Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Philippians 1 DEVO: Gracias & Testimonial...

Introduction:
This is one of three of Paul’s letters that he wrote from prison (also Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon). That is especially significant when you consider that the theme of this letter is JOY! Only when we have God’s Holy Spirit and God’s perspective on things can we experience joy in all circumstances.
Then church at Philippi was started by Paul on his second missionary journey and is the most personal letter that he wrote to a church. It includes one of the most important passages in the New Testament on the “kenosis” of Christ = His self-emptying or self-humiliating (2:5-8). And this letter contains a lot of familiar verses that have been memorized by many over the years.

Chapter 1: Gracias & Testimonial…
Yeah, I recently got back from a Mexico missions ministry, so I’m still using the little Spanish I know! Anyway, Paul kicks off this letter, like many of his letters, by giving thanks. He is extremely grateful for their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…” The believers in Philippi had helped Paul financially at least twice (4:16) and Paul saw that as sharing in the work of Christ! And with that he gives these words of encouragement: “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Paul then gives an amazing personal testimony of how being in prison is advancing the work of Christ: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” Paul saw in his imprisonment not punishment but possibility! And as a result, unbelievers believed and believers shared their faith – COOL GOD STUFF!
Paul attitude was amazing too! He didn’t care what motives people had for sharing Christ – he was just grateful they were! He was also confident that God would give him courage to be unashamed. And he didn’t matter to him if it cost him his life – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
So, he concludes with “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” In other words, whatever our circumstances, live for Christ! Even if – or better yet – even when it means suffering. And oh yeah, verse 29 probably does not top the list of our memorized verses but it is true regardless!
SO WHAT?!
*What circumstances are burdening you and overwhelming you right now? Let’s not allow the enemy to rob us of the joy we have knowing that Jesus is with us to help us face whatever we face! Pray and move forward in HIS strength!
*Fill in the blank: For me, to live is__________.... What did you put? Success? Football? Being rich? School? (ok, probably not) Take a look at where in your heart you spend your hours & dollars - that is a good indicator!

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