The Bible is meant to be experienced rather than studied intellectually. The book of Philippians sets forth the experience of the living Christ. Concerning the experience of Christ, each chapter of Philippians covers a major point. First, in chapter one, we learn we should live Christ and magnify Christ. Regardless of our circumstances, we should express Christ so that we magnify Him.
In chapter two, Christ is set forth as our pattern, or model. To do anything adequately, we need a pattern, a model, or an example. Even in experiencing and enjoying Christ, we need a pattern. Christ Himself is our pattern. Chapter three reveals Christ as our goal. This chapter tells us that Christ should be our goal, our aim. He Himself is the goal we must pursue. In chapter four, Christ is presented as the secret of our sufficiency. This chapter presents Christ as our strength and the supplier of our needs according to His riches in glory.
Paul says, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Phil.4:13). Christ is not only the pattern and the goal; he is also the strength, the power, the dynamo. As the energizing force within us, He empowers us to live Him, to magnify him, and to press on toward Him as our goal. The book of Philippians presents Christ as our life and living, Christ magnified, Christ as our pattern, Christ as our goal, and Christ as our sufficiency and strength.
