Reflection on Spirituality in Philippians

Reflection on Spirituality in Philippians

When Paul was writing this letter, he was in prison. Given the circumstances that he was in, it seemed difficult and discouraging to do anything or to think of anyone. Yet his heart was with this group of believers whom Christ has laid hold of. He wanted to encourage and challenge them. And he wrote this letter to address certain issues in the church.

Paul began his letter with the greeting from both himself and Timothy as the servants of Christ. This is one letter which he gave credit to his partner in Christ, Timothy. Fee wrote that Timothy was the secretary of Paul in this situation.[1] Melick also identifies that reasons why Timothy is mentioned and this is the only place he is labelled as a servant of Christ.[2] To Timothy, it is an honor and possibility reflection of his commitment and service to both Christ and Paul.

Reflection #1:

Paul was someone who gave credit and when credit was due. And he used the choice designation and words to bring across the point. For myself, it is a reminder to give credit and honor to those who are serving together with me and those who had served with me. Honor is something that is lacking in our society and even our church context. It is time to bring this back to the church. It is time also to demonstrate and promote servanthood in the church.

Before the class starts, we are supposed to do some spiritual exercises and charting of our lives. I have done the charting as a young Christian and it is to trace how God has made situations possible for me to come to know Him. For this current charting exercise, it is a good and refreshing work-out. It has assured me once again that God has been working in my life and will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection #2:

Through this charting, I have also identified the lesson of the ‘windsurfer’. The picture of the windsurfer exemplified my life. When the wind of God comes, I need to put up the sail and allow Him to carry me to place He wanted. If I do so, I will progress with ease. However, if I resist the wind of God, I will be the one struggling. Also there are situations whereby there is no wind to take the windsurfer to the designation. These are times whereby he needs to use the skills that he had to bring himself to that destination. The reminder is for me to hear from God and move with Him by His strength.

As we come to the end of the course, I realise that this letter to Philippians is more than a letter to encourage them to have joy. Many a times, when certain portion of Philippians is being preached or when we come into contact with this letter, the impression given is always on having joy and be joyful in the midst of suffering. But this letter turns out to be more than that. Paul wrote this letter to address the issue of disunity, laying down personal rights, koinonia and true fellowship.

Reflection #3:

I am challenged by the difference between the idea of a servant and of a helper. If we really want true fellowship and maintain the unity of the church, we need to start acting like servant. We need to:

-          Serve others even when it is inconvenient

-          Serve even people that he or she dislikes

-          Serve even when he or she dislikes the work

-          Serve even when the circumstances are inconvenient

-          Serve when he or she receives no personal satisfaction

-          Serve with an attitude of enabling another

And I must take an initiative to do so. May the Lord gives me grace and a heart filled with love.

As we go through the course, one of the things that we are exposed to is in the area of technology. We are encouraged to discuss our works through the blog and forum. It is to gear us towards e-learning.

Reflection #4:

This means of communication and learning is good especially for the ‘busy’ person who is unable to find extra time to travel. With this technology, one can cut down the time for travelling and utilize this extra amount of time to do more discussion and learning. This means also enables collaboration to take place in a fast and convenient way. Through this, I am able to communicate some ideas and information even before the actual physical class starts. When one meets physically, they have already prepared some of the ground works. However, there are also negative side of this technology. If we give ourselves excuses not to meet physically because of the availability of this technology, I would think that human interaction becomes impersonal and cold. One could also multi-tasked too much and are demanded to produce results instantly because of this technology. This can lead to unnecessary stress. Therefore we must have wisdom in using this technology.

Last but not least, I am amazed by the way Paul paralleled Christ’s story with his own story.[3] This serves as a challenge to the Philippians to live their lives likewise. I love the way Paul is able to write and present his points remarkably. But besides the ability to write such, I must admit that it is not the theory or the creative style that changes someone but it is the life journey of faith and transformation that inspires others to live.

Reflection #5:

It is Christ’ model of life and suffering that inspires Paul to live in such way. Likewise, this model should also inspire us to live a life mirroring Jesus Christ. Paul experienced Christ and His love and in turn mirrored this to the Philippians. He even told them that he would love to be with Christ but for their sake, he remain (Phil 1:21-26). That is his life for them. And as Paul demonstrated such, I am challenged in that aspect to live a life worthy of Christ and being an inspiration to others. It is also time to reflect on my faith journey and how I can inspire others.

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[1] Fee, Gordon D. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Philippians. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book, pp39

[2] Melick, Richard R. New American Commentary – Volume 32: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

[3] Fee, Gordon D. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Philippians. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book, pp90