April 1st, Wednesday: Philippians 1- 2

Phil 1

Paul writes, 'For me to live is Christ.'

But he did more than write that statement – he lived it!

Jesus Christ is mentioned 18 times in this chapter and is seen involved in many aspects of Paul's life.

We'll read about his friends.

Paul loved the saints in Philippi.

He thought about them, pray for them, and longed to see them.

Christ made this fellowship possible.

We'll read about his circumstances.

He was a prisoner not of Rome, but of Jesus Christ.

And his chains were in Christ.

Paul was practicing what he was preaching and it worked.

You think first of Christ when circumstances are difficult?

Put him first even at the hard times of life.

We'll read about his future as well.

Paul's life was definitely in danger.

If he lost the trial, he could be killed as an enemy of Rome.

But listen – when Christ is your life, death is not your enemy.

And you have the assurance to being with Christ when this life ends.

Phil 2

We'll read about his enemies.

When you suffer, you suffer for Christ's sake.

And you need not fear your enemies.

The vital thing is that God's people unite in Christ and oppose the enemy, not one another.

Look out – Christ is the model for Christians and the life that we live and the service because He thought first of others, not of Himself.

He's our model.

Do you look out for the interest of others?

Or do you only think of yourself?

Be honest!

Do you have the servant attitude of Jesus Christ – willing to sacrifice for others?

Will you empty yourself that others might be filled?

We'll read about being poured out.

The image is that of a drink offering poured out on the altar.

Paul was willing to pour out his very life for the sake of the Lord and His church, and to do it joyfully.

Timothy and Ephaproditus had the same attitude of service and sacrifice - giving themselves for others.

FB Myer wrote, 'I used to think God's gifts were on shelves one above the other. And the taller we grew in Christian character, the more easily we could reach those shelves. I now find that God's gifts are one shelves one beneath the other. And it's not a question of growing taller, but of stooping lower to serve others.'