Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:1-11: Joy in the Journey: Week 1 (WATCH HERE)
The letter God’s Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to write is one that is filled with God’s heart communicated through Paul’s heart. In spite of challenging circumstances when Paul first visited Philippi (Acts 16), ten years later as Paul is under house arrest in Rome, he writes with deep love and appreciation for the saints in Philippi. While written almost 2000 years ago, God uses the same words to touch our hearts and lives today. In all situations he desires us to see his grace so that we find joy in our journey of life to eternity, just like the Apostle Paul did.
I pray these devotions this summer on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, encourage your heart and bring you joy for your journey of life to eternity with your Savior.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
The focus is always on Christ. Paul was imprisoned in Rome and Timothy, his partner and pastor friend was with him. The opening greeting is not from individuals feeling victim to the circumstances, but rather clear on their purpose: servants of Christ Jesus. Their life was identified by the one they serve and their reason for writing to the Christians in Philippi was the same. They write with hearts devoted to the Lord Jesus to bring encouragement from the Lord Jesus.
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Not only did Paul and Timothy see themselves through the lens of Christ, they saw all the people in Philippi through the lens of Christ. People like Lydia, the seller of purple cloth who came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah or the jailor and his household who were baptized when grace entered their lives. Each one was a recipient of the grace of God that made them holy in the eyes of God. They were people who were not identified as saints because of their good works and contribution to the community of Philippi, but simply because they were in Christ Jesus. Everyone covered in the blood of Jesus is rightly called a saint. Paul saw them through this lens and he wanted them to see themselves through this lens.
The same is true for you. Your status and identity is a saint in Christ Jesus. You are not defined any longer by your sin, but by your Savior. YOU are a saint in Christ Jesus!
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We can receive nothing greater from God than his grace and peace. With these words, Paul not only sets the tone of his letter, but fills the hearts of his recipients. Grace is God’s undeserved gift of his love and forgiveness that he has given to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Peace is the calm in our hearts knowing that our relationship with God is no longer in conflict because of sin, but rather at peace because of the payment for sin Jesus made. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
What is exceptional about this statement is both grace and peace are FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let our efforts be put aside, for that ruins grace. Let our search and striving for peace cease, for the quest is not attainable by our efforts.
Grace and peace are God’s gifts to you! He doesn’t demand payment. He doesn’t add conditions. He simply puts these gifts in your lap to enjoy each day. He wants them to set the tone for your day and be the reality that fills your heart.
You are loved. You are at one with God.
Enjoy this gift today!
Apply: Grace and peace can sometimes be concepts “out there.” How can the gift of grace and the status of peace be more real in your heart and life today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of grace and doing all that was necessary to bring peace with God. Let each day be filled with the grace and peace only you can give. AMEN.