About a year after he wrote to the Ephesians, Paul composes another letter from his prison in Rome. He begins chapter one with a tone of gratitude for his friends in Philippi and their "partnership in the gospel". He encourages them with the idea that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". It's good to know that even when we don't feel like we're not getting anywhere in life that God will never stop working to complete what He's begun in us. That's really good to know.
The last portion of the chapter focuses on Paul's mission and the joy he experiences as a result. He understands God's call on his life, and he rejoices in that call and in those who join him in his mission (regardless of their motivation, as seen in v. 15-18).
Paul writes about his readiness to die and be present with Jesus, and yet he knows there is more for him to do before he dies. He is "torn between the two". (v. 23). He tells us that "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (v. 21).
In the final few verses, he acknowledges opposition and speaks of the need for courage. And he concludes with a reminder that he knows what he's talking about, as they are going through "the same struggle" that he's had, and that he still has.
No comments:
Post a Comment