Monday Moment - Discovering Movement in an Ancient Letter Leaving a Legacy of Faithfulness Exploring Philippians 4:4-9
Today we wrap up this passage of Scripture. I hope it has been as challenging and encouraging for you as it has for me. I want my life to be one that not only believes in the message of Jesus, but also humbly points others to the love, truth, and trustworthiness of God the Father, Son, and Spirit. Paul knew he had done that as reflected by his words recorded in Philippians 4:9: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit there was a time in my spiritual formation when I didn’t care much for the Apostle Paul who I decided was too arrogant for my taste.
That changed several years ago when over the course of a week between Christmas and New Years, I listened to my husband read the entire book of Acts out loud. I love it when someone reads to me, and my husband’s melodic baritone voice—one of the qualities which attracted him to me—is my favorite.
As I heard Ron read Paul’s story, I was not only intrigued, but by the end of that week, I had gained a deep respect and love for the man whom God chose to play a primary and pivotal role in the formation of the early Christian church.
A quick overview of Paul’s story in Acts, introduced him as Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who persecuted the early believers of Jesus. Then, in a dramatic conversion on the Road to Damascus, Paul’s life was changed forever by an encounter with Jesus. Before long, he began powerfully proclaiming Jesus was the Son of God. (See Acts 7-9)
Acts 13-20 tells of Paul’s Missionary Journeys. The zealous Jewish man became a missionary to Gentiles and his brilliant leadership helped build a powerful bridge between Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus. His mission endeavors led him to cities in the eastern Mediterranean region. One of those cities was Philippi, and it is to his friends in this church he wrote the letter we have been briefly exploring the past few weeks.
Along the way, Paul suffered much persecution. Eventually, he was arrested and taken to Jerusalem where he served time in Roman prisons. Acts 21-28 tells this part of Paul’s story. Although not mentioned in Acts, history records that Paul was executed by decapitation around 67 AD by the Roman government.
Knowing Paul’s story brings new meaning to Philippians 4:9 when he tells his friends,
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
There is no arrogance in this self-assured instruction. This man is one who had “been there, done that.” Paul’s solemn words were backed up by his example of years of faithful and trustworthy living.
Paul was not only influential within the early churches, but his credible words continue to teach followers of Jesus today. What a legacy this man’s life has left!
Question for Each of Us to Consider: What legacy of faithfulness is your life leaving? Would you want other believers of Jesus to follow your example? Why or why not?
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for men like the Apostle Paul who left an example
Of cruelty, conversion, submission, and a lifetime of growth and transformation.
Thank you for men and women who have modeled authentic faith for me.
God, you know I’ve made lots of mistakes in my journey;
Some because I was ignorant or wounded; and others, due to my own willfulness.
But you saw beyond my behaviors and never stopped loving and forgiving me.
Father God, thank you for your immutable, unconditional love and compassion.
Jesus, thank you for becoming man, and for reflecting perfectly God’s character.
Holy Spirit, thank you that you are always willing to protect and guide me.
Amen
Blessings on your journey, dear friend!
