Joyful, Patient, Faithful

Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12

From Guest Blogger Colin Proft:

The first time the Gospel was shared in the city of Philippi was when Paul and Silas visited there on their first missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). Later, Paul and Timothy wrote a letter of encouragement and exhortation to the Christians in that region — what is now in our Bibles as “Philippians.” Read through Philippians 1, keeping the words of Romans 12:12 in mind.

Joyful in Hope. Paul was continually rejoicing before God. He knew what God had in store for him and the Philippians — he has his heart and mind fixed on heaven. Paul knew that God had given them both a new life in Jesus Christ while on earth and the promise of eternal life with Him in paradise.

Paul had treasure in heaven. He knew that, no matter what happened, He had eternal life because of Jesus Christ. And he had Jesus! Whether he continued to live on the earth or was taken to heaven, he had joy. And that joy was rooted in his relationship with God and in the fellowship of other Christians. “I thank my God … for all of you … because of your partnership in the Gospel” (Philippians 1:3-5).

Patient in Affliction. Paul wrote this letter from prison. If anyone had a reason to complain, it was Paul! Yet he fully believed God would rescue him. Whether his imprisonment ended in life or death, Paul chose to worship God. His confidence came from this astounding truth: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). It was because of his imprisonment that Paul was to share the Gospel with the whole palace guard.

Faithful in Prayer. Paul constantly prayed for his fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus. He knew them on a personal level and loved them deeply. Again, they weren’t simply acquaintances to him; they were his family and friends. He longed for them with the affection of Jesus Christ! (Philippians 1:8).

Paul’s prayer was simple: he prayed that their love would overflow and that their knowledge of Christ would increase (1:9). And the source of this love and knowledge is abiding in Jesus. We do not produce the fruit of righteousness from our own strength; the nourishment comes from Christ. As He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Prayer: Gracious Lord Jesus, I ask not simply that You be with me today but that You lead me also to join You in the work You are already doing—in me and through me for the sake of others. Amen.