The book of Philippians is often referred to as the epistle of joy. According to Dr. Gromacki, Paul teaches that this joy comes from an understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for each believer, an emphasis on the gospel, and a proper motivation for our actions. Dr. Gromacki discusses the motivation of Paul: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (1:21). Just as people think "golf" when the names Arnold Palmer or Tiger Woods are mentioned, so believers thought "Christ" when the name of Paul was mentioned. Paul wanted Christ to be magnified in his body, whether through living or dying for Him. The challenge to the reader is: What do people think of when they hear your name? Colossians contains a classic passage on the preeminence of Jesus Christ (1:14-22). Dr. Gromacki discusses the descriptive titles of Christ used in this passage: the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, the head of the body, the beginning, and the firstborn from the dead. His is both the creator and sustainer of the universe. Both in the natural and the spiritual creations, Christ is sovereign and should have the preeminence. Dr. Gromacki also brings out the severe warning in Colossians against unguided human intellect or non-biblical philosophy (2:8). A genuine love for wisdom should lead to a perfect love for Christ (2:3).
