Which Dog? – Part 2

Philippians 1:7-9 “For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.”

Michael continues Paul confirmed the gospel in the church at Philippi. There is a thief in every chapter of life that will steal your joy. There is also a rescuer who will confirm the joy and rejoicing in your heart. Trials and tribulations are guaranteed, however even though we cannot control our circumstances we can choose our heart's response.  Joy is not the absence of pain, rather joy is the presence of the Lord.

Paul continues in Philippians 1:12, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.” Regardless of our circumstances, we like Paul can pray that whatever happens we can choose to live for the furtherance of the gospel. The purpose in life is according to verses 27-28, “Only let your conversation (your behavior, your manner of living) be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”

Chapter 2 of Philippians is about having the attitude of heart that was in Christ.  Even though He was God's only begotten Son, He humbled Himself and became obedient even unto death. Humility is the theme of this chapter. Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God and in due time he will exalt you and lift you up. Repentance in humility is the way to approach God's throne of grace. Like Ling David of Israel, who repented and prayed, “Create in me a new heart O God and cleanse me from all my sins”, God will welcome us when we come to Him with a broken and a contrite heart.  

We are God's plan. There is no Plan “B”. He has entrusted us with the gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. According to 2 Corinthians chapter 4, God has given us the ministry to reconcile his people back to Himself and He has committed unto us His word of reconciliation. Through the power of Christ in us, the hope of Glory, we pray to you in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God. Therefore, feed the “good dog” of the God-nature and let your conversation, your behavior be worthy of the gospel of Christ because there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the God/man Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  

This is the gospel message. This is unfailing love. This is amazing grace. 

May we ever live to praise of the glory of His grace!

Your brother in Christ, Michael