[:en]SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 1
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6)
“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)
Philippi was located in northern Greece (called Macedonia) in Paul’s day. In 356 BC, Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) conquered the town of Credides and changed it to his name – Philippi. The church of Philippi consisted mostly of Gentile believers but they were partners of the gospel because they gave Paul financial support while he was in prison.
When Paul was in prison, he faithfully preached and defended the Gospel. He had great affection for the Philippian believers because they shared God’s grace with him.
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippian Christians:
- That their love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight
- That they would have the ability to discern what is best, pure and blameless
- That they would be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.
Paul saw his imprisonment as an opportunity to spread the gospel by reaching out to the Roman soldiers. He knew that some preached the gospel out of envy and rivalry but he was glad as long as the Good News was being preached.
Paul knew that through prayer, he would have sufficient courage to speak boldly for Christ. Whether he lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ. For him, dying would be better than living because in death, he would be removed from worldly troubles and he could see Christ face to face. But he considered it more important to live because his living could serve the Philippinans to progress their faith. He encouraged them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ by standing firm in faith. Christian fellowship can be a source of joy if we are united in one mind, one heart and one Spirit.
Lesson: The Philippians were partners in the Good News because of the financial help extended to Paul. We too can become partners of Good News if support our missionaries through prayer, generosity, and hospitality. God promises to carry our good work to completion. Have you felt incomplete, unfinished, distressed, inadequate while serving the Lord? Don’t be discouraged! God will help you grow closer to Him until He has completed His works in your life. Paul felt a deep affection to the Philippines because of their unity and love. May we also share in the transforming power of God’s love through our actions. Paul prayed that the Philippi believers could have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, false and true. We ought to pray for discernment so that Christian moral and values can be maintained. Do not be discouraged when you are having a difficult situation. because it may turn into opportunities to make your faith grow stronger. We should be glad if God’s message is preached regardless of whatever the motives of some preachers. For Paul, he was fine whether he lived or died. We should also have that kind of mindset. Live for Christ and be ready to die. Let us grow spiritually and be ready to “suffer for Christ”.[:]