Brief Summary: Philippians can be called “Resources Through Suffering.” The book is about Christ in our life, Christ in our mind, Christ as our goal, Christ as our strength, and joy through suffering (Got Questions).
Joy scriptures Philippians 1:4 “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. What comes to mind is a portion of Psalm 118:24 “We will rejoice and be glad in it!” 2:2 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (like Christ, the Father, Holy Spirt” on one accord). Encouragement for the body of Christ which is the church. Then making it personal. Every believer should have the same mind as Christ.
Another important joy scripture James 1:2-4 “My brethren, (includes you too) count (consider or evaluate) it all joy (a conscious commitment-which is not normal) when ye fall into divers (various) temptations (trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience (Can any attest to having increase patience?). But let patience have her perfect work (spiritual maturity-deeper communion with the LORD, greater trust, righteous character), that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Not without troubles but can rest with an assurance that He hears and answers since He abides in us and we in Him.
More present help in times of trouble Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden (burdened), and I will give you rest. Take My yoke (guidance and protection) upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Now a few more Philippians scriptures on joy even though 15 are noted throughout Philippians. 2:16-18 “Holding forth the Word of life; that I may yea (indeed), and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the LORD, my dearly beloved. 4:10 But I rejoiced in the LORD greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein ye were also careful (desired), but ye lacked opportunity.”
This Epistle (letters) of Paul to the Philippians the early church were written while his imprisonment (more like house arrest) in Rome; approximately thirty years after Christ’s ascension (return to heaven) and ten years after Paul preached his first sermon at Philippi.
Just to help release our guilt and shame, regardless of our current sins, prior lifestyles, ways and disbelief that Christ is not the risen Savior. The LORD continues seeking the hearts of willing men, women, boys and girls to choose Him, because He has already chosen you and me. So simple…Romans 10:9 “That if thou (you) shall confess with thy (your) mouth the LORD Jesus, and shall believe in thine (your) heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou (you) shall be saved. Now a growth process to maturity in Christ.
The LORD did it for Paul, He did it for me and He will or has already done it for you. Most know the story of Paul. Prior to name changed he was known as Saul, well verse in the law, and a devour “Christ hater.” Acts 22:5 therefore he obtained letters from the high priest and all the estate of the elders to bring them (Christians) bound to Jerusalem to be punished. Many were jailed, others were persecuted and Steven was stoned to death.
Saul was traveling on Damascus Road in his relentless mission to bound and persecute more believers. He encountered a personal visitation from Jesus. The LORD blinded Saul’s sight, questioned his motive along with instructions on what to do next. Saul was obedient, he became “One of them,” a believer and accepted Christ as his Savior. His name was changed to Paul. He was an advocate and witness for the LORD, an Apostle, wrote most of the New Testament and beheaded…a martyr for the LORD.
Do you remember your call? Did God allow something extra ordinary to happen that finally got your attention? Join the club. Yet the LORD desires a willing vessel to use mightily in serving the purpose of building His kingdom on earth. Then it is God that equips us with various gifts, knowledge and wisdom to accomplish His works.
Are we willing like Paul? Therefore “Be Anxious For Nothing.” Let us reflect on Philippians as our resource through sufferings and trials. Through our trials patience develops spiritual growth, increase trust in the LORD, righteousness and more. Subsequently our hearts must intentionally be filled with joy and to rejoice in the LORD as we continue “Good works.”
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Feel free to share your thoughts Arnetha@neatbooks4u.com. As always love, joy, peace, hope, blessings and more! Neatbooks4u
