Philippians 1:3-11
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
I don’t know if you can find a warmer, more sincere and heartfelt communication than these verses Paul wrote to the Philippians. What a grand introduction. But what’s more impressive is the fact that he’s caring and praying for the well-being of these folk while he is in prison himself. He’s facing uncertainty about his life, yet in his writing he seems to be oblivious to the fate and struggles he has to face everyday. That’s outstanding. But how is that possible?
First, let’s take a look at the Philippians. Here we have a group of new Christians that have heard, believed and begun to follow Christ. But they aren’t without challenges. At the time, this part of the world was heavily influenced by Rome and its cultural mandates. Rome had a god/king, and they certainly weren’t amenable to accepting another. But the saints at Philippi were introduced to the King of kings, and were willing to suffer the consequences of following Him.
Now, imagine the impact a letter from Paul provided for them. If Paul was sitting somewhere in a high tower, safe and sound, his message may not have resonated as much. But to have a major leader of the Church write from his prison cell had to be monumental. This was huge. And continues to be so.
It’s easy to hold on to faith when everything is going your way. It’s a breeze to preach, teach and pray when the circumstances in your life line up like bowling pins for you to knock over and win. But how do you fair when things go the exact opposite? What is our response when everything is topsy-turvy, and nothing seems to be going right? That’s the real challenge, isn’t it?
Well, please remember this one segment of todays scripture for inspiration. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) That’s the key! Our confidence isn’t in our ability, our culture, education or any other nebulous activity. Our total trust must be in the Lord, and in His ability to complete what he’s begun in us. Think about it this way. We are only here by the grace of God. Whatever we have and whatever we’ve been able to endure is only because God has brought us through. So if He’s brought us this far, He won’t leave us to fail now. Not now!!! As the song says, we’ve come this far by faith leaning on the Lord.
Dear child of God, Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians and teaches, For by grace are ye saved through faith, (Ephesians 2:8). And James the brother of Jesus declares, Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:17). But neither writes that faith results in exactly what you want or expect. Faith is the act of holding on while you await the answer from the Lord…knowing full well no matter what, He has your best interest at heart. Because, He didn’t bring us this far, just to bring us this far.
God Bless
