December 4 - Philippians 1-4
Philippians is such an encouraging book, and this morning I was able to understand the reason for this even more than before. Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this letter to a church, to which he was very close, so that he could help them through a time of persecution and difficulty. (1:30) He was uniquely able to encourage them, because he was in prison, and God had taught him a lot about life and suffering in his ministry. Now, he is seeking to impart these truths to his dear friends. I pray that this short letter is a great encouragement to you today.
Chapter 1 tells us that Paul was ready to live or to die, because he knew Christ, and he was assured that life here or in heaven was wonderful because of Christ. (v.21) He felt he would live a while longer, so he could see more fruit for the Lord. However, he knew it would not be easy for him or for the other believers, so he begins to share how God has sustained him.
In chapter 2 he tells us that it is the mind of Christ that sustains us in life. Jesus was able to humble Himself and die on the cross for us, so if we have His mind, we can endure, too. In fact, God will deliver His power to us as we are faithful to Him, just as He helped Christ, and then exalted Him. We must be the bearers of light to this dark world. Timothy and Epaphroditus are then given as two examples of Christian servants, who have endured much to follow Christ.
In chapter 3 Paul warns them about false teachers, who spread false doctrine. They are only in the ministry for themselves and not for Christ. (v.19) Paul encourages us to give up all desire to fulfill the flesh and to give all of our energy to knowing Christ. This is the only worthwhile pursuit of life. We must not get off on tangents that false teachers present. We must stick to Christ.
Finally, in chapter 4 Paul gives more personal testimony about how God has sustained him in trials. The Philippian believers had sent offerings to help him for which he was grateful. God had taught him to be content in all types of situations. God had given him all he needed, and he was assuring the church at Philippi that God would do the same for them. (v.19) If we give up something for Christ and His service, God will supply the need that our giving creates. After all, everything belongs to God, so He can direct His resources as He sees fit.
Do you see what I mean about this letter? It is so personal. It is Paul's testimony of God's faithfulness to him, and how God will sustain other Christians in the same way. This perspective really makes the beginning of chapter 4 come alive. Paul encourages rejoicing, praying instead of worrying, and meditating on the right things as practical ways that God has given to us to be victorious in life. I pray that all of these things are in your life and you know His victory. If not, take this short letter to heart, and soon victory in Christ will soon be yours.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Colossians 1-4.
Chapter 1 tells us that Paul was ready to live or to die, because he knew Christ, and he was assured that life here or in heaven was wonderful because of Christ. (v.21) He felt he would live a while longer, so he could see more fruit for the Lord. However, he knew it would not be easy for him or for the other believers, so he begins to share how God has sustained him.
In chapter 2 he tells us that it is the mind of Christ that sustains us in life. Jesus was able to humble Himself and die on the cross for us, so if we have His mind, we can endure, too. In fact, God will deliver His power to us as we are faithful to Him, just as He helped Christ, and then exalted Him. We must be the bearers of light to this dark world. Timothy and Epaphroditus are then given as two examples of Christian servants, who have endured much to follow Christ.
In chapter 3 Paul warns them about false teachers, who spread false doctrine. They are only in the ministry for themselves and not for Christ. (v.19) Paul encourages us to give up all desire to fulfill the flesh and to give all of our energy to knowing Christ. This is the only worthwhile pursuit of life. We must not get off on tangents that false teachers present. We must stick to Christ.
Finally, in chapter 4 Paul gives more personal testimony about how God has sustained him in trials. The Philippian believers had sent offerings to help him for which he was grateful. God had taught him to be content in all types of situations. God had given him all he needed, and he was assuring the church at Philippi that God would do the same for them. (v.19) If we give up something for Christ and His service, God will supply the need that our giving creates. After all, everything belongs to God, so He can direct His resources as He sees fit.
Do you see what I mean about this letter? It is so personal. It is Paul's testimony of God's faithfulness to him, and how God will sustain other Christians in the same way. This perspective really makes the beginning of chapter 4 come alive. Paul encourages rejoicing, praying instead of worrying, and meditating on the right things as practical ways that God has given to us to be victorious in life. I pray that all of these things are in your life and you know His victory. If not, take this short letter to heart, and soon victory in Christ will soon be yours.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Colossians 1-4.