Philippians 1:1-2

Passage

Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.  To the saints – and the overseers and deacons - in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi.  Grace to you.  Peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

I love Paul’s identifying statement.  Paul and Timothy – slaves (δοῦλος, doulos).  Most modern Bibles translate this as “servant” so as to avoid the use of the word “slave.”  Slave is such a culturally charged word.  But make no mistake.  In the original Greek, the word that Paul uses is “slave.”  Those who are fully in Christ are slaves of Christ.  Jesus sets the agenda.  Jesus gives the marching orders.  Jesus issues commands.  Our job is simply to follow Jesus.  We are His slaves.  We are called to obey Him as master.

Are you a slave of Jesus?  Is Jesus really your master?  Do you think of yourself as someone who involves Jesus in your life or are you someone who has given everything to Jesus so that you can be His slave?  What’s the difference?

Second Thought:

Saints.  Paul calls those who are in Philippi “saints.”  The Greek word here is literally “ones who are holy” (ἅγιοι, hagioi).  We need to be really careful here.  Paul isn’t saying, “To the ones who are spiritually better than everyone else.”  Remember what the word holy means.  The word holy means separate, different, unique.  Paul isn’t telling the Philippians that they are better than everyone else.  Paul tells them that they are different than everyone else.  They are different than the world.  Their priorities are different.  The way that they live their lives is different.  The agenda that drives their life is different.  That is what it means to be a holy person or a saint.

Are you different than the world?  In what ways?  In what ways are you the same?  Looking at your answers for these questions, are you a “holy one” of God – separated out from the world by Him?

Third Thought:

Paul begins his letter in grace and peace - but not his grace and peace.  Paul begins with the grace and peace of God. It all goes back to God.  It all starts with God.  Paul’s grace and peace are nothing.  Only God’s grace and peace really mean anything.

What is different – holy – about God’s grace and peace?  Have you experienced God’s grace and peace?  In what way?  Have you ever imparted God’s grace and peace upon others?

Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 1:3-6