A Cross

Philippians 2:8
8  And being found in appearance as a man,
  he humbled himself
  by becoming obedient to death—
   even death on a cross!

     We are able to stand before God in new life because of this gift of sacrifice by our Lord. He became like us that we might become like Him.  He models life that leads to life.  It is when we put God first and obey His word that we are found in appearance as a child of God.  We are able to share this gift in the Holy Spirit and with others.  We are becoming obedient to life -even to life in the presence of God.
     Christ learned obedience so that we might learn obedience.    He hung on a cross that we would be able to cross over into His kingdom.

Exploring Holiness--Philippians

Analysis

The Greek words used in Philippians in which we will be studying are as follows:

ἅγιος: 1. as adjective pertaining to being dedicated or consecrated to the service of God

1. in the cultic sense dedicated to God, holy, sacred, i.e. reserved for God and God’s service:

ἁγιασμός: personal dedication to the interests of the deity, holiness, consecration, sanctification. Kittle: sanctifying, i.e. a process.

ἁγιωσύνη: Holiness.  Kittle: “This rare word, formed from the adjective ἅγιος by extension of the o to ω after a short syllable as an abstract term of quality, in the same way as δικαιοσύνη is formed from δίκαιος, is not found in pre-biblical Greek.  It means ‘sanctification’ or ‘holiness’ rather than ‘sanctifying’, but as a quality rather than a state.”

ἁγιάζω: 1.  set aside something or make it suitable for ritual purposes, consecrate, dedicate of things.  2. include a person in the inner circle of what is holy, in both cultic and moral associations of the word, consecrate, dedicate, sanctify.  3. to treat as holy, reverence.  4. to eliminate that which is incompatible with holiness, purify

ὁσιότης: state of proper attitude toward God as exhibited in action, devoutness, piety, holiness.”

Passages where Paul calls the Philippians “holy ones”.

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people ἁγίοις in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:21 Greet all God’s people ἅγιον in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.  22 All God’s people ἅγιοι here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 

This passage speaks of “holy ones” outside of Philippi.  That latter one speaks of the Romans where Paul is held prisoner.

Inferred Holiness Passages:

We don’t have any passages in Philippians where Paul uses our “holiness” words, but we do have “inferred holiness” throughout.  This letter was written while Paul was in prison in Rome.  He was executed some time later.  He was suffering and knew that he may die for the cause.  This letter expresses Paul’s being torn between departing to be with Christ, or staying and helping the Lord’s people. In this case, it is the Philippians that he wants to help.

Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 

This is a little different from what we’ve seen in the past, but has been inferred throughout.  It was stated in pasts studies that a person can’t make themselves holy, they can only do “righteous acts” and stand in the way of the Spirit’s refining process by doing impure acts.  Here though, Paul states that even the fruit of righteousness comes from Jesus.  Therefore, it is the Spirit in us that causes us to do the righteous things that we do.

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 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.  29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,  30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. 

Prior to this passage, Paul has spoken of his possible upcoming death.  He says that he has the courage to face whatever happens to him.  He struggles with what he prefers; death to be with Jesus, or life so that he can spread the Gospel more.  This is what leads up to our current passage.

Paul uses his suffering as an example to the Philippians.  They should “stand firm” without being scared of what may happen to them.  This “standing firm” is a sign that the ones who oppose them (persecute them) will get their due in the end while the Philippians will be delivered from such wrath.  So, why are they suffering?  It is because God “grace-gifts” it to Christians to suffer just like Jesus did and to suffer for Jesus.  χαρίζομαι is the cognate verb of χάρις (grace).  Here is means “to give freely as a favor” or “give graciously”.  Therefore, standing up against opposition may cause suffering, but it is a “gift” that has been given.  In this passage, to stand firm as the body of Christ is a true “sign” that the "body" will be delivered in the end, and that unbelievers, the ones who are doing the persecuting, will face God’s wrath.  If one is a Christian, then suffering is the norm.

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father. 

Some scholars call this passage “the most significant passage about Jesus in the New Testament”!  It truly is!  Although most people start their quoting of the passage in the middle of verse 5.  If we examine the passage in context, we will see that the purpose of this statement is for Christians to have a pattern to follow.  Paul told the Philippians to “put others’ interest above their own".  He then qualifies that with “In your relationships with one another”.  In other words, we should put the interests of our fellow Christians above our own, especially when it comes to helping people.

Once the context is read in full, then the statement that Paul makes about Jesus is clear.  He didn’t take advantage of his equal-ness with God.  He became lowly flesh and died on a cross for all mankind!  As a result, God exalts him to the highest place to be over everything, and “grace-gifts” (χαρίζομαι: the same verb Paul uses in 1:29) the name that is above every name to him.  That would be the divine name Yahweh!  It is at that moment that Jesus becomes the one to bow a knee to and every mouth will confess that “The Lord (Yahweh) is Jesus the Anointed”.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my 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, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

With Paul’s use of ὥστε (therefore), he continues the theme through verse 18.  He says to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling”.  In the context, this has to do with how we treat each other!  Of course, the main clause that everyone is interested in is:

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε·

“You” work out your own salvation/deliverance with fear and trembling.

Of course, the statement is a plural one and it towards the congregation at Philippi as a whole, not as individuals.  So, is it possible for people to be able to “work out their own salvation”?  The context is still that of starting with 1:27 to the present!  It is to stand first in spite of persecution and it is based upon who we treat each other!  It is not that we can accomplish our own salvation, but it is how we go about our daily lives as “saved” people and how we are to obey (Fee, NICNT, 235).  The context of the passage makes this clear.  What we do in our devotion to the Lord should be done out of our obedience to him.  Therefore, “Work out you own salvation with fear and trembling” = “Obeying” as children of God are supposed to!  Don’t fail due to persecution!  Don’t put your interests above your fellow Christians’ interests.  Just as Jesus was obedient, suffered, and then died for others by putting their interest above his own, the Philippians are to follow that example!  And they should do so without complaining about it!  By doing this, they φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ (shine/appear as lights/stars in the world) among the “crooked and perverted generation”, the pagans!

Therefore, the example is not only to be seen before our God, but also before the one’s who oppose us!  If we cannot treat each other properly, we are not acting like “delivered” people should act!

Philippians 3:1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.  2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

The context about Chapter 3 is around Jewish "Christians" who may come to Philippi and preach that the Philippians must keep the Jewish law in order to complete their salvation (see study on Galatians).  Paul calls such people “dogs”.  These are the very people that Paul says should be “cursed” in Galatians 1:6-9.  Paul goes into detail about his former life and that all of his accomplishments where nothing but garbage now.  As before, Paul puts Judaism in the same boat as paganism.  The Philippians should watch out for such people who tried to make them keep the Jewish law.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Paul wraps up how Christians are to be in their practice of being devoted to God.  Suffering will come, as well as false teachers, but those things can’t stand in the way of the Holy Spirit’s refining process in our lives.

Final Thoughts:

What would you give for your fellow brother or sister?  Would you really put their interests above your own?

Exploring Holiness--Ephesians

Analysis

The Greek words used in Ephesians in which we will be studying are as follows:

ἅγιος: 1. as adjective pertaining to being dedicated or consecrated to the service of God

1. in the cultic sense dedicated to God, holy, sacred, i.e. reserved for God and God’s service:

ἁγιασμός: personal dedication to the interests of the deity, holiness, consecration, sanctification. Kittle: sanctifying, i.e. a process.

ἁγιωσύνη: Holiness.  Kittle: “This rare word, formed from the adjective ἅγιος by extension of the o to ω after a short syllable as an abstract term of quality, in the same way as δικαιοσύνη is formed from δίκαιος, is not found in pre-biblical Greek.  It means ‘sanctification’ or ‘holiness’ rather than ‘sanctifying’, but as a quality rather than a state.”

ἁγιάζω: 1.  set aside something or make it suitable for ritual purposes, consecrate, dedicate of things.  2. include a person in the inner circle of what is holy, in both cultic and moral associations of the word, consecrate, dedicate, sanctify.  3. to treat as holy, reverence.  4. to eliminate that which is incompatible with holiness, purify

In Ephesians, we will introduce this word although it is not so much like the rest as this is what one does as opposed to what God does:

ὁσιότης: state of proper attitude toward God as exhibited in action, devoutness, piety, holiness.”

Passages where Paul calls the Ephesians “holy ones”.

For the first time in this study, we’ll comment a little more on Paul’s use of ἅγιος.

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people ἁγίοις in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people ἁγίους, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people ἁγίοις,

Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people ἁγίων and also members of his household,

In this context, Jews are the “holy ones”.  More below.

Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people ἁγίων, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,

In 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul says:

9 Ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι ὁ ἐλάχιστος τῶν ἀποστόλων ὃς οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς καλεῖσθαι ἀπόστολος, διότι ἐδίωξα τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ·

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who is not able to be called an apostles, because I persecuted the assembly of God. (My translation)

Here, Paul goes beyond that to say Ἐμοὶ τῷ ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ πάντων ἁγίων ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις αὕτη (This grace was given to me, the least of all the holy ones)  My translation.

Not only does Paul see himself as the “least” of the Apostles, he also sees himself as the “least” of all of the “holy ones”.  He gives no reason for this, but we can assume that he is referring to the time when he persecuted the Church.

Ephesians 3:17b And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people ἁγίοις, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people ἁγίων for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Who are the “holy ones” that are equipped for the works of service?  All of the Lord’s people!

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people ἁγίοις.

We will speak more on this verse below in the holiness section.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people ἁγίων.

Passages on the Holy Spirit:

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy ἅγιον Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

We will discuss this more below in the holiness section.

Holiness Passages:

Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy ἁγίους and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—  6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

To grasp the full meaning of this passage, one must look to 5:25-27.  We will cover this below.

Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people ἁγίων and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy ἅγιον temple in the Lord.  22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The context is how through Jesus, the Gentiles have become “the Lord’s people” along with “the Jews”.  In this case, it was the Jewish law that was brought to a end because it was a barrier between the Jews and Gentiles.  Since the “foundation” here is the apostles and prophets, with Jesus the chief cornerstone, Paul can only be referring to the “New Covenant” people as opposed to the Jews of the “law”.  The imagery is that people become the holy temple together!

Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 

Ephesians 4:20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness ὁσιότητι.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  30 And do not grieve the Holy ἅγιον Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people ἁγίοις.  4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 

Let’s take a look at Paul’s set-up.  He has just spoken about the “gifts” that Jesus gave to the his people and how those gifts equip the holy ones for the work of services/ministries.  He also spoke on how unity comes about by every member of the body exercising their God-given gift.  Now, Paul “solemnly insists” (μαρτύρομαι) upon what the Ephesians in the Lord should NOT do.  

First of all, they should not live like they used to live--as the Gentiles are currently living.  He says that the Gentiles περιπατεῖ ἐν ματαιότητι τοῦ νοὸς αὐτῶν (walk in the purposelessness of their mind/understanding/thought (my translation). ματαιότης is defined by BDAG as “state of being without use or value”.  After this, Paul goes into what the Gentiles were doing at the time.

This brings us to 4:20-24 with verse 24 in the forefront.  Let’s take a look at it as it includes our new Greek word ὁσιότης.

24 καὶ ἐνδύσασθαι τὸν καινὸν ἄνθρωπον τὸν κατὰ θεὸν κτισθέντα ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ὁσιότητι τῆς ἀληθείας. 

24 and to put on the new person, which is according to (in conformity with/for the purpose of) God, created in true righteousness and devoutness ὁσιότητι. (my translation)

So, the first question would be “why have you translated this differently?”  The simple answer is because I’m not quite sure that the NIV11 translation captures the entire idea of what Paul is saying here.  “The new man/person” is indeed created like God because it is God who gives his Spirit to be in that person.  But christians are also slaves to God and we must do what he commands us to as we BELONG to him.  This is a common theme throughout Paul letters and he applies this to himself and to his fellow christians.  

What is important to grasp here is that Paul places in contrast what the pagan gentiles do as opposed to what God’s people (holy ones) are suppose to do.  Remember, throughout this study, the evidence is that people can’t make themselves “holy”, they can only hinder the Holy Spirit in the refining process.  Here, Paul is referring to the righteous acts and devoutness that God’s people are to have to Him.

Paul then moves into a huge list of “do nots”.  Let’s take a closer look at 4:29-32.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  30 And do not grieve the Holy ἅγιον Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Grieving the Holy Spirit.  Who would have thought that something like this could happen?  To properly understand this, we must take a look at how λυπέω (to grieve) is defined.  BDAG defines it in a few ways: to grieve/to offend/to insult/to distress.  In this passage, Paul probably mean to cause grieve to the Holy Spirit by insulting the Holy Spirit.  Think about it.  If a “holy one” is talking in such a way as Paul describes it in verses 29-32, would that not insult the Holy Spirit who is suppose to dwell in a person?  Why would the Holy Spirit be grieved and insulted?  It’s because doing such as these things are NOT righteous acts.  How can the Holy Spirit refine a person if the person is doing these things?  How does doing such things “build up the congregation”?  This is the greatest fallacy among Christians today.  We can’t get along!  We slander each other!  We call each other heretics!  We belittle each other!  How can the Holy Spirit stay in such a person?  And we are all guilty!  God help us!

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Paul ends this whole passage with a summary statement in 5:5.

5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

As has been discussed throughout the holiness study, most of the “don’ts” have been rooted in either Judaism or paganism.  Here, Paul equates behavior with worshipping lifeless gods.  When we do such things that Paul describes in this whole passage, we put ourselves in the place of our ancestors' pagan past.  Therefore, we are no longer slaves to God, but slaves to paganism.  

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy ἁγιάσῃ, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,  27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy ἁγία and blameless.

What Paul starts as a basis of how husbands should treat their wives reveals just how true holiness came about.  It is Jesus’ act of self-sacrifice that makes the Lord’s people holy.  In this statement, Paul has brought us full circle from his opening passages of this letter.  We now see Paul’s theology on what he wrote in verses 1:4-6.  

This, as in Paul’s very first letter to the Thessalonians, sums it up nicely.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Final Thoughts:

It seems that Gentiles mostly made up the Assembly in Ephesus.  This letter is to them as an encouragement to keep up the fight.  It is an encouragement to us as well.  It keeps us focused on what we should be doing and what we shouldn't be doing.  Being devoted to God is a serious matter.  Straying off always leads to our ancestors pagan past, which leads to breaking God's 1st law: You will have no other gods instead of me.