Friday, August 9, 2013

Philippians 1:25-26

Passage

Convinced of the work God set before me, I know that I will remain and be with you all – for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith.  As you see Christ work through me, you may have joy in the faith as I come to you again.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

In the end, it is the work that God has set before Paul that drives him forward.  This is a great moment to come back to a teaching about identity.  If our identity comes from God, we will always see the purpose ahead.  Regardless of the circumstances, we will always look for the ways that God is intending to use us.  That is a natural side effect of pausing to get our identity from God.

Where does the world tell us to get our identity?  Where do you desire to get your identity?  Which identity – God’s, yours, or the world’s – makes you feel deeply satisfied and fulfilled?  How can learning to get your identity from God help you to keep an “even keel” about your life?

Second Thought:

 Paul works for the sake of others.  He works for the spiritual progress of the people around him.  He works for their increased joy in the faith.  Mind you, that doesn’t always mean that spiritual growth is fun or easy.  But it is joyful work to grow closer to God.

Why do you grow spiritually?  Why do you do the work of God?  What – or who - is the bottom line for you?

Third Thought:

Paul tells the Philippians that their joy will increase as they see Paul again.  In other words, as he genuinely believes that he will be released from prison, they will be joyful at seeing Christ at work in him in this manner.  It is pleasing to see God working in and through other people.  It helps strengthen our faith as we see the hand of God in this life.

Why do we often have an easier time seeing God at work in others?  Why is it pleasing to see God at work in general?  Why is it especially pleasing to see God at work in those that we love?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 1:27-28

No comments: