In Philippians 3:1, Paul tells us the sphere in which we are to rejoice: IN THE LORD. This shows why are joy is not based on circumstance, for, it is rooted in our immutable God.
The Philippians were to rejoice, even though they were being challenged by Judaizers, for whom Paul had harsh words (i.e."those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh"). While Paul had more reason to put confidence in the flesh than all those opponents, as listed in vs 5-6, he said that all things were counted as worthless compared to the surpassing value of KNOWING CHRIST! And, he talked about pressing on toward the goal of Christ-likeness, which will be realized in glory.
Paul encourages having that same attitude of pressing toward the goal of being like Christ, and said that if anyone thought any differently, that God would reveal it to them. No matter what, he said they were to live out what God has already done in their life.
He offered himself and others like him (like Timothy) as examples of those pressing on toward the goal, which he stated as being transformed in HIS likeness in glory. His example was also in contrast to the "enemies of the cross of Christ" which he describes.
In Chp 4, Paul exhorts them to stand firm, be united, rejoice always, be gentle, not to be anxious and to pray with thanksgiving, keep their minds on things that are excellent and praiseworthy, and to practice what they have learned.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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