The Book of Philippians
Thoughts
by
Jonathan Doctor
In chapter one my main thought comes from verse 17 where Paul says that he is appointed for the defense of the Gospel. He mentions in the verses before that some preach Christ from envy and strife, and some from good will. He mentions that some preach Christ from selfish ambition, not in sincerely; he then says nevertheless Christ is preached.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in verse 6 where it says “being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ”. That verse gives us all hope that we may not be where God wants us to be but God is not done with us and will complete His Project. We are His Work in progress.
In chapter two the great thought of selfless humility comes to me. In verse 3 and 4 we see that we should not do anything for selfish reasons but we are to think of others first. Than in verses 5 through 9 we see the ultimate example of how to be a servant leader and humble yourself.
If anyone follows Jesus’ example of humility they will see the Hand of God in their lives lifting and promoting them. I call this the law of humility, and the opposite is true, if you exalt yourself you will be humbled but if you humble yourself you will be exalted; that’s God’s way of promotion. This law is seen through out the Bible.
Another favorite verse of mine is found in chapter 2 and verse 13 where it says “for it is God Who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” Again this gives us hope for the future.
Another great thought is found from chapter 3 and verse 9 where it states that the righteousness of God comes to us by faith in Christ and not from keeping the law. I find this thought essential in sharing the Gospel because many people think they can “work” their way into heaven or that they are righteous in God’s sight because they go to a certain church, or they “did” steps A,B,C of religion. Our righteousness of God comes from Christ and from believing on Him and what He “did” for us at the Cross.