Paul urged the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord and be strong against those who tried to convince them that circumcision was necessary. Because of the Holy Spirit there is no spiritual reason for circumcision. Paul related his history as a means of explaining why he of all people should believe what they say. He used to feel so smug because of he followed all the rules, but now he knew that meant nothing. Paul's only goal in living life was to become as close to Christ as possible. All he wanted was to know Christ; and Paul just kept striving for that prize. He urged the Philippians to do the same.
Paul told them how much he loved them, and that they made him happy. He asked Euodia (You-oh-dee-uh) and Sntyche (Sin-tic-ee) not to disagree. He recognized those who were working to spread the gospel. Paul advised them to pray and ask God for what they needed and give thanks to Him. Paul said, "...fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise; things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." (Philip 4:8) He urged them to practice what had been preached to them. The Philippians had sent Paul gifts and supplies with Epaphroditus to give to him in prison. Paul thanked them and was very grateful. He bade them farewell and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them all.
Colossians
Paul was not the one who originally preached the message to the people of Colossae, but he knew the man who did, Epaphras. All the same, Paul felt responsible for the people there and cared greatly about them. Paul and his companions kept the people of Colossae in their prayers. Paul said, "We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives." (Col 1:9b) Then they would always know how to live. Paul explained the body of Christ and His works. He encouraged them to remain firmly on the foundation of the gospel. In prison, Paul was forced to deal with hardship, but he didn't mind suffering because of the work he was doing. He felt privileged to share God's secret: that Christ is in us! Paul just kept working however he could to share the message. God gave him strength to keep going.
Tomorrow read Colossians 2-4 & 1Thessalonians 1-2:12
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