Philippians instills in me a longer view of the battle– the marathon of the Christian life. It offers joy and hope and encourages me to strain toward the goal, because Christ Jesus has made me his own (3:12)! I know that I am not always overflowing with joy and thanksgiving, in stark contrast with the Apostle Paul’s admonition to rejoice always. Lest I feel discouraged, Scripture reminds me that contentment is learned (4:11). Ultimately, it is God who began a good work in me and He will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (1:6). Knowing this makes it a delight to run the race with perseverance. I press on toward the prize and fix my eyes on Jesus. I emulate Christ’s life and example. When I fail, I know that God is still faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will work in me both to will and to work for his good pleasure (2:13). He will supply every need of mine through Christ Jesus (4:19).
I should live life with confidence. The Christian life depends on God’s faithfulness to us, not in my own faithfulness to Him. If I sin, I have an advocate. God is glorified as I relearn essential Christian truth: that I have a righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, not by works (3:9). We hope in the Lord, knowing that our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to himself (3:20).
As a counselor, it will be important for me to have hope and not be caught up in the despair of my counselees. Seeing how Paul admonishes Euodia and Syntyche, I am reminded to rejoice always (4:4), even if I face tense and conflict-like situations. If I am to avoid picking up the anxiety, fear, or worries of my counselees, I must count the things of this world as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (3:7). I must quiet my soul and not run after things too great and marvelous for me (Psalm 131:1). If I am to point others to Christ, I must look at God’s provision in Christ and not hope in my E-trade portfolio. Instead of self-centeredness, I am to have the mind of Christ, a mind of humility which counts others more significant than myself (2:3ff). Faith works itself out in love, to the praise and glory of God.
