Philippians

25 February, 2013

As a Calvary Chapel - Malibu intern, I was asked to rewrite the Book of Philippians in my own words.

Enjoy!

Philippians (PW version) Ch.1

1-2 Paul and Timothy are living to further the name of Jesus. This letter is to the people in Philippi. They greet them with peace and love in the name of the master, Jesus Christ.

3-6 Every time you come to my mind, a smile crosses my face, and I thank God for you. I pray for you every day, praying for a bright future. I’m so proud of you for walking along side us in this Christian set-apart life. From the first day you converted, you have not tired of sharing His message. God lives in you and will not leave you, for He has big plans for you until His return.

7-8 Because you have stayed strong and will continue on the trek of Christ, it is right for me to pray for you and think about you. We all share the good grace of our Lord and Savior, because we’re one family. I long to be with you and talk of His love.

9-10 My prayer is as follows: that you will grow into an even deeper relationship with Him, with wisdom and insight on His plans. I pray He helps you distinguish right from wrong to be pure for His return. He will give you the fruits of the spirit, filling you with the juices of love, peace, righteousness, and grace.

12-14 I, Paul, want you to know that any trials I’ve overcome have been to further the Word of God and spread the good news. My time in jail was no waste. Since people have found out I’m in jail for the Messiah, it has spread the Message instead of diminish it, and they became curious to learn about it. The Christians here are stronger in their faith than ever before, sharing His story without fear.

15-18 Some here are sharing the news simply because I’m in jail, thinking that they will be in the limelight. Sharing the gospel through rivalry and competition is not of God; it should be taught out of love and selflessness. Preaching the Word for individual gain is not right and doesn’t made God happy. But, I suppose that His message is being shared regardless, so for this I have joy.

19-26 I’ll always give praise because I know that God will reward us for our hard work and deliver us from all evil. I pray that I’ll have nothing to regret in this life, but that I had a courageous life with Christ living within my heart. To die is to live in the life of our Lord. If I live only for myself, then I’ll fulfill my fleshly desires. Sometimes it’s hard to remain living for the spirit, since it’s easier to live for the world, but it is much more fulfilling living for Christ. Because of this, I know I must stay with Him, as should you. Together, we can hold each other accountable to stay on track.

27-29 No matter what, we should understand that we’re citizens of Heaven, not of Earth. We’re the salt of the Earth, set apart and sharing the Truth. When we reunite I know that I’ll be pleased with how you conduct your lives for God. We are warriors for our Lord, standing firm and grounded in the Good News. We have nothing to be frightened of, proving that the Holy Spirit is shielding our hearts from any evils because we know we’ll be saved. Suffering is not a bad thing when it’s for Him; it’s a privilege and will bring you closer to Him. We’re all working together for the same Lord, and trust that we’ve all had similar struggles.

Philippians (PW version) Ch. 2

1-4 God has given us an immeasurable treasure: encouragement, comforting adoration, His spirit, and a glorious mercy concerning our shameful pasts. If these gifts give you joy, then continue to walk on the road to righteousness by working together and loving others. Let His goals be your goals and practice selflessness. Humble living is Godly living.

5-11 Live for Christ, practicing what He taught. He lived completely for God, but He never called himself equivalent to God. He gave up everything and became a servant to the world by coming down as a human. While He was here, He obeyed the Lord through His actions, even when it led Him to his execution at Calvary. Because of the obedience, God blessed Him by placing Him on a throne next to the Lord in Heaven. Everyone above the Earth, on Earth, and below the Earth should and will bow to Jesus, shouting “Jesus is Lord! He is the highest of high!” God will smile because this was His plan from the beginning.

12-13 Dear followers, you have always obeyed your teachings. You listened when I was there with you and when I wasn’t, and for this I’m proud and grateful. Living a clean life leads to salvation on the last day, so keep your eyes on His face entirely. God is working within you! You are never alone! He whispers what He asks of you and gives you the will to do what’s right.

14-16 Be calm about everything so that your life will be blameless and you’ll be God’s blessed people. Many on Earth serve Satan, not knowing the difference between good and evil. You are different, shining your Godly light rays on the darkness. When Christ returns, He’ll appreciate your work. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed.

17-18 Your life is a sacrifice; it’s no longer your own. Faith in God means we give up our own desires and lay down our lives for Him fully. If I have to physically give my life, I’ll be glad because it will bring me closer to the Lord and please Him. You should be glad too.

19-24 I am hoping to send Timothy to you soon, because he can tell me how you have been. Timothy is a set apart man, sincerely caring about you and others; he’s not selfish like the world. You already know what kind of person Timothy is because he’s worked with me to spread the news of Christ like a son with his father. I know the Lord will send him soon.

25-30 For now, I will send you Epaphroditus because he’s a strong brother of Christ who serves along side me on the battlefield of love. When I was in need, you sent him my way, but he yearns to be back with you. He knows that you heard of his sickness, worrying him because he doesn’t want to cause grief. I know that when you see him again, you’ll be joyful, so please bless him on his way to the Lord, and give honor to Christians like him. He almost died for serving our Lord; he risked his life for my own when you weren’t able to.