As I sat down to watch the olympics last night, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Usain Bolt flew across the finish line with one thing on his mind–winning the race. Like Paul, he didn’t slow down, lose focus, or give up. His steps were steady and sure, but most importantly his mind was on the race.
Philippians is a wake up call to every Christian that’s distracted by the things of this world. Through Paul’s example we learn that those things yet to come far outweigh the circumstances of our present life.
Paul was a true optimist in that he was hopeful regardless of his circumstance. Whether he was rich or poor, imprisoned or free, sick or healthy, he found a reason to rejoice.
The origin of the word “rejoice” means “to enjoy the possession of.” So we can look at it this way–rejoicing is more than just being content, it’s embracing our situation with a heightened sense of joy.
I can rejoice because I’m saved. I can rejoice because this world isn’t my home. I can rejoice because I have a God who loves me deeply. I can rejoice because He gives me strength for today. I can rejoice because I’m never alone. I can rejoice because His promises don’t fail. I can rejoice because God provides for me. I can rejoice because He’s guiding my steps. I can rejoice because I’m right where He wants me to be…
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
P.S. Don’t forget to grab a copy of the coloring page below. 🙂
Paul’s Visit to Philippi
Philippians: The Joy of Christian Living – Bible Study Journal (affil link)
Acts 16:11-40 – “Paul’s Visit to Philippi”
Regardless of where I am or what my circumstances might be, I can praise God at all times. I saw how Paul and Silas effected the people around them because of their unwavering faith.
This teaches me that my attitude is a powerful force, that can either draw others to Christ or turn them away. My attitude—perhaps even more than my words—reflect what I truly believe.
Joy is an extension of my faith. It’s not something I put on, or pretend that I have. It’s the very thing I hold on to when everything else is stripped from my life.
The guard was eager to have what Paul and Silas had because it was rare. They weren’t conformed to this world—they were conformed to their faith.
According to Relevant Magazine, 50 countries are persecuting Christians because of their faith.
Millions of people including children are being imprisoned, beaten and killed.
We need to be in prayer for these people as much as the early church was. Persecution every bit as much a reality now as it was then.
Philippians 1:1-11
Philippians: The Joy of Christian Living – Bible Study Journal (affil link)
Philippians 1:1-11
Paul says, You are partakers of my grace. This part is key to understanding His ministry.
It was Paul’s mission to speak to the Greeks – that is the Gentiles who were brought into the new covenant through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you through a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.” Romans 11:17
We can compare this verse with understanding:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
Here Paul is offering the grace of God to all believers at Philippi without exception.
Because God took a Pharisee and transformed his life completely, Paul could see his former self in non-believers, and felt affection for them.
Once Christ showed Paul the truth. He saw just how lost he once was. He had a heart for the Gentiles but some of the Jews in those days weren’t ready to accept the fact that the gospel of Jesus Christ was for all men. Paul knew differently and had a passion to reach them with the gospel.
His passion stemmed from a deep love and devotion to God.
Everything we do should stem from a deep love for the Father and mankind. Our knowledge and understanding is nothing without an intimate relationship with Christ.
It’s with that knowledge that we are then able to discern right from wrong. And likewise choose right from wrong.
Too often I do things because it either makes me look good or I get a good feeling from doing it. There’s a payback of some kind…
I look to others for my reward, which can be discouraging at times. If we love our enemies, they may not react the way we want them to, but if we love them because God loves us we find our reward in Him.
For example:
We often hear people say things like… I give and I give and I give to this person, and they never give back. Or… I witness to this person and I never see results… Or… I’m always the one to say sorry first. I’m always the one to step up and be the bigger person. I give more than I get…
Those statements show that you look for reward in the wrong place.
Like Jesus, Paul lived his life in such a way that brought glory to God. When we live this way, we are just as serving in private as we are in public. They suffered much to deliver the gospel. Will I?
Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justified. The only way we can truly be righteous is through the righteousness of Christ who is perfect in every way.
Philippians 1:12-30
Philippians: The Joy of Christian Living – Bible Study Journal (affil link)
Paul was more focused on spreading the gospel than he was on his trials. He was able to look past them because he was focused on the prize ahead. He saw his trials as an opportunity to strengthen believers and further the gospel.
When I sharpen my focus I begin to see Christ as Paul did. I can look past my problems knowing that there’s more to this life than today.
Paul was a true optimist in that he was hopeful regardless of his circumstance. Whether he was rich or poor, imprisoned or free, sick or healthy, he found a reason to rejoice.
The origin of the word “rejoice” means “to enjoy the possession of.” So we can look at it this way–rejoicing is more than just being content, it’s embracing our situation with a heightened sense of joy.
I can rejoice because I’m saved. I can rejoice because this world isn’t my home. I can rejoice because I have a God who loves me deeply. I can rejoice because He gives me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. I can rejoice because I’m never alone. I can rejoice because His promises don’t fail. I can rejoice because God provides for me. I can rejoice because He’s guiding my steps. I can rejoice because I’m right where He wants me to be…
Every day that God gives us is yet another day to win souls for eternity. Our focus should always be that of doing the will of the Father rather than living for our own gratification.
There is so much to be done for the furtherance of the gospel. All we have to do is be ready and willing to follow His lead.
In this chapter we also saw that Paul was warning the church to stand firm against those who oppose the gospel. Many believers are discouraged by this, but there’s encouragement in knowing that our reward is great in heaven. Believers will suffer for their faith, but so many Christians have forgotten this truth.
Those who walk in faith choose the wisdom of God over their own which means that it won’t be the most comfortable path, nor will it be the most popular.
This Week’s Coloring Page
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