Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…
Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus.
In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him.
The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
My impression of godly love has always been that it is a selfless love. For example, Jesus died so that we might be saved (John 15:13, Mark 10:45). Giving up life so that others may live is, in my book, the definition of selflessness.
Yet, God our Father is not selfless. He has a “self.” He has a will. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), God desires that we come home to him (2 Samuel 14:14). When we rebel against him and disobey it makes him angry (1 Kings 14:9).
In my view, This ability to possess a sense of self and still love selflessly is the epitome of “godly love.”
On the other hand, the definition of humanity is to put self first above all else.
What makes David so special is that he is a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). We see this in the way David constantly consults God before making decisions, and when he is victorious in battle, it is always because of God. He never points to himself as the reason for his success.
Paul does something similar. He points to the prayers of the Philippians on his behalf, and then he points to God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
The Spirit of Jesus is the heart and soul of the church. Jesus Christ is the Gospel. He is the “Good News.” He is the Messiah that was promised in ancient times (Isaiah 9:6).
We do not serve an image of a god, nor do we serve a god who has no power or will. Believers in Jesus Christ serve the Living God. Jesus is well able to ensure his church is alive and well (Luke 19:40).
Application: Trust Jesus!
Food for Thought: How does our service to God depend on Jesus?
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Continue reading “Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well”
