The epistle to the Philippians has a peculiar character, rather distinct from the other epistles. There are indeed traces of the same in Timothy. Taking it characteristically, it is the epistle of Christian experience. We do not find much doctrinal teaching in it, but rather the experience of Christian walk-not the experience of one who is going wrong, but of one who is going right-the experience which the Spirit of God gives. The Apostle is perfectly clear as to his position, yet here he accounts himself not to have attained. He is on the road to the glory; he has not yet reached it, but Christ has laid hold on him for it (Phil. 3:1212Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)).
When I speak of my place in Christ, as in Ephesians, it is in heavenly places; but as to our souls, we are here on earth, going through it-a place full of temptation and snares. Philippians does not give account of failure, but tells of the upward path of the Christian, salvation being looked at throughout, as at the end of the wilderness. Paul had no doubt that Christ had secured for him the blessedness, but he had not yet obtained it. Salvation is here looked at as being gained at the end of the journey.