“Fulfill ye my Joy”...the Wayfarer 10/18/13

10/18/113

“Fulfill ye my Joy”

“Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

(Philippians 2:2)

Today, we go to Paul’s letter to the Philippians, for guidance given in a time of adversity, both for himself, and them as well.

I ask your forbearance, as once again, I find no place to rightly divide this particular scripture, but find it must be taken as a whole instead of smaller bites.

I will not attempt to copy all four chapters in their entirety, and therefore exhort the reader to read the entire book in your own time to place this dissertation into complete context.

Paul’s opening  speaks of his desire that all good things come to those to whom he writes, and he gives assurance that difficulties encountered are not only to be expected, but welcomed… and that God is not through with them until His work is completed through them.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”

(Philippians 1:6 &7)

Despite being held himself, in bonds, Paul’s concern was for those to whom he had been sent, and not only for their physical wellbeing, but most importantly the wellbeing of their faith.

He reminds them that if they are steadfast in defense of the gospel and in the confirmation of that gospel through their lives, that they are partakers of the grace given by God even while facing the adversity he knew this people faced among a heathen society with its overbearing, and often vicious laws which persecuted so many of them.

Just as God was there to complete His work through them then, though it may have seemed so impossible to this small group, He is here among those who have succeeded them today who also may feel despair as we also face a society, equally vicious, and equally heathen, and alien to our beliefs!

The same promise given them is given us as well. Once God has begun something, he will finish it. Surrender and giving up is not now, and never will be an option for the true believer. God is not finished with YOU yet!

Paul continues with guidance and comfort throughout this first chapter, confirming that all things happen for a purpose, and that that purpose is the furtherance of God’s own plan, not necessarily that of any man or group of men.

He admonishes that not only he, but that all who believe are to be faithful even to death, but that death is not to be sought…again God is not through with us until we have accomplished our reason for being here to begin with:

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

(Philippians 1:20-24)

Paul tells us that even though he was tired of body, in torment, and ready to die to this world, he recognized that there was a need for him to continue in his work simply because it strengthened others.

 Far too may today fail to see that their purpose may be accomplished simply by living and being an example to those around them.

A few do!

A good friend of mine spent a great amount of time in the hospital, with little to no hope given for his chances of survival.

His calm acceptance of God’s will, perseverance and continuing witness to those around him was an inspiration and remains an inspiration not only to myself, but everyone he came into contact with during that stay.

He has often stated that when faced with this sort of situation, we need to examine what is happening, and even if it is to show others how a Christian dies....... finish our work!

He is still surviving, and preaching the word of God to any and all who will listen, still running the race to the best of His ability, and far better than many around who give up at the drop of a hat as soon as a personal inconvenience happens that is often of no consequence but to their pride, or lifestyle.

Back to the opening verse:

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind,

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

(Philippians 2:2-4)

Paul tells them…and us, to stand united. No one is capable of standing alone against the evil that is so pervasive now as it was then. We are in need of each other to overcome that evil.

 There is no room for selfishness, not for the present, nor for the welfare only of ourselves, in that present.

Just as the faith, moral teachings and belief in the One Redeemer, and one path to eternal life was preserved by Paul, and those to whom he wrote, it will only continue to be preserved by believers, who today are courageous enough to stand together… and insist that our children be given access to that same belief, faith, salvation, and ability to worship in a manner acceptable to our God.

Paul tells us that, just as Jesus was willing to sacrifice…never taking glory or credit for himself while on earth, so should we be willing to sacrifice  so that :

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”

(Philippians 2:10 & 11)

Our actions and concerns should be focused on His love for us, and anything done must be done with that love.

We must stand fast and defend against those who deny that love, and would refuse to allow future generations to know of and know in truth that love.

Paul cautions us to look constantly to the scriptures for guidance, and to remain within the confines of our faith in all actions taken while in this body remembering:

“For it is God, which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world:

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all.

 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”

(Philippians 2:13-18)

We are to first assure that God is working through our efforts, then give completely everything asked of us in the pursuance of those efforts. There is no room for complaint, or argument among ourselves…Ours is simply to accomplish the task given us, and stand together while doing so!

Our labor will never be in vain, even if we die in the pursuance of our purpose. We are to take joy from each other, strength from each other, and to give in return, the same to others also in need!

The third Chapter begins with the reminder that what once was law, (circumcision, and other practices under the old covenant), no longer were applicable to the righteousness required through the faith and belief in Christ. It is instead this faith and belief that grants all gain to the believer, not ceremony or custom!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample,

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we  look  for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

(Philippians 3:13-21)

“Therefore my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”

(Philippians 4:1)

Paul tells us that there is a need to put imperfection, and failures behind us and to concentrate on the future.

We are to endeavor to constantly seek God’s will in our lives, and to work together for the accomplishment of that will. He tells us that our very conscience will assure our remaining on the right path, and that if we wander, God will let us know that as well!

He gives us warnings of those about us that will not follow the example given, and points again to those who seek only to glorify and enrich themselves with false claims of following Christ while promising earthly rewards, and seeking those earthly rewards for themselves. 

He reminds us again that our true rewards are not to be found here, but in heaven.

He reminds us that once we have finished our race, then and only then will we attain the perfection that is accomplished only through Christ Jesus.

That first verse of the 4^th chapter summarizes for us the need to stand fast!  The only joy to be had may only be had through loyalty, perseverance and endurance as we continue to pursue the purpose given us to hold fast to that gospel until His return.

Paul continues the 4^th chapter with praise for the Philippians for their support of him and the loyalty shown while he remains in bondage, and promises to send other teachers he knows will continue to edify them and teach in a manner that is acceptable to both him and God. He tells them to:

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

(Philippians 4:4-6)

They were to, and we are to, rely on God, trusting Him for our needs and strength, and having faith that what is asked will be given. We are to give thanks in advance as proof of that faith!

He continues by reminding them once again of what is truly important and what is not… and to do the important things.

He stresses that God is the author of all success, and that if we are to accomplish anything, it must, and can only be done through Him!

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:12&13)

Note that I include the context of that 12^th verse in conjunction with the often quoted 13^th.

Adversity is to be expected, as well as is reward. We may only expect reward if we endure the adversity and rely totally on the strength of Jesus, not that of ourselves!

He concludes this chapter with his blessing given to those who have proven their love for him… and Christ, and tells them to give all glory and thanks only to God for those blessings.

We too, may expect God’s grace and blessing if we take the time to ASK,

We too have the same requirement to know abasement in our lives, come to repentance for our failures, have faith in the redemption only available through Christ Jesus.

We too, may fulfill our purpose through faith, endurance and seeking the true will of God in our efforts.

We too can do anything, but only through Christ Jesus!

 I close once more in prayer for my nation, and all nations, that the gospel be preserved and pursued ,and that it remain available to all generations through our efforts until the Return of Christ Jesus.

Until that return, I remain an unworthy, but willing soldier in the service of my Lord, a simple sinner saved by grace through  faith in Him alone, determined to continue to Preach the simple message left us to love one another and to

“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,”

And to defend that message given through His gospel to the last breath he allows this imperfect body to draw, imploring all who truly believe to do the same.

2 Timothy 1:12
¹²For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: 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.

Amen and Amen
the Wayfarer