Good morning! Today, we will begin reading the book of Philippians. The book of Philippians was written while the Apostle Paul was in prison. It is unclear where he was in prison (e.g., Ephesus, Caesarea, or Rome) but many scholars believe it was written while he was in Rome.Join me as we begin our journey.

Bible Verse – Philippians 1:1-6 NLT

“¹ This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders[a] and deacons.

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. ³ Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 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.”

Reflection

Paul found himself in a position that he did not anticipate – imprisoned for his continued work to share the Good News. Not only was he in prison but he refers to himself and Timothy as slaves of Christ Jesus. While in prison, Paul did not allow his light to be dimmed. Paul remained connected with the Lord and his purpose to share the Good News, I’m certain it was fertile training ground for Timothy. In fact,, Paul wrote this letter and others to the people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deaconsand other churches while in prison. It was probably the first prison pen pal ministry.

Paul was grateful for the believers in Philippi who supported and cared for him while he was in prison. While Paul had not been to Philippi for several years (Acts 16), mutually they had not forgotten about one another.As fellow believers in Christ:

• Who are you thanking God for today?

• Who are you praying for today?

• Are there people in your life who once shared or continue to share the Good News – the message of Jesus Christ with you? Let them know how your life has been impacted.

Paul, in his gratitude encouraged them to continue the good work God began within them, not just for a week or until he gets out of jail, but with confidence that Godwill continue his work within them and God’s work will continue until Christ returns.

• Will you allow God to continue his work within you and through you?

Prayer

Father God we thank you for all that you are doing within us and around us. Thank you for your grace and your peace. Lord, we know without your grace there is no peace. Lord, forgive us for the times when we weren’t obedient to your word. Lead us with your loving grace so that we may experience your perfect peace in our situations and daily lives. Lord, we want to be apart of what you are doing. Use us. Protect our children, marriages, homes, and relationship with you. Keep us safe from harm. In Jesus name, amen.

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