Tag Archives: Philippians

Philippians 1-2

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Paul writes Philippians from prison, yet the letter is full of joy, specifically in regards to knowing Christ and the hope of the gospel. Paul thanked God daily for the generosity of the Philippians, and for their acceptance of the gospel. He was sure that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”, and the same applies to us.

Paul promotes the idea of unity and of service, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”, just as Christ took the form of a servant. Paul followed his own advice, even to the point of choosing service over escape from his present suffering, “I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith”.

Paul also reminds the Philippians that God was working in their lives, “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure”, and consequently “you also should be glad and rejoice with me”. They were children of God, and as such they would “shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life”.

Philippians 3-4

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Paul’s attitude to life is one that we can copy. Realising that he is imperfect, Paul forgets what lies behind and strains forward to what lies ahead.   He writes “I press on toward the goal for the prize”, and encourages us to do the same, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us”. Part of following the example of Paul and Christ, is helping others to do the same.

“Our citizenship is in heaven”. This is where we must focus our lives, ignoring the distracting pleasures the world offers us for only a season, knowing that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

2 Chronicles 32

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Sometime after re-establishing temple worship, Hezekiah’s faith was tested with the invasion of Sennacherib. Hezekiah encouraged the people by reminding them that “there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”  As Sennacherib’s campaign continued, Hezekiah “prayed because of this and cried to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors.. of the king of Assyria”.

Hezekiah’s faith strengthened Judah and kept them safe from their enemies. But after a while he became proud with his achievements, “therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem”.  So Hezekiah is a great example of faith and also a warning for us. He shows the importance of turning to God in prayer, of strengthening each other against our enemy King Sin, but also of remaining humble, realising that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Philippians 3-4

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Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven”, that faith is a critical pre-requisite for righteousness, and that we, like Paul, should consider any confidence in the flesh as worthless, choosing instead to become like Christ in his death, that by any means possible we too may “attain the resurrection from the dead.”

We’ve been given a great gift, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”, which is a cause for rejoicing.  We have no need to be anxious for the things of this life, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  It’s up to us to follow Paul’s example, and the God of peace will be with us as He was with Paul.

1 Samuel 2

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Today we read one of Hannah’s prayers. Faithful woman, who turned to God in times of distress and thankfulness. She rejoices in God’s salvation, in His care of the poor and lowly. It’s clear that Hannah’s faithfulness had a long lasting effect on Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament.

Hannah’s prayerfulness is one of the qualities Paul commends. “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3-4

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Paul encourages the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord” and to develop “the righteousness from God that depends on faith”.

The future holds much to rejoice about, provided we can “count everything as loss” in our lives today. This involves “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead”.  Paul also describes what it is that lies ahead, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.”