To Live is Christ - part 1

Grace & Peace

What if that was the opening line whenever you communicated with someone?  What would our lives have to be like in order for us to begin that way with authenticity?  One of the things that is so amazing about Paul's letter to the Philippians, is not just that he uses that language, but the conditions under which he is living as he does so.  Uncomfortable.  Frequently hungry.  Very possibly in pain.  Chained 24 hours a day to a Roman guard while being under house arrest awaiting his trial - the likely outcome being his execution.  Given those circumstances, how do you start out with "grace and peace"?

There is something pretty amazing going on here, that we can catch a glimpse of as we read and reflect on this letter that Paul writes to the believers in Philippi.  Even though he is surrounded by circumstances that seem like they could only be discouraging, as we look over Paul's shoulder as he is writing, it becomes clear that he is surrounded by something else that impacts his life far more.  That something is the sense of community he has with other believers, and the grace of God.  Both of those are huge.  He lived with hope.

As Pastor Jon begins our series on Paul's letter to the Philippians, these are the opening words he invites us to reflect upon.  Take a few moments to enjoy the passage to the right once again.  If you would like to listen to the sermon again as well, (or perhaps for he first time), you can access it in  our sermon library by clicking here.  If you like to enjoy the entire service, you can access that in our livestream archives here.

Philippians 1:1-10

NIV

 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.