This semester I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly study the Book of Philippians in my class, Exegesis of Philippians, at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary – Charlotte.  What I’ve appreciated most from this time of study is the emphasis that Paul made on community life. 

I would argue that most of us in the United States have inhereited more of an individualist, maverick, free spirit, rebel without a cause mentality where we’re out for me, myself, and I, rather than others.  This is for a litany of reasons, but lest I regress, let me move on.

As I finish my paper on an in-depth analysis of Philippians 1.27-30, I have been simply amazed on the emphasis Paul places on community life, especially when he encouraged those he wrote to, “to live worthy of the gospel” in his absence by standing firm in unity while advancing the cause of Christ in the face of opposition (1.27).  This verse alone cut through my shallow, preconceived notions of rugged individualism, especially in relationship to evangelism. 

Living in the wake of one-time influential evangelistic methods, such as the 4 Spiritual Laws and Evangelism Explosion, I think we – at least myself – have by default inherited an individualistic notion of “winning souls” rather than community minded evangelism.

May the LORD be gracioius in enabling me to be and live more community minded.   

The follow are some passages from the Book of Philippians that deals with Paul’s emphasis on community:

Phil. 1.3-5

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Phil. 1.7

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Phil. 1.27-30

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.  This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Phil. 2.1-4

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Phil. 4.2-3

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

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