Philippians 1:3-11; Second Sunday in Advent, Year c:

You may remember the gospel song that was popular a few years ago, "O Happy Day." In Philippians 1:3-11, the apostle Paul looks forward to that happy day that Christ will complete the work He has begun in His church. On December 25, we celebrate Christmas; but it is also a wonderful opportunity for every Christian to celebrate the spiritual past, present, and future that we enjoy through Jesus Christ. 

 

The city to which this letter was sent was populated by many veterans of the Roman army.  Thus, the city had close economic and political ties to Rome.  The church there was better off financially than most.  Paul was writing this letter from prison, probably in Rome.  He wrote his  personal and immediate thanksgiving to God.  Amid trial, conflict, and suffering, Paul was thankful.  This is a witness we need to share with many at Christmas time.  We could encourage a lot of Christians and many outside the church if we could give a resounding witness to the real joy of our faith during this time of the year.  He was thankful for the participation of these Philippians in his pastoral work.  By their generosity and encouragement, they were contributing to the spread of the gospel.   In addition, Paul was certain that God would complete the good work that God had begun in His church.  So today, God is working through us to reveal Christ to the world, and Christ is working in us to bring us to maturity in Him.

 

Paul desires individual growth in the grace of Christ as well.  He is confident that these saints will be preserved to the end.  He prays that their love, with knowledge and discernment, will grow more and more.  He speaks of applying the truth and reaping the fruits of righteousness.  

 

Paul was a grateful servant as he wrote this epistle to the first church which had been established in Europe.  The worshippers in this church were mostly Roman pagans and proselytized Jews.  We learn how this church started in Acts 16, with the story of Lydia.  

 

Paul is apparently the writer of this letter.  Timothy was already a close associate of Paul, and is mentioned in the opening verses.  These were men who were glad to be known as servants of Christ.  The letter was addressed to the whole church.  It is good for us to remember that all Christians are saints in Christ.  Paul honors the officers of this church; so obviously, some form of church structure was already beginning to take shape.  

 

Paul's knowledge of God is not merely intellectual, but also personal.  He remarks on those aspects of their church life which already marked them as a faithful, active church.  

 

And then, in 1:9-11, we have one of Paul's several pastoral prayers for this church.  He desires that they will approve what is excellent.  He prays that they will remain faithful till Jesus comes.  The early Christians, mindful of the first Advent, were already pointing toward the Second.

 

  

 

  

Straight ahead!  See my blog at:   www.noblindbluff.blogspot.com