Young People's Group

Reflections on the Book of Philippians

by Mitchell Tan
May 22, 2019

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON PAUL’S PRINCIPLES OF LIFE AND MINISTRY

As we complete the epistle to the Philippians, it would be good to reflect on some of the lessons learnt. Paul had written a letter that was most loving and heart-felt. He had a deep love for the Philippian Church. He sought to encourage them to grow further in love with all discernment and understanding. He wanted them to walk worthy of the gospel as they sought to fend off enemies of the gospel. He also wrote to thank the Philippians for the gift that they had given to him. Personally, I have been deeply challenged by three principles of life and ministry that Paul exemplified.

1. HAVING THE PRINCIPLE OF MAGNIFYING THE LORD

“But with all boldness, as always, and so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Philippians 1:20

One important principle that Paul focused on was to magnify the Lord Jesus in all things concerning his life and ministry. The Lord Jesus Christ meant everything in the world to him. There was nothing that mattered to him more than to glorify Him and His name. With much faith and courage, he sought to lift up the Lord Jesus at all times, whether by life or by earth. I am personally challenged by Paul’s wonderful example in wanting to magnify the Lord and His name in all that he did. It is my heart-felt prayer that this can also be a core principle in my life and yours too.

2. HAVING THE PRINCIPLE OF DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH

“Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12

Paul knew that he was nowhere near where the Lord wanted him to be. He had not reached spiritual perfection yet. Paul knew in his heart that he could never attain perfection, only the Lord Jesus could. And yet, he was still seeking to go towards spiritual maturity. Paul desired to grow further. He pressed on towards his goal of being “perfect.” He sought to grow spiritually that he may attempt to be like the Lord Jesus. Paul sought to focus on Him and His call to spiritual maturity with all his heart and soul. He wanted to lay hold of that for which Christ had laid hold of him. He focused on what the Lord had called him to be and do… to be like Him, even though he knew it would be impossible. Paul never stopped growing and pursuing after spiritual perfection. As a Pastor, I am determined to also seek to learn and grow further towards spiritual maturity. Let’s always seek to focus on the Lord and to be all that He wants us to be.

3. HAVING THE PRINCIPLE TO FIND IN CHRIST ALL THAT WE NEED

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13

Paul had found that enabling power of the Lord to do all things. He made it a point to make adjustments that was needed in life and ministry. He had learnt to be dynamic and contented in whatever situation he was in. The Lord Jesus was his constant source of strength and help. Paul sought to always rely on His grace and strength. He was a partaker of His grace (Philippians 1:7). He had a tremendous faith in the Lord Jesus. He found in Christ all that he needed. I am seeking to cultivate this principle even more in my life and ministry. We too can find the grace and strength from the Lord to face the challenges of life and ministry. We can find in the Lord Jesus all that we need in life. Let’s seek to do all things through the Lord’s grace and strength and find our sufficiency in Him.

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