March 3 & 4, 2018
Christ-Centered Life
Philippians - Part 1
This weekend we are starting our study of the Letter to the Philippians. Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome where he was awaiting opportunity to appeal his case to Caesar. Even with Paul’s bleak circumstances, this letter to the Philippians is overflowing with Paul’s joy and love for his friends in Philippi. Paul had traveled to Philippi with Silas, Timothy, and Luke some 10 years before writing this letter. During his ministry there he led many people to faith in Jesus and established a strong church. His time ministering to and with the Philippian people created an indelible bond and partnership between Paul and this local church in Philippi.The Philippian church regularly supported Paul financially and physically in his trials. It is due to the many blessings of this long-term partnership that Paul writes in such a personal tone. In expressing his heartfelt gratitude for their partnership and support, Paul continually points to Jesus as the center of all of this. In these first eleven verses alone Paul points to Jesus by name seven times. Paul never tires of talking about Jesus, the Gospel, and the new life in Christ. Even in his trials in prison Paul is pointing to Jesus as the source of all that is good in the church at Philippi.
All of Paul’s ministry and letters are filled with this singular focus and purpose on Christ. For Paul, it all comes from and points to Jesus. The same is true for each of us. A life centered on Christ is full of challenges, blessings, and victories. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a letter of joy celebrating Christ’s work in our lives.
- Kap Otten
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