Category Archives: Philippians
The Reality of Grace in You
“Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, particularly the ones in Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit.”
(Philippians 4:21-23)
And thus the Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Philippian church. As we noted at the beginning of these reflections, Paul is writing from Rome during that time when he is in prison, awaiting his trial before Caesar. Yet, these words remind us that he has been busy as well, for there are many Christians attending to him in prayer and fellowship, even some believers who are in Caesar’s household. The greetings of believers, no matter where they are from, is always a sweet thing.
The final words is both a common “benediction” at the close of Paul’s letters (see 2 Corinthians 13:14 and Philemon 25) as well as a statement of assurance that God’s grace is with these saints in Philippi. Grace can only come from God himself, but the actions of the church affirm that reality. This it is both a wish and a statement of affirmation. May such be said for all of our churches.
To God be the Glory!
“And my God will fill your every need according to his abundance in glory in Christ Jesus. And to our God and Father be glory from the ages to the ages, amen!”
(Philippians 4:19-20)
Amen. May God get the glory for all things, may he reveal his glory in all things, and may he be glorified for all things as they honor his name, now and forevermore, amen. Loved ones, this is what it is all about; here is the meaning in life. God is to be glorified and the glory of the things of this world pale in comparison to the glory of the risen Christ. What more can you desire? What more can you need? Nothing.
Paul also assures the church that God will provide for their every need. Not necessarily for their every want, but God will provide for their every need. So, too, he does the same with us. Why do we worry and fret about the things of this life? Our heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide them out of his grace. Instead of worrying, pursue God’s calling on your life and his Kingdom, trust the details to him. The pagans have the right to worry but the Christian (though we often worry) does not have that right for we have a God who knows our needs and who is capable of filling them.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the church and what better way could there be to end? To God be the glory, great things he has done!
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