Picking up where Hannah left off yesterday, Paul continues to encourage the church at Philippi. I know that I need to be encouraged, and that this is a satisfying reminder for my thirsty soul. I hope this refreshes you as you meditate on the truths which we share with the Philippians because we are all unified in Christ and heirs of His promises. If God promises to do transformation work in us, we can both breathe a sigh of relief that we don’t have to muster our transformation on our own and embrace the fact that we get to join the Lord, as “partakers of grace” in our transformation. What a promise!
Philippians 1.6-8
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Who is the one who began the work in us? Who is doing the work in us until we are completed? [Verse 6]
+ What does Paul's tone demonstrate about his level of certainty in this promise? [Verses 6-7]
+ How do we see Paul’s role as a leader and encourager of this church despite his own difficult situation? [Verses 7-8]
+ What does it mean to be a partaker with Paul of grace? [Verse 7]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Am I open to let God do some good work in me? If not, what is holding me back?
+ Do I fall back on trying to please God on my own, rather than being a partaker of grace?
+ Would my life be different if I treated everyone I interact with ”with the affection of Christ Jesus”?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Are there people that I can speak encouragement to, people that I have “the affection of Christ Jesus” for?