February Focus

Philippians 3:1-21

I don't think it's any small coincidence that I find myself pouring through the tiny book of Philippians over and over again. I am continually blessed as the Holy Spirit reveals another facet of His Word that is applicable to my life at each given moment.

Our Garments
(verse 1-11) There is nothing we can do to earn righteous standing with Christ. We are to trust Him and that His sacrifice was complete. It is our righteous covering! "I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness," (Is. 61:10a NIV)

Our Inspiration
(verse 12-14) Because of what Christ has accomplished on our behalf, not because we deserved it or earned it in any way, shape, or form, Paul presses on to obey God more and more, out of love and thankfulness, in each moment. Paul never admits to attaining perfection, or a perfect relationship with Christ. He is always pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ. "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead," (Phil. 3:13b NIV) Paul made some major mistakes in his life, as we all do, but that didn't stop him from trying to change his actions and become obedient to God. Each day is a new day! PTL

Our Focus
(verse 17-21) Paul's focus was on what is eternal. He bore earthly suffering and hardships because he remembered it wasn't his final home. Earth wasn't the end for him, and wasn't what ultimately mattered. His true citizenship was in heaven with Christ and other saints.

Speak Truth ~ 1 Pet. 3:13-16

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. --- 1 Pet. 3:13-16

-Do not fear what the world fears
-Do not be frightened (2nd time)
-Set apart Christ as Lord
-Be prepared to give an answer for the reason of that which we hope, with gentleness and respect

Witnessing to somebody should never become a battle of wits, or who can make the most clever argument. God has simply commanded us to know his word, the absolute truth and final answer. We don't have to try and sell the truth, or somehow make it look attractive to our audience. They will realize the truth if they are truly seeking and if the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. Afterall, what is more powerful than the truth? And who are we to think we could somehow "convince" someone into the kingdom?
Speak Truth!

V13 - Be eager to do good.

Ponder this: "Do you have a zeal for a worthy cause? Is there some good for which you are beng slandered? Or is your routine so harmless in this evil world that it fits nicely with the way things are going, and so nobody is asking you anything?" ---John Piper