A Shining Example
“ 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.
Philippians 1:6 (WEB)
One of my favorite letters in the New Testament is Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This short little letter helps believers understand how to live out the Gospel every day and how to love and encourage each other in the faith.
Here is the link to 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.
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, like is a promise, because it is.
These devoted believers are imperfect vessels who tend to their relationship with God.
Every believer can find practical ways to bring Jesus to their own world, being counted among the devoted and faithful.
Only the Holy Spirit can open blind eyes to salvation. But God’s people can share His Light with the hurting world.
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven,
conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you,
I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose,
fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Philippians 1:27
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 for us and 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 like your brothers and sisters all over the world.
Mostly, I hope that as a follower of Jesus, that your life resembles His, more and more every day.
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.
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 