Philippians: Aim at Heaven, Get Earth
by G.S. Augustine
A Lewis Quote And A Loving Thank You
C.S. Lewis once wrote: “If you aim at heaven, we get earth thrown in. If you aim at earth, you get neither.” Paul’s letter to the Philippians can be said to have the same sentiment. This letter is a very personal “thank you” for the help his very dear friends from Philippi for sending Epaphraditus and a monetary gift. But it is also an attempt to ease anxiety about several things his friends may be experiencing.
Like most parents who dearly love all their children but often has one child that really gets to them, the church at Philippi was that child for Paul. The Philippians were unique among all the churches Paul planted in that they sent him money regularly—and often out of deep poverty. Paul typically gave the gospel away for free and worked as a tent maker to supply his own needs (see 1 Corinthians 9:12-18). But Paul regularly received help from the Philippians:
As you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again. (Phil. 4:15-16)
Help For a Rough Waters Ahead
But Christians at Philippi were also having a rough go. Some of the worst persecution against Christians of the time took place in the Roman colony of Philippi. On top of that there was some Jewish teachers of the law demanding believers to be circumcised and follow Moses.
Watch out for the dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. (Phil. 3:2-3)
There was also some dissension in the ranks that may have been threatening the unity of the body of Christ at Philippi.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil. 4:2-3)
Paul hinted at this concern in Phil. 2:2 which we will look at more closely below.
Distressing News Didn’t Help
Lastly, news had reached the believers at Philippi that put a cloud over their already gloomy visage. Paul was in prison in Rome with execution as a possibility, and the messenger they sent to Paul, Epaphraditus, had become seriously ill (Phil. 2:19-30). When one thing goes wrong, we can see it as just a problem we can solve, but when several things go wrong at once, discouragement can paralyze us. Paul wanted his friends to lift their heads and experience the peace of God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7)
Saints and Leaders To Take Action
With this setting, we can now look more closely at what Paul is aiming at in this very touching letter. The letter is addressed to “the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.” This is the only letter where Paul mentions the overseers and deacons in this address. Though we don’t want to put too much weight on it, there is the sense that Paul is especially calling the elders and deacons to take some action in dealing with the issues at Philippi.
Paul’s mention of a “yokefellow” called on to help mend a rift in 4:3 as noted above also tends to support this idea. We don’t know who this “yokefellow” is. Many suggestions have been made—none satisfactory. Some think it might be Epaphraditus who brings the letter to Philippi, but that seems odd to address him in the letter when he could have told him directly. But whoever Paul references here, he is likely an important leader in the church.
A Very Special Church
Paul’s special affection for this church, however, dominates the mood of the whole letter:
I thank my God every time I remember you in my prayers for all of you. I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5)
And:
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel all of you share God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for you with the affection of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:7-8)
But A Very Anxious Church
Paul is aware, however, of their anxiety and likely discouragement. So he wants them to turn their attention away from their circumstances and what is going on in the world to what God is doing in and through them. This focus can change their worry to joy. God has started a good work in them, and he will bring it to completion:
(I am) confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ (King!) Jesus. (Phil. 1:6)
For the Philippian Christians to walk in light of this, they will need to learn how love for each other in the body works hand in hand to bring this about. Paul prays for this insight:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God (1:9-11).
Focusing On Surpassing Treasures
The phrase “discern what is best” might better be translated “to test out” or “allow that which differs” or “surpasses.” The values of Kingdom of Heaven not only differ from the world but surpass what the world treasures. This hints at C.S. Lewis’ comment on aiming at heaven rather than earth. In doing so, the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ fills our lives and brings glory to God.
But this doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a partnership with God in working out our own salvation:
Therefore dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil 2:12-13)
Things Aren’t What They Seem
In order for his friends to be willing to “test out what differs” more confidently, Paul explains that his personal circumstances which appear dire are really excellent. Far from being a hindrance to Paul’s purpose, prison has increased his reach!
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly (Phil 1:12-14)
Knowing When You’re Winning
An interesting viewpoint Paul adds to this is something most of us would be indignant about. Some of the people are preaching the gospel to spite Paul and cause him trouble.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter do so in love, knowing I am for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Phil. 1:15-18)
By Keeping the Kingdom In View
This goes back to the mindset that began this article. Paul aims at heaven and is encouraging his readers in Philippi to do the same. What does it matter that some people are preaching Christ as a way to harm Paul here and now. Paul rejoices because these “rivals” advance the reach of heaven’s rule Paul’s life and sufferings always aim at. But in case we conclude that Paul is so heavenly minded he is no earthly good, Paul disabuses us of that immediately.
Yes, I will continue to rejoice because I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. (Phil. 1:18-19 emphasis mine)
Again: Aim at heaven, you get earth thrown in. But Paul makes it clear that gaining deliverance on earth itself isn’t the aim.
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Phil. 1:20-21)
Benefits To Both
Paul makes it clear that though there are benefits to what we can achieve on earth, the heavenly reward is very much better.
If I am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labor for me, Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Phil. 1:22-24)
We should note two things. First Paul claims that out of all the treasures we might pursue in this life, earthly ones don’t even compare. The Philippian believers shouldn’t worry about Paul even if the fury of Rome does it worst—and that goes not just for Paul. All believers have the same expectation: being with Christ is better by far. But this isn’t the final consideration. Paul is also convinced that God will leave Paul on earth because “it is more necessary for you.” Christian faith isn’t just about what joy I can have but what joy I can give.
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus may overflow on account of me. (Phil. 1:25-26 emphasis mine)
Not Treasures But Standing Firm
However, God uses both of Paul’s desires, the heavenly and earthly, to accomplish the heavenly in the believers at Philippi. The goal in Paul’s mind is that they:
… stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. (Phil. 1:27-28).
This “standing firm” language is going to form a type of inclusio between 1:27 and 4:1 where Paul ends this part of his theme.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown that is how you should stand firm in the Lord. (Phil. 4:1 emphasis mine)
Because There is Trouble Ahead
All that Paul says between the end of chapter one to the beginning of chapter 4 is his instructions on how we, as well as the Philippians, are to conduct ourselves in order to stand firm when faced with worldly pressures. And we all will face them.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw the I had, and now hear that I still have. (Phil. 1:29-30)
Paul knows of the troubles facing the church at Philippi. He also knows that unless these friends of his decide to love each other sacrificially and unite together completely, they will be ill prepared for what’s coming.
Loving Unity: Most Important Defense
So Paul begins a discussion in Chapter 2 of what they need to do to stand firm as a body by drawing their attention to the attitude and practice of Christ. But he begins this comparison by calling attention to what they’ve already experienced in the faith and with their relationship with Paul:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (Phil. 2:1-2)
Keep Like-Mindedness From Causing Division
At this point, we can fall down. Many might look at Paul’s statement and demand that everyone fall in line with their own version of theology, whether Reformed or Catholic or Southern Baptist! Paul negated that idea with what follows. Like mindedness here does not refer to theological disputes and in fact elsewhere Paul discourages a lot of what we argue about. In Titus, he even goes as far to suggest these arguments indicate a warped and sinful activity.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments about law because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, then warn him a second time. After that have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-10)
Humble Like-mindedness
Paul defines like-mindedness in Philippians 2 as an attitude of humility that puts other above themselves:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others as better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Your attitude should be that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness … he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. (Phil. 2:3-8).
Serval things can be gleaned from these powerful verses. First as said above, like-mindedness for Paul here refers to humility in relation to other believers. We are to consider them better than us and look out for them and their interests. As I focus on my neighbors interest and he on mind we are thinking alike. Paul isn’t so much interested in everyone having the same theological conclusions (though a few things are definitely required, much i dotting and t crossing is divisive), but everyone having the same concern for each other that produces a oneness of love and care.
Humility That Gives Up Rights
But Paul goes further in his comparison to Jesus. Jesus existed from before the beginning as God the Son. But in order to save us, he let go of his claim of privilege as deity. The words, “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped” has the sense that Jesus did not “jealously defend” his rights as God, but gave them up out of his love for us. He not only becomes a human with all the limitations that implies, but accepts the role of a lowly servant who not only becomes obedient to death at the Father’s command, but the most horrific kind of death humans ever devised.
The comparison Paul makes here should shock us to our very core. We are loath to give up any of our rights but to go to the extent Jesus did, we would consider that asking far too much of any man or woman. And yet Paul is calling us to that very sacrifice. However, Paul also tells us why it is worth doing.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11).
Jesus Consistent Leadership Principle
Again, aim at heaven, earth gets thrown in. Jesus is given the highest place because he willingly took the lowest place. Jesus was not only describing a principle of leadership to his disciples but what he himself was in fact doing.
You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them … not so with you. Instead, whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28)
But Personal Benefit Isn’t the Point
Paul’s point is that humbling oneself for heaven’s sake leads to exaltation everywhere including on earth. We not only lose nothing at all by giving up the rights we so jealously hang on to, but in fact we gain everything. But our gain isn’t the main point. It is only another good reason for doing what we need in order to bring about a unified body of Christ. This unity, we must keep in mind, is the foundation for our ability as a church to stand firm.
Additionally, this unity requires an attitude of cooperation among ourselves. In order for us to succeed in “holding out the word of Christ” when faced with suffering, we must “allow for that which differs,” and “allow for that which surpasses” without complaining or grumbling.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life … (Phil.2:14-16)
In doing these things, Paul says that even if execution is something he may have to endure, he can rejoice—and so can they (Phil. 2:17-18).
Rejoice In the Lord: Most Important Practice
The third chapter of Philippians speaks directly to what Paul has been implying all along: “Rejoice in the Lord.” No matter what difficulties you may find yourself in at any particular moment, there is infinitely more reasons to rejoice. And the practice of rejoicing in what the Lord has done is a safeguard to keep us from becoming discouraged and fearful.
In that we become susceptible to troublesome influences. Paul brings up at this point one of those influences. “Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.”
Not A Break In the Action
At first glance, this looks like a break from Paul’s line of thought. Scholars have speculated that this part of the chapter actually came from another letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians simply attached to this letter. From the writings of the early church father, Polycarp, we know that Paul wrote to the Philippians more than once. But there is no real evidence chapter 3 is part of another letter or that it was added to this one. Other scholars suggest that Paul was just writing a casual personal letter and wrote what came to mind as it popped up.
I find neither of these suggestions satisfactory. Paul has intimated all along that the church at Philippi was suffering in similar ways that he had. These persecutors are not identified, but it is likely that their persecution would come not only from pagan authorities but as Paul had experienced, also from Judaisers who insisted on Christians keeping the Law of Moses. If believers are going to stand firm (1:27, 4:1), they will need to put “no confidence in the flesh.” Judaisers were implying the very opposite without realizing it.
Confidence In Flesh is Aiming At Earth
Here again Paul will argue that we must focus on heavenly loyalty to Christ’s kingdom not earthly religious practices. Besides he has possessed all those credentials and they did nothing for him. “If any else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more” (Phil. 3:4). Paul then goes through a litany of all this Jewish claims from his birth and circumcision to his pursuit of Pharisaical faultlessness.
But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss … compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ … I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so that somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Phil. 3:7-11)
Rituals Don’t Make True Righteousness
Paul had pursued an earthly type righteousness gathered from practicing rules and rituals that impress human beings but are not at all what truly makes a person righteous. Paul has stated in Philippians 2 that true righteousness looks like what Jesus did—a laying down all your life out of love for God and people. Anything short of that is merely a pretense for boasting.
The righteousness that comes from faith, as Paul puts it, is not a mere believing that Christ died for me and accepting him into my heart. Faith as Paul defines it in the above passage is arduous. It involves knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection so fully that I can suffer as Jesus did for the love of God and people and surrender my life “in the likeness of his death” so completely that I actually experience resurrection myself.
We are back to our original premise. I am so completely convinced of the value of heaven that I can aim my entire life toward it. But I also do so with the full expectation that a renewed, more resplendent earthly existence will be part of the bargain.
Not Perfect But Aiming At It
Now, in case someone comes to the conclusion that we must be perfect in order to be saved, Paul takes that idea out of equation. He immediately says he not attained that yet “or have already become perfect” (Phil. 2:12). We won’t be perfect. We are still in a sinful world and we still contend with our old sinful nature. But even if perfection is out of reach, Paul does say we still should be aiming at it, even in the midst of our tendency to fall.
Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do. Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:13-14)
Not Just For Super Saints!
And in case we think this only applies to Paul or super saints, he goes on to say,
All of us who are mature should take such of view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Phil. 3:15-16)
Less Than All Heaven Can Become All Earth
The reason Paul language is so forceful in chapter 3 about these things is because he knows that it is very easy for believers to lose sight of the goal and end up becoming enemies of Christ. His friends at Philippi are like all the rest of us— susceptible to apostasy. He tells them to follow his example and others who live as Paul has outlined.
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like his glorious body. (Phil 3:18-21)
The Climax of Paul’s Concern For His Friends
We are at the conclusion of Paul’s main argument here. It is important to note that those Paul weeps over, he says became enemies of the cross of Christ. This is a detail we can easily miss. The benefits of Christianity can attract us: Forgiveness from sin, acceptance from God, a life of joy and community. But belief in Christ comes with his cross. That means that much of the worldly rights we cling to are of necessity going to be lost. If I don’t have the perspective that what I lose for Christ here and now will come back a hundred fold in Christ’s kingdom (now as well as eternally, see Mark 10:29-30), we can easily choose earthly pleasures and happiness now rather than aim at heaven.
But as we have said several times already, aiming at earth will gain us neither heaven nor earth: The mind set on earthly things Paul says results in shame and destruction. But the willingness to identify as a citizen of heaven comes with the expectation that our earthly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body. In other words, earth is also thrown in. Paul wraps up this whole discussion with the back half of the inclusio: “that is how you stand firm in the Lord, dear friends” (Phil. 4:1)
A Few Practices That Can Help
Chapter 4 adds in some things that go hand in hand with the above prescriptions. Two women, Euodia and Syntyche have had some sort of falling out. This type of thing will happen sooner or later in any community of people but as believers it needs to be rectified. They need to “agree in the Lord” (v. 2) What their problem was is not identified, but how they are to “agree” has already been laid out in chapter 2—each one is to humbly consider the other better than themselves and look out for their interests. Additionally, members of the church are to help them get there.
Next Paul reiterates the need to rejoice always in what the Lord has and is doing. This so important that Paul says it twice (actually many times throughout the letter)! The combination of humility and rejoicing in God’s work on our behalf leads to gentleness that will become evident to everyone. And when worry or anxiousness rears its ugly head, we are to prayerfully and thankfully present our requests to God (Phil 4:4-7)
Lastly, Paul says what positive thinkers have been saying for the length and breadth of human history: Think on lovely, noble, beautiful things (Phil. 4:8-9). Some in the church would denounce this approach as worldly psycho-babel, but Paul knows that we are shaped and guided by what we think about. Beauty is a reflection of God unless it is corrupted by sinful people, and that reflection prevents discouraging things from stealing the peace God intends for us.
Paul’s Thank You To His Friends
Paul concludes the letter with thanks for the financial help and concern the Philippians have sent by the hand of Epaphraditus and how they were faithful at that over and over again in the past. Paul makes it clear that although their faith shined brightly in their giving, Paul wasn’t seeking it. He had learned how to be content whether he has a lot or a little. It is Christ who strengthens him and therefore he is able to handle any circumstance.
Still Paul is grateful for their giving because it proves their trust in God and that trust becomes a fragrant offering and acceptable sacrifice that pleases God. Therefore, once again, out of God’s glorious riches he will meet all their needs (Phil 4:14-19). Paul is saying: “You aimed at heaven, therefore God is throwing earth in as well.”
