Philippians: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4 NRSV
Series: Philippians: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation
Devotional: 1 of 6
Just outside of town sits a quaint home with an inviting front porch. A home built long ago when the pace of life moved at a slower tempo. On this particular morning, a wise old grandfather and his curious grandson sit together on the porch, slowly rocking back and forth as they watch the sun come up.
On mornings like these, it is the grandfather's routine to read Scripture to his grandson. As they make their way through the New Testament, they come upon the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Pausing for a moment, the grandfather has an idea. Instead of reading Paul's letter to his grandson from cover to cover, as he had done so many times before, today he would attempt to paint a picture of how Christ transforms our hearts through the lives of Paul and his beloved friends in Philippi. The grandfather thought it fitting to begin by highlighting the condition of Paul's heart as he put pen to paper from the confines of his prison cell.
Throughout his many years of service to Christ, Paul has become a man whose heart is overflowing with joy. Time and time again throughout his letter, Paul implores his friends in Philippi (and you and I by extension) to "Rejoice in the Lord always." (See Philippians 4:4 NRSV)
As we read and re-read Paul's letter, we see in him a tender affection towards "all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi." With each thoughtfully penned word, it becomes increasingly clear that God's love has transformed Paul's heart from the inside out. Truly, it is his greatest desire that in much the same way that he "loves and longs for" his dear friends in Philippi, they would love one another. (See Philippians 4:1 NRSV)
Overflowing with joy. Full of love. In seasons of plenty and seasons of great need, Paul has learned "the secret of being content in any and all circumstances." (See Philippians 4:11-12 NRSV) For him, "to live is Christ, and to die in gain."Paul's life is laser-focused on one single thing. Regardless of the method or motive, all that matters to Paul is "that Christ is proclaimed in every way." (See Philippians 1:18-21 NRSV)
As we reflect on the man Paul has become in Christ, it is worth taking a few minutes to look at our own lives in the mirror. Who are we becoming? As the years go by, are we becoming more like Christ - more joyful, more loving, and more content?
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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