Philippians – Count It All Joy

He counted it all joy—even under house arrest, hidden from those who loved and prayed for him. Paul said he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances life brought because of his close relationship with the Lord. But his letter to his dear friends in Philippi revealed his other secret source of gladness: his relationship with God’s people.

Paul had first arrived in Philippi years before, when he found Lydia praying with and teaching other women about God outside the city’s gates. She and the others not only listened to Paul’s news, but they eagerly embraced Jesus as God and their Savior. Ever since, the house church in Philippi grew in number and depth of relationship with each other. Their beautiful faith and love for him and one another warmed Paul’s soul and testified to God’s continuing mercy toward His people. Every time Paul remembered them, he couldn’t help but give God thanks.

The Philippians felt the same way toward Paul. When the Philippians learned of Paul’s house arrest, they were very concerned. In addition to prayer, they gathered money and sent one of their own to Rome to deliver the gift and tend to Paul’s needs. Along the way, the messenger—Epaphroditus—became deathly ill, compounding the Philippians’ troubled hearts. But God healed Epaphroditus and Paul sent him back along with Timothy to strengthen and encourage his friends who had cared so much for him.

More than any other letter, Philippians captured the heart of love and encouragement God intends to flow through His body of believers. Whether Paul was present with the Philippians or distant due to his calling, they still considered him a part of their worshipping family and supported him through prayer, financial aid, and tender words of comfort in his trials. Paul returned the affection, praying for their continued growth and celebrating their heart for God. His letter conveyed his feelings, prayers, and even some warnings about outsiders who wanted to add strict rules to their faith. Paul reminded them to fight together any such imposter with the truth that Jesus Christ alone provided their righteousness.

Just as Acts showed us how the church should grow, Philippians gives us a glimpse of how we are to love. United by Christ and thankfulness for His people, we must learn to work well side-by-side, contending as one person for the sake of the gospel.

What does Paul mean in Philippians 1:6 and what does it mean to you?

Where is your strength? Read Philippians 4:13.

Why did Paul write to the Philippians? Read Philippians 1:3.

Where do you find joy in difficult situations?

Do you consider yourself a humble person?