Issue 1253 – Rejoicing – September 20, 2023

There was no Gleanings yesterday. It had been a busy week, and  I was tired (and maybe a little grumpy), so I opted to take a mental health day.

The pastor in our local assembly has begun a thirteen-week overview of Paul’s epistle to the church in Philippi. That is a quick overview of the four chapters but enough to concentrate on some relevant key points. I have enjoyed the first two weeks and am looking forward to the balance of the series.

I have reread the letter several times to supplement the sermon series for myself. I am following two more in-depth series with some of my favourite online teachers. There are many commonalities across the teaching, but each emphasizes different aspects. That enables me to have a broader understanding of the letter overall.

Philippians may be short, but like all of the Apostle Paul’s writing is jam-packed with theological and practical guidance on how to live the Christian life.

Paul mentions joy at least 16 times in these four chapters. He also mentions Christ 50 times. That is because Paul understands our true joy and fulfillment come through Christ. Joy is ours by virtue of our relationship with Christ; only Christians can experience the true joy that transcends our circumstances.

Joy is a gift from God, produced in those who accept the gospel through the Holy Spirit as we receive and believe the Word.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:1-11

Paul, writing from prison encourages the Philippian church. He is familiar with loss, suffering and pain. Yet, he can rejoice in the Lord and in seeing the Spirit at work in the church. He has observed the difference God has made in their lives from the time he planted the church some years before.

That joy can be hours if we think of what God has done and will do.

May you find peace and rejoice in all circumstances.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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