Read: Philippians 1-4
Paul’s letter to the Philippians was to thank them for their monetary support. They were one of his greatest supporters. He admonishes them to be steadfast and to bond together. He warns them against heresy which was probably Judaism and Gnosticism. I did some research on Gnosticism and it seems like it is a cult based on myth and according to the dictionary is the thought and practice whose basic conviction is that matter is evil and that salvation comes through a process. They believe that the creator god is evil and is called Satan, Yaweh, and a list of other names. It has many similarities to Christianity because Satan always counterfeits the real with just enough twist to make it false, unfruitful and harmful.
Paul counteracts this with his letter telling them to be filled with the fruits of righteousness which come by Jesus and give praise to God. He shares his thoughts while imprisoned: he is living for Christ alone. He admonishes them to walk in love toward one another and to esteem each other higher than themselves. He warns them against murmuring or disputing but instead be blameless and harmless shining as lights in the midst of a dark world.
Paul tells them and us to rejoice always and not to worry about anything. Instead, pray for what we need with thanksgiving. It is God’s peace that will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Paul even tells us what to think about: things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and things worthy of praise. Again, he tells us to rejoice greatly. What a great word for our generation where the enemy would love us to live in fear and discouragement.
Lord, we can do all things through Christ because you strengthen us. We rejoice in your goodness.
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