March 16 2026

Monday March 16

The Great Themes of Philippians

Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

As we continue our introduction to the book of Epistle to the Philippians, I want to talk about the great themes that run throughout this book. I believe these themes help us understand what this letter is really all about and why it continues to be such a source of encouragement to believers everywhere today.

The first theme that stands out in this book, of course, is joy. This theme of joy is closely connected to our minds—what our minds are set upon. That’s why, over the years as I’ve taught through this book, I’ve often used a very simple outline based on the focus of the believer’s mind in each chapter.

In chapter one, we see what it means to have the single mind. This is the mind that is set on Jesus Christ—always looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. It is also a mind that is focused on the gospel. As we go through this chapter, you will notice how many times Paul mentions Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul lived to share that gospel, and that purpose brought great joy to his heart.

Then in chapter two, we see the submissive mind. This introduces us to another great theme of the book—humility. Chapter two contains one of the most beautiful descriptions of the humility of Jesus Christ in all of Scripture. Though He was rich, yet He became poor. Though He sat on the throne with the Father, ruling over creation, He humbled Himself. He became a servant. He became a man. This is the incarnation of Christ. In this chapter we see the example of Jesus in His humility. We also see the example of Timothy in his humility, the example of Epaphroditus in his humility, and even the example of the Apostle Paul himself. If we want to experience real joy, we must learn to have a submissive mind.

Then in chapter three, we see the theme of the spiritual mind. Here Paul explains that although he could boast about many things according to the flesh, he has no confidence in the flesh. In fact, he says, “I have no confidence in the flesh” (v. 3). Instead, he declares in 3:10, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Paul’s great desire was simply to know Christ more intimately.

This brings us back to something Jesus said about joy in Gospel of John 15:8. Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” I am convinced that great joy comes when we fulfill the purpose for which God created us. That purpose is to glorify God. And we glorify God by bearing fruit as disciples of Jesus Christ. And according to John 15:1-8, the only way we can bear fruit is by abiding in Christ. Do you see how all these things tie together? When we abide in Christ, wonderful things begin to happen in our lives.

Then in John 16:22–24, Jesus said, “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” Jesus knew the disciples would soon see Him crucified and experience deep sorrow. But He also knew that joy would follow. He continued, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” When you are fulfilling the purpose for which God created you, your joy will be full. Your joy will be complete. This is the spiritual mind—a mind set on knowing Christ and experiencing the power of His resurrection.

Then we come to chapter four, which reveals the secure mind. Here Paul explains that he has learned to be content in every circumstance and situation in life (4:11-13). He says that he has learned how to live whether he has little or much. Whether he has abundance or nothing at all, he has learned how to trust Christ. That is why he can say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And he also declares, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (v. 19). This is the secure mind—a mind resting in the provision and faithfulness of God.

So these are some of the great themes we will discover throughout the book of Philippians: joy, humility, unity in Christ, sacrificial service, and a life centered on doing the will of God every day. And when we live that kind of life, we discover the joy that only God can give.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.