“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14)
Paul uses the imagery of a runner in a race to present wonderful and needed truths of Christian life. Even though the person who runs the race might have succeeded in reaching the final mark, if he or she does not run by the rules, he would be considered disqualified. The rules of Christian life and ministry are markers of our priorities and pursuits.
Here I present 7-P’s that Paul points out in his letter to the Philippian church and conclude every point with introspective questions.
my Prayer
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy… And this is my prayer…” (Php 1:4,9a)
Why does Paul pray for the Philippians? He goes on to say in verse 5 – “because of your partnership in the gospel”.
Paul shows concern for the people who partner in his ministry. We are to be concerned of their ‘spiritual growth’.
What does Paul pray? That God’s work in them will continue toward completion (1:6) and that they may grow in love, spiritual discernment and in holiness (1:9, 10). He goes on to say “for your progress” (1:25, 26).
Qn: Do I pray for those who partner with me that they may progress? How much do I pray & contribute towards their spiritual progress?
the Privilege
“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” (Php 1:29 NLT)
Paul not only rightly points to suffering as a privilege, he identifies himself with their sufferings.
“since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (Php 1:30).
It is to say, “I know what you go through”. But he doesn’t stop there. He wants to know more about their status.
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.” (2:19,20)
Qn: Do I associate or disassociate with people who suffer for Christ? Do I contribute meaningfully to express my genuine interest in them?
His Purpose
“for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Php 2:13)
There is always a struggle between God’s Purpose and People’s Pleasure. And people need to be encouraged with God’s purpose in focus. Paul doesn’t discourage them, but gives them hope.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (2:14,15)
He expresses the hope by saying, I am confident – “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (1:6)
Paul also goes onto present himself as a role model to be followed. “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (3:17)
Qn: Do I give hope or despair? Is my walk and talk examples to be emulated?
the Power
Power is the most abused and highly misused one, both in the secular and in the Christian world. A proper biblical understanding will revolutionize people in & with power and their actions.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Php 3:10)
Paul who is under the imprisonment of the Roman regime that which was known for its power and glory, is interested in knowing only the “power of His resurrection”. This power is quite contrary to the world’s power.
While world’s power comes by taking control, this power comes from laying down.
115 years back on Sep 14, 1898 at the Boscobel Central House Hotel, Wisconsin, two travelling salesmen, John H. Nicholson and Samuel E. Hill, strangers to each other, shared Room 19. Before going to bed Nicholson was reading His Bible; Samuel finding his room sharer also a Christian joined in his reading and that laid the foundation of the Gideons International. That night they read from John chapter 15 verses 1 to 16.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12, 13).
Paul was longing to know this power of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for all.
When people seek opportunity to be in power and rule, Gideon was different -
“The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us-you, your son and your grandson-because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian." But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."” (Judges 8: 22, 23).
Qn: Am I craving for power and control or am I willing to lay it down to serve people?
the Prize
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14 NIV)
Paul is not talking about the earthly prize, but heavenly.
But for one to get this heavenly prize, he has to train himself strictly, run aim-fully and discipline himself tirelessly.
Qn: How well do I train myself to serve God? How well do I discipline myself? What is motivating me in God’s ministry – earthly or heavenly prize?
the Peace
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Php 4:7)
You know what is the opposite of Peace, it is Anxiety. That is why in the preceding verse Paul says, “Be anxious for nothing…” (Php 4:6)
And when someone is anxious everyone would know that. They would express frustration, sadness, depression and so on. That’s why so beautifully Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Php 4:4,5).
Not your anxiety, but let your gentleness be evident! Paul goes onto say how can one be not anxious and rejoice: “but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Php 4:6b)
A person who is always anxious is worried about himself most of the time. On the contrary the one who is “gentle” is considerate of others troubles.
I like the way the Message translation paraphrases this verse. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.”
Qn: What is evident of my life? Anxiety or Gentleness
the Profit
“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account.” (Php 4:17 NRSV)
Paul’s life and ministry presented through Philippians is a model for this change.
“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” (Php 2:17)
“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Php 1:23, 24)
People’s profit is prioritized over his personal preferences.
Qn: What profit am I seeking?
If you would have noted, almost all of the above point towards one main quality – Selflessness. From where was Paul learning and teaching this?
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:5-8)
Even as he receives the ring Schindler is overwhelmed and cries, “I threw away so much money… I didn’t do enough… (looking at his car) this car… why did I keep this car… 10 people right there… (taking his coat pin) this pin… 2 more people… at least one more… I could have got one more person… and I didn’t.”
Even as the weight of these words linger in our hearts and minds I quote Paul’s words on finishing the race…
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7,8)
Let’s begin well… do well… finish well!
This message was prepared to be shared in one of the State Conventions of Gideons International; that is the reason for the mentioning of its Founders.
If otherwise mentioned all Scripture quotations are taken from New International Version.
