "fellow worker", and "fellow soldier", a man who was in sync with Paul and Timothy in every way. He is held up as one who ought to be held high and received with joy.

As I read this scene I have many thoughts about how we should be acting today. First-we must be about networking people from one city to another. We tend to be so self-focused that we ignore the fact that there are many like-minded believers throughout the world. Whenever you connect one follower of Jesus with another, you have not only bound them together but you have empowered both in the process. The only thing that matters is what happens "life on life"-our relationships with one another in the fellowship of Jesus.

Second-we must be about using all our travels to connect with the fellowship of Jesus elsewhere. With all the travel that we do in our world it's a shame to miss out on the dynamic blessings that could happen as we meet one another or focus on gathering together in the name of Jesus. Instead of blowing in and out of town (which I've done so many times in the past), I am planning ahead and seeking out what family members are there in the city. I want to meet them and do a two-way-they be an encouragement and blessing to me or I may be a blessing to them. What you will find is that your visit is so appreciated. I see this as one of the most significant ways of loving other disciples wherever you go.

Third-we must be careful to joyfully honor and respect those who are giving their time to minister to others. There are so few who have been released to give of their time. They could use your affirmation and encouragement. And when you affirm and encourage them, you will attract others who seek to be released.

Again, this paragraph demonstrates the tight relationships of the few who were used by God to turn the world upside down! Paul, Silas and Timothy spent only a little over three weeks in another Greek city, Thessolanica, and from this visit the Thessalonians were so positively affected that they in turn had a major impact throughout all of Asia Minor.

So, the early disciples used Jesus' methodology of the power of the few and changed their world, having an indelible impact on their culture. Today, most disciples ignore Jesus' methodology of the power of the few and seek to charm and win the masses, having little impact upon our culture. GO FIGURE. Do it Jesus' way with the power of the few and change your world or do it the "modern" way with the pseudo-power of the masses and have little or no mark on society.

Philippians 2:19-24

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19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22But you know of his proven worth that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.

Personal letters such as Philippians gives so much insight into the inner-workings of the ministry. Note three things here:

1. Paul's genuine and passionate concern for the believers in Philippi. This is a constant throughout with the New Testament letters and books that are written to the believers in Rome, or Corinth or Galatia or Ephesus. Is it any wonder that the men who turned the world upside down did it, because their love for one another was in such stark contrast to the world's ways of doing life? When Jesus commanded them to love one another, He noted that this would be a unique distinction that will be noticed by the world. And, in the Lord's prayer in John 17, Jesus was all about being united in His love. With all of our fractured world of comparisons marked by the variety of world religions and the variety of denominations within Christianity, we have lost our way in being one and loving one another. We tend to love our own kind. We need a heavy dose of "otherness" that the early disciples practiced.

2. Paul feels he only has a few who are of "kindred spirit" who will have the same concern for the Philippian believers as he. Over the last 3 and a half years my learning curve has been perpendicular, to say the least. However, the most vital thing I've come to realize is that it takes so long for people to "get it", meaning how to walk with Jesus and with one another how to BE THE CHURCH of Jesus--to be a revolutionary. I was agonizing over this to the point of complaining about it to a friend of mine. He didn't miss a beat and came right back at me and said, "But it only takes a few!" (My friend is way ahead of me in understanding how the revolution of Jesus works.) Jesus was never discouraged with a few. In fact, Jesus purposefully began His ministry with just three fishermen. He didn't challenge them to start a revolution that would change the world, but invited them to BE TOGETHER with Him. Although Jesus spoke to large crowds from time to time, it was clearly not in His revolutionary strategy to work with the masses. He was all about "life on life" training of His disciples who would go on to turn the world upside down. Paul is not complaining, but stating a fact. Timothy is the only one he knew who "got it" enough to make the visit to the Philippians and be an encouragement to them.

3. Those who left Paul and Timothy's fellowship are said to be seeking after their own interests, not those of Jesus. They were disqualified because they were too busy seeking after their own interests and not those of Jesus. This, of all things in our lives right now, is the one that breaks my heart the most. It's the wonderful people who claim to love Jesus, but are too caught up in their own interests-too busy to participate in the things of Jesus and to be with a few. When you're too busy seeking after your own interests and not the things of Jesus, then being a spectator at the best show in town is all you need.

So, how do you stack up with these 3 observations? Do you have a genuine concern for other believers? Are you participating with a few who are stubbornly supporting one another in this Jesus journey? Are you too caught up in seeking after your own interests and not the interests of Jesus?

Jesus is looking for a few revolutionaries who are willing to follow Him and Him alone, will give themselves to others and who will make their primary interests the things of Jesus over their own. Will you apply for the job?

Philippians 2:14-18

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14Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

While working out your own salvation as God is already at work in you for the willing and the doing of His good work, you must be careful not to get caught up into murmurings and disputings. Murmurings remind me of the grumbling of the children of Israel against God and Moses when wandering through the wilderness. Murmurings is a moral rebellion against God. Disputings is an intellectual rebellion against God and His leadership. These two issues mentioned here aren't so rare within a fellowship of believers. Unfortunately this kind of thing is most common and so hurtful and disruptive within the fellowship.

I have served as senior pastor of three churches over a 27 year period-from as small as 400 people to as large as 10,000 and the same is true at all levels. There is a constant murmuring and complaining within most fellowships which is a perpetual simmering of negativity which can only serve evil purposes. These little seemingly "harmless" actions can cause major damage.

So, we are urged to refrain from murmurings and disputings, and if we do, we will prove ourselves to be 4 things:

1. You will prove to be blameless and innocent-not being a target for criticism.

2. You will prove to be children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

3. You will prove yourself able to appear as lights in this world of darkness

4. You will prove to be able to hold fast the word of life.

Think of it. All of this-blameless, innocent, above reproach (counteracting a crooked and perverse generation), shining as lights in the world of darkness, and being able to hold fast the word of life-is all greatly affected by your murmurings and disputings.

Over the years I've heard the murmurings and disputings of one person for over 30 years. He has followed me in every ministry I've endeavored. He has relentlessly shown up to nearly every good thing I've endeavored to accomplish. I can't seem to get rid of him! His name is ANONYMOUS. He sends me notes and emails, always complaining about something or arguing with me over something I did or said. I used to listen to him and his messages dragged me down. I've changed my tactics in handling the ANONYMOUS notes and emails. I read them, consider the truth contained within them and then I pray that God will either change their hearts or move them along to bother another ministry.

BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, those believers in the fellowship of Jesus who DO NOT murmur and complain are responsible for a most wonderful testimony of God's grace in this unfair world and His light in this frightening world of darkness. So, is the application here to WATCH YOUR MOUTH AND MIND? No, I think the application of this passage is to WATCH YOUR HEART.

To me, those who are caught up in the snipping and sniping within the fellowship are dealing with the things that just don't matter in comparison with the joy we can share now and when Christ returns. This is what is being said here by Paul and Timothy-IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER, SO SHUT IT UP AND SHUT IT DOWN!

Philippians 2:12-13

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12So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

These two verses are a dynamic duo for walking the walk! Verse 12 will scare you to death! "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Most people read this, stop and shudder a bit. "Work out your own salvation." What does that mean? Well, it doesn't mean that you have to work hard enough to earn your salvation. That would be totally contrary to everything taught throughout Scripture. There are two ways of thinking about this:

1. I am to "work out" into my life-into my behavior-the salvation work of God that is on the inside of my heart. I have His salvation inside. Now I must work it out into my lifestyle.

2. I am to "work out" my salvation to its completion. In other words, I am to stubbornly remain obedient in working my salvation into my lifestyle until the end.

Then, it says, "with fear and trembling." This simply means that this is a serious matter and must be carefully and cautiously worked out into my life. Note that to NOT work it out would be to be a spectator among the fellowship or maybe a 'secret service' believer rather than being a participator in the process or working it out. God's salvation is a supernatural work in my life, but He expects me to complete His work of salvation by working it out into my life. This proves that it is the real thing!

Verse 13 will empower you beyond yourself! Now, if you read on to this verse, you will get the entire context of your walk with Jesus, "for it is God who is at work in you, both to the willing and working for His good pleasure." Through this salvation process, God is already at work IN YOU personally to bring about the willing and the doing of the "working out" your salvation into your life.

So, isn't this a bit contradictory? In verse 12 it is saying that I am to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling and in verse 13 it says that God is already at work in me to work it out. So which is it? Do I work it out into my life or does God do it? This is the classic question of the walk of faith. Think about it-THE WALK OF FAITH. The WALK (that's what you do) of FAITH (that's what God does). It's the same balance throughout the Scriptures-100% from God and 100% from man! Now, don't get too haughty about your percentage. God' 100% is so much more than yours! But I am to do all that I can do BY FAITH that God will do all that He can do in working out my own salvation into my life and my behavior.

Think of it! By faith Noah built a boat. If Noah had built the ark like most believers live by faith, that boat would have never been built. Noah had to work very hard, building that ark. But he did his best (his 100%) by faith that God was already at work (His 100%). This principle is everywhere you look! My favorite is found in the miracles of Jesus. Jesus involved His disciples in filling the waterpots at the wedding and pouring out the wine; Jesus is the one who changed the water into wine. At the death and burial of Lazarus, Jesus showed up 4 days after his death. Then he asked where they laid him, had them move away the stone from the tomb and take off the grave-clothes, but only Jesus could resurrect Lazarus from the dead.

YOU DO THE POSSIBLE BY FAITH THAT GOD WILL BE ALREADY AT WORK DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE. That's the principle and it is still that way today in your life. This principle is all summed up in these words: 20"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). That's it! Each day I am to work out the supernatural work of God that He has performed in my heart, knowing that He is already at work inside me to empower the willing and the doing. He is already working in me.

It's a supernatural partnership with the God of gods. I must do all that I can do-my best, by faith that God is doing what He can do (His best) in my life. Now if that doesn't motivate you, then you may already be in need of the local mortuary and don't know it. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."