Philippians 1 ~ Partnership

The first chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians overflows with the joy in the Philippians' partnership in the gospel (verse 5). Paul responds to this joy he has by praying that the Philippians' love may abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment (verse 9). It is a different love from the concept of "love" that we have come to familiarize ourselves with. This is discerning love, to decide what is right and wrong, that they may be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (verse 11).

From verses 12-26, we can see Paul rejoicing in hardship for this will turn out for his deliverance (verse 19) to honour and proclaim Christ. His desire to be with Christ is profoundly stated in verse 23 yet he realizes that it is far better to remain in the flesh (verse 24) for the sake of his gospel partners. This prompts a question to us Christians: Like Paul, are we willing to forgo the pleasures of this life and even heaven itself to proclaim Christ?

Such rejoicing in our partnership to proclaim Christ should be equally met with the joy in our partnership to live for Christ (verses 27-30). Living for Christ includes afflictions and suffering, which can be dealt with by expecting suffering (verse 29) and being united in the truth (verse 27).

Will you be my partner in the gospel of Christ?

Philippians 2:1-11 ~ Serious Situation Needs Serious Solution

Christmas was only about a week ago and is often an annual highlight for many, be it for the festive joy of carving some turkey and ham with family and friends or listening to soothing carols or opening presents wrapped in red and green underneath the Christmas tree or ... Has Christmas lost its true meaning over the years?

The story of Christmas is not an urban myth of the heartwarming tales of human generosity but a true story of a serious solution to a serious situation. Christmas celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What kind of serious situation would require God the creator becoming part of creation where the almighty God transforms into a helpless baby? It is none other than the serious situation of our sin itself where we reject God as our ruler.

Charles Gajus who preached to us the Sunday after Christmas gave us this illustration: Imagine if you've committed a wrongdoing and have been penalized with a fine (be it a library fine, a parking ticket, etc.). If the fine is small enough, we would have no qualms of paying it. If it was a lil burdensome, we may ask family or friends for some financial assistance. But what if the fine is so huge that it is just impossible to pay off? Would you not fall on your knees, acknowledge your mistake and beg for mercy?

Similarly, our sin, deserving of punishment and death, is akin to that of this humongously unpayable fine. But God, in His loving grace, has provided us a way out. The serious solution to this serious situation? A Saviour.

Matthew 1 tells us who this Saviour is. His name is Jesus for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21) and He is also known as Immanuel, meaning God with us (Matthew 1:23), for that is how Jesus saves us - by being the God who is with us by becoming human and living as a human.

Philippians 2:5-8 should remind us that what follows the actual Christmas day is not Boxing Day sales or a return to selfish lives but Jesus' obedient humility (taking the form of man) to the point of death on a cross for the sake of us sinners. Christmas day is a reminder of God's serious solution for our serious situation of sin. Jesus is therefore the worthy Saviour deserving of the exaltation of the highest glory (verses 9-12).

Will you then take the Christmas truth seriously? All this calls for is submitting to the Saviour and serving one another. Admit that you're a sinner and accept the solution that God provides. Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Christ and respond by serving one another in love. After all, Christmas day ushers in the gift of a Saviour and the gift of a new life without sin...