Philippians is an amazing book because Paul is not writing it to resolve a laundry list of problems. He is writing to thank them for their support through hard times. For this reason we see a little more of how Paul wanted to communicate to churches and other believers. We see more of the way it is supposed to be.
Reading through Philippians is beautiful, but also challenging. Paul says that we may feel uncomfortable with some things because they are not common in our society. Specifically I believe that Philippians chapter one has many lessons in godly behavior that are foreign to our culture, and especially our culture's concept of masculinity. You see, men are just as much the victims of societal pressures to fit into a gender mold as women are. The gender expectations for men might be less oppressive than those imposed on women; but they are no more biblical.
I say this because the truths in the first chapter of Philippians fly in the face of some old-school "masculine" ideas here in the west. So with that, let's look at Philippians 1:1-11, and see what we should act like. What we should all act like.
Don't be Self-Aggrandizing
The letter starts in the classic manner of Roman letters—first with a greeting that includes the author (Paul and Timothy), the recipients (the saints at Philippi) and Paul's personalized version of the customary Greek greeting "mercy and peace."
How he does it is interesting though. Both authors are introduced as servants. Not cool servants either, the word used here is a very specific reference to a low and honor-less class of slaves.
Another notable change here from most of Paul's letters is the lack of any mention to his apostleship. Paul and Timothy are introduced without authoritative titles. In many of Paul's letter he was defending his apostleship against attack. Now to the Philippians he doesn't have to, and so his authority isn't even mentioned. This also presents Paul and Timothy on equal terms—specifically before Christ, whom they serve in lowliness.
His language throughout the letter is also inclusive of the Philippians, who are seen as laboring alongside Paul. In verse 4, they are in a partnership in the gospel. The gospel is seen as a great equalizer, to bring all things under Jesus. This stands in contrast to the traditional use of religion—to cow people under servitude to the authority structure of that religion.
Like all good leaders, Paul wasn't on an endless campaign to assert his own authority.
Show Appreciation
It was customary for letters of this time to have a short prayer, wish, or thanksgiving after the introduction and before the body of the letter. As Paul moves on into his thanksgiving, he expounds more on the person and work of Christ. He also expresses a very real, human thankfulness for other faithful believers who have been working alongside Paul to support him and spread the gospel.
Paul proclaims his love for the Philippian believers and his joy and thankfulness for their faithfulness to the gospel and Christian fellowship. He then records a prayer for them in verses 9-11.
The mood here is a very emotional one. Verse three is a particularly heartfelt and impressive statement. Paul thanks God for them whenever he remembers them. Not in some self-righteous "time to pray for those people again" way. Paul is experiencing joy. They make Paul happy, and they make Paul thankful.
If you look closely, you will notice that Paul is thanking God for the growth and good works of the Philippians. This is because all of this is a product of God working in them. However, Paul offers them genuine praise for their good work and faithfulness.
Paul was not writing to a perfect church, and he didn't require perfection in order to say something nice and genuine. Later in the letter Paul was going to reprimand a couple individuals, which means there were problems in the church. Yet Paul offers genuine praise, and does not taint the praise itself by connecting the reprimand to it.
Conservative males in this culture can be particularly stingy with their compliments. This is probably do to a fear of complimenting things that have no positive value. There is a concept that people have to earn compliments. While this is not the worst thing ever, expecting people to perform up to a ridiculously high standard in order to "earn" your approval is only born out of a kind of backhanded arrogance, where your good grace is of greater value than the person struggling to earn it.
We must remember that people have worth in and of themselves, and our communication should show love and acceptance, whether we get to express that in compliments, or help them with guidance, reminders, or even rebuke. Ultimately, our own favor and opinions are of little worth—but the tongue has the power to heal or destroy. The effect our words have on others is important—so don’t be stingy with praise.
Express Affection
Look at verses 3 and 7-8. This is pretty powerful and emotional language. Paul is emotionally mature, and can be honest with his own feelings and express them to others.
Paul says things in this section that many of us guys would classify as being 'sappy'; and in our sense of masculinity we would never let such things slip out in public. Yet he says them, and they are right and appropriate and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
We must not let social norms and pressures keep us from feeling what needs to be felt and saying what needs to be said.
Be Dependent
Paul and Timotheus serve Jesus (v. 1). They are praying to God to continue working on the Philippians (v. 3-11), and they recognize that the good works and Christian growth in both themselves and the believers at Philippi are the product of Christ alone (v. 6, 7b, 11).
All of this points to one inescapable truth.
Don't Go It Alone
Finally, let’s not forget the reason for the letter in the first place, and one of the chief reasons for Paul's joy in writing—the fellowship of the Philippian believers. Even though Paul is imprisoned, he is not alone, he is actively reaching out for others to work with, to support, and to be supported by. There are whole passages on this, but let me just say that Paul is not an intrepid individualist here. He is part of a community of believers who are in this together—just like we should be.
Closing Comments
So why be like Paul in all of these things? Because I believe the Holy Spirit is inspiring these writings of Paul in such a way as to set him as an example for us to follow, as the book itself states in 3:17.
What Jesus wants is vastly more important than what anyone else wants. I encourage all of us to value the traits Jesus wants of us more than those our culture or traditions imposes on us.
Under Grace,
John Fritz
John Fritz is the Volunteer Coordinator for Thoughtful Life Ministries and the primary author of the Thoughtful Life Journal, which is published weekly from March through September. The purpose of this blog is to challenge and encourage those who have a desire to cultivate a more meaningful walk with Christ. Visit our Homepage to learn more about the ministry and our annual two-week summer Discipleship Program for teens and young adults.