Philippians part 6

We continue on at verse 12. Paul now gets humble and says he hasn't yet attained the goal he is striving for. He isn't perfect yet. However, he has put the past behind him and is forging ahead. He wants that ultimate prize: heaven. "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things" says Paul. In other words, everyone should be just like him, so much for humility. If they think differently, God will make it clear to them. Paul is right, just you wait and see.

Verse 17 makes it clear that Paul is serious about the Philippians following his personal example. Apparently, he even gave them a pattern to live by. He knows best. Those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ (representing self sacrifice and suffering) are doomed to destruction. The nature of this destruction is not clear. Paul seems to mean the decay of the physical body as opposed to a bodily resurrection. Because some people preferred to live in the present and take care of their present needs, and not bank on a heavenly future, Paul condemns them. They are citizens of the earth, he is a citizen of heaven. In heaven, says Paul, Jesus will have the power to transform the lowly bodies of the saved into a glorious heavenly version, presumably indestructible. Therefore, the Philippians should be firm in their convictions, or at least in Paul's convictions.

Moving on to chapter four. Paul pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other. These are apparently two christian women who don't get along. Imagine that. They once worked with Paul and others, spreading the gospel, in spite of being women. Paul next repeats his exhortation for the Philippians to rejoice, twice. Then he tells them the lord is near, so they shouldn't worry about anything. They should present their requests to god. Paul doesn't say god will give them what they ask for, but they will supposedly get god's peace. That should be good enough, right?

Verse 8 is actually an admirable sentiment for anyone, from christian to atheist, no gods required: "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, what ever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things." Of course, opinions as to what types of things qualify for those descriptions may differ from person to person, culture to culture. Thinking about good things does help ones state of mind.

In verse  9, Paul again exhorts the Philippians to do what HE would do. None of this WWJD stuff for them. It's WWPD. Whatever they learned, saw, or heard from him, that's what they are to practice. Then the god of peace will be with them. Paul's way is god's way, or the way to god.

More to come.