We are starting a study of Philippians at church. I am excited because I love better understanding the context and history associated with the Bible. However, I really don't enjoy personally reading that stuff on my own, I like being taught and having the ability to ask questions and have dialogue. I love how God reveals truths as we study and dig deeper into His word. And in full disclosure, I am a little annoyed at myself with how prideful or judgmental I can be, reminding myself that knowledge puffs up and love builds up. I am praying that God would help me remain humble in the things he reveals to me and share them with a heart of love and not to elevate myself.
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in prison, unsure whether he was going to be executed or not. It is crazy how our perspective shifts to the things that are truly important to impart when our life is on the line. We break out of the day-to-day routine, even if it is in ministry, and see with a perspective we often don't take the time to reach. Paul pours out his heart for the gospel and encouraging the Philippians to live as Christ lived, a letter which encourages us to this day.
We looked at Acts 16:10-30, a time where Paul was imprisoned for freeing the female slave of the evil spirit residing in her because her owners would now not make as much money off of her. Then in prison, Paul is found singing hymns to God and saving the guards life when the earthquake happens and everyone remains in their cells. This guard accepts Christ and is freed from death. Lastly, we looked at Acts 28:10-31, where once again Paul is imprisoned. Yet, he is always himself, he invites people and groups to himself and preaches to them from prison.
I look at him, and these three times he was imprisoned and am so imprinted by the way he was on point with his mission regardless of his external circumstances. He knew his purpose and his mission; no matter how his circumstances changed, free or imprisoned, he stayed the same. He encouraged the Philippians through letter inside the prison walls and had he been outside, he would have done the exact same. He freed the female slave outside the prison walls, and from within the prison walls he saved the prison guard. He preached to the people of Rome when he was a free man, and did the same as a man imprisoned.
I want to know my mission and purpose as solidly as Paul does. I want to be unphased by the external circumstances and continue to be on point without moping for myself or trying to elicit sympathy from others. I want to be confident and bold because fear and having a certain external appearance no longer directs my path. I am so grateful that as I get older, I better understand Philippians 1:6, " And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." I am aware it is a journey with a target I am ever approaching but never reaching until completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in prison, unsure whether he was going to be executed or not. It is crazy how our perspective shifts to the things that are truly important to impart when our life is on the line. We break out of the day-to-day routine, even if it is in ministry, and see with a perspective we often don't take the time to reach. Paul pours out his heart for the gospel and encouraging the Philippians to live as Christ lived, a letter which encourages us to this day.
We looked at Acts 16:10-30, a time where Paul was imprisoned for freeing the female slave of the evil spirit residing in her because her owners would now not make as much money off of her. Then in prison, Paul is found singing hymns to God and saving the guards life when the earthquake happens and everyone remains in their cells. This guard accepts Christ and is freed from death. Lastly, we looked at Acts 28:10-31, where once again Paul is imprisoned. Yet, he is always himself, he invites people and groups to himself and preaches to them from prison.
I look at him, and these three times he was imprisoned and am so imprinted by the way he was on point with his mission regardless of his external circumstances. He knew his purpose and his mission; no matter how his circumstances changed, free or imprisoned, he stayed the same. He encouraged the Philippians through letter inside the prison walls and had he been outside, he would have done the exact same. He freed the female slave outside the prison walls, and from within the prison walls he saved the prison guard. He preached to the people of Rome when he was a free man, and did the same as a man imprisoned.
I want to know my mission and purpose as solidly as Paul does. I want to be unphased by the external circumstances and continue to be on point without moping for myself or trying to elicit sympathy from others. I want to be confident and bold because fear and having a certain external appearance no longer directs my path. I am so grateful that as I get older, I better understand Philippians 1:6, " And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." I am aware it is a journey with a target I am ever approaching but never reaching until completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
