Fellowship in the Life of Christ Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (Philippians 1:21-23 ESV)

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:24-26 ESV)

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. (Philippians 1:27-28a ESV)

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:28b-30 ESV)

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ Paul’s Purpose in Life & Death = CHRIST! To be with Christ – my desire To be with you all – more necessary For your progress and joy in the faith (vv )

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ The Philippians’ Identity = CHRIST! Standing firm in one spirit Striving side-by-side for the faith Sharing in suffering for His sake (vv )

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ To Live is Christ For your progress and joy For Others

Paul’s Purpose & the Philippians’ Identity in Christ Standing Striving Sharing in Suffering in Christ for Others

Who am I? They often tell me, I come out of my cell Calmly, cheerfully, resolutely, Like a lord from his palace. Who am I? They often tell me, I used to speak to my warders Freely and friendly and clearly, As though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me, I carried the days of misfortune Equably, smilingly, proudly, like one who is used to winning. Am I really then what others say of me? Or am I only what I know of myself? Restless, melancholic, and ill, like a caged bird, Struggling for breath, as if hands clasped my throat,

Hungry for colors, for flowers, for the songs of birds, Thirsty for friendly words and human kindness, Shaking with anger at fate and at the smallest sickness, Trembling for friends at an infinite distance, Tired and empty at praying, at thinking, at doing, Drained and ready to say goodbye to it all.

Who am I? This or the other? Am I one person today and another tomorrow? Am I both at once? In front of others, a hypocrite, And to myself a contemptible, fretting weakling? Or is something still in me like a battered army, running in disorder from a victory already achieved?

Who am I? These lonely questions mock me. Whoever I am, You know me, I am yours, O God.