Blog

For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.¹

It is important to understand context when reading the Bible. Be discerning; we may be deluded by latching on a verse that is used out of context. The teachings in the NT were in a huge part counter cultural. Examine Philippians, Chapter 1: we can observe phrases repeated; antonyms for fear is repeated 3x—are much more bold to speak the word without fear;² I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now;³ and not frightened in anything.⁴

Philippi was known for worshiping the pagan god Pan. He was the god of the shepherds and their flock. Since the people thrived through agriculture, the people feared Pan⁵—where we derived the English term panic.⁶ To date, counted among man’s greatest fear is death. Yet, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.⁷ Jesus has triumphed over the enemy through his death on the cross. It is finished.⁸

But why do we fear? Why are we anxious? How do we overcome or break free from this bondage?

Observe the chapters in Philippians. Again, do you notice words, phrases, ideas that repeat? Can you deduce a theme throughout its pages? Notably, joy or its connotation repeats 11x throughout the book. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.⁹ What then? . . . Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.¹⁰ I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,¹¹ complete my joy . . .¹² so that I too may be cheered by the news of you.¹³ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.¹⁴ So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men.¹⁵ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.¹⁶ Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.¹⁷ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.¹⁸

Why the overwhelming emphasis on joy? How does joy help rid us of fear, anxiety, troubling thoughts, or grief? Because the joy of the Lord is your strength.¹⁹ We may expect joy in God’s presence. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; . . .²⁰

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.²¹

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.²²