LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians

[23]

THE GOAL OF LIFE

Read Philippians 3

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12 NIV

* * *

In this portion of the letter, Paul speaks of the credentials he had as a Pharisee before he was converted. He was a zealous persecutor of Christians in the name of Judaism. His self righteousness and diligence about keeping the law made him proud. But when Paul discovered who Jesus was, his self righteousness became his shame.

Now he describes himself as “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (3:9)

The goal is now to become more and more like Jesus. He writes, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (3:13-14)

* * *

Lord, I praise you that You accept me through the righteousness of Your Son. Like Paul, I need to forget what is behind and press forward for the goal of pleasing You today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.

* * *

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8 NIV

ATTITUDE

[22]

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians

Read Philippians 2


Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 NIV

* * *

Paul continues his words of exhortation for unity in the church at Philippi. These new believers have trusted in Christ for their salvation and are growing in faith. He reminds them that they don’t have to do it in their own strength: “...work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” he writes, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (12b-16a)

* * *

Lord, I praise You for the gift of Your Spirit to help me to will and act according to Your purpose. Forgive me when I complain or argue, and give me the encouraging, uplifting words of life that will shine like stars in the darkness.

* * *

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 NIV

TO LIVE IS CHRIST

[21]

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians

Read Philippians 1

I always pray with joy… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4b, 6 NIV

* * *

Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi with a word of confidence in their growing maturity. He knows that they will face persecution and struggles from without and within. He warns, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then...I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.”(1:27)

He tells them that the hardships he has suffered, including his imprisonment, have served to further the spreading of the gospel. Though his very life has been threatened he says, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (1:20-21)

* * *

Lord, You are the One who will accomplish Your purpose in our lives. We are simply vessels in Your hands, being molded for the master’s use. Help me to be confident and willing to place my future in Your hands, not worrying, but trusting in You to use me for Your glory.

* * *

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more, ... that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

LIVING THE WORD - Purpose

LIVING THE WORD is a companion blog to THE GOD WHO SEES ME - A Devotional Prayer Journal at http://devotionalprayerjournal.blogspot.com/, a through-the-Bible devotional site, beginning with Genesis 1:1.

Both devotional sites focus on the lives of real people who lived in Bible times. The decisions they made impacted themselves and those they loved, with consequences that are with us even today.

Our lives are no less important in God's sight, and we would do well to look closely at the examples He has given us in these stories. Living a life of godly influence in this generation and the next requires earnest prayer that takes God at His Word.

BE STRONG IN THE LORD

[20]

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians

Read Ephesians 6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

* * *

Paul concludes his letter by reminding them that it is no small adversary that they face. Satan then as now, wages war against Christ and His Church. He tells them and us to be prepared “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (6:12)

Our preparation will be in knowing God’s Word and putting it into practice in our lives. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (6:14-15)

* * *

Lord, I know that we are no match for our enemy, the Devil. But I also know that You are greater than anything He can throw at us in this life. Help me to be diligent in preparing my soul through the reading of Your Word. Give me the gift of faith, as You have promised, to always trust and obey.

* * *

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:16-17 NIV