Welcome back to another edition of the Handfuls of Purpose series. Today let us look at an encouraging passage that the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers of the Philippian church. Paul was encouraging the believers at the city of Philippi in the New Testament book of Philippians. Many have said that the book of Philippians is one of the loveliest thank you notes written by the Apostle Paul to the church. In chapter one of this book in verses twenty-seven thru thirty Paul gives encouragement in living the Christian life during harder times. Let me share these verses with you, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
Paul begins this passage with a word on the talk that is taking place at Philippi. He encourages the believers to talk in a manner that is Christ honoring. He then goes to the behavior of the Christian in Philippi. He commends them to continue to behave in a godly manner, and he encourages the church to continue together in living Christ before the population of Philippi. This is so encouraging and important for this group of Christians.
In verses twenty-eight and twenty-nine Paul also explains that there will be those who attack their lifestyle. Paul says do not be alarmed because this is the sign of the age. From the very inception of the church in Jerusalem, Satan has attacked the church through persecution, the telling of lies and by the government enacting laws against the church. In some areas of the world and during certain time periods in history this persecution was very great. During the New Testament times there was a persecution from the Jewish people, but the Roman Empire also persecuted the church and its people. One side note, we have had in our country many years of great freedom in participating in our faith; sad to say, this appears to be coming to an abrupt end in some areas of our country. Paul also explains that, as a Christian, we must believe and hold to Christ, but we may also suffer for our beliefs in Him.
Paul concludes this passage with one more statement that he also has gone through these same problems. Paul wrote this portion of scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, to encourage those who hold Christ dear. There was never a promise that everything in a Christian’s life would be easy, but we are promised that Jesus will be with us during the most intense of times. Yes, when one confesses their sins before Christ, and asks Him to take them away, He will do this and we become a Christian. Paul also wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if we are in Christ, we become a new creature. What does this mean? It means that we will be changed and have a desire to follow Jesus. We will not be locked into sin. We, as Christians, can turn away from sin and its problems.
Finally, what does this hold for us as Christians? This passage reminds us that the unsaved world, whose prince is Satan, will be in opposition to us and our lifestyle. What do we do? We continue on and spread with our voice and live with our lives the Gospel in this world we are in. God is still in control, please, never forget. I do pray for you regularly because I know this world can get to us, but never give up on Christ because He will never give up on you. May the Lord bless and keep you.
