Paul (Joyful in Chains)
Category: Endurance in prison with joy
Could avoid: Stop preaching and avoid imprisonment.
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard… that I am in chains for Christ.” (Philippians 1:13)
Cross-Refs: Acts 28:16, 30; 2 Timothy 2:9.
Chose: Rejoiced in Christ, even in hardship.
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
Cross-Refs: Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Endured: Chains, rivals preaching Christ with false motives, uncertainty of death.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Acts 21:13.
Why: For Christ’s glory and the church’s encouragement.
“I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” (Philippians 1:25)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 3:7–8; Colossians 1:24.
Result: Gospel advanced, church strengthened.
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” (Philippians 1:14)
Cross-Refs: Acts 4:29; 2 Timothy 1:8.
Christ (the Supreme Example)
Category: Endurance in humility & obedience
Could avoid: Remain in heavenly glory.
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.” (Philippians 2:6)
Cross-Refs: John 17:5; 2 Corinthians 8:9.
Chose: Humbled Himself and became obedient to death.
“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:7; Hebrews 5:8.
Endured: Rejection, suffering, crucifixion.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself…” (Philippians 2:8)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 12:2.
Why: To fulfill the Father’s will and redeem humanity.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
Cross-Refs: John 6:38; Titus 2:14.
Result: Exalted to the highest place, every knee will bow.
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 45:23; Revelation 5:12–13.
The Philippian Believers
Category: Endurance in unity, humility & joy
Could avoid: Complain, divide, or give in to fear.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 10:10; James 5:9.
Chose: Shine as lights in the world.
“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15–16)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:14–16; Daniel 12:3.
Endured: Suffering for Christ, threats of persecution.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29)
Cross-Refs: Acts 14:22; 1 Peter 4:16.
Why: Because their citizenship is in heaven.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 11:16; Colossians 3:1–4.
Result: Promised transformation and eternal glory.
“By the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, [he] will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 15:52–53; 1 John 3:2.
Paul’s Call to Press On
Category: Endurance in pursuit of the goal
Could avoid: Rest on past achievements.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal…” (Philippians 3:12)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1.
Chose: Strain toward what is ahead.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
Cross-Refs: 2 Timothy 4:7–8; Colossians 1:29.
Endured: Hardship, loss, imprisonment.
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 19:29; Hebrews 10:34.
Why: To know Christ and share in His sufferings.
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10)
Cross-Refs: Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 4:10–11.
Result: Eternal reward and resurrection life.
“…and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:11)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 21:7.