Monday, April 20, 2015

Today let’s look at the book of Philippians. After reading it I gave it the title: “Living in Christ.” I chose a key verse to capture this theme: Philippians 3:10 where Paul prays, “That I may know Him (that is the Lord Jesus) and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Corrie Ten Boom observed that if a bird is flying for pleasure it flies with the wind, but if it meets danger it turns and faces the wind in order that it might rise higher. Paul often faced danger, but like the bird, he was driven higher spiritually by adversity. Philippians was written from a prison cell where Paul faced the possibility of death for the cause of Christ. His attitude, however, and his concern for the wellbeing of other Christians are inspiring, and the insights he shares are well worth mastering. You’ll see Christ in the life of Paul more in Philippians than in any other book he wrote. It is the focus of the book: knowing Christ and making Him known, at any cost, in any circumstance. While in prison he influenced his guards who were a part of Caesar’s court. He was convinced God had him there, so he could provide this influence that could reach into the highest circles of the government. He wanted other Christians to be encouraged by his example to let their light shine where they were. You’ll find Paul took this very seriously, burdened, even to the point of tears as he spoke about the destiny of the lost (3:18), yet, through it all he emphasized how Christians can experience true joy.