5 Powerful Lessons from Philippians

We are rejoicing with Philippians! One of the great themes of this short letter is the call to rejoice! There are powerful lessons to help us with our spiritual health in this epistle.

Spiritual Health

Lesson One – Love

The power of love to help us grow is expressed eloquently and profoundly in these opening words.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9–11 (ESV)

With love abounding and growth in knowledge and discernment, we are purified and can see the things that are consistent with the Kingdom of God and his values and character.

A prayer for more love is appropriate for all of us to express regularly. We truly need more of God’s love flowing through our lives.

Lesson Two – Humility

One of the greatest problems in the church today is the problem of pride. We simply think too highly of ourselves. Frequently, we believe we have all the answers and talk as if our opinions are sacred gospel. We resist repentance (change) because we don’t think we have done anything wrong. Remembering that repentance is necessary for growth and doesn’t necessarily reflect sin is essential for healthy living.

This powerful passage from Philippians describes the right mindset: the example of Jesus.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV)

I wonder if we are really obedient to the point of death. Sadly, I have witnessed too many Christians who are not even obedient to the point of correction!

Lessons Three – Priority

What is the priority of your life? Paul had a golden path ahead of him. He had received a prestigious education and was recognized for his zeal and accomplishments at a young age. His expectations could reach the stars. But then he met Jesus. Here’s how he evaluated himself after that encounter.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:7–11 (ESV)

We tend to cling too tenaciously to things that do not matter. We lean towards the temporal instead of the eternal. It is the way we think and act.

It is wise of us when we repent of these attitudes and embrace Jesus. The things of God will last eternally. All the glory and wealth of this world fades away. Our days here pass quickly. Are we investing in heaven or on earth?

Lesson Four – Thought Life

Where do your thoughts drift? In our day, we are besieged by negativity. There is constant division and discord. There is suffering and uncertainty, bad news and pessimistic outlooks.

Paul gives us a prescription for our day.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Make a list. Give thanks. Discipline your mind to turn to the positive instead of the destructive!

Lesson Five – Sufficiency

How do you handle hardship? What do you do when you don’t have enough? What do you do when you have too much? As we grow spiritually, we can share with the lesson of Paul’s life. He expresses it so clearly here.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV)

When we are following Jesus, we have confidence that he will see us through our most difficult days. His presence to strengthen us to face our greatest challenges.

Finally, Rejoice

So much about Philippians is about rejoicing. Paul was in prison when he wrote this, yet he could rejoice. What are your circumstances today? Find a reason to rejoice!

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Philippians 3:1 (ESV)

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