SATURDAY November 13, 2021

The Case for Christ

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi....
Philippians 1:1

Remember, the book of Philippians was a missionary thank you letter. It reported on the progress of Paul’s missionary work. Believers are called saints in Christ. The word saint in the Greek language is hagios which means “to set apart, sanctify or make holy.” The epistle manifests to believers that they are to be separated to God––living their lives for Him.

The book of Philippians also contains one of the most profound Christological passages (Philippians 2:5-11). The epistle emphasizes humility and greatly encourages Christians to press toward the mark and high call of Christ (Philippians 3:14). The letter reasons with believers not to have anxiety, but to pray. Through Christ we are given the ability to do all things (Philippians 4:13). The word that stands out in the book of Philippians is joy––joy in Jesus Christ.

Paul and Timothy saw themselves as bondservants––servants of Jesus Christ. Jesus was their Master, and they were His slaves. The church in Philippi trusted Paul. They knew he was a genuine servant of Jesus Christ. In Philippi, they witnessed his life “in Christ.”

Paul spent a lot of time in jail in his ministry. During his last imprisonment in Roman, he was held in a pitch dark prison while waiting to state his case for Christ before Caesar. Pastor Chuck Smith described Paul’s condition in prison and also the condition of his heart:

Some of you perhaps visit Rome on occasion and were led into the Mamertine Prison where tradition says Paul was held. It isn't a very attractive place; it is sort of underground. The light comes in from a window up above, but yet, Paul always had the light within him, and thus, he declares, "I have learned in whatever state I am in to therewith be content.” (Philippians 4:11 KJV).

No matter your situation, do you have the comforting light of Christ in your heart? Be ready to state your case for your faith in Christ to others.

The passion of Christianity comes from deliberately signing away my own rights and becoming a bondservant of Jesus Christ...
~Oswald Sanders~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!