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Sunday School Lesson
The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church at Philippi (Philippians 1:1) while he was a prisoner in Rome. This is considered his most joyous letter. Even from this “unfortunate” position, this man did not allow circumstances to dictate his relationship with God. At the time of his second imprisonment, he wrote to Timothy, “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12b. This “security in Christ” had become woven into the fabric of his life. So, he did not write this letter to that church from the “Oh! poor me” perspective. He began this letter with his “Being confident (persuaded; convinced) of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (accomplish; perfect) it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6. His words of encouragement did not reflect the difficulties that surrounded his ministry in that city. See Acts 16:12-40. When he departed from the city, the believers had been given the spiritual and doctrinal foundation that allowed them to remain faithful, even in the face of open opposition. That church had sent Epaphroditus to aid Paul during his imprisonment. Philippians 2:25. While this Philippian was with Paul, the faithful servant of God became very sick. Philippians 2:27. This letter was delivered by Epaphroditus. Philippians 2:28-30. The apostle addressed the fact of the care that God shows for his own. “If there be any consolation (encouragement) in Christ, if any comfort (word used for the agent of consolation and/or comfort) of love (agape: selfgiving love), if any fellowship (communion) of the spirit, if any bowels (affection) and mercies (compassion for others), Fulfil (to make complete) ye my joy, that ye be likeminded (of the same mind or thought), having (possessing) the same love, being of one accord (i.e., joined in soul), of one mind.” Philippians 2:1, 2. Paul gave a warning concerning the attitude of these believers. “Let nothing (a relative negative) be done through (according to) strife (contention) or vainglory (self-conceit); but in lowliness of mind (i.e., humbleness) let each esteem (consider) other better than (i.e., above) themselves.” Philippians 2:3. Thus, there is no room for self-centeredness — nor a place for undue self-esteem — in the family of believers. Jesus Christ saved the “trade-mark” of all of his followers. “By (in) this shall all men (i.e., everyone) know that ye are my disciples (learners), if ye have love (selfgiving love) one to another.” John 13:35. Paul wrote to the young church, “Look not (relative negative) every man (i.e., each) on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4. This attitude “cuts across the grain” of human nature. With this statement as an “ideal,” our human nature finds a “divine impossibility.” However, this condition can on be met with divine help. Paul wrote, “Let this mind (to think; to be minded; exercise of the mind) be in you, which was also in Christ (the Anointed) Jesus (the Deliverer): Who, being (to exist) in the form (the property; the essence) of God (Jehovah), thought (esteemed) it not (absolute negative) robbery (to seize; to carry away by force) to be equal with (i.e., to exist as) God: But made himself of no reputation (i.e., emptied himself), and took upon himself the form (property) of a servant (lowest of bondslaves), and was made in the likeness (resemble; something made like something else) of men.” Philippians 2:5-7. As Paul continued this portion — sometimes called the Philippian Hymn — he spoke of the divinely degrading means by which this member of the Godhead came to personally know the difficulties that are part and parcel of the fallen race. He wrote of Christ “being found in fashion (figure; that which comprises the manner of life; i.e., what he was in the eyes of men) as a man (human), he humbled (to make low) himself (a reflexive pronoun), and became (having become) obedient (compliant to demands) unto (as far as) death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8. The apostle wrote of the response of the Heavenly Father — the Creator of the universe — to this act of obedience. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted (elevate above others; raise to the highest position) him, and given (granted to; bestowed on) him a name (authority; honor; rank; power; excellence) which is above (superior; beyond) every (all) name.” Philippians 2:9. It is well known that one can speak of any of the gods of this world, and little or no controversy is stirred. However, when the name “Jesus” is introduced into a conversation or writing, many different responses can be expected. One cannot be “neutral” when the name of Jesus Christ is mentioned. This fact is by divine design, since this name is “superior” to all other names. After the lame man was healed (Acts 3:4-11), Peter and John were captured (Acts 4:3) and made to stand before the religious leaders (Acts 4:7). These men, who had been responsible for the kidnapping of Jesus — and his “kangaroo court” trial — called these men to answer before their court. Peter spoke directly of Jesus Christ, and declared, “Neither is there salvation (i.e., deliverance from sin and its consequences) in any other: for there is none (absolute negative) other name under heaven given among men (humans), whereby (in which) we must (no other alternative) be saved.” Acts 4:12. Positive personal response to the name of Jesus is not an alternative for humans. The question concerns the “timing” — before the final judgment, or at the final judgment when the verdict is pronounced. Paul wrote, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (the position of a supplicant, as one who begs), of things in heaven (in the heavenlies), and things in earth (worldly; terrestrial), and things under the earth (subterranean); And that every tongue (the organ of speech) should confess (to say the same thing) that Jesus Christ is Lord (term signifies having power or authority), to (the point reached) the glory (honor resulting from a good opinion) of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10, 11.
Later, Paul wrote a letter to the young preacher, Timothy. He showed two possibilities. “Some men’s sins are open beforehand (i.e., plain before [all men]), going before (preceding) to judgment; and some men they follow after.” 1 Timothy 5:24. What will be your choice? Your answer determines your eternal destiny.
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