A Prisoner (Philippians 4)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1 NIV)

It’s easy to see the power of these words when you imagine being in prison, toward the end of your life, wondering if you will ever get out.  Paul’s joy is in the people he has helped walk with God.  His crown is filled with the jewels of their faith.  Paul finds solace in his prison cell by looking to God, who is bigger than his cell, and Paul’s companions who are walking with that same God.

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3 NIV)

He encourages them to stop speaking and/or working against one another and to work together.  Nothing is worth allowing the enemy to divide us.  Then, he gives encouragement that we would all do well to remember, even memorize.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Philippians 4:4-8 NIV)

Take the time to read those lines again.  They are worth reading over and over again.  They are worth printing out and putting next to our bed, so we see them when we get up in the morning.  They are worthy of embroidered pillows, framed pictures, plaques, and even memorization.  These are God’s powerful, encouraging words.

Paul then gets personal with his friends in Philippi:

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. (Philippians 4:9-14 NIV)

They had apparently helped him with some food or money.  As we will see on Sunday, Paul’s final imprisonment was at his own expense.  So, he needed to pay for his own food.  He thanked them for their gift – especially since this was not the first time.

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:15-18 NIV)

Once again, we are reminded that God provides what we need to do what God calls us to do.  Paul needed to pay his own way, in prison, and continue to preach the Gospel.  God provided a way through the church in Philippi…and they were faithful.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet all God's people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God's people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-23 NIV)

How about you? From where would you draw your joy?  How would you encourage those who have learned from you and supported you?  What would you share with them? 

A Prisoner (Philippians 3)

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (Philippians 3:1 NIV)

What a great reminder coming from a man who was writing from prison.  Even from behind bars, Paul is finding reasons to rejoice!

Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. (Philippians 3:2-6 NIV)

When you’re stuck in prison, you choose your teaching and preaching priorities carefully.  First of all, you can’t go over to somebody’s house to visit them.  You can’t put the important topic in your sermon for this week.  You can’t pick up a phone, send a text, Facebook message, or Skype these friends.  You need to write your thoughts in a letter.  Writing a letter back then was even more painstaking and expensive than it is today.  So you write.  Paul chose to write about the people who were still trying to convince Gentile believers that they needed to be circumcised to be saved.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:7-9 NIV)

He talks about this much more in his letter to the Galatians.  It must have been much more of a hot topic back then.  Paul just summarizes the subject here and then moves on.

I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14 NIV)

It’s so easy to lose hope when in prison.  It’s easy to lose hope even outside of prison.  Many things in life try to make us feel boxed in, trapped, or imprisoned.  When we feel like this, we can remember Paul – pressing on.

All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:15-17 NIV)

“Live up to what we have already attained,” he says.  What a powerful thought.  There is a reason we talk about “A Garden Walk” so much at Life Bridge.  We who are in Christ have already attained A Garden Walk – we are walking together with God.  Sometimes, though, we forget.  Sometimes, we fail to live that way.  Sometimes we do not live up to what we have already attained.  That’s why we need to be reminded.  Thank you, Paul.

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19 NIV)

Yes, we will work with people who are greedy.  Yes, we will have family or friends who are petty.  Yes, we will be around non-believers, struggling believers, and people who do not live out their faith very well.  But that does not need to define our walk.  We can walk together with God.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV)

Amen, Paul.  Amen.

How about you?  Are you a citizen of heaven?  Does your life reflect it?

A Prisoner (Philippians 2)

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:1-4 NIV)

Remember, now, you are imagining that you are in prison.  You cannot be there with the church you planted and love, so you are writing them a letter.  This letter is your chance to mentor and shepherd them from a long distance.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)

It makes sense that you talk to them about Jesus.  Jesus is what binds you all together.  Jesus is the reason you Church gathers together.  Jesus is your hope.  So, you are reminded of the humility of Jesus.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)

Jesus set the example you try to follow.  Jesus is the example for the believers in Philippi, too.  So, you encourage them to think of Jesus and follow his model.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:12-16 NIV)

You think about them and pause.  You’re writing this letter because you can’t be there with them face to face.  You wish you could be there.  You look at your prison bars.  You wish you could be anywhere but here.  The thoughts come out in your writing.

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. (Philippians 2:17-23 NIV)

Perhaps Timothy will bring them some joy, even though you can’t be there.  Then you think about another co-worker in ministry.  Epaphroditus has worked hard by your side, too.  He even suffered for the faith.  Perhaps you will send him, too.

And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:24-30 NIV)

How about you?  Can you imagine what it must be like to be in prison for your faith in Jesus Christ?

A Prisoner (Philippians 1)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2 NIV)

Imagine, if you will, that you want to go to a church service with a church that you began; but you can’t.  You’re in prison.  Since you can’t visit them, you do the next best thing.  You pray for them and write a letter to them.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6 NIV)

You want to encourage the church to continue in the faith that you first taught them, but you can’t be there face to face.  The letter will have to do.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:7-11 NIV)

You get concerned, though.  Will their faith waiver because you are in prison?  After all, you did start that church.  Will they be bothered by the fact that your faith has put you there?

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14 NIV)

It’s strange, really.  Most people would think that prison would stop your ministry or, at least, slow it down.  But instead, God seems to be working through you even more powerfully from behind bars.  God is raising up more people who are going out with your message.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. (Philippians 1:15-19 NIV)

“Is this it,” you think.  “Am I going to die right here in this jail cell?”

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Philippians 1:20-26 NIV)

Whether you are released or stay in prison the rest of your life, you really don’t care.  What you do care about, however, is that your flock will keep walking together with God.  So, you make an appeal.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:27-30 NIV)

A Prisoner (Philemon)

This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. (Philemon 1:1-3 NLT)

Imagine, if you will, that you helped plant a church.  It’s a smaller church – meeting in one of the member’s house.  You love the church.  The people are a blessing.  Their faith is growing strong.  Their love is apparent.  Now, however, you cannot visit them anymore because you are in jail for your faith in Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people. (Philemon 1:4-7 NLT)

Now imagine that someone from that house church visits you in jail.  It’s a little awkward, though, because your visitor is one of the servants (slaves) that live in the household.  This servant, Onesimus, ran away from his home and his master because he saw something different in you when you were there.  He wanted to learn more about your love, your joy, and your peace.

You teach him about what he came to learn.  You share the good news of the Gospel with him.  He believes, confesses, declares Jesus his Lord, and goes down into the waters of baptism.  He wants to repent of his sins and is convicted that one of them was running away from his master. Now, he turns to you, his mentor, once again for wisdom.  What should he do?

That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me--Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. (Philemon 1:8-10 NLT)

You encourage him to go back, for the sake of his conscience, his relationship with his master (Philemon), and for the unity of God’s Church.  You tell Onesimus that you will write a letter to your friend, Philemon, that he can take back with him that will explain everything.

Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. (Philemon 1:11-15 NLT)

You struggle over what to write in this letter.  This is your friend and co-worker in Christ.  The church meets in their house.  Onesimus is now your brother in Christ, too.  He is a part of Christ’s Body: The Church.  You want their meeting to result in reconciliation, not fall out.  You want them to walk away loving one another like brothers.  So, you write.

He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON'T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL! Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! (Philemon 1:16-21 NLT)

This letter will be your only opportunity to minister to Philemon, work toward reconciliation, and bring healing to this part of God’s Church.  So, you not only write, but you pray.  You pray for Philemon. You pray for Onesimus.  You pray for the right words.  Then you finish your letter.

One more thing--please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philemon 1:22-25 NLT)

How about you?  Can you imagine it?  Could you have written this letter? Would you have known what to do?