August 18 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is one of the most straightforward letters in all the New Testament. The apostle did not write this letter to answer any difficult questions, to clear up any theological problems or to deal with any particular sin. Throughout this epistle he expresses his joy for the love and devotion of this congregation. In spite of all the sins, weaknesses and shortcomings that were undoubtedly present, Philippi was a church that wanted to stand firm on the basis of biblical truth. The main theme of the letter is “joy.”

When the apostle Paul writes this letter he isn’t sitting in some easy chair, enjoying the finer things of life. He is in a prison cell and does not know if he will get out. Nevertheless, he isn’t despondent or down in the dumps. Paul realizes that everything he experiences serves the purpose of Jesus Christ. He writes in 1:18b-20, “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (NIV) The apostle is prepared to give his life for the sake of the gospel. At the same time he remains deeply concerned about the well-being of the church.

It is obvious that Paul and the Philippians got along well. He calls them his joy and crown (4:1). They have helped him tremendously in the spread of the gospel, always standing by his side. Nevertheless, Paul still has his concerns and he addresses these matters throughout this letter. In his prison cell he bends his knees and prays for them. Paul wants the church at Philippi to remain faithful and to continue in the ways of the Lord. That is why he prays for an increase in love, knowledge and discernment (1:9–11).

This entire letter beams with joy and happiness because of what the church has in Christ. When Christ is exalted and His name is magnified and praised there is always reason for rejoicing. When we are filled with a desire to do all things for Christ, there will be plenty of reasons for joy, even in our darkest hour.