September 29

Paul’s letter to the Christians at Philippi is among his most warmly autobiographical. His deep affection and strong relational bond with those he had led to Jesus in the face of fierce persecution was very strong. In its opening verses, he expresses his praise to God for their partnership in the Gospel and his deep conviction in the reality of the Lord’s providence. In the last chapter of this same epistle, Paul sets forth one of the greatest promises of provision to be found anywhere in Scripture – “…my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus...(vs. 19)” – and clearly links it to their ongoing relationship which was centered around a commitment to spread the Good News about Jesus whatever the cost.

In the opening verses of this book, which make up part of our reading for today, the Apostle also expresses his rock-solid conviction that God’s providential hand is at work in all of our individual lives, guiding and sustaining us as we walk with Him. He recognized, for instance, that not everyone in spiritual leadership was functioning out of the right motive or with the right agenda (“…some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love…the former preach Christ out of selfish ambition…” vs. 15-17). He also spoke quite candidly of the price he had paid personally to serve Jesus (“…I am in chains for Christ…” vs. 13). In spite of both of these difficult realities, he was convinced God’s purposes would prevail in and through him. He was personally committed to do whatever it took to finish his life’s work, even to the point of preferring to delay his personal entrance into eternal glory and fellowship with Jesus in the life to come so that he could serve the Philippian congregation (“…to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain…” vs. 21-26).

God wants to help each one of us to live our lives with that same perspective. As you walk through today and every day to come for the rest of your life, I encourage you to wrap your heart and mind around the very precious promise found in verse six:

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

As you serve Jesus and seek with all your heart to do His will, remember:

“God is with you! God is for you! God will help you!”

Have a great day…!

Pastor Mark