Philippians 1:3-11, the Second Reading for the Second Sunday of Advent in the Year of Luke, is likely appointed for this Sunday because of Paul's prayer that the believers in Philippi be "pure and blameless" in "the day of Jesus Christ." This brief reference to the advent of Christ is certainly not the focus of the text, but rather, the focus is on thanksgiving for the Body of Christ. It will be the preacher's task to do the same.
(The following questions have been developed to help the preacher understand how the Word is functioning in the text, a central concern of Law and Gospel preachers. These questions are best used in conjunction with other fine sets of questions that have other concerns. For more on this particular method, and on Law and Gospel preaching in general, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? The tone of this passage is undoubtedly one of joy. As such, there is little doubt that the Word is functioning as Gospel. The apostle is marveling at the grace of God active in the hearts of the Philippians and giving thanks for their partnership (koinonia) from the beginning of Paul's ministry until now. The primary announcement of the Gospel is in verse 6 as Paul shares his confidence that what God began in them, God will bring "to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? There is hardly a whisper of Law in this text. One could certainly note the mention of Paul's imprisonment and the concern Paul has for the growth of the Philippians as evidence of the enemies of the Gospel which surround them, but there is no call to repentance, no Word that exposes their need for a Savior.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? Since the Word is addressing the people of Philippi, it is they with whom we identify here. God has begun a good work in us, which will be brought to completion at the day of Christ. We are involved in a deep companionship (koinonia) with Christ and other Christ-followers in this work. We are those in whom God's love is at work.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? The last three verses tell of Paul's fervent desire for the Philippians, that their love overflows and deepens, so that they might be "pure and blameless" at the coming of Christ, "having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ." Clearly, faith active in love is the expectation, but a direct call to obedience is not stated here.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? Taking some of the gospel words that abound in the text and pairing them with some law words of our choosing might be the way to go here. Some suggestions: despairing/confident; incomplete/completed; filthy and guilty/pure and blameless.
6. Exegetical work: It is interesting that most of the verbs in this passage are participles. That is to say, they are modifiers to the strong verbs which set the stage. For example, in verses 3-6, the only strong verb is the opening one: "I thank my God". The subsequent participles answer the question, "Why does Paul give thanks?" Answer: because of "your sharing in the gospel" and Paul "being convinced" that God will finish the work begun in them. Similarly in verses 7-8, the active verb is "I long for all of you." And in verses 9-11, the active verb is the subjunctive form, "that your love may overflow more and more." These active verbs are a clue to what is at stake in each section of the passage. Fred Craddock, in his commentary, notes how the three sections here noted are fleshed out. He calls the three sections gratitude, affection, and prayer for the church. He also notes how the three sections refer to Paul's "relation to the Philippians' past (vv.3-6), present (vv.7-8), and future (vv.9-11)." (Interpretation series, Philippians, p. 15). One other point we might take from this study of active verbs is that Paul's prayer in the final section is that the love of God deepen and widen in the life of the Philippians, not merely that they grow in "knowledge and full insight." More than one commentator has been sidetracked into thinking that knowledge or faith is the goal, as did the 4th century teacher, Ambrosiaster, when he wrote: "[Paul] wishes, with God's assistance, to pour into them pure Christian doctrine, that their faith will be firm and that they will see clearly all the vast implications of their faith." (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT, vol. VIII, p. 221). I would argue that growth in Christian doctrine is far from the concern of Paul at this point. Love is his concern.
Blessings on your proclamation!
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