Paul prays for the church in Philippi to never stop learning and this is a great reminder to us to do the same thing. The more we grow in knowledge and understanding the more we can see how important love is. The love in us will be what keeps us living righteously because Jesus will be our focus. As I was reading this first chapter of Philippians today I realized how much more we have when we learn to live like Christ. My favorite verse in the Bible is Philippians chapter 1 verse 21 which reads, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” When we can grow we can understand what an impact Christ will make in us and in people around us.
Our life and the light of Christ being evident in us make all the difference because we don’t get the glory for it God does. After Paul talks about his living being better for others, we see how Jesus’ love is unselfish and doesn’t focus on self. In verse 25 Paul says, “Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.” I love this because salvation is the finish line and why Jesus came but we see that as we live (even in the mess of the world) there is joy in our faith.
I want to live with joy in all situations because I know what Jesus did for me and what He has done in the big picture. Matthew chapter 28 verse 18 states this, “…I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” When we grow in Him we have knowledge and understanding, when we have understanding we have strength because of Him. Because of that strength we can boldly share with people what Christ has done in our lives and we show love which is exactly what God is. Paul’s prayer for the people of Philippi’s love to overflow more and more is also good for us and is what helps people that don’t know Christ seek and people that do, but are just coasting, ask and knock. The joy of our salvation is that we can live on earth bringing the qualities of heaven to our everyday lives because Jesus lives in us. Amen