Reading With the People of God #15 Purposeಮಾದರಿ

Finding Purpose in Christ, Not in Gain

Ecclesiastes 6:1-12 invites us to wrestle honestly with a haunting truth: it is possible to have everything the world says you need—wealth, status, even a long life—and still feel empty. The Preacher laments the tragedy of a life full of gain but void of purpose. This is a timely word in a world that constantly equates success with accumulation.

Into this tension, we now open the letter to the Philippians—a radically different voice. Written from a prison cell, Paul's words pulse with purpose and joy. Where Ecclesiastes asks, “What is the point of it all?”, Philippians answers with clarity: to live is Christ.

This is the perfect moment to slow down and consider what it means to live with lasting purpose. As we begin Philippians, the following introduction will help you grasp its heart—a joy-filled life rooted not in circumstances or possessions, but in Christ Himself.

Philippians Introduction:

Philippi, named after the father of Alexander the Great, was already an ancient city when visited by Paul. Paul heard the “Macedonian Call” (Acts 16:9-10) on his second missionary journey, and with Silas and Timothy, established the first church in Europe in Macedonia, eastern Greece. Via Egnatia, a major trade route between Rome and Asia Minor, ran through Philippi, making it a wealthy and populous city. The Jewish community there was very small when Paul found Lydia with a small group worshiping at the riverbank. (Acts 16:13)

Paul had visited Philippi a total of three times and now writes to thank them for their generous gift sent to him as he was held prisoner under house arrest. It was mandatory for prisoners to be supported by their family or friends, and when the believers in Philippi heard of Paul’s plight, they responded with a love offering to help him in his need. Included in the gift was a servant, Epaphroditus, to aid him in his confined state.

Epaphroditus would be the carrier in bringing this letter back to the Christians in Philippi. In this letter, Paul touched on several topics, but his major concern was the lack of unity in the church. He also spoke of the persecution they might be enduring and encouraged them to rejoice in troubled times, even as he finds joy in spite of his circumstances. He uses forms of the word joy sixteen times in this short letter.

Philippians 2:5-11 is called the Christ Hymn. Here, Paul uses one of the most beautiful anthems of theology in the New Testament to make a point on how Christians should think and how they should respond to fellow Christians. He makes a point of saying, with emphasis on Christ as our example, that we should be of the same mind as Christ, humble and self-sacrificing. Identifying with Christ in His humility also enables one to identify with Him in suffering.

The book’s overall message to Christians is to approach life with thanksgiving and joy, and to be a part of bringing unity to the church body. Paul helps the reader to see that our response to our gracious redemption is to live a life that reflects the life and mind of Christ.

* Introduction provided by Jinet Troost

Reflection Question:
What is shaping your sense of purpose right now—earthly success, or the surpassing worth of knowing Christ?

Prayer of Illumination:
Lord, strip away whatever clouds my vision of what truly matters. As I read your Word today, anchor my purpose not in what I can gain, but in who you are. Open my heart to the joy and calling found only in Christ. Amen.