Thursday, May 16 | Philippians 4:1-9 | Alvin Pelton
For Paul, a prisoner in chains, it was gift to welcome a friend like Epaphroditus and he would never forget how much all of the believers of Philippi meant to him. As he begins to wrap up his thoughts, he speaks from his heart: I love you, long for you, you are my joy, you are my crown (the prize I receive for running the race), so stand firm in the Lord and don’t veer off the course.
Along with Paul’s expressions of love, he also voices a concern about a conflict growing within this church. It seems Epaphroditus has shared news about two of the ladies, who have worked alongside Paul in the church; apparently their differences are taking a toll on the fellowship. Paul takes the time to plead for reconciliation, for the good of the whole, and he even asks another individual to step in and offer help. He writes, “Remember their names are written in the book of life along with others who labored beside me.”
Now he writes…
Celebrate God and revel in Him! Make it clear to others that you are on their side, working with them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could come at any moment.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead – pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, everything will come together for good. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Fill your minds on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you’ve learned from me. (Excerpts from The Message)
We find “the book of life” mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Paul refers to it in Philippians 4:3 but he also speaks about “our citizenship in heaven” back in Philippians 3:20.
Extra-biblical information states that Greek cities of the ancient world maintained a list of citizens in a public register. When someone committed a criminal act and was condemned, he lost his citizenship and his name was then erased from the register.
Being a Christian could result in your name being removed. Perhaps when Paul is speaking of “our citizenship in heaven” and the faithful followers of Christ having their names written in God’s book of life, this speaks to some of the fears of the Philippians.
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