Introduction to Philippians

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we find something more than just doctrine and theology.  It goes without saying that doctrine and theology are essential for the Christian to know, especially in this day with so much false teaching flooding the Church.  Some Christians feel intimated by those two words, and even threatened by them.  They feel doctrine and theology are the purview of preachers and doctors of theology.   But doctrine and theology shape how Christians view the world in which they live and how they relate to their heavenly Father.

While Philippians is overflowing doctrine, there is much more “experience” and heart in it than in any other epistle.  What Paul has done in this letter is to expose the proper Christian experience in a world full of hardship and disappointments.  In it, we read of the all the resources available to the believer to get the most of his relationship with God yet living in a sinful world.  As Darby has succinctly observed:

God has condescended to furnish us with this beautiful picture of the ideal Christian life, as well as the truths that enlighten us, and the rules that direct our walk.

The special significance of Philippians in 21st Century America

The quest for peace is on!  In order find peace of mind and a break from the hustle and bustle that characterizes our society today, Americans are swallowing tons of tranquilizers.  In addition to the drugs we consume, there are the tons of so-called “self-help” tranquilizing books that overflow bookstore shelves, promising to return sanity to our lives.   These overnight best-sellers, written perfect looking men and women who grace their covers with their sparkling, toothy smiles, contain the “keys” to finding happiness, fulfillment, joy, and peace in life.

However, these kinds of things are troublesome for a number of reasons:

• First, whenever the drug or “key” fails to comport with reality, whatever peace of mind they bring will not last;
• Second, no matter how hard we work at it, we cannot ignore sin.  No amount of medication, positive thinking or mental push-ups can deal with the sin problem that plagues us all;
• Third, the only true and lasting peace is the peace that comes from God.  This kind of peace cannot be bought, learned, or discovered using pills, booze, books, or self-talk;
• Last, those trusting in tranquilizers, whether books, pills, music, relationships, or vacations are likely operating on the false assumption that spiritual turmoil is an evil in itself.  But it is usually better to face reality than to try to escape it.  Evasion or escapism leads to spiritual apathy.  Confronting the facts about yourself is the only course which can lead to “the peace of God that passes all understanding.”

If a person wants to know true and lasting peace, they must turn to God, and more specifically to Philippians 4:7,

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This short letter was written by a man who had found that peace.  Paul had found that most elusive of life’s treasures.  It’s not money.  Or fame.  Or family.  Or youth.  Paul had found happiness.  Listen to him:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  (4:4)

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 everything through him who gives me strength. (4:11-13)

Those are amazing verses, especially in light of the fact that they were written by a man in prison.  So, the reasons for studying this little gem are:

• It reveals the secret of true happiness.  How this happiness can be obtained is clearly revealed in this letter.
• It reveals the man who had learned this secret.  Philippians is one of the most personal of all Paul’s letters.
• It reveals the Christ who taught Paul this secret.  Christ is our pattern and our enabler, and He is portrayed in this letter in the greatness of His condescending love.