"In My Heart" Philippians part 1 - a podcast by Bend Int. Church of Christ

Fullness of life doesn’t depend on circumstances, but by the God you know and how deeply you understand His love.

Paul felt affectionate towards the disciples in Philippi because they worked together, prayed together, suffered together, and celebrated the victories together. Only when we have been in the trenches with others will we have relationships that are full of life.

Paul was a man who couldn't be conquered. If they killed him then “to die is gain”. If they tortured him then he would not count the present suffering as worthy to even compared to the Future Glory. If he dies he gets to be with Jesus. If you want to make him suffer, he is cool with that, because it makes him like Jesus. If you let him live, he’s cool with that, because for him “to live is Christ”.

The jailer in Acts 16 had totally defined his identity and destiny by his career, bound to the Roman empire. Paul shows him a better identity; a more fulfilling destiny; greater duty that transcends everything this guy's previously known. There are similar people today who cannot think of themselves except by what they do.

The Gospel creates a new reality that deepens our understanding of the world and our place in it. The response to radical grace is a radical commitment, in which we define our identity and our destiny not by what we do but by being disciples of Jesus.

In Philippians 1, Paul prayed consistently and specifically for his partners in Philippi. He prayed for their love, knowledge, discernment, purity, and depth of insight. Do not be so self consumed in your own prison or situation, that you miss the opportunities to encourage the partners around you.

For me, I am pushed to self reliance when I worry, and I am robbed of the joy of discipleship with others. Partner in the gospel in practice, not just on paper! Who is in your heart? There is more to accomplish together, that we could never accomplish alone.

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