SATURDAY August 10, 2024

A Sincere Greeting

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1-2

For two entire years, Paul remained under house arrest in Rome. During this time, he wrote his prison epistles––Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. In the book of Ephesians, we have already studied the riches of God toward those who are in Christ and have come to an understanding of who we are in Jesus Christ. The book of Ephesians moved us forward into the practical applications of Christianity.

As we open the pages of the next epistle, we find that Paul, as a servant of Jesus Christ, had a real concern and love for the Philippians. He had established the ministry there on his second missionary journey. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi to thank them for an offering they had sent to the Church in Jerusalem. The Gentiles were supporting the Jews. Interestingly, the givers were not the rich; it was the poor in the church who were compelled to help. Paul knew God was doing a great work among them.

The book of Philippians is not a doctrinal book. It is a very practical book––a book of experience. It is about rejoicing in the Lord, even while being tested by Him. It also shows us how God guides and provides for a person’s life.

Think of Paul’s life for a moment. How would you feel if you were under house arrest? Some of us would be upset or depressed, while others would be an emotional basket case. How did the Apostle deal with the situation? He took the opportunity to share the Gospel with as many people as he could––even the guards who watched over him. A great amount of his time was given to writing these incredible epistles that we have for our encouragement today.

But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy in God, and grow free, confident, and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God’s kindness to it, and of his attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things?
~Martin Luther~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!