some thoughts about Philippians

[jeffsi435]

In a group I participate in we are looking at the book of Philippians. One thing that I noticed about Paul in this little letter is how joyful and positive he is. Sometimes in the stories of all the hardships and trials of the churches and his own you miss that.

I also notice that how he mentions how content he is in Philippians 4:11-12. Here he is in prison and no idea when he will be free and he is able to say that he is content no matter the circumstances. I don't know anyone else in my life, ever, who has said somethiing like that. I wish I could feel a small sense of what Paul felt there.

I think it comes from his relationship with Christ. He says that he counts losing all things as rubbish compared to knowing Him Phil 3:8 And that now for him to live is for Christ Phil 1:21. He is crucified to the world and with Christ and is completely sold out for him. Gal 2:20. How many of us can really say something like that.

Rather, we might start feeling sorry for ourselves about being in jail or so far away from home or uncomfortable or no cable television or screaming for our lawyer. Paul's the picture of contentment.
The Philippians themselves saw this when Paul was in their jail for it says in Acts 16:25 that Silas and Paul were singing in jail around midnight after they had been beaten with rods and put in the stocks the day before. There was just no beating down the guys spirit.

What do you think?

 

[robaston]

My small experience

In a group I participate in we are looking at the book of Philippians. One thing that I noticed about Paul in this little letter is how joyful and positive he is. Sometimes in the stories of all the hardships and trials of the churches and his own you miss that.

I also notice that how he mentions how content he is in Philippians 4:11-12. Here he is in prison and no idea when he will be free and he is able to say that he is content no matter the circumstances. I don't know anyone else in my life, ever, who has said somethiing like that. I wish I could feel a small sense of what Paul felt there.

I think it comes from his relationship with Christ. He says that he counts losing all things as rubbish compared to knowing Him Phil 3:8 And that now for him to live is for Christ Phil 1:21. He is crucified to the world and with Christ and is completely sold out for him. Gal 2:20. How many of us can really say something like that.

Rather, we might start feeling sorry for ourselves about being in jail or so far away from home or uncomfortable or no cable television or screaming for our lawyer. Paul's the picture of contentment.
The Philippians themselves saw this when Paul was in their jail for it says in Acts 16:25 that Silas and Paul were singing in jail around midnight after they had been beaten with rods and put in the stocks the day before. There was just no beating down the guys spirit.

What do you think?

I was in prison once...detained by border police in heathrow...it was only brief, 5 hours, but God was there saying I am in control and boy, the peace!!

 

[RJ]

In a group I participate in we are looking at the book of Philippians. One thing that I noticed about Paul in this little letter is how joyful and positive he is. Sometimes in the stories of all the hardships and trials of the churches and his own you miss that.

I also notice that how he mentions how content he is in Philippians 4:11-12. Here he is in prison and no idea when he will be free and he is able to say that he is content no matter the circumstances. I don't know anyone else in my life, ever, who has said somethiing like that. I wish I could feel a small sense of what Paul felt there.

I think it comes from his relationship with Christ. He says that he counts losing all things as rubbish compared to knowing Him Phil 3:8 And that now for him to live is for Christ Phil 1:21. He is crucified to the world and with Christ and is completely sold out for him. Gal 2:20. How many of us can really say something like that.

Rather, we might start feeling sorry for ourselves about being in jail or so far away from home or uncomfortable or no cable television or screaming for our lawyer. Paul's the picture of contentment.
The Philippians themselves saw this when Paul was in their jail for it says in Acts 16:25 that Silas and Paul were singing in jail around midnight after they had been beaten with rods and put in the stocks the day before. There was just no beating down the guys spirit.

What do you think?

You're spot on! Paul is a great example of someone that knows and believes in Jesus Christ and has his peace; he spent a good deal of his time in jail converting his Jailers, no doubt.
Absolutely not taking anything away from him, he saw Christ up close and personal and his confidence was assured.

That's why God says, that for the rest of us, " Blessed are those who don't see and believe"!!

 

[Brighthouse]

I think all of you hit the nail right on the head! Just one thing I would humbly add.Paul knew who he was,and what he was promised,we know that when we doubt we usually do without,Paul had no doubt,this doubt he used to have was all cleared up in Acts chapter 9 ,I truly believe that if one ever encounters the Lord for themselves they are never ever the same again!! As you said he went through much,but he could, because he knew like we are learning,he was bought with a great price,and when someone does that for another!! That man Jesus is worth serving!! Phil 4:12-13 We to can do ALL things through our Jesus who gives us HIS strength!! amen! Blessing to you all!

 

[jeffsi435]

I think all of you hit the nail right on the head! Just one thing I would humbly add.Paul knew who he was,and what he was promised,we know that when we doubt we usually do without,Paul had no doubt,this doubt he used to have was all cleared up in Acts chapter 9 ,I truly believe that if one ever encounters the Lord for themselves they are never ever the same again!! As you said he went through much,but he could, because he knew like we are learning,he was bought with a great price,and when someone does that for another!! That man Jesus is worth serving!! Phil 4:12-13 We to can do ALL things through our Jesus who gives us HIS strength!! amen! Blessing to you all!

Despite this, it seems that most christians seek to find they're true contentment outside of their relationship with Christ. They seem to have bought into the messages of this world and try to find satisfaction in things. I know I have at times been guilty of doing that. It is easy to do when everything else is telling you other messages about where to find happiness and contentment.
My hope this year is that my relationship with Jesus will grow to the point where I can begin to experience something of what Paul did.