October 30, 2025 - 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.  Maybe more on that, tomorrow.

O love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

O Light that follows all my way,

I yield my flick’ring torch to thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.   -- George Matheson (1882)