“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (Phil. 1:18).

What has your attention today? For the next several weeks, we’ll study the way mature Christians should think. There’s no better place to look than Philippians, a letter to a mature congregation Paul pushes to greater maturity. The book uses words about our mindset a dozen times. Paul says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5), and “Let those of us who are mature think this way” (Phil. 3:15). He challenges us to “think about” what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).

It’s an inner life characterized by gladness (“joy” or “rejoice” is used 14 times). If we want to know the joy of the Lord, we can follow Paul’s trail up the mountain. As we’ll see, it’s all a matter of focus. Each chapter of Philippians gives a different focal point for the mature Christian mind: focus on the mission (Phil. 1), others (Phil. 2), the goal (Phil. 3), and the Lord (Phil. 4). 

How Do You See Yourself?

Why are you here? Do you believe God has important work for you? In this chapter, we see a purpose greater than our happiness. Ironically, this mission sources the kind of joy many seek. Paul has the joy of a servant on a mission. In his opening greeting, he could’ve put his authority front and center as he does elsewhere (1 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1). Instead, he calls himself and Timothy “servants of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:1), emphasizing his obedient devotion to his master.

Paul has the joy of a servant on a mission.

Far from thinking himself a victim, Paul accepts his circumstances and rejoices at the chance to serve in this way. Is that how you see yourself? We’re “saints in Christ” (Phil. 1:1) enjoying salvation “from God” (Phil. 1:28) and striving for a “manner of life worthy of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).

How Do We See Each Other?

After greeting the Philippians, Paul thanks God for them, showing his overwhelming, genuine love and delight in them with words like “all,” “always,” and “every” (Phil. 1:3-4). His grateful affection for them comes from their “partnership in the gospel” (Phil. 1:5) as they partake in God’s grace together (Phil. 1:7).

And though none of us are a finished product (Phil. 3:12), we know God will keep growing us in Christ — “sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

Even a servant on a mission from God can get discouraged if they feel alone in their task (1 Kings 19). What a blessing to have committed teammates stand with you, “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27)! So he shows us how to pray for one another, seeking ever-growing love, discernment, and fruitfulness (Phil. 1:9-11). 

And though none of us are a finished product (Phil. 3:12), we know God will keep growing us in Christ — “sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). God will personally, providentially see you through the end of your journey — he works his will in you as you work out your salvation (Phil. 2:12-13). Beginning the “good work” wasn’t a mistake he’ll leave incomplete (Phil. 1:6).

How Do You See Your Circumstances?

Focusing on your mission can teach you joy in any situation. Paul drops a truth bomb — blowing up our flawed thinking about his circumstances (and our own). He says his imprisonment advances the gospel rather than holding it back (Phil. 1:12-18). He sees God’s hand in it all, perceiving that God who gave him this work wouldn’t let anything stop it.

It’s not glass-half-full optimism; it’s walking by faith!

But how is a prison sentence good news? How can locking up the world’s most productive evangelist serve to advance the gospel? First off, it’s becoming public knowledge why Paul’s imprisoned. Even his guards have begun to hear the good news (Phil. 1:12-13). Second, Paul’s imprisonment affected the church in Rome, becoming a catalyst for evangelistic zeal (Phil. 1:14-18).

Paul wants to reach as many people as possible, so he rejoices about souls won by evangelists with good motives AND preachers trying to make trouble for him (Phil. 1:14-18)! He commits to choosing joy — “yes, and I will rejoice” (Phil. 1:18) — finding confidence in the prayers of his brethren and the Spirit who will give him words and help him not be ashamed (Phil. 1:19-20; cf. Matt. 10:18-20).

Because he focuses on the work, dying equals joy, and living equals the privilege of serving Christ.

The most challenging seasons often come when you can’t do anything but wait. Paul’s difficulties peaked as he awaited the outcome of his imprisonment and trial, a possible death sentence looming. You can hear his tension and thought process as he worked through his future (Phil. 1:20-26). Even here, contemplating death, he remains confident of his win-win situation.  If he didn’t focus on the mission, he would face a lose/lose proposition — either dying or living in prison! Most people would dread both. But because he focuses on the work, dying equals joy, and living equals the privilege of serving Christ (Phil. 1:21-24).

It’s not glass-half-full optimism; it’s walking by faith (2 Cor. 5:7)! Before the chapter closes, Paul drops one last bomb, declaring us blessed to suffer for Christ’s sake (Phil. 1:29-30). God has granted us the opportunity to suffer and engage in the “conflict” (Phil. 1:30). The word “granted” (Phil. 1:29) comes from the same root as grace, implying this is a gift. It’s our honored privilege to share with Christ in this fellowship of suffering for the gospel.