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 3:18-4:1
15 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.
4 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.
Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 35-36, Philippians 3:1–4:1, Psalm 118:11–17, Proverbs 25:10–11
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: My Citizenship
Are you worried about the election, wondering who will be elected president for the next four years? Who will win the Senate? Most of us care about politics and what is happening in Washington. A lot of people probably care too much. Some seem to believe that the future of the church depends on the \outcome of the election.
Paul knew better. He had his eyes on what mattered most, on the eternal things of God. Paul was a citizen of Rome - not everyone was. He used his citizenship to his advantage at times. But he reminded the Philippians that we have a higher citizenship, one that matters far more than any earthly loyalty.
We need to remember every day where our home is, where our future lies. Sure, we can love our homeland here. We can be patriotic Americans who care about the future of our nation, but that must always take second place to the kingdom of God.
Our goal is not to restore America but to build the kingdom of God and advance the gospel in this world, remember that "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight." We must do that daily while we await the coming of the Savior from heaven, as he promised. He will transform us into our permanent bodies and complete the work he began at our salvation.
Father, I thank you for my eternal home. Help me to keep my mind and heart focused on it.
Think and Pray:
Where is your primary passion - your earthly citizenship or heavenly?
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