Boldness through Chains--Philippians 1:14

“And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear”
 

One of the most powerful and influential books in the history of mankind is John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. It chronicles the lives and stories of Christians who have been persecuted from the time of Christ up until the reign of Bloody Mary in the late 1500’s. It held such influence that at one time it, along with the Bible, was chained to the pews in many Protestant churches throughout England. (Books were often so rare and valuable that they would chain them to the pews to keep them from being taken). In the introduction to one edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyr’s a man by the name of James Miller Dodds said it well:

"After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the Book of Martyrs. Even in our own time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification."[1]

It is evident from the great influence Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (or even the modern Jesus Freaks) that people giving their life for the cause of Christ is a great motivator towards evangelism and a great source of edification. Something stirs deep within me whenever I read these stories of men and women who gave their lives for the cause of Christ. I am always inspired to ask myself two questions whenever I read these accounts; do I love Christ so much that I would suffer for Him and do I love Christ so much that I am willing to live every moment for Him?

Apparently the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment had the same impact upon those Christian’s who had heard of his situation. The way that this sentence is worded helps us to know that it is not as if the Philippians had been not preaching the word at all—it is more that they are no more passionate and bolder than they have ever been and because of this Paul is rejoicing.

So, we see the mighty influence that Paul’s chains are having. Even though Paul is chains the gospel is not. The great truth that Paul is proclaiming to us is that even though Christian’s might be killed or chained their message (the gospel) cannot be fettered (chained). The great gospel of the glory of God cannot and will not be stopped-and for this Paul (and we) will rejoice. As John Eadie eloquently puts it, “though they might grieve at the confinement of the man, they would be comforted that the cause with which he was identified had not been arrested in its progress.”[2]

Today:

• Rejoice in and worship the Lord who will not be thwarted
• Be emboldened in the cause of Christ and continue to advance the gospel without fear
• Ask yourself, “Do I love Christ so much that I am willing to suffer for Him?
• Ask yourself, “Do I love Christ so much that I am willing to live for Him?

For your benefit Foxe’s Book of Martyrs can be checked out of the youth library (as can Jesus Freaks). Also you can read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/foxe/martyrs/files/martyrs.html
[1] Taken from http://www.pinn.net/~sunshine/book-sum/foxe.html but can also be found in the Forbush edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
[2] Eadie, John. The Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians. Taken from http://www.biblecentre.net/

The Glory of Christ spread through chains

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial (praetorian) guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ”

In Rome there were for basic types of custody: imprisonment (with or without chains), military custody (which might include being chained to a soldier), release into the custody of a trustworthy person, and release on one’s own recognizance.[1] More than likely Paul would have been in military custody. It is quite likely that while Paul was dictating this letter he would have been chained to a Roman guard.

It is not difficult to imagine that Paul would have had a significant influence upon these men that he was chained to. They would have undoubtedly witnessed Paul’s character, his attitude, and his deep love for Jesus Christ. It would not be hard to imagine Paul even preaching sermons to these men. These men were chained to the preaching of the gospel—Paul had a captive audience. With each shift change Paul would have a new person to share the gospel with. You can see then how Paul’s chains where used to spread the gospel all throughout Rome. As William Hendriksen noted, “Paul’s case and even better, Christ’s cause, became the ‘talk of the town’.”[2]

It is also possible that Paul’s imprisonment would have been a little different. Even if Paul where not specifically chained to a Roman guard (praetor) Paul’s meaning does not change: The gospel is not hindered in fact it is actually advancing. As Hendriksen further commented, “when the apostle went to Rome as a prisoner, it was in reality the gospel that went to Rome”.[3] What Hendriksen is saying is that no matter where Paul was or in what circumstance he was in the gospel went with him. Even in his death Paul would bear witness to the greatness of Christ.

The questions that we must ask ourselves today are thus:

• If I were chained to a guard would they consistently here the gospel and see the gospel modeled in the way I lived my life?
• Does the gospel go with me wherever I go? Meaning: Am I a witness to the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ no matter where or in what circumstance I am in?

Tomorrow we will learn about the second way the gospel is advancing through Paul’s imprisonment. Today we learned that Paul’s chains are advancing the gospel into the community at Rome. Tomorrow we will see how the gospel is advanced inside the Church through Paul’s imprisonment.

[1] Arnold, Clinton. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary. p351
[2] Hendriksen, William. NT Commentary: Philippians, Colossian, Philemon. p69
[3] Ibid, p68

Paul's Situation--Philippians 1:12

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me…”

Around 57 AD Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome. In it Paul says this, “I long to see you…I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you…” We learn further from Acts 19:21 and 23:11 that Paul’s longing was to preach the gospel in Rome. Perhaps he knew the impact this would have upon the world. If the gospel can spread to Rome then it can spread throughout the world. Paul had longed to go to Rome as a freedman and preach the gospel.

But something happened shortly after Paul wrote his letter to the Romans. He was imprisoned in Caesarea. It certainly would have appeared that this evangelist’s days were over (and perhaps he would never be able to preach the gospel in Rome). But God in his great wisdom actually used this circumstance to further His kingdom and fulfill Paul’s passion; this imprisonment would lead Paul to Rome. Gerald Hawthorne in his commentary to the Philippians says it well:

“When Paul was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21) and shut away in prison in Caesarea (Acts 23, 24), one could easily imagine that this was the end of his ministry, especially as his imprisonment dragged on month after month (Acts 24:27). But in the providence of God the place of his imprisonment, the Praetorium of Herod (Acts 23:35), and the length of his imprisonment, both served to thrust the gospel up into higher levels of Roman society than it had ever reached before.”[1]

We are going to learn in the coming days that this seemingly crummy circumstance has really served to advance the gospel. What I really love about this story is that Paul is dying to get to Rome—and in the wisdom of God he sends Paul to Rome as a prisoner. As we are going to learn in the coming days Paul was able to minister to people and places that had he not been a prisoner he probably would have never won an audience.

Before applying this I also want to mention another possibility of Paul’s circumstances. As one commentator noted, “Verse 12 does not seem to be a reference to his imprisonment, about which previous communication with the Philippians had informed them, but to more recent developments. Perhaps Paul had been moved from his hired house (Acts 28:30) to the Praetorian camp or to some place more accessible to the trial scene.”[2]

So, it is quite possible that it is not only Paul’s imprisonment that is causing concern. Paul certainly would have understood what James meant when he said, “you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that”. For Paul each day was up in the air. He had to live each day by faith.

Think upon this today:

• What “crummy” situations in my life could be used for God’s glory?
• Would your attitude be the same as Paul’s if things did not work out quite like you planned?
• Do you live each day by faith or do you plan out your entire life?

[1] Hawthrone, Gerald. Word Biblical Commentary. Taken from http://www.biblecentre.net/
[2] Kent, Homer. Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Taken from http://www.biblecentre.net/

How to produce fruit you must have--Philippians 1:11

“…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…”

This is such a difficult concept yet it is profoundly simple. You must produce fruit. The Bible is clear about that. 1 John is replete (full) of examples of this great truth. Jesus often spoke of those who do not produce fruit being “cut down”. Yet Jesus is equally stern in reminding us that “Apart from me you can do nothing”. (John 15:4) And it is at this point that we so often get confused in the way we live our lives. The Christian is called to produce fruit, yet we in our own strength can NOT produce this fruit, yet in Christ Jesus we WILL produce this fruit of righteousness. As Paul’s prayer states, “the fruit of righteousness THAT COMES THROUGH Jesus Christ”.

How do you have fruit in your lives? It is by being attached to Jesus Christ, by abiding in the vine, that you will bear fruit. If you are not producing fruit then it is because you are not in Christ. Sadly, in our modern “churchianity” we have made up a third type of person. We have erroneously used Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians to create a “carnal Christian”. We have told people that there is a “Spiritual Christian” and there are people who are “Carnal Christians”. These carnal Christians are those who are not following after the Lordship of Christ. They perhaps are not filled with the fruit of righteousness. By their own stubbornness and sinfulness they refuse to abide in the vine (although they did make a decision for Christ at one time) and therefore they do not bear fruit. We are told that we cannot question their salvation, because they sincerely believed in Christ, yet they produce NO fruit! Biblically speaking there is no such thing as a “carnal Christian” as defined above. There is no such thing as a Christian that ultimately does not follow after Christ as Lord. There is no such thing as a Christian that does not produce fruit.

The point for us to understand from today’s passage is that Christians are expected, yea commanded to produce fruit! Yet, this fruit is not something we in ourselves can produce. It “comes through Jesus Christ”. Therefore, we must cling to Christ all the more. We must trust in Him to produce this fruit of righteousness.

Ask yourself today?

• Is the fruit of righteousness (check Galatians 5:22) evident in my life?
• Am I trusting in Christ to produce His fruit in and through me or am I trying to produce fruit by my own flesh?

For more information on the unbiblical notion of Carnal Christianity please read:

http://www.wayofthemasterradio.com/pdf/ElvisCarnalChristian.pdf
http://www.soundofgrace.com/feb99/khmarks.htm
http://www.eternallifeministries.org/lrs_gospel2.htm

If you would like resources on “producing fruit” check out the following resources:

Even though it does not specifically deal with “producing fruit” John Piper’s book entitled “Faith in Future Grace” is an excellent resource for “living the Christian life”.

Many of the articles at the following address will help in your “sanctification”:
http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Sanctification/

Being clean when Jesus comes

“…and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…”

In ancient times the finest pottery was thin. It had a clear color, and it brought a high price. Fine pottery was very fragile both before and after firing. And this pottery would often crack in the oven. Cracked pottery should have been thrown away. But dishonest pottery salesmen would fill in the cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable on the shelf, especially when the piece was painted or glazed. This wax ruse however was immediately uncovered if the pottery was held up to bright light, especially sunlight, for the cracks would show up as darker lines. It was said that the artificial element was detected by “sun-testing.” Such a vase was known as "sun-judged". It is notable that the honest pottery dealers would mark their product with the words "sine cera" which means “without wax”. Our English "sincere" comes from the Latin words "sine cera"![1]

“Sun-judged” or “without wax” is precisely what the Greek word that is translated here “pure” is referring to (some translations use the word “sincere”). In essence what Paul is saying is that he prays that the Philippians love might abound more and more and that its abounding love might be grounded in knowledge and all discernment. This type of love then leads to approving that which is vital, which in turn leads to being made pure (without wax) and blameless in preparation for the day when we stand before Christ.

How can approving (choosing) that which is vital lead to our being found sincere and without hypocrisy? How does living our lives daily in conformity to that which vital create in us purity? Perhaps whenever we are spend our lives for that which is vital we no longer have lives focused on self (and therefore lives focused on sin). Our approving what is vital serves as a filter. It removes that which we should not be spending our lives on and creates in us a pure and single-minded heart that goes fully after God and the advance of His beautiful Kingdom.

The word for “blameless” can either mean, “Not cause others to stumble” or perhaps “to not stumble ourselves”. How can approving (choosing) that which is vital lead to our “not stumbling” or “not causing others to stumble”. Certainly having a singled-minded focus on the advancement of the Gospel (or “knowing God and making Him known”) will create in us an others-oriented lifestyle. As we line up with God’s great purpose in our lives we are no longer concerned with building our own kingdom but instead we are focused on advancing His. This causes us to be focused on others. Also, having a God-centered life and purpose will allow us to persevere.

In one sense of the word we will stand before God without any purity or blamelessness of our own. We will stand before God filled with our own guilt, yet consumed by the righteousness and the beauty of Jesus Christ! We (those in-Christ) truly will stand before Jesus totally clean.

• Read Ephesians 5:26-27 and meditate on how you will be presented to Jesus Christ. Also notice how that will come about—how is it that God transforms us into a pure and spotless bride?
• What are areas in your life that are not as “pure” as they need to be? How can those change?
• Do you often stumble yourself? Do you cause others to stumble? How can this change?

[1] http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_19-17.htm#1:10

The Ground of Paul's Joy and Confidence--Philippians 1:7

“It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”

What do you aspire to in this life? When you come to the end of your life, what do you hope to have accomplished? What do you want your tombstone to say?

In Hebrews 11:33-38 we read of those in the “Hall of Faith”. They “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became might in war, put foreign armies to flight…some were tortured…others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy-wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

As we look at Philippians 1:7 we see that Paul is in prison as he is writing to the Philippians. Yet we see that the Philippians remained with Paul—they showed evidence that they truly were partners with Paul, thereby displaying that they truly are partakers of the grace of God. Peter O’Brien sums it up well, “God in his grace had prompted the Philippians to alleviate Paul in his imprisonment, so that they were not shamed or intimidated by the bonds of their apostolic founder; they were prompted to cooperate with him in defending and propagating the gospel as well as to suffer for its sake.”[1]

How would the Philippians have answered the above questions? Their aspiration in life was the same as Paul’s, “that Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death”. Their hopes, dreams, goals, everything was tied up in this great calling—to advance the gospel of God’s glory. They probably did not care what their tombstone said; only that Christ might be honored. And we see this reflected in their refusing to forsake Paul in the midst of prison, they even went so far as to put themselves in a place where suffering is not only likely but inevitable.
They were not concerned with putting themselves in a place for personal blessings, they were not concerned with ensuring their own personal comfort—they were concerned with spreading the glory of God, despite the costs. And this is why Paul has confidence. This is why Paul has joy. This is why Paul is thankful to God for them. The work of God is evident in their lives, as Hendriksen says, it is the “operation of God’s grace which enables one to work in the interest of the gospel, to suffer for it, and to assist those who proclaim and defend it”.[2]

Ask yourself:

• Is the grace of God evident in my life?
• Am I willing to suffer for the cause of Christ?
• Do I assist those who proclaim and defend the gospel?
• Do I proclaim and defend the gospel myself?
• Do my dreams and aspirations more accurately reflect “Christians” of American culture or Christians of the biblical times?

[1] O’Brien, P.T., NIGTC Epistle of Philippians. p70
[2] Hendriksen, William. NTC Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. p.56

God Finishes What He Starts--Philippians 1:6

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”

As I scan through my Microsoft Office files I notice many unfinished projects. Many projects abandoned forever, some I intend to pick up later. Walking through town I notice this same phenomenon. Unfinished houses, business that never quite reached their goal, or worse yet friendships and marriages that did not make it. Our culture has more information, more opportunity, more technology, and yet more unfinished business than any other culture. We far too quickly move from one project to the next and we often lack the virtue of perseverance. I am very thankful that God is not like us; God always finishes what He starts.

Paul is in the midst of thanking the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel. He thanks them that they have partnered with him from the first day until now, but not only will their partnership continue but God is going to carry on this “good work” until the “day of Jesus Christ”. But, what is this good work?

Three major opinions have been advanced concerning this text. One view holds that the “good work” is primarily referring to the financial giving of the Philippians. Those who hold to this view would point out that “partnership” in verse 5 almost always is referring to a financial transaction. Therefore, God is going to use the Philippians financial giving for His eternal purposes. John MacArthur, among others, notes that the verb translated “has begun” is used only here and in Galatians 3:3-both times referring to salvation itself.

[1] Therefore, Paul is saying that God began this work of salvation and therefore God is going to continue it.
I agree with MacArthur that God begins the work of salvation and God finishes the work of salvation. However, I do not agree with establishing that doctrine from this text. I do not believe that Paul is here referring to the Philippians salvation. Nor do I believe it is only referring to the financial giving. I agree with P.T. O’Brien as he further defines the Philippian partnership, “The meaning is not restricted exclusively to the monetary support given by the Philippians to the apostle, but denotes co-operation in the widest sense, their participation with the Apostle whether in sympathy or in suffering or in active labor or in any other way.”[2]

What we must realize is that in Philippi they would have perhaps understood the word “work” to refer to the advancement of a military campaign. We see this military advancement theme all throughout the letter to the Philippians. It appears that Paul is saying they have “partnered together in the advancement of the gospel from the first day until now, and will continue in the good work of gospel advancement that God has begun in them.” Paul’s point then is that God will continue to advance the gospel until the day of Christ Jesus when it is brought to completion.
The point then is still the same, God finishes what He starts. Whether it is financial giving, gospel partnership, or salvation itself; God’s work will be accomplished.

Ask yourself:

• Has God begun a good work in my life? (Salvation, Advancing the Gospel, etc.)
• Do I see the continuing work of God in my life?
• Stop and reflect upon how awesome and mighty God is that He will bring all things to completion, thank Him for not giving up on you, but for finishing His work.

[1] MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. p.1711
[2] O’Brient, P.T., NIGTC Commentary Philippians. p.62.

Partners in the Gospel--Philippians 1:5

“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Paul has been discussing his thankfulness to God for the Philippians. He is thankful because of their remembrance of him, which reflects their “partnership” in the gospel. The word there for “partnership” is often translated “fellowship”. In this instance “partnership” is actually the favored translation. In our modern times we have lost the biblical meaning of the word fellowship. D.A. Carson explains well:

In common use “fellowship” has become somewhat debased. If you invited a pagan neighbor to your home for a cup of tea, it is friendship; if you invite a Christian neighbor, it is fellowship. If you attend a meeting at church and leave as soon as it is over, you have participated in a service; if you stay for coffee afterward, you have enjoyed some fellowship. In modern use, then, fellowship has come to mean something like warm friendship with believers.[1]

Carson goes on to explain the biblical meaning of fellowship. In that culture the word commonly had “commercial overtones”. If two people go into business together then they have entered into “fellowship”. As Carson points out, the “heart of true fellowship is self-sacrificing conformity to a shared vision”. Paul’s biggest reason for joy then is the Philippian partnership in the advancement of the gospel.

Paul is reminded of the Philippian partnership from the first day until now.[2] One of the first converts, Lydia, immediately invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house. Even after Paul left Philippi to continue on his missionary journey the Philippians sent numerous gifts to him on his way to Thessalonica. Not only were they passionate about giving to Paul but to the believers in Jerusalem as well. We learn in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 that even though the Philippians were poor they contributed well beyond their means to the poor saints in Jerusalem. Furthermore, the Philippians had recently sent Epaphroditus along with gifts to assist Paul during his imprisonment. The Philippians truly modeled, “self-sacrificing conformity to the shared vision” of advancing the gospel.

Could Paul be thankful for us? Could he see in the way that we live our lives, the way we spend our money, the way that we spend our time and energy, a “self-sacrificing conformity to the shared vision” of advancing the gospel?

Ask yourself today:

In what way am I a partner in the gospel?
What am I doing to advance the gospel?
What way can I improve in advancing the gospel?

[1] Carson, D.A., Basics for Believers, p.16
[2] To read about the gospel first coming to Philippi read Acts 16

Intercessory Prayer--Philippians 1:4

“…always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy…”

It has been said of Richard Baxter that”he stained his study walls with praying breath”[1] I have been told a similar but somewhat different story of Baxter: I had heard that today you can still see where he stained the walls in his prayer closet with his tears. Either way, Baxter prayed as he preached, “As a dying man to dying men”. What Baxter was doing, and the Apostle Paul before him, is called intercessory prayer--coming before God and pleading on behalf of other men.

This is precisely what we see Paul doing in Philippians 1:4. It was Jewish custom in Paul’s day to pray at specific times. Perhaps, Paul had a specific time where he would pray specifically for the Philippians. Or Paul could be saying that whenever he prays he never forgets to pray for the Philippians. Either way Paul prays for them with with joy.

Not only does Paul pray with joy but he prays for ALL of the Philippians. It is not by accident that Paul includes the word “all”. Even upon a cursory reading of his letter to the Philippians you can detect that they are struggling with disunity. Throughout the letter Paul is going to be encouraging the Philippians in their advancement of the gospel to do so in unity. Paul is saying that he comes before God daily to intercede on their behalf (every believer at Philippi).

I could preach an entire year on prayer and still not exhaust it’s importance. What I want you to catch in this brief devotional is that Paul prayed passionately with joy for the Philippians, and he prayed for all of them. In our ministry here at New London, I can testify to you that God moves through the prayers of His people.
I have a list in my office of people that show no evidence of spiritual fruit, I pray for them frequently. I pray for your families. I pray for you. I also keep a personal list of each of your names. On one side of the paper are the names of those of you who show evidence of spiritual fruit. I pray for you that God might continue to grow you and produce in you spiritual fruit (that He might make you worthy of the gospel). In the middle I have names of some of you that make professions of faith but it is not obvious whether you follow Christ or the world. For you I pray that God might make known to you, and to us, where you stand. If you do not know the Lord, I pray that he draws you to himself. If you do know the Lord, I pray that you might be given a passion for His glory and that you might be completely sold-out to Christ. Lastly, on the left-hand column is a list of those of you who do not show evidence of spiritual fruit. I consistently pray for your souls. I plead with God to do a mighty work in your life and to save you! Let me tell you, there are few greater joys in my life than moving a name from the left or middle to the far-right! There is nothing better than experiencing God! What a joy to see prayer answered in your lives.

Upon the topic of prayer, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I pray?
• Do I pray more for others or for myself?
• Do I see answers to my prayers? (If not, you are in trouble at the heart of your relationship with God).
• Am I able to pray with joy?

[1] E.M. Bounds, “Purpose in Prayer”, http://www.oldlandmarks.com/embpurp.htm

Thankfulness for the Work of God

Philippians 1:3

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…”

A story is told of a pastor on a short-term mission trip that was leading worship in a leper colony. A woman who had been facing away from the pulpit turned around. “It was the most hideous face I had ever seen”, said the pastor. “The woman’s nose and ears were entirely gone. She lifted a fingerless hand in the air and asked, “Can we sing “Count Your Many Blessings”?” Overcome with emotion the pastor had to leave the service. He was followed by a team member who said, “I guess you’ll never be able to sing that song again.” “Yes I will,” he replied, “but I’ll never sing it the same way.”

You will not pick up the marvelous words of Paul in Philippians unless you understand his situation as he is writing this. More than likely as Paul is writing he is either shackled to a Roman guard or one who is close by, restricting Paul’s movement. Even though Paul is in prison he still “thanks God”. We find later that he is not only thanking God but also thanking Him with joy.

What causes prisoner Paul to bust out into joyous thanksgiving? The first thing you need to know about Paul, and if you do not catch this then nothing else will make sense, is that when Paul calls himself (and Timothy) a servant of Jesus Christ, he means it. He really does mean that his will is completely given over to another. He is consumed and captivated by Jesus Christ. Paul has one passion, and that is for Christ to be honored (or to put that another way for God to be glorified). Paul’s passion in life is that he personally might know God and to be used by Him to spread His glory to the nations. If you miss this then you are going to miss everything else.

It is because Paul is seeing his passion fulfilled, and living with the knowledge that his desire (that God be glorified) will never be thwarted. Furthermore, Paul is filled with joy because he loves the Philippians and is seeing fruit of the work of God in their lives. He loves Christ and His kingdom and is seeing it advance in the lives of the Philippians. Therefore, he is thanking God for His work in advancing the gospel. As Paul is remembering the work of God in the lives of the Philippians, he breaks forth in praise to God!

• Does the work of God in the lives of other believers cause you to burst with joy and thanksgiving? (If not you should be concerned for your soul).
• Are you as passionate about the glory of God as Paul was: so that, in all circumstances you can praise God because His glory is being spread?

What is a “doulos” and why do you need to be one?

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…”

Philippians 1:1

We treasure freedom. Each person longs to be truly free. Perhaps this is a desire that God has for us as well. We know from Scripture that if Christ has set us free, then we are free indeed (John 8:36), and that “it is for freedom that we have been set free” (Galatians 5:1). However, in the same vain, the Bible also teaches that we are slaves: either to God (Romans 6:22) or to sin, self, and Satan (John 8:34, 2 Peter 2:19, Ephesians 2:1-3). Romans 6:16 sums this point up beautifully, “Do you know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness”. The simple truth is that we are all slaves (in that we are held captive by our desires-either good or bad).

In Philippians 1:1, Paul employs the Greek word doulos (douloi plural), which is often translated “servant” or “bond-servant” (sometimes even “slave”). In the Greco-Roman culture doulos referred to “a class of people who were at the bottom of the social order. They became slaves, for example, through war, debt, capital convictions, and simply being born from a slave mother. In any case there were slave dealers who acquired them and sold them as property. Slaves had no rights, privileges, or freedoms in any sphere of society outside the family to which they belonged, though some of them, including doctors and accountants, were more educated than their owners.” [1] 

A doulos is one who has given his will up completely to that of his master. Paul and Timothy (like contemporary believers) have been bought by Christ Jesus. They (like we who have been redeemed) have been bought by Him and are therefore His servants; they had completely given up their own wills to that of their master-Jesus. The question to ask yourself today (and everyday) is not “will I be a servant” or “will I be a slave”. The question to ask is this, “whom will I be a servant of” or “whom will I be a slave to”.

• Does your life model a doulos (slave) of Christ Jesus or of self, sin, and Satan?
• Today, ask yourself this question, “What would my life look like if I were a doulos of Christ”?

For Further study I would like to refer you to the following websites: Samuel Bolton's True Christian Freedom can be found at http://www.the-highway.com/truefreedom_Bolton.html and for further information on the utter inconsistency of a Libertarian Freedom of the Will check out http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/libertarian.html

[1] http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1430