Philippians: Paul's "Stairway to Heaven"?

Philippians 4:4
One again you have inspired me to update an older panel...

I'm just a simple country boy at heart myself, brother. Soaking in God's Word, meditation, and prayer certainly draw us closer to God, and they stir up the Holy Spirit within us to think and live as Jesus did. Look at the all-out commitment from Paul to His calling:

Philippians 3:8-10

New King James Version


8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Just as Jesus had His focus on the Father and completing His work, Paul was laser focused on Jesus Christ and learning more about Him to deepen their relationship. Paul knew his "righteousness" was but "filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6), and the law was not going to save him. He needed "faith in Christ" to develop true righteousness that can only come from "God by faith."

Paul wanted to know the power of Christ's resurrection and was willing to share in His sufferings and even die for the sake of the gospel and the Church. While I have the knowledge, I am certainly not even close to Paul's level of conviction. Yes, I am willing to suffer and die for Jesus if it's His will, but I will certainly need to be empowered with His faith to accomplish this. No way could I do this through my own power - I am too selfish and weak at the core.

Love it and honored to be a source of inspiration for your beautiful work!

I'm just a simple country boy at heart myself, brother. Soaking in God's Word, meditation, and prayer certainly draw us closer to God, and they stir up the Holy Spirit within us to think and live as Jesus did. Look at the all-out commitment from Paul to His calling:

Philippians 3:8-10

New King James Version


8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Just as Jesus had His focus on the Father and completing His work, Paul was laser focused on Jesus Christ and learning more about Him to deepen their relationship. Paul knew his "righteousness" was but "filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6), and the law was not going to save him. He needed "faith in Christ" to develop true righteousness that can only come from "God by faith."

Paul wanted to know the power of Christ's resurrection and was willing to share in His sufferings and even die for the sake of the gospel and the Church. While I have the knowledge, I am certainly not even close to Paul's level of conviction. Yes, I am willing to suffer and die for Jesus if it's His will, but I will certainly need to be empowered with His faith to accomplish this. No way could I do this through my own power - I am too selfish and weak at the core.

Philippians 3:13b-14
Another Philippians panel that I just updated...

The story connected to this one is that at my nine-year sobriety milestone in AA, my church family
presented me with a framed calligraphy of this verse... now I had never reached nine years before,
as a few months after reaching my first eight-year mark, I relapsed. Plus, I had never extended any
invites to anyone to attend my cakes, so this was very special in that regard also, plus, right after
this celebration at the end of 2019, the covid closures struck and I stopped attending meetings
to go through my cancer treatments and surgeries and recovery etc etc! Anywho, in 2020 I did
go through a bit of a "flapper" phase in my designs LOL which is well reflected in this panel .

Philippians 3:13b-14
Another Philippians panel that I just updated...

The story connected to this one is that at my nine-year sobriety milestone in AA, my church family
presented me with a framed calligraphy of this verse... now I had never reached nine years before,
as a few months after reaching my first eight-year mark, I relapsed. Plus, I had never extended any
invites to anyone to attend my cakes, so this was very special in that regard also, plus, right after
this celebration at the end of 2019, the covid closures struck and I stopped attending meetings
to go through my cancer treatments and surgeries and recovery etc etc! Anywho, in 2020 I did
go through a bit of a "flapper" phase in my designs LOL which is well reflected in this panel .

You go girl, continue, to believe God will get you through it, as I hear you are and do, and will.
I am an ex alcoholic, which is not recognized in AA, unless that motto has now changed, was not changed in my time, when I quit alcohol at age 26,27
I am 67 years old now. Been dry since 26,27.
How???????????? not by me, that is a fact. By me agreeing with God, it was not good for me to continue in.
I, from God saw the root cause of my over drinking, partying and carrying on as a happy go lucky drunk I was.
I had a past death of my youngest sister, that died on an overdose. She was 18, I was 14 when she past away.
I went to the funeral, I saw her as dead in that casket, I turned and ran out and would not accept her as dead, I would not believe it.
That was the root cause of my drinking and partying and using drugs. I began drinking right after her death.
I saw that, the reason in me from God to me, God said to me that is why I am an alcoholic. I saw it, accepted it, she has died and left it behind me. My celebration for stopping this was once a year at home on new years eve, I would drink in celebrating I quit. After the third year, I saw no use in it.
Then in 2011, I was surrounded by alcohol in my home, I could drink it. I saw it and it did not affect me in thought to drink it, and I am not proud over it either. I left that home and went to another state, on the way I ended up in the Hospital, with Foreigners Gangrene in 2012. Died 7 times on the operating table, per the doctors. I live, even if I died.
Whether I lived or died, I belong to the Lord, by choice given me to stick to this truth or not even whenever in any troubles. I trust God all in all, seeing Romans 14, so much deeper than just a food chapter as is said from religion is only that, so much deeper to me at least
That is my story and I stick to it.
So, therefore Sister, you go and continue as you have and are doing, seeing to be thankful and not proud, God has got your front, back and sides smothered and covered in God for you personally too

Thank you for sharing this testimonial! One phrase I remember from the AA meetings I attended with my dad back in the early 80's is "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." Once I crossed that line, I always consider myself as an alcoholic. It helps to keep me sober-minded and remember where I came from and where I can go again if I don't stay close to God.[/QUOTE

Thank you for sharing this testimonial! One phrase I remember from the AA meetings I attended with my dad back in the early 80's is "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." Once I crossed that line, I always consider myself as an alcoholic. It helps to keep me sober-minded and remember where I came from and where I can go again if I don't stay close to God.

Thank you for sharing this testimonial! One phrase I remember from the AA meetings I attended with my dad back in the early 80's is "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." Once I crossed that line, I always consider myself as an alcoholic. It helps to keep me sober-minded and remember where I came from and where I can go again if I don't stay close to God.[/QUOTE
This is a long response, trusting you and whoever else will read-it through. God just loves us all
for me, I heard God tell me, I am an ex alcoholic, God delivered me from it. I only agreed with God on it. So I responded, and cannot explain it. I just knew. When I told my wife, she thought no way, and I said nothing and now she knows it is true.
i have had many bad experiences, never denied God, I believe from God’s view, God by Son took away sin, from his view for everyone.
so, the people can now enter God’s throne of grace in their time of need. My need 24/7. I do not always remember this. I from time to time get angry, instantly I hate it, accept it, and do not accept it. I do go to God with thank you. For at that cross of Son for me and the entire world, God took all sin away through Sons’ done work.. (John 1:29). John19:30) I believe God, by Son as risen, per 1 Corinthians 15. If isn’t risen, then from Daddy’s view, by Son for all, I am not forgiven. I know this truth now, I am forgiven, reconciled, Even though I mess up again, God continues in God’s forgiveness, reconciliation of Son as done, that floors me, is the last shedding of blood, for any more forgiveness to ever be given, to anyone. That is done by Son over two thousand years ago now. Wow!!!.
‘that is what has been changing me to see and agree with God, to not take away anyone else’s free wil, or manipulate anyone to think as I think, or even as I think God thinks.. I am undone.
once I started finalizing the cross, agreeing with God by God I am forgiven, reconciled ( 2 Cor. 5:17-20). I then learned, learning by trust it is done I see differently than the world of human flesh. Being dead to that first birth willingly. Thanking God, I sinned again, I need to learn how not to do that again, by you, Father. Then I got 2 Cor 12:7-10
‘then I heard, are you taking anyone’s free will away from them or manipulating anyone to any self gain of your own? No, then you are well in your soul, flesh is dead. Believe, receive and see
thanking God forever in this unfathomable love to any person-alive to their first birth still. Not born again yet. Many are born again in belief, just do not see it yet.
God is faithful to carry on the work, God starts in anyone, the very first day anyone tells God personally they believe God
it takes, not giving up on God, even if you are right now going to die.
‘willing is the key, and going all the way to death as Jesus did. Then three days later risen and seen by over 500 witnesses.
this world religion preaches Law you have to.
God preaches willingness is forgiveness in reality. That cannot ever be squashed. God just loves us all, otherwise, Son would not have gone to that cross willingly to die once for us all, to reconcile us all in God’s self. Left only one thing left.
to believe God 100% or not,
‘when I got God just loves me and all the world people God created. Everything changed, from my view to God’s view through Son to me and everyone else too.
1 John 2:1-2
just hang on y’all, continue to want to know God and when you see, you will willingly stop harming self and anyone else.
this is growing in God’s grace for y‘All.

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭

The quest for eternal life is a venture for mankind, for God "has put eternity in their hearts" (Ecc. 3: 11). Unfortunately, this world has been deceived by the devil who has put a shroud over this possibility for many today. Instead, people invest billions to maintain their beauty and youth, and the goal seems to be extending this dust-filled life to gain a few more years. It's all vanity as Solomon experienced firsthand.

Our only hope for eternal life comes through Jesus Christ as you quoted above from I John, brother. He is "...the true God, and eternal life." Christ Jesus is what this life and eternal life for that matter is all about. Paul helps to put the purpose of this life in clear focus as well, and Satan's shroud has been lifted:

Philippians 3:12-14

New King James Version

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained,[a] 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. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We have been called to focus on the "prize" -developing the character of Christ, living as He did proclaiming the gospel, and serving God in whatever capacity that gives Him the glory. Note that while Paul was in the flesh, he had not attained the goal yet, and he needed to continue pressing on and "forgetting those things which are behind." Like Paul, God has blessed us with a clear purpose and goal - "the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Amen!!!

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I am looking at some of my other Philippians panels now...

This one rarely gets posted...


Philippians 3:20-21

As a Classic Rock connoisseur, I've noticed how great artists and bands reach the pinnacle of their success through long, hard work that culminates in creative breakthroughs like The Eagles' "Hotel California", Leonard Skynyrd's "Free Bird", and Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven". When I look at these bands and artists in particular, I can pick out one piece that represents the climax of their work much like King David's Psalm 23 in the Old Testament.

I think the Apostle Paul's letter (epistle) to the Philippians is his masterpiece. Not to take away from any of the other epistles, which are all excellent and important contributions to the New Testament, the writing of Philippians is divine. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul channels his love and appreciation for this congregation in one of the most uplifting pieces of scripture in the entire Bible.

Philippians is one of Paul's "Prision Epistles" along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon that were composed around A.D. 62. The Philippian church was predominately Gentile, and they were very generous and supportive of Paul's mission and ministry of spreading the gospel. The affection and gratitude Paul has for the Philippian Christians comes through quite strongly in his love letter to them, and chapter 4 contains one of the greatest summaries of the gospel ever composed:

Philippians 4:4-8

New King James Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your [a]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I felt the need to dive into Phillipians again and bask in the great writing from one of my favorite writers, the Apostle Paul. I'm looking forward to this study and taking in your insights as well in our ChristianChat Community.

Thanks be to God!

SF

I wouldn't call Philippians 4 "one of the greatest summaries of the gospel ever composed." I would call Ephesians 2:1-10 or Romans 3
that summary. This wonderful passage summarizes Paul's commands about some of the ways we must show our deep gratitude for what Jesus has done for us. Note the commands (imperatives) in verses 4,5,6, and 8. Notice also that prayer is the key to having God's gift of peace. Also, we must be like the persistent widow in Jesus' parable about the unjust judge. Persistent prayer is necessary as we let God know our emotions, thoughts, and plans openly and honestly.

Those are two great gospel summations by Paul as well.

I love these verses that close out chapter 3, Magenta, and your panel is super cool too! I really like the background with the summer scene and the birds soaring in the air. Take summer in while we can because I am already seeing and feeling the signs of Fall here in Michigan!

Philippians 3:20-21

New King James Version

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 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.

As we hear of ongoing wars and rumors of war (Matt. 24:6) in this crazy world, it helps me to realize my "citizenship is in heaven," and I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ. I am here to represent Him and proclaim the gospel that is so desperately needed. Bad news fills the airwaves, and people feel hopeless and helpless in the face of powers that turn their lives upside down. The gospel of the Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed is alive and well today, and that's where my focus needs to be - allowing God to use me and my talents to touch the lives surrounding me with a message of hope and good news in God's salvation, His saving power.

I must be getting older because I never really thought much about my mortality until recently. It really hit me hard this last weekend at a family reunion where I am the eldest cousin on my mother's side of the family. Seeing my younger cousins and their kids threw a mirror in my face showing me my age. My goodness, one of my cousins is now a grandpa. We think this life lasts a long time until we get older and look back and realize how quickly it has all gone by. Thankfully, the Grim Reaper can only smile for a short time himself because Death will be swallowed up in victory (I Cor. 15: 54-55). Our lowly bodies will be conformed to His glorious body as we "eagerly wait" for our Savior to transform our mortality into immortality!

Those are two great gospel summations by Paul as well.

Paul shows his deep love for the Philippians at the beginning of chapter 4:

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 [a]And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

The word "therefore" is used to take what Paul said previously (i.e. "our citizenship is in heaven") as an action item - "to stand fast in the Lord." And, the Philippians' motivation should be driven in part by the encouraging and self-sacrificing love Paul has for these brethren. He calls them "beloved" twice in this verse, he longs for them, and says they are his "joy and crown." What an expression of Godly love as it is intended to be, modeled after Christ Jesus and His love for the Church.

I have the impression that Euodia and Syntyche weren't always getting along because Paul implored both of them "to be of the same mind in the Lord." We certainly can relate with this here at ChristianChat because there are plenty of differences of opinion and even arguments in many of the forums, especially on Biblical interpretation and politics. If we take Paul's admonition to these two women and apply it to ourselves, then unity needs to be a primary focus of our fellowship. Being grounded in Christ generates that unity: at-one with Him and at-one with one another.

Being "of the same mind in the Lord" will help us keep our focus and purpose at the present time clear, to labor "in the gospel" with our "fellow workers." It's so easy to slip away from the trunk of the tree - Jesus and the good news of His kingdom - and get caught up in the leaves and twigs of marginal issues and perhaps even fall flat on our faces to the ground (been there done that literally and spiritually). We need to have our grafted branches firmly entrenched in the Lord, and we can have the faith and confidence as well that our names "are in the Book of Life!"