Joy in Circumstances

The book of Philippians is one of my favorites.

It’s written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Philippi. Paul wrote this letter from Rome while he was in prison to thank them for a gift and to encourage them.

When I think about Paul, most of his life after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus was about joy in his circumstances. Not happiness, because that is an emotion that comes and goes based on those circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep abiding satisfaction in knowing that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my protector, deliverer, provider… and the list goes on! Christ is mentioned 40 times in these four chapters. HE is our true source of joy.

Over the next few weeks, I’d like to look at some of my favorite verses in Philippians and what they mean for us today. Philippians 1:6:

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

- Philippians 1:6

Do you ever feel like you have had too much of a history of failure for God to accept you? You never can quite seem to get it right, whether at work, with your family, or friends. This verse says that God will continue the work He began until it is finished. Other versions say “perfect” - epiteleō, translated from the Greek - which is a verb meaning an ongoing action. It’s not a “one and done”; sanctification, or to be holy, is a lifelong process until Jesus returns.

Or perhaps you have been wrongly accused, misunderstood and judged unfairly. Paul says that it’s not what happens “to” us - what matters is how we respond. Philippians 1:12-14:

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

- Philippians 1:12-14

Paul was in prison, and he chose to use it as an opportunity to make Christ known. No matter his circumstances, he always kept his eyes centered on Christ. Paul’s challenge to us is the same. Philippians 1:27:

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

- Philippians 1:27

Friends, Paul is telling us to continue to conduct ourselves in unity, being a Good Neighbor to those we disagree with, showing His love to those around us. Our world is moving in the polar opposite direction of that. The more we do our part to allow Jesus to continue the good work in us, we’ll see the good in others. We’ll be able to move beyond any differing opinions we have, and in unity, we’ll fight together for the faith.

And that’s the Good News!

Pastor Pam

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