Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Talk Tuesday-Lessons from Philippi

 After 500 years of successive colonization (by the Athenians, then Macedonians), Philippi is colonized by Rome. It is promised as a final reward to the veteran troops of Rome's imperial legions upon the victory of Octavian and Anthony over Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. It is a magnificently wealthy city, with a mixed population of 10 to 15,000 people. It is ruled by a small Roman elite, direct descendants of the imperial veterans, who control a mini-empire of 40,000 subjects in its surrounding territory.

The year is between AD 55 to 62, and the imprisoned Apostle Paul pens the Letter to the Philippians while awaiting trial on an appeal to the Roman emperor, Nero. He knows that Philippi is a city driven by Roman paganism and emperor worship. He is aware of the social pressures that the small church in Philippi faces. He knows that the majority of them, who probably did not hold Roman citizenship,  were experiencing persecution for their faith in Christ. They would have chosen not to participate in the festivities, pomp and splendour of Roman idol worship. He knows that they risk imprisonment too, just like him. He is their spiritual leader and in the midst of his troubles, he tells them:

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries," Philippians 1:27-28. 

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure," Philippians 2:12-13

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things," Philippians 3:7

He reminds them, as he reminds us, of the glorious promise of Jesus' resurrection power.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself," Philippians 3:20

As we, like the church in Philippi, face social pressures to conform, let us stand firm in Christ and live out our days here as citizens of heaven. We see the persecution of the church in the 10/40 window, and we must pray. For the pastors and priests who are shepherding the church of Jesus Christ, we must pray. Each one of us is part of the body of Christ, let us live accordingly knowing that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13. 

 Hello BGO community! We hope you liked this week's article. It was a little bit different. How does knowing the struggle of the early church, and the social pressures they faced, help us today in our struggles? What can we learn as we read the scripture through the lens of historical context? What does our 'heavenly citizenship' mean to you? Please share your comments by clicking on the 'comments link' below. We love hearing from you!
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Cousar, Charles, B. An Introduction to the New Testamenet: Witnesses to God's New Work. Westminster John Knox Press, Louiseville, Kentucky; 2006
Zerbe, Gordon. Citizenship and Politics According to Philippians. Source: Direction, 38, no. 2, Fall 2009, pg. 193-208

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amazing post! The Church of Jesus Christ, our One True and Living God and Saviour, today stands exactly where the small Church of Philippi stood in Paul’s day. Not only are the secular powers presently poised to muzzle Christianity but their worldwide drive to wipe out the message of salvation has already begun! As we look upon the struggle of the early church we can stand firm in Paul’s exhortation that like him we are to “consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.” And that we are to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by our adversaries,"
We are living in the last days and this is the season God is strengthening “His remnant” -- true worshippers who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. So, when the times of “modern day” emperor worship and paganism stand on our individual doorsteps, we too can stand fixed in our spiritual mission and vision, knowing that many of our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the ages have faced the same pressures and struggles but remained constant. Looking at them through the lenses of history strengthens out faith and courage.
Thanks for that post. God bless and prosper you.

Beloved said...

This is a timely reminder of where our focus should be ... on the wonders of spending eternity with Christ in the new heavens and the earth! We will be juding angels and ruling cities, all in accordance with our faithfulness with the things of God during our earthly lives. We will be living in specially prepared mansions and spending unlimited time with Him, and loved ones, with no problems or sorrow or pain!!! We will be treated as the royalty we have become as co-heirs of Christ's inheritance.

Strangely, current world events seem to be a very strong reminder to even those without faith that this life is not something to hold on to... it is so chaotic and unpredictable. So those of us who know and understand our future in Christ can be encouraged to look more fervently toward eternal reward, and those who don't know or understand now have many more opportunities to think about where things are really heading and why ... hopefully their hearts are faltering and they will be more receptive to the gospel and the hope it brings!

Thanks for bringing to the forefront that we are not undergoing anything strange, but it's just as it has been in the past and just as Jesus predicted it would be in the last days. I thank God for His grace in allowing us to get ready for whatever is coming, rather than being blindsided.