Finding Joy in Philippians
Background: For the next three weeks, we will be studying the Book of Philippians, another of Paul's letters from his Roman prison. In Philippi, men were using Paul's imprisonment as proof he was not genuine and seeking to undermine his authority. Many in the church were shaken at the fact that the Apostle was imprisoned. He wrote the letter to explain his imprisonment and to encourage his readers to walk in joy despite all the evil in the world.
Philippians is not nearly as easily outlined at Ephesians was - it is much more personal and exhortational compared to the theological intent of Ephesians. Philippians was the church that was founded when Paul received the vision of the Macedonian man saying, "Come and help us."
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Philippians 1-4 Focus Passage - Philippians 3:15-17
Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. 17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.
Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 33-34, Philippians 2, Psalm 118:1–10, Proverbs 25:7–9
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Imitating Paul
Imitate me.
That sounds almost arrogant, doesn't it? Live as I live. Do as I do. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul said, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Either Paul's statement here was incredibly arrogant or he was actively putting into practice what he said in 1 Corinthians. If he was living a Christlike life he could tell the people of Philippi to imitate him.
Each of us should be able to tell others, "Imitate me." The only question is whether imitating me would cause someone to walk in the ways of Christ or in the ways of the flesh. Would someone who imitated me be more like Christ? It is a humbling thought.
Paul is also adamant here that his way of thinking is the right way for all of us to think. He is not saying that no one can disagree with him or that he is right about everything. He is saying that his way of thinking, described in verses 10-14, is the way all of us should think. We should set a goal to know Christ and his power and strive to reach that goal with everything in us. We should seek with every fiber of our beings to be Christlike and to be the kind of people that can say to others, "Imitate me."
That is the only way Christians are supposed to think. Anything less is less than Christian. The example Paul set for us is the standard for all of us.
Those for whom Christ Jesus died can do nothing less!
Father, make me the kind of man who can say to others, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ."
Think and Pray:
Are you someone who can say to others, "Do as I do?"
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