Philippians – A Book for Entrepreneurs

If you haven’t read the book of Philippians in a while, take ten minutes and read it. It’s only four chapters and I promise it will encourage you today.

A little background of the book: Paul is writing to a group of believers in Philippi, a military city and Roman colony with very few believers in Christ. Paul’s letter is full of encouragement, instruction and wisdom – all of which will benefit Christian entrepreneurs who read through the book. Maybe it’s because Paul was an entrepreneur himself, making tents to support his own mission journeys.

3 Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Paul’s Mission

Paul had a heart for people and for sharing the gospel with everyone he could. Reading through the first chapter, it’s easy to see his genuine love of Christ and concern for the church at Philippi. In this short chapter, Paul wastes no time and encourages the church to align their mission with that of the gospel. There had been some people in Philippi who were preaching the gospel for their own selfish ambition – and Paul calls them out.

As an entrepreneur, I need to remind myself to remain focused on the mission of the gospel – no matter what work I find myself in. Philippians 1:27a puts it plainly –

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

As Christians, we’re called to share the love of Christ with others and taking a minute to remind ourselves of this mission is crucial.

A Christian Entrepreneur’s Heart

Once we’ve established/reminded ourselves of our true mission as Christians, we can really take hold of Paul’s instruction to make our attitude the same as that of Christ.

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

What a statement to live by as we carry out our business. I can think of no better way to share the love of Christ in our business than to have a humble attitude as we consider others better than ourselves.

Pressing Toward the Goal

If anyone had it hard, it was Paul. Running from people who wanted to kill him, living in jail cells, flogged, stoned, you name it – Paul suffered a lot. But the one thing that separated him from others was his perseverance in Christ.

Chapters three and four of Philippians is such an encouraging section for entrepreneurs that addresses commitment, attitudes, contentment, and hope. The verse that nearly ends the chapter pretty well sums it up: