Hi you all :)

May our Lord's grace touch you in such a powerful way that no matter what is happening in your life, His grace will get you through! Amen!

Quiet Times (Psalm 119:17-24, Proverbs 1, Philippians 1)

Introduction:

Paul is writing this while he is chained in jail. When we realize that and look to the contents of this letter, we see there is still so much joy in Paul. The question is where does Paul get all this joy when he is locked at jail in chains. Throughout this month I intend to look at this book.

There are times I intend to revisit previous devotional times I had with the Lord.

"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:1-2)

Observations: v.1

1. Paul refers to himself as a servant of Christ Jesus.

2. Timothy is referred to as a servant of Christ Jesus.

Interpretation:

It is amazing that Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ Jesus. He could have introduced himself as one who is knowledgeable in the Jewish law. Yet, Paul acknowledges being a servant to the Lord Jesus Christ, seeing Christ as his Master. It is important to realize that servant and slave can be used interchangeably at times.

I thought about the roles of a servant:

1. A servant should not make up his own rules but is asked to follow the rules of His Master.

2. A servant is asked not cling to his own rights but give them up to be obedient to the Master.

3. A servant is one who serves. 

Paul is setting an example right away that he is one that serves the Lord Jesus Christ and sees himself in submission to Christ, His Master no matter what is happening in his life. Timothy starts to imitate Paul by his actions.

Jesus Christ came to serve who was also their Master. Therefore, Paul knows His allegiance belongs to Christ and following His example of servitude.

Application:

I learned it is important for me to realize that whatever positions I like to hold or be called by, I need to see myself as a slave. This is a radical concept because people don't like to see themselves as slaves.

I ask you now dear friends, what kind of slave will you be?

The fact of the matter is we are all slaves. The question is whether we will be slaves to sin or slaves to Christ. If we see ourselves as slaves to Christ then we will be obedient to Christ and follow his teachings. We will not cling to our own rights or want to do what we feel is right. It is not about what we think is right but what we know to be right. Jesus came to serve and we should not do any less. We should have an attitude of servitude towards others.

The amazing thing is that when we are slaves to Christ, we are also seen as His children. Just because we are slaves does not mean we are not His children. Paul refers to himself as a servant of Christ Jesus but also sees himself as a child of God. If we see ourselves as a child of God, we are also the children of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. You have to read the New Testament to understand more the concept of 'slave' and 'children of God'

Observations: v. 1

1. To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.

Interpretation:

 Paul writes this letter to those who are followers of Jesus Christ. It is interesting that Paul refers to himself as a servant and refers to those receiving the letter as saints.

A saint is one who holds to the teachings of Jesus Christ and follows Jesus as their Lord and Personal Savior each day of their life. A saint is one who has acknowledged that they have been a slave to sin but Jesus Christ went to the cross on their behalf that they might be forgiven of all their sins and be seen as righteous through the eyes of God because of what Jesus did for them.

With that in mind, they turn to Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and are delivered from being a slave to sin. It is important to realize that a saint in Christ is a slave to Christ. Paul can be seen as a saint though he does not call himself that. We see his humility here.

Application:

When people look at your lifestyle, two things should be said:

Wow, that person is really a servant of Jesus Christ.

Wow, that person reminds me of those who have been called saints!

Observations: v.2

We see Paul sending two messages from two sources:

1. Grace to you from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Peace to you from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Interpretation:

Paul starts out his letter with a blessing after the salutation. Grace is emphasized first and then peace. The source of the grace and peace, Paul writes is from God, who He considers to be the Father of the servants of Christ Jesus and the saints in Christ Jesus. Paul also acknowledges that this grace and peace comes from Jesus Christ who he sees as Lord.

Paul wants the Philippians to know that grace has been sent to them. It is not something they earn on their own doing but just receive it as a free gift of blessing. It is vital to know that we cannot receive peace apart from grace. Grace is what gives peace in our lives.

Application:

We live in a world filled with curses. Take time to send others a blessing in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. There are tons of blessings in Scripture that you can impart upon others as you claim those promises! Amen!

Savior's Love Acknowledges Vividly Everyday: Servant hood. (S.L.A.V.E.S)/"What kind of slave will you be?"

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you are our Master. Thank you how much you love us and care for us. We are forever in your care. Lord you want us to be servants as you became a servant though you are God. Help us to live our lives in such a way that we will be seen as your servants Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord you also see us as saints and we are your children. We come to you with all our flaws and ask you to forgive us please Lord. Please deliver us from being slaves to the sins that bind us. Thank you Lord we can be delivered from anything in your perfect timing. Lord, we also know that there are areas in our life that we will have to endure through until we see you face to face but we thank you that you can give us the strength to go on and a way out against temptations. We thank you that when it comes to sin, we need not live in it because through your Holy Spirit working in us, you will help us. Thank you so much Jesus! Thank you hear us and answer us! In Your Name We Pray Jesus! Amen!

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