A Shining Example
Philippians 1:6 “ And being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
One of my favorite letters in the New Testament is Philippians. This letter, written by the apostle, Paul, helps believers understand how to live out the Gospel in their everyday life and how to love and encourage each other in the faith.
This study is on Philippians chapter 1. I hope you will click on that link and do your own study of this short, but meaningful passage. I believe you will find great encouragement in this passage that comes from the heart of God.
11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ
In the community of faith, there are believers that live like there are just not enough opportunities in the day to tell others about Jesus. They seem to be able to tune out all of the chaotic noise of ugliness and selfishness. Even though they are not unaware of the current misery in the world, it has not distracted them. By keeping their focus on Jesus, they are able to bring His light to their world. They are not unwise, but they love others who are hard to love. They are charitable and kind. They are helpers. They are faithful. Even their homes are inviting places of warmth and fellowship. In short, these believers are fully engaged and taking God at His Word. They are imperfect vessels who tend to their relationship with God.
Every believer can find practical ways to bring Jesus to their world without judgement or being preachy. Trying to frighten people about Hell will never convince them to “get saved”. Only the Holy Spirit can open blind eyes to salvation. We carry His Light to the world around us, when we walk with God.
In our study of Philippians 1 we find that the apostle, Paul encouraged the Philippian believers. In turn, they encouraged him, by their brave, faithful service. verses 3-5
Our faith is a partnership of people who love and support each other in prayer and in practical ways, because of what Jesus has done in us.
So, we should ask ourselves, are we living fully engaged like the people at Philippi did? What makes the church at Philippi so special? This first Christian church in Europe was established by Paul and grew in diligent faith and remained strong for generations. The body of believers were Gentile converts.
Here is a link to an article about Philippi. It will bless you to read of this amazing place and the believers who worshipped there. Philippi gotquestions.org
In verses 7-8 Paul expresses his love for the Philippians because of their defense of the faith and because they share in the same sufferings he experienced. Throughout the world many of our Christian family suffer because they are consistently living out the Gospel. They know God will be faithful to continue to work in their lives until God calls them home.
I hope that you are aspiring to live daily like the Philippian believers and your brothers and sisters all over the world.
For additional study, click the link below from Peter. Many of you will recognize a familiar verse that we often go to for comfort. But reading this in context will help you see the full meaning of that verse. God completed a work in Peter, transforming him into the likeness of Christ. The Spirit can transform your walk of faith, too.
Resources
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 