Philippians 1
Both Overviewbible.com and MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) describe the "joyful tone" of Philippians. Indeed, Paul is writing this letter from prison in Rome to the church in Philippi. For more on Paul's imprisonment and the "prison epistles", check this out.
Paul is joyful because of his freedom in Christ - as v21 captures this joy. It is essentially a no lose situation for him. As long as the gospel is advanced, he is good with that. Paul is at the center of God's will - this is true joy and freedom in Christ. John Piper also describes this freedom in Christ: "Freedom is doing what you love to do, if what you love to do is what you ought to do, and transformation is the change of our hearts, so that what we love to do is what we ought to do." Piper describes how we can achieve this transformation of our hearts and minds here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who HAS transformed my heart and life - this I KNOW! Yet I know this work is still in progress and there is much to do. Thank You Jesus for the miracles You have worked in my life. I am not deserving for the many, many blessings You pour out for me. I sin...daily. I am selfish, lazy, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Provide Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. v21
Both Overviewbible.com and MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) describe the "joyful tone" of Philippians. Indeed, Paul is writing this letter from prison in Rome to the church in Philippi. For more on Paul's imprisonment and the "prison epistles", check this out.
Paul is joyful because of his freedom in Christ - as v21 captures this joy. It is essentially a no lose situation for him. As long as the gospel is advanced, he is good with that. Paul is at the center of God's will - this is true joy and freedom in Christ. John Piper also describes this freedom in Christ: "Freedom is doing what you love to do, if what you love to do is what you ought to do, and transformation is the change of our hearts, so that what we love to do is what we ought to do." Piper describes how we can achieve this transformation of our hearts and minds here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who HAS transformed my heart and life - this I KNOW! Yet I know this work is still in progress and there is much to do. Thank You Jesus for the miracles You have worked in my life. I am not deserving for the many, many blessings You pour out for me. I sin...daily. I am selfish, lazy, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Provide Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
