by John Grant
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me – put it into practice.” Philippians 4:9
As we walked along the streets of what was once ancient Philippi, I could just imagine the traffic that street had seen. When we got to the administrative area, I realized that this is where Paul and Silas were physically abused, wrongfully accused and thrown into jail. I thought of the earthquake that freed them from the stocks that held their feet and how Paul put the jailer’s salvation ahead of his own freedom.
But what really was on my mind was what Paul later wrote to the church at Philippi. After being beaten, jailed and otherwise abused I am surprised that he didn’t want to forget about such a place. But, as he was in prison himself, later in Rome, he wrote a letter to them which is my favorite book in the Bible. From it we learn a lot of lessons about life and living.
While at the ruins, I found a quiet place and sat down to read all four chapters, closely and carefully. Wow, what an experience to sit alongside a street in Philippi and read the letter Paul wrote to the people there.
He begins by reminding them that he is praying for them. That is relationship. He says he is sure that they will complete the work they began together. That’s confidence and partnership. He reminds them that whatever happens that they should conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. That is challenge and affirmation.
He reminds them, and all of us who read his letter, that everything of the world, no matter how much we have, is but rubbish compared to gaining Christ. He reminds them to think of heavenly things, as their citizenship is in heaven.
Lastly, he reminds them to rejoice in all things and to be anxious for nothing and to present their petitions to God and put their faith in practice. Paul gives us through this letter the basic tools for the daily living of our lives.
Philippians is my favorite book of the Bible, one I have read many times, but never like this sitting along the streets of Philippi. These rocks and ancient ruins sing out with history going back hundreds of years before Christ, but the Gospel cries out even louder. Oh, that I could live the life Paul outlines in this book.
But, I am encouraged, as Paul says in Chapter 3 that even he has not yet obtained perfection, but he presses on to take hold of what Christ once took hold for him, and that’s a life lesson for us all. We all are not perfect, but Jesus encourages and entreats us to press on to the upward calling. There is no greater goal in life.
(a thought on life from John Grant )
You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/09/25/jg_lessons-from-philippi/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney