The Letter to the Philippiansნიმუში

Paul knows that not only he, but also the Christians in Philippi, are facing persecution. Yet, he isn't worried about their faith. He trusts God to carry on the good work He began in them and to bring it to completion, so that one day they will stand "blameless" before Jesus.

This won't happen by keeping commandments but is based solely on the "righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ." In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains this righteousness in detail in chapters 1-8. It is a righteousness that is not moral but forensic in nature. It no longer depends on them, but on Jesus.

In response, Paul prays that the Philippians would grow in their knowledge of who Jesus is and how much He loves them, because this knowledge will also change their actions. These actions spring from the righteousness Jesus gives; they do not establish it.

For Reflection:
Where is the focus of your spiritual life? On keeping moral rules, or on close fellowship with Jesus?

Paul writes that he longs for the Philippians with "all the affection of Christ Jesus" (v. 8). Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is fueled by Jesus, not by shared interests or personalities.

"Jesus, please give me love even for the brothers and sisters in Christ whom I don't naturally connect with."