True Satisfaction

As a final entry in our study of Philippians 2, it seems little more could be said about rethinking our quest for significance. But there are some final considerations that Paul brings forth in chapter 2:12-18.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

I only have a few observations to give from this passage, perhaps you will have more.

First, consider verse 13. One of the chief purposes in our quest for significance is to find satisfaction in life. But if we truly gain a proper eternal perspective on life, we find that the only source of true satisfaction in life is when God’s good pleasure is achieved in our lives. The more we fight against it and pursue significance and satisfaction on our own means, the more fleeting and out of reach it seems to become.

One note on verse 14 – isn’t grumbling and disputing perhaps the greatest indicators of our fight for significance? Now the connection of mentioning Euodia and Syntyche makes more sense at the end of the letter. Could I place my name in with theirs?

When asked who you look up to most in the church and why, what characteristic is most likely to stand out about a person that would result in them being picked? I would argue their humility. They truly seem interested more in your achievements than their own. Thus the note in verse 15, that these people will stand out, they will appear as lights in the world.

Lastly, how is it Paul can find joy in helping others (vss 17-18)? How is it we find joy and satisfaction when we are helping others? Simply because when we lay aside our own quest for significance and genuinely seek to help others are we fulfilling God’s design for our lives and are we truly living like Christ. There is nothing more satisfying, more joy-bringing than fulfilling our God-given purpose for living.

Rethinking our quest for significance and looking at Philippians 2 in this way is not just a rewarding exercise in studying the Bible. When truly applied, we find that its truths really are satisfying, and full of joy. Maybe my own significance isn’t so desirable after all…