January 27, 2025 -- Philippians 1:18b-20 -- What difference does it make if I write, visit, or pray
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit’s power: Sh’ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:18b-20 ESV
What an intimate glimpse into Paul’s situation. He will rejoice; it is a decision and an on-going resolution he is reiterating in view of his hard circumstances. He knows it is quite possible this imprisonment will result in his death. But his hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, and he rejoices also in the prayers of the Philippians. Paul had been writing and encouraging them, and now he notes the impact of their prayers on him. God the Father is responding to the prayers of the Philippians so that Paul’s confidence in the work of the Spirit of Jesus remains as solid as ever. He finds himself facing death, knowing that will take courage and he does not want to be ashamed of his own behavior at the moment of death, nor does he want his friends to be despairing of the news of his death. If it comes to that.
Dear friends, do not ever think that your prayers are unimportant. The LORD our God has chosen to work in response to the prayers of His people. The people at Philippi are a strong support to Paul. They have given financial gifts. They have also sent to Paul the man Epaphroditus (whom Paul later refers to as their messenger and minister to his need, 2:25).
It is too easy to think a card of encouragement (wow, you can tell I’m from a different generation as most of you would send a text or an email), or a visit, or a prayer really, in the grand scheme of things doesn’t matter. You’d be entirely wrong. Paul wrote this brief letter to the Philippians and 1950 years later it is still encouraging many. Epaphroditus’ visit was concrete evidence of love. The prayers of the Philippians gave Paul such encouragement that he earlier called them partakers with him of grace both in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel (Phil. 1:7). What is the Spirit of God leading you to do today?
Pray for someone? Do it right now.
Visit—put it on the schedule right now.
Write someone—make it a priority as something the Spirit is prompting you to do.
Do an act of kindness?
Give a financial gift?
Whatever it is the Spirit is prompting you to do, I encourage you, do it.
Father in heaven, I confess how easy it is for me to get tangled up in my day with various priorities and many tasks that compete for my attention. At the start of this day, I’m asking You to soften my heart so that I will allow myself to be open to the prompting of Your Holy Spirit. As I have been so richly blessed in Jesus Christ, let my words or deeds as they are directed by Your Spirit, have an impact on others and this to Your glory and praise, O God. Amen.
https://youtu.be/PNww8F6G9U8?si=n1VaaeN6V_Cfr9-z Make My Life a Prayer to You
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