Page 62 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Peter Cockrell and are based on Philippians 4:10-20 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Romans 6, 2 Corinthians 9, Psalm 344
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set
out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an 19 acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday February 11 - Overflowing praise
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.
Philippians 4:10
Paul begins this section ‘rejoicing greatly in the Lord’. For Paul, ‘in Christ’ or ‘in the Lord’ constitute the clearest definition of what it means to be a Christian. The phrase is shorthand for describing the believer’s union with Christ, which is the fountainhead of all blessing from God. It’s because of this union that Paul can rejoice in all things.
Consider the apostle’s circumstances. He’s imprisoned in Rome, chained to elite Roman guards while he waits, under house arrest, to be tried before Caesar. His life hangs in the balance. Additionally, local church leaders, clearly envious of Paul’s giftedness, have resorted to a slanderous campaign against him. Upon hearing of Paul’s plight, the church at Philippi revived their interest in him and sent a gift via Epaphroditus. But this ‘godsend’ of a brother becomes sick and nearly dies! Everything that could possibly go wrong has.
However, the tone of this letter is far from downbeat. Paul is full of thankfulness for their partnership in the gospel. He’s a model of contentment and joy. Paul is a man who is content despite his circumstances, rather than being crushed by them. He knows that the source of his joy is Christ himself. He doesn’t dig deep, he looks up! His joy is not dependent on his circumstances, but comes from God. He understands that his chains are by divine appointment, and therefore has every reason to rejoice.
Lord, may the wellspring of joy in my life flow from contentment in you. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY