October 12, 2024 - Philippians 1-2

Paul begins his letter to the Philippians by assuring them that he prays for them and noting his certainty that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”(1:6).  He also writes about things that have happened to him, particularly his imprisonment, and that it all happened to advance the gospel.  Both for the Philippians and for Paul, the Lord is working his will for good.  We have that promise for ourselves, also.

Even when there are those who “preach Christ from envy and rivalry” (1:15), still, Christ is proclaimed, and Paul rejoices in that (1:18).  And for Paul personally, whether by his life or by his death, Christ will be honored (1:20).  What sweet and comforting knowledge, that is, that whatever we face, God will oversee it for our good and for the advancement of the gospel.

Of course, our great example in all this is Christ himself.  Though humbled, even unto death, he has had bestowed on him “the name that is above every name” (2:9), and all to the glory of God the Father.  What a name!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

that bids our sorrows cease,

‘tis music in the sinner's ears,

‘tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,

he sets the prisoner free;

his blood can make the foulest clean;

his blood availed for me.   -- Charles Wesley (1739)