VICTORY THROUGH A LIFE LAID DOWN

 Dear Friends

Teachers have often said that the theme in Philippians is “rejoice.” I also heard a great series of teaching on “fellowship” as the theme in the book. However, I think the main emphasis is “The Way of the Cross.” In chapter 3 Paul refers to “enemies of the cross,” which he sets in contrast to the rest of the book. The enemies are those who are hostile to the historical cross and to the way of the cross exemplified throughout the book. The article below speeds across the surface. I have not quoted all the biblical references nor explained the concepts at any depth. I recommend you read carefully the book of Philippians and look for every reference that either explicitly or implicitly refers to or illustrates the life laid down, serving others, caring for others, and concern for others. You will see the “way of the cross” in every chapter.       ----Billy Long
 

VICTORY THROUGH A LIFE LAID DOWN

 The book of Philippians is filled with references and examples of the concept of laying down one's life for the will of God, the purpose of God, and the people of God. The book exhorts us in word and by the examples of Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus to endure hardship, to offer ourselves in sacrifice and service for God's interest and God's people.
Jesus lowered Himself and became a man to die on the cross for our sins. Epaphroditus came close to death because of the work of Christ, not regarding his own life in serving the Apostle Paul and the people of God. Timothy sincerely cared for the people of God and for God’s interest, rather than serving himself. The book is filled with statements showing the Apostle Paul’s example of a life laid down for others, for God’s people, and God’s purpose. He was willing to suffer the loss of all things to know Christ. The message and examples in the book of Philippians teach us the way of the cross. Armed with a mind to suffer (1 Peter 4:1) we are able to face all things victoriously. You cannot kill someone who has already died.
 
A self-centered, self-seeking perspective disorients our understanding and blinds us to reality, especially in times of trial and distress. It prevents us from coming through the fire "without smelling like smoke." However, when we focus on the sovereignty of God and how to please Him, we are able to see more clearly. All things work for good if measured by the goal of God's purpose and not by personal comfort and "self-fulfillment."  God has a purpose and a plan. We are to take up the cross and give ourselves to the furtherance of the Gospel and to the advancement of the kingdom of God on this earth. We gladly and gratefully receive all the wonderful things God has for us as individuals, but we also arm ourselves with a mind to suffer for His sake, for the Gospel, and for others. 
 
Hope should be based on divine goals and not on self-interest. Self-centeredness cannot see the purposes of God before it, and consequently, when under pressure will tend to look only at the present distress or look back. It is those who have laid down their lives at the feet of Jesus Christ and who seek to know Him and His will who are able to lay hold of the hope set before them, that anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast which enters into God's presence behind the veil (Hebrews 6: 18-20). All things work together for good to those who love God and who are called "according to His purpose."

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