Live like Jesus, share His love. In Philippians, we read that with the help God brings we can become more like Jesus.
Passionately Paul writes of the essential nature of relying on faith in Jesus as our means of salvation and not our own righteous deeds. He refutes false teacher and their manipulation of God’s Word. They were trying to gain influence by teaching that circumcision and obedience to Jewish customs were essential to salvation. Having obeyed each of these laws, Paul writes that faith in Christ has brought salvation and nothing else. Paul writes that he will daily pursue personal spiritual growth and obedience to God, as long as he lives.
Faith in Jesus:
o Motivates my life. Philippians 3:3, 9, 12-14
o With prayer we choose joy over anxiety. Philippians 4:4-7
o Relying on God, we find peace and protection. Philippians 4:6-7
o We find new focus and strength. Philippians 4:8-9, 13
Paul calls the Philippians to enjoy a state of happiness from their relationship with God. Looking toward the return of Jesus he calms anxiety and induces prayer with thanksgiving. Peace comes from choosing joy in this way. This peace can bring a protection to what we are thinking and how we are feeling. We must choose to focus our thoughts on what is “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise”. The God of peace is with us. From this Paul learned to live at peace in any situation. This is why he could write, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”. From His glorious riches God will provide for all the needs of those who choose Courageous Generosity.
What is the one area that the Holy Spirit is leading you to work on, in becoming more like Jesus?
What is one step you can take toward that? (with the help of God and the help of believers?