The Apostle Paul gives warning. Be on your guard. Philippians 3 verse 1 to 4 and 9.
Problems were starting to develop this time the people are arguing that people must be circumcised even though they are Gentile Christians.
Summary Point 1. Learn to get along.
Paul has one persistent request whether he is writing to a church in trouble or a church that is growing, UNITY. Make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other.
Summary Point 2. The Race of a Lifetime.
Paul admits he is not perfect. but that is his goal. He say he is like a runner, racing for the trophy.
Philippians 3 verse 14 "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize." and from Message Bible " I've got my eye on the goal, where god is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I'm off and running and I'm not turning back."
Paul asks the Christians in Philippi to do this and follow in his footsteps all the way to the prize.
Key verse 3 verse 12 "Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus."
Finally the thing to remember from this letter from Paul is;
Everyone wants to be happy. Therefor many people make it a lifelong pursuit by spending money, investing money, holidays and travel, and trying to experience things that give them a buzz. But this kind of happiness depends on positive circumstances. What happens when our circumstances are not so positive or uplifting. Then with us happiness disappears and despair sets in. In bold contrast to happiness stands joy. We have joy because we know that Our Lord and Our Friend is at work in our lives, in spite of the circumstances.
True joy comes from knowing Christ personally and from depending on His strength rather than our own.
A lesson to learn from Philippians: Do we really know Christ Jesus personally, and are we depending on His strength rather than our own.
God Bless.
No comments:
Post a Comment