A Shining Example
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
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.
When you have time read Philippians chapter 1. Do your own study of this short, but meaningful passage. I believe you will find great encouragement in this passage that flows from the heart of God.
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.
Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of 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. (Philippians 1:3-5 )
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.
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, read 1 Peter 5:6-10. 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.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked
