Day 334

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Happy in the Lord!

Philippians Introduction

Philippians is a letter of joy written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he founded on his second missionary journey (Acts 16). In spite of his circumstances, he encourages them in the midst of persecution to "always be full of joy in the Lord" (4:4). After all, Paul has much to be thankful for: their financial assistance, the hope of visiting them soon, their steadfast testimony for the gospel. Though that testimony is threatened by divisions, Paul is confident their unity will be restored as they imitate the humble servanthood of Christ.

Scripture

November 29—Philippians 1-4: Happily Humble in Christ

Observation

Perhaps no other local church enjoyed the intimacy of relationship to the apostle Paul as did the church at Philippi. As part of the first mission church founded in Europe, the believers at Philippi shared financially in Paul's ministry time and again (4:10). Paul writes a loving "thank-you note" in which he commends the Philippians for their faithfulness to the Lord and challenges them to make Christ the center and circumference of their Christian experience.

Application

Complaining is one of those popular "indoor sports" that nearly everyone engages in occasionally. But consider these words from the pen-pal of an ex-complainer: "We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives of those around us and rob them of their sunshine and brightness than we have to enter their house and steal their silverware."

Are you a "confirmed complainer"? Then the book of Philippians was written for you! In it, Paul (who is in prison) writes to the Philippian church (which is under intense persecution). In order to complain about his circumstances? No! To rejoice in the Lord! Philippians is a letter of joy from beginning to end. Suffering for the Lord is viewed as a gift from him (1:29); Paul's chains are a cause for rejoicing (1:18); Paul enjoys contentment in the midst of his chains (4:11).

If you're a "natural-born complainer," try this sure-fire cure. Every time you are tempted to complain today, repeat the words of Philippians 4:4 first: "Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice!" Then go ahead and complain . . . if you can!

Prayer

Thank you, Father, that there is proof in your Word of the possibilities and power of prayer. Thank you that we can know the Truth, and that the Truth sets us free. Knowing the Truth we can teach by example and rejoice instead of complaining. You have revealed in your Word your plan for mankind and that Truth is something to rejoice about. Help us in our effort to spread the Truth; the Good News to a hungry, dark world so that they too may participate in your salvation into eternity. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

The Truth will Make us Free!





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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