The book of Philippians is one of the most encouraging and inspiring books of the Bible for Christians. It has numerous life lessons that can teach us about how to live our lives in a positive and faithful manner. In this article, we will explore some of the important life lessons that we can learn from the book of Philippians.
The Reason Why the Book of Philippians Was Written
It is also important for us to understand the circumstances under which this letter was written. Philippian church was the first church that Paul established in the European soil on his second missionary journey to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. He wrote this letter while he was in Rome as a prisoner, where he was persecuted by the opposition of the Christian workers.
Paul had became good friends with the Philippians, and they became brothers and sisters in Christ. Consequently, when they heard that he was in prison they sent one of their members named Epaphroditus to give their offerings to him as their way of support. So Paul wrote a letter to the Philippians (which he sent it back with Epaphroditus) to express his gratitude for their support. But also, Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written to strengthen the fellow believers from the church in Philippi as they were facing persecution just as he was.
What Can We Take as Lessons From Philippians Letter?
This was a testing time to the Philippians. It seems like this was a perfect time for Paul to write to the believers in Philippi, not only to strengthen their faith in Christ but also to give them more reason to rejoice and to continue serving the Lord and sharing the gospel for the sake of Christ. What about the Christians today? Is this letter relevant to us today? Of-course it is! Christians today are still facing the same opposition . The book of Philippians teaches us important lessons in humility and perseverance, helping us to find strength and courage to stay strong in faith, remain humble and reject false teachings and hold on to the truth.
Also, check out these valuable bible study resources for kids: The beginner’s bible and the illustrated children’s bible.
As we continue to meditate and study the letter, here are a few valuable lessons that we can learn:
1. Lesson From The Book Of Philippians: Our Sufferings Are a Sacrifice to God
I remember when my grandmother had a major stroke, we prayed, fasted and hoped for her healing, but eventually she passed away a year later. I was very confused because my whole life I’ve known her to be a faithful servant of God throughout her life. She and my grandfather built a church in my community that is still serving the lives of many people today.
I also remember reading about how John the Baptist died, and how Stephan the faithful servant of God was stoned to death, and I was even more confused. Well I guess I was still immature spiritually, and my expectation was that Christians are immune from the sufferings of this world.
Rejoicing in Suffering
First Paul reveals in (Phil. 1:12-14) how his sufferings has been a blessing in disguise in advancing the gospel. He shares how other believers in Philippi have gained courage to preach fearlessly about God since he was imprisoned in Rome. This is contrary to popular belief, that if we suffer as Christians people will be discouraged and discredit God. But sometimes true conviction comes when we see other believers holding on firmly to their faith in God, becoming obedient to the point of death.
But there is something that really caught my attention in Phil 1:29 where Paul says it was granted to us to suffer for Christ. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” Philippians 1:29. Some other versions call it a privilege to suffer for him.
In the third chapter we get to understand why both believing and suffering was granted to us. The Apostle Paul says “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death.” Phil. 3:10. For someone the question might be why do we need to suffer persecutions when Jesus has already suffered? Please check this article: what is Gods purpose for suffering for a deeper understanding.
Our Sufferings Bring Honor to God
In this book, we see Paul being content with whatever the outcome may be in his sufferings. This contentment comes from the fact that Paul is fully aware of the life he was called into. The life of living for Christ. He is very cognizant of the fact that living for Christ means honoring him with your whole being, whether through life or death.
Here are some of the scriptures that resonate with (Philippians 1:29):
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24
“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
2 Timothy 3:12
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
1 Peter 4:12-13
Our suffering is not in vain, especially because the word of God assures us that the power that raised Christ from death dwells within us (Romans 8:11). But the power cannot be manifested without the sufferings or hardships.
2. Lesson From The Book Of Philippians: Rejoice Always Because “To Live is Christ and to Die is Gain”
To Die is Gain
Also I can’t help but to notice that whenever someone passes on, even though they were believers in Christ, people seem to feel pity for them. You often hear statements like “Oh shame…what happened to him/her?”. This tells me that the afterlife is still a mystery even to some believers. In this book, Paul reveals this mystery of dying in the Lord. He enlightens us that even if he suffers to a point of death, it is in fact more beneficial to him to depart and be with the Lord. But if he lives it is beneficial to the church as he will be doing more fruitful work for the Lord (Philippians 1: 21-22).
This resonates with the scripture in Revelations 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
To Live is Christ
It seems like Paul is saying, we are like agents to the kingdom of God that are not only bringing profits to our father’s business, but also making investments to the kingdom. But like any worker, it is more beneficial to get an early retirement and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but if work has to continue we are still adding value to the kingdom.
As a result, even if we had to suffer to a point of death it is still an advantage to us. Hence Paul is encouraging the church not to be afraid of any opposition because God has already given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. This scripture proves to be true when we look at the life of Jesus. I mean painful death of a loved one is extremely painful especially to those who are left behind with those memories. But let’s be honest, to see someone you love hanging in the cross is even worse. We are not the only ones to deal with such trauma, Mary the mother of Jesus, even God himself his Father, experienced the same pain even if it was only for three days.
3. Lesson From The Book Of Philippians: Trusting God’s Plan
Paul teaches us in this book that when we trust God’s plan we are bound to have positive thinking. Yet, positive thinking is not spontaneous but intentional just like forgiveness. We see this in Philippians 4:8 where he says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Paul is also bold enough to put himself as a reference for the church when he says they must put into practice whatever they learnt, heard or seen from him (Phil.4:9). Indeed in the next verse we see Paul modelling the way, and being true to his words. In Phil.4:10, It seems like there was a time when the church were not able to take care of him, but Paul being positive, he chose to think they had no opportunity to show it not because they didn’t care or got tired of him, especially because they’ve done it before.
4. Lesson from the Book Of Philippians: Contentment in Every Situation
Paul chose to focus on God and not on people. This is why he was content in his spirit throughout his sufferings. He knew that God wouldn’t fail to take care of him whether through the people he knew or through strangers. Hence he says “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:6-7.
Paul had no time to be bitter about who didn’t show up when I needed him the most, because he knew that his help comes from God and that God timing is perfect. That is why he says “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 living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:12-13.
Paul’s trust in Gods power and supply is so much so that even after receiving the gifts from the brothers and sisters in Philippi, he is grateful but also convinced that it is more beneficial to them than it is to him. “Not that I desire your gifts, what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” Phil.4:14.
5. Lesson From The Book Of Philippians: Fixing our Eyes on Jesus
In the first chapter, we learn the importance of fixing our eyes to Jesus. Paul here is warning and concerned about the false prophets/teachers who have taken the opportunity to preach from selfish ambitions while Paul is away (Phil.1:15-18). But Paul’s trust in the word of God is unshakable. He understands that even if the false teachers are teaching from selfish ambitions but the word of God will not return void without accomplishing what it was sent to do (Isaiah 55:11. He even says in Phil.1:18 “It doesn’t matter! I am happy about it, so long as Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or write motives. And I will continue to be happy.”
This is also a reminder that yes, there are false prophets, and we will know them by their fruits as Jesus taught us in Matthew. But also even the called pastors and prophets are also human, and they will make mistakes. Ours is to focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ and remember “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (ESV).
6. Lesson From The Book Of Philippians: Humility and Service
Humility
Paul encourages the Philippians to remain humble as being a humble servant serves as the core, and to share Gods love with one another. He says “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.” Philippians 2:5-7. As a humble servant, Christ gave up his divine privileges in order to become a servant of God, becoming obedient to a point of death. This being the reason why God exalted his name above all the other names.
Servant hood and putting others first
Philippians 2:3-4, tells us “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.” This is a powerful reminder that as Christians, we are called to serve god’s people and put their needs before our own.
We are called to shine like stars in this corrupt dark world we live in, so that God’s nature will be seen through the light of his children. This is also a reminder that with all the privileges that we have as the children of the most high God, it is easy to take advantage of it. But our call is to look at the first born son of God, Jesus Christ and remember that he never boasted, he was never judgmental but instead he used his gifts and power to serve others so that they also become servants of Christ.
Conclusion:
All the questions I had were answered in this book. Our lives are a living sacrifice to God. We are called to serve God with our whole beings even to a point of death just like Jesus did. And whether we live or die it is all gain to us, and so we have no reason to fear any opposition. We must be content in all circumstances, focusing on God because we know that his word will never fail to accomplish what God has sent it to do in our lives. Above everything else we need to remain humble, as this is the only way to receive elevation from God.
