The Philippian Victory

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:23-31

Introduction: The Apostle Paul wrote in his letters about the believer’s victory.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…”

1 Corinthians 15:57

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ…” 

2 Corinthians 2:14

However, we also know that the events of Paul’s personal life were often very difficult. We must conclude that he had a very different definition of “victory” to the one used by some preachers today! He did not always have a speedy deliverance from the circumstances, yet he had victory in the circumstances. The victory he spoke of must have been internal in nature. It's time to redefine victory.

1. Rejoicing in Affliction
Perhaps this is best illustrated in the events surrounding the Book of Philippians. Paul was a prisoner awaiting possible execution when he wrote Philippians, yet the joy of the Lord was his strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and there are sixteen references to joy in this brief epistle!

He rejoiced in every remembrance of the Philippians (1:3-4); because Christ was preached and that others were praying for him (1:18-19); in the unity of his followers (2:2); in his own personal suffering for Christ (2:17-18); exhorting his readers to rejoice always (4:4); and rejoicing in the gifts and goodwill of his friends (4:10). He had the victory!

2. Contentment in Lack
Paul writes: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-13

Paul’s testimony was that he had often been without the essentials of life, as well as times when he had been punished or in peril for the Gospel. Yet he had contentment in his relationship with Jesus, singing truthfully “You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed!”

Contentment contains three elements: gratitude (Philippians 4:10); perspective (Romans 8:18) and faith (Romans 1:17).  It is clear that, while in significant lack, Paul had the victory!

3. Worshipping God through Very Bad Times
The planting of the Philippian church is recorded in Acts 16:12-40. During this time, the apostles were stripped, severely flogged and imprisonment in stocks (verses 22-24). But the joyful Paul and Silas continued to worship the Lord through it all (verse 25). Later, Paul would worship God in the storm at sea (Acts 27:35). He had the victory!

Conclusion: While we continue to believe for the miraculous breakthrough that we need, we must have that internal victory while we await the full deliverance from the Lord. Paul and Silas’ chains fell off through joyful, contented worship (Acts 16:26) and so shall ours!

1 John 5:4 declares: “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”