January 4, 2025 -- Philippians 1:7 -- Memorization: Keep Going!
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart for you are all partakers with me of grace both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.
Philippians 1:7 ESV
Perhaps, if you are starting this year off by joining me in memorization, you are finding yourself getting stuck. You are pushing against the laziness of the flesh...or maybe you aren’t and memorization is undone. Or, you are fighting against the desires to do something, anything really, rather than memorize. Boy, oh boy, do I get it. However, putting the word of God into your heart helps you:
to fight temptation. Jesus quoted scripture to defeat Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11)
to guide you in the purity that is yours in Christ (Psalm 119:9)
to teach you the way you should go (Psalm 119:33-35)
to direct you decision-making (Psalm 119:105)
to keep you following Jesus when hard trials come to you (Psalm 119:86-88)
Note in today’s brief text how Paul emphasizes the deep connection between believers. Even though he is in prison, he writes the Philippians, emphasizing the partnership they have in Christ. He tells them how they share in grace. When one part of the body (that is the imagery the Bible uses to describe the people who make up community of believers) suffers, everyone suffers. When one part of the body rejoices, the whole body rejoices.
Paul’s imprisonment is a reminder to the church at Philippi that there is a cost to believing. They are reminded that their prayers and financial support mean they are bound up with Paul. You know the expression “guilt by association”, right? Paul is facing serious charges. The people of Philippi could be implicated and themselves investigated. But they pray for Paul. They provide financial support. As the letter progresses you learn how their support has impacted Paul so that he was able to continue in his missionary work, even from his imprisonment. They are partakers of grace; they are united with Paul in suffering and in the defense of the Gospel. They will soon hear that though Paul is in chains for the sake of Jesus Christ, the Good News of Jesus and His salvation is reaching into previously unreachable places.
Father in heaven thank You for the beauty of Your Word and the effectiveness of it. You promised that Your Word goes out with power and accomplishes all You intend for it. By Your Spirit’s blessed presence in our lives, help us to memorize Your Word so that we will be stronger in our service to You and more equipped to fight every temptation while standing firm for Jesus in every trial. Thank You, Jesus, that wherever You call us to follow You, You will always supply our needs so that the Gospel will go out with power and Your people will be built up, prepared for eternity in Your presence. Amen.
https://youtu.be/ClVpKTBCk8k?si=OdzWY2CTrwiSBu8X Philippians 1:1-11 Memorization Song
Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
