Two things stood out when I was reading the chapter:
1) Paul prayers were prayed with joy. Even in our prayers to God we can exemplify and manifest the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I had not thought of that concept before. We are to show those qualities in our outward actions and words to others, but also in our quiet time in humble prayer to God. If the fruits are truly written in our hearts, those characteristics will be evident in the quiet and the storms. (Phil 1:4)
2) Even though Paul was weary and desired to rest in Jesus Christ, he put teaching the brethren and their needs first, just as God and Jesus Christ do for us. He found strength through that motivation to serve even when he was physically weak and needing to seek his own place to recharge. He continued to give more; he found that fortitude and resolve to push forward through the power of Jesus Christ. The unselfishness of Paul is inspiring. He was not absorbed in his own weakness, but how he could make others strong and guide them towards the goal of God’s Kingdom. (Phil 1:23-24)
These are such great points. Makes me think about Jesus, trying to take a few moments to Himself to grieve and pray, but then finding crowds of people following Him and putting Himself aside to teach them and heal them.
I would think that Paul would be asking the brethren for prayers due to his difficult situation but instead he is praying for us and encouraging us to be strong and brave.
From the beginning even though he in chains, was still a servnt. and the wards of encouragement were not and could not bound or hindered. By them. Even finding there way to us today, For the same purpose.
I Have always been encouraged by verse 5; ‘ He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…’ .When I fail, and I do still, I know God is still working with me as a father does his children understanding that failure is a part of growth.
When one sees their failures it can be very discouraging and Satan is always eager to remind us of them. It’s very helpful to know that God does not give up on us!
It’s so easy for us to be discouraged when we fall short—What a blessing to know God loves us is spite of our shortcomings—He looks at our effort, and will keep working with us as long as we continue to follow His Way.
In verse 12 he speaks of events in his life turning out for the furtherance of the gospel. For me that is an amazing statement. It makes me think about things in our life and how God can use our examples to further His zmessage of the gospel
I like that in verse 20 Paul is saying that it is so important for our hope to ultimately be to never be ashamed of our beliefs and walk this way of life with boldness so that we magnify Christ in our way of life even till death. Also that though we suffer we suffer for Christ’s sake and we have to know that flesh and blood cannot compare to our salvation.
The chapter begins with encouragement which stemmed from Paul’s personal experience. In Phil 1:12, he came to realize why God allowed him to be imprisoned.
Moreover, Paul had a great love for the Church, and he always prayed for the church and believed the members also did the same.
Finally, he exhorted them and us to live in harmony with the gospel. By so doing, then surely God will finish the good work He has started in us but at the return of Christ Jesus.
The first verse that stands out to me in this chapter of Philippians is verse 6, where Paul says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse resonates deeply with me, as I walked away from the faith many years ago. Yet, despite that, I could still see God working in my life through various events, reminding me that He never gave up on me.
Two other verses also speak powerfully to me. In verse 9, Paul prays that our “love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” At some point, I wrote a note beside this verse: “Love impacts the way we think.” I see this truth in the brethren at Sabbath services, at the Feast, and in the times my family and I have faced difficulties. I also see it in the decisions made by the administration. It’s not just about having knowledge; God has given us understanding so that we may grasp the depth of godly love. That, to me, is incredible.
As I get older (especially after someone recently referred to ’90s music as oldies—yikes!), verse 21 takes on even greater meaning: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul viewed both his life and his imminent death through the lens of God’s purpose. That kind of mindset—brave and selfless—is an example for all of us when we get caught up in daily struggles. If Paul lived, he was determined to serve God’s people. If he died, he knew he would be with Christ in the Kingdom. I’m not entirely there in my thinking yet, but I know that is the ultimate goal.
This chapter of Philippians reminds me of three important things: First, I am deeply grateful that God never gave up on me and still has a purpose for my life. Second, while knowing the scriptures is valuable, the real purpose of understanding them is to live out godly love. And finally, my goal as a Christian is to serve God and others, knowing that when death inevitably comes, it is not a loss—but a gain. Because in that moment, we will be in the Kingdom.
There’s so much helpful perspective here from a man who’s currently under house arrest. He’s listing all the good things that have come from his imprisonment, all the good things that have come from spiteful people trying to “out-preach” him, all the good things that will come from the hard road ahead of him.
That powerfully frames the end of the chapter: “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have” (verses 29-30).
That’s such a huge perspective shift for me. It has been GRANTED to us to suffer for the sake of Christ. That’s not usually how I think of trials, but it’s the reality.
Paul is an apostle I can relate to, although I’ve never suffered near as many devastating trails. I did not grow up in the church, I was baptized at age 19 and again at 22. Left the church at age 33 returned at 53 I have been back now for 21 years. Verbal abuse had been a part of my life from childhood until 4 year ago. My emotional state was not always good and did some dumb things. Have had people I’ve loved deeply die. Suffered 3 nervous breakdowns. But after returning to church and reflecting on all I’ve gone through I can see God’s hand in my life so many times He’s never forsake me. With God’s help putting my past behind and focusing on the future, when no one will suffer, and I can help those suffering after the tribulations. I look at trails as growing opportunities now not suffering, I have chronic health issues but God is still helping me through it all without fail.
I noticed that Paul in very 3, prayed with joy for those in his congratulation and has them in his heart in verse 7. I had to ask myself am I joyfully praying for others, for the work the ministry, or do I do it because it is requested, is it from the heart?
The Church is one body and the suffering and needs of the body is something we all should care deeply about, as well as the preaching of the gospel until all is complete and Christ returns. Is my take away.
My Fav scripture today is
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
So grateful for my calling and reflecting on the changes I’ve noticed in my life thru God’s Spirit living in me.I look forward to seeing the vessel the Master Potter completes me to become. Knowing my previous self it amazes me what our Great God is doing.and has already done. It’s like I am on the outside looking in.
I have always loved v.3-6. Such an encouraging and heartening passage.
One of the things that stuck out to me when I was reading this chapter recently was v.9– love abounding in knowledge and discernment. I think I tend to consider love and knowledge to be two separate things that must be exercised in balance with one another. But here, most translations seem to phrase it with love as the root, and knowledge and insight as being outgrowths of love. That’s really fascinating to me.
The other thing that stood out most recently that I’d never noticed before was the parallel gifts in v.29– “for it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him.” The point about suffering is hard to miss. But equally important, right alongside, is the gift of faith. We have been GRANTED to have faith in Jesus Christ, which grounds us in the storms of life. And right alongside that incredible privilege comes the privilege of suffering for His sake–echoed again in Phil 3:10, Acts 5:41, etc.
I love verse 7 that says, I have you in my heart! I think it’s a beautiful expression of love and prayer for another person.
Two things stood out when I was reading the chapter:
1) Paul prayers were prayed with joy. Even in our prayers to God we can exemplify and manifest the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I had not thought of that concept before. We are to show those qualities in our outward actions and words to others, but also in our quiet time in humble prayer to God. If the fruits are truly written in our hearts, those characteristics will be evident in the quiet and the storms. (Phil 1:4)
2) Even though Paul was weary and desired to rest in Jesus Christ, he put teaching the brethren and their needs first, just as God and Jesus Christ do for us. He found strength through that motivation to serve even when he was physically weak and needing to seek his own place to recharge. He continued to give more; he found that fortitude and resolve to push forward through the power of Jesus Christ. The unselfishness of Paul is inspiring. He was not absorbed in his own weakness, but how he could make others strong and guide them towards the goal of God’s Kingdom. (Phil 1:23-24)
These are such great points. Makes me think about Jesus, trying to take a few moments to Himself to grieve and pray, but then finding crowds of people following Him and putting Himself aside to teach them and heal them.
I would think that Paul would be asking the brethren for prayers due to his difficult situation but instead he is praying for us and encouraging us to be strong and brave.
From the beginning even though he in chains, was still a servnt. and the wards of encouragement were not and could not bound or hindered. By them. Even finding there way to us today, For the same purpose.
I Have always been encouraged by verse 5; ‘ He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…’ .When I fail, and I do still, I know God is still working with me as a father does his children understanding that failure is a part of growth.
I totally agree it is encouraging to know God is always ready to help and wants us to succeed.
When one sees their failures it can be very discouraging and Satan is always eager to remind us of them. It’s very helpful to know that God does not give up on us!
It’s so easy for us to be discouraged when we fall short—What a blessing to know God loves us is spite of our shortcomings—He looks at our effort, and will keep working with us as long as we continue to follow His Way.
In verse 12 he speaks of events in his life turning out for the furtherance of the gospel. For me that is an amazing statement. It makes me think about things in our life and how God can use our examples to further His zmessage of the gospel
I like that in verse 20 Paul is saying that it is so important for our hope to ultimately be to never be ashamed of our beliefs and walk this way of life with boldness so that we magnify Christ in our way of life even till death. Also that though we suffer we suffer for Christ’s sake and we have to know that flesh and blood cannot compare to our salvation.
The chapter begins with encouragement which stemmed from Paul’s personal experience. In Phil 1:12, he came to realize why God allowed him to be imprisoned.
Moreover, Paul had a great love for the Church, and he always prayed for the church and believed the members also did the same.
Finally, he exhorted them and us to live in harmony with the gospel. By so doing, then surely God will finish the good work He has started in us but at the return of Christ Jesus.
The first verse that stands out to me in this chapter of Philippians is verse 6, where Paul says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse resonates deeply with me, as I walked away from the faith many years ago. Yet, despite that, I could still see God working in my life through various events, reminding me that He never gave up on me.
Two other verses also speak powerfully to me. In verse 9, Paul prays that our “love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” At some point, I wrote a note beside this verse: “Love impacts the way we think.” I see this truth in the brethren at Sabbath services, at the Feast, and in the times my family and I have faced difficulties. I also see it in the decisions made by the administration. It’s not just about having knowledge; God has given us understanding so that we may grasp the depth of godly love. That, to me, is incredible.
As I get older (especially after someone recently referred to ’90s music as oldies—yikes!), verse 21 takes on even greater meaning: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul viewed both his life and his imminent death through the lens of God’s purpose. That kind of mindset—brave and selfless—is an example for all of us when we get caught up in daily struggles. If Paul lived, he was determined to serve God’s people. If he died, he knew he would be with Christ in the Kingdom. I’m not entirely there in my thinking yet, but I know that is the ultimate goal.
This chapter of Philippians reminds me of three important things: First, I am deeply grateful that God never gave up on me and still has a purpose for my life. Second, while knowing the scriptures is valuable, the real purpose of understanding them is to live out godly love. And finally, my goal as a Christian is to serve God and others, knowing that when death inevitably comes, it is not a loss—but a gain. Because in that moment, we will be in the Kingdom.
One of
There’s so much helpful perspective here from a man who’s currently under house arrest. He’s listing all the good things that have come from his imprisonment, all the good things that have come from spiteful people trying to “out-preach” him, all the good things that will come from the hard road ahead of him.
That powerfully frames the end of the chapter: “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have” (verses 29-30).
That’s such a huge perspective shift for me. It has been GRANTED to us to suffer for the sake of Christ. That’s not usually how I think of trials, but it’s the reality.
Paul is an apostle I can relate to, although I’ve never suffered near as many devastating trails. I did not grow up in the church, I was baptized at age 19 and again at 22. Left the church at age 33 returned at 53 I have been back now for 21 years. Verbal abuse had been a part of my life from childhood until 4 year ago. My emotional state was not always good and did some dumb things. Have had people I’ve loved deeply die. Suffered 3 nervous breakdowns. But after returning to church and reflecting on all I’ve gone through I can see God’s hand in my life so many times He’s never forsake me. With God’s help putting my past behind and focusing on the future, when no one will suffer, and I can help those suffering after the tribulations. I look at trails as growing opportunities now not suffering, I have chronic health issues but God is still helping me through it all without fail.
I noticed that Paul in very 3, prayed with joy for those in his congratulation and has them in his heart in verse 7. I had to ask myself am I joyfully praying for others, for the work the ministry, or do I do it because it is requested, is it from the heart?
The Church is one body and the suffering and needs of the body is something we all should care deeply about, as well as the preaching of the gospel until all is complete and Christ returns. Is my take away.
Verse six is a verse I cling to, one of my favorites. Don’t know what happened to my earlier post, it got clipped!
My Fav scripture today is
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
So grateful for my calling and reflecting on the changes I’ve noticed in my life thru God’s Spirit living in me.I look forward to seeing the vessel the Master Potter completes me to become. Knowing my previous self it amazes me what our Great God is doing.and has already done. It’s like I am on the outside looking in.
I have always loved v.3-6. Such an encouraging and heartening passage.
One of the things that stuck out to me when I was reading this chapter recently was v.9– love abounding in knowledge and discernment. I think I tend to consider love and knowledge to be two separate things that must be exercised in balance with one another. But here, most translations seem to phrase it with love as the root, and knowledge and insight as being outgrowths of love. That’s really fascinating to me.
The other thing that stood out most recently that I’d never noticed before was the parallel gifts in v.29– “for it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him.” The point about suffering is hard to miss. But equally important, right alongside, is the gift of faith. We have been GRANTED to have faith in Jesus Christ, which grounds us in the storms of life. And right alongside that incredible privilege comes the privilege of suffering for His sake–echoed again in Phil 3:10, Acts 5:41, etc.
“Granted” struck me as well. Such a perspective shifter.
Really interesting about “love” in verse 9! I’ll have to look more into that.