Let's find out a little about this New Testament book, written by the Apostle Paul. It is a letter to the little church (group of Christ followers) in the town of Philippi. (Look at Acts 16 to learn how Paul first met them.)
- What do you notice Paul prays for these believers? (verses 3-11)
- What part of this prayer would you pray for our church?
- In verses 12-26, Paul describes his 'chains'. What would you say is the 'theme' of his attitude in these circumstances?
- What's your attitude in adversity? Any examples you can share?
Re: Acts 16 - I love narrative parts of the Bible, and this one has so many familiar Sunday School stories: Lydia - such a capable business woman, 'seller of purple cloth' with such a gift of hospitality. A good example for all of us to follow - all of her outstanding qualities shadowed in her passion to know God. Do you see another favorite there? Who?
ReplyDeletePaul begins his prayer for the Philippians in verse 2, for God's grace and peace. I noticed that he begins many of his letters with this salutation, indicating the importance of those elements in his heart and mind and his knowing that they are essential to each of the members of the church. During one of life's storms, those are the elements we must cling to. I have a feeling that the churches who received Paul's letters were often in the middle of a storm, prompting him to write. When life is tough, God's grace - unmerited, undeserved love and forgiveness - stirs gratitude in my heart where I might otherwise sink into a pit of feeling sorry for myself. God's grace alone can completely change our perspective and approach.
ReplyDeletePeace, of course, is the perfect medicine for one of life's storms. I love how this word has been so completely redefined in my heart since it has belonged to Christ. I think so many people think of peace as tolerance or lack of conflict, something that is soft and quiet, but knowing and sensing God's peace is like a crashing wave that covers you completely and with force, removing anxiety and frustration and fervently replacing it with the comfort that acknowledging God in all things (Proverbs 3:5) is all we need to do. He'll figure everything else out.
That's a long statement for a little salutation, but I love that Paul turns their hearts to gratitude and sends a crashing wave to calm the storms at the beginning of his letter.
Paul continues in his prayer that their "love for each other will overflow more and more" and that they will continue to grow in knowledge and understanding. He also prays that they always be filled with the "fruit" of salvation and describes that as the good things produced in our lives by Jesus Christ.
This makes me think about the switch that turns in our lives at salvation. We want to become producers instead of consumers.