Unearthing Priceless Treasures in the Book of Philippians
Including the Gems of Joy, Suffering, and Knowing Christ
The book of Philippians has been a favorite of mine for years. Time and again, I find myself drawn to the meaty truths tucked into this short book—a letter written by the apostle Paul to the body of believers at Philippi. A mere four chapters hold more depth and encouragement for the Christian life than I can possibly grasp in a short read-through, so I return to it often.
There are treasures here: priceless gems that beg to be unearthed and displayed in the hearts and lives of those willing to dig just a little bit deeper.
No matter how we consume the Bible, there is value. Reading even a few verses rewards us with gems scattered near the surface: encouragement, hope, and maybe a little motivation or conviction. But when we get out the ‘shovels’ to dig deeper, we are more likely to discover profound riches lying in wait—bigger treasures, deeper insights, and greater potential for heart transformation.
Recently, I had the pleasure of mining for these treasures with a group of dear sisters-in-Christ as we studied the book of Philippians together for six weeks.
Digging deeper is always a rewarding endeavor, and this study was no exception.
What does it mean to “dig deeper?”
For me, and for this particular study group, digging deeper into Philippians meant reading slowly and repeatedly while asking specific questions of the text. After establishing key background information to help us understand the original context and intention, we carefully searched each chapter to see what we could learn about God, Humanity, and Christ, before considering how we could apply these truths to our lives. The method is simple but not always easy, yet the reward is truly priceless!
See Life Transformation Group to access the study method + printable guide
It may sound hyperbolic, but taking the time to cross-reference, check certain word meanings in Hebrew or Greek, research the insights of a few pastors and commentators, and simply sit with these chapters for six weeks straight has been transformative!
Here are just a few of the transformational treasures I found along the way:
Philippians Treasure #1: Joy
Philippians has been referred to as The Joy Letter as it contains references to joy or rejoicing up to sixteen times, depending on the translation. Joy is woven into everything else Paul is sharing in his letter. Even in hardship, imprisonment, and outright suffering, joy is demonstrated and held up as a way of life for those in Christ.
In difficult situations, joy can feel counterintuitive, and, if I’m honest, downright impossible. Yet despite how it feels, The Word says joy in all circumstances is possible—for Paul, for me, and for you.
During this study, it seemed like there were even more situations than normal where joy could be elusive…
My chronic health issues were spiking, causing nearly constant pain and fatigue.
Several of our family and friends were experiencing either their own health struggles, relational issues, any number of circumstantial difficulties, and even a tragic death.
Every day it seems we receive more news and prayer requests regarding failing health—strokes, heart issues, chronic disease— or marital problems, mental health struggles, career crises, and the list.goes.on.
Is there joy even here?
Can we still have joy in extreme physical pain, in any manner of relational distress, or in learning to live without loved ones?
It may feel impossible, but Philippians offers that for the believer—those truly in Christ— joy is always available despite the suffering we will inevitably endure.
Which leads to unearthing the next gem:
Philippians Treasure #2: Suffering
Wait.
Suffering? How can we call suffering a treasure?
Well, Paul implies that suffering is a gift:
“For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…” Philippians 1:29, CSB
It has been granted to us to suffer for him.
So, while the context here is suffering for Christ—likely persecution, as Paul is experiencing imprisonment for sharing the gospel as he writes this letter— suffering of any kind can be viewed as a gift when we let it transform us more into the likeness of Christ.
Suffering in any form always comes with two opposite destinations, and we get to choose which path we will take: The one leading away from Christ or the one leading toward Him.
We will all experience suffering. It is inevitable. But we don’t often see it as the opportunity that it always is: A chance to become more like Jesus.
If we must suffer anyway, why not take the path that transforms us into shining stars?
Suffering will change us. Either we will become resentful, bitter, angry, and anxious, or we can let it shape us more into the likeness of Christ, displaying his Light, peace, contentment, and yes, even joy.
How?
How is it possible to embrace suffering and still find contentment, peace, and joy?
That, my friend, is found in the most priceless treasure of all:
Philippians Treasure #4: Knowing Jesus
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21
This one verse is the overarching theme of Christianity—a manifesto of sorts. Through this simple yet profound statement, we can filter all our decisions. It offers a succinct pattern for our lives. Christ is life, therefore, to live is Christ, and death—a reward.
This only makes sense if we know Jesus intimately.
Paul writes this letter to address several issues and extend thanks for the help he received from these believers, but all of it is wrapped up in this one message:
To know Him [Christ] and make Him known.
Knowing Christ Jesus is of supreme value, the ultimate goal and pursuit.
When knowing Him becomes our goal, everything becomes about Him—to live is Christ.
Philippians is filled with supporting evidence:
To live is Christ means to adopt the same attitude as that of Christ (Phil 2:5), living in humility, considering others as more important than ourselves (Phil 2:3-4). It means living a life worthy of the gospel (Phil 1:27)—sharing the good news, contending for the faith, and always growing in love, knowledge, discernment, and righteousness (Phil 1:9-11). To live is Christ means being united in one spirit with our fellow believers to preach Christ in both our words and actions. It means having the courage to proclaim Christ no matter the cost—even if it invites criticism, imprisonment, or any manner of suffering. To live is Christ means to live without complaining, grumbling, or arguing, risking our reputations, and maybe even our lives to know Christ and make Him known. It means being content in every circumstance—whether in prosperity or affliction (Phil. 4:12). It means to live with thankful hearts, rejoicing, and resting in God’s peace that comes through Jesus in prayer and focusing our thoughts on what is beautiful and good (Phil. 4:8)—namely, The Lord and His Word.
To live is Christ means living like Christ because we are in Christ. His righteousness has become ours. He gave us His all, He is with us through it all, and He is deserving of our all.
Like Christ, we can suffer all things—even to the point of death because we know that “to die is gain.” All we do on earth for and through Christ leads to the glorious reality of arriving home—to our rightful place with God our Father, and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can endure all things and live with a singularity of focus—to know Him and make Him known— because the prize ahead is worth it all. We will be transformed, giving glory to God our Father, in His glorious presence forever and ever (Phil. 4:20).
What lies ahead is far better than anything in our past or present and is worth giving our all for (Phil. 3:12-17).
Without Christ, we remain broken by sin. When we don’t live in Him, we grumble, complain, argue, are selfish, prideful, and anxious. But the good news is that we do not have to stay that way. In His great love, God made a way for us to become blameless and pure children of God (Phil. 2:15)—without fault—because Jesus humbled himself and took our shame, exchanging it for His righteousness. He gave His life for us, and in return, we should give our lives for Him.
When He becomes our life—when we truly know Him—we find great joy, peace, and contentment no matter what else life may throw at us.
We can be transformed even as we wait to be eternally transformed!
I’ve been so blessed to discover that in these six weeks of deeper study, my joy, peace, and love for Jesus have also deepened despite the hard things. I have not ‘arrived,’ but there is tangible evidence of progress. Like Paul, I will keep pressing on toward the goal, straining toward the prize that lies ahead (Phil. 3:12-14) where my joy, peace, and knowing Jesus will be eternally fulfilled in finally seeing Him face to face.
There are many more gems tucked in the layers of Philippians, but the richest of them I have found is this:
To live is Christ. He’s always the one necessary thing.
How about you? What treasures have you found in the book of Philippians? Have you ever considered that suffering could be a gift? I’d love to know—please tell me in the comments. Treasures are always better when shared with others! 🤍