Wednesday, May 15 | Philippians 3:17-21 | Alvin Pelton
In the third chapter of the letter to the Philippian church Paul continues to speak plainly to the fellowship to which he is warmly drawn. He is not scolding or correcting; he is not setting deep theological guidelines or detailing church polity. Paul is talking to his friends about matters that matter deeply to him. The letter is written from his imprisonment in a Roman jail where confinement means either being chained to a wall with soldiers next to him to or chained with him as well. There are no private times or conversations.
Paul uses language to remind the church that he had been transformed in this life to some state of perfection in faith and grace. He declares that he has not yet become a citizen of heaven. Rather, he must continue to struggle with this humanity with a humble mind and determination. Perfection has not been made complete, even for the apostle, and the work of grace has not been carried through to the end.
In the struggles of everyday life most people do not need additional expectations placed on them. We often set goals, just like New Year’s resolutions, but they are seldom kept over the long-term. It is simply too demanding for a person to alter their patterns long enough to develop new patterns. How can people in the era of the New Testament have words for me today about goal setting and developing new patterns for my life? Strong faith and disciplined living in our present life prepares us for an eternity filled with the presence of Christ. Begin today with a commitment to set aside time for study and time for praying about the lesson to come on Sunday. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and preparation.
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