Philippians 1:6 (NIrV)

“I am sure that the One who began a good work in you will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.”

Last week I preached on the first eleven verses of Philippians, and I was surprised to find how Paul, though under house arrest in Rome, begins his letter with a manifesto justifying his grateful and joyful spirit.

In verse 3 he tells the people in the church in Philippi he is thankful for them and then gives three reasons through verse 8:

1. They partner with him in ministry,

2. God is doing amazing work in them, and

3. Paul is experiencing amazing unity with them and has the affection of Jesus for them.

Then he talks about how he hopes the Philippians get to experience and exemplify the kind of love he is.

Paul’s perspective provides a striking contrast with my own. I can be petty. I can get caught up in the problems around me: my personal failings, the faults of others, and the issues in the world. Paul’s example is spurring me to practice a different way of life.

 As we start the book of Philippians, let’s practice this together. I’m going to do it. I would love to hear your stories about it. Email me. Text me. Give me a call.

When we look at our circumstances and begin to feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or angry, let’s ask ourselves two questions.

1. What amazing and beautiful things is God doing around me?

2. What am I going to do to partner with God in these amazing and beautiful endeavors?

Who knows, perhaps we’ll find our lives marked by gratitude, joy, and confidence just like Paul did. 

–Pastor Jonny Moor