The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, March 6, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, March 6, 2022
Sunday, March 6, 2022
TOPIC: (First Sunday in Lent) LIVING FOR CHRIST
TEXT: Philippians 1:1-26
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, March 6, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Apostle Paul's epistle to the Philippians was a 'Thank you' letter for their partnership in ministry and support, both when he was with them and when he was apart from them (2 Cor. 8:1 -7). He used himself as an example, being in prison, chains, restricted, persecuted and opened to death - to encourage the Church in Philippi to live for Christ Jesus in all situations. In verse 21, he echoes a somewhat familiar line "For to me, to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain." It is only a life lived for and in Christ that is guaranteed a blissful eternity. There is no greater call than living purposefully for the kingdom. To just live or exist is not enough but having a proper understanding of your mission on earth will define your life focus. The Philippian church is an example of a supportive church, though a small church, they were highly motivated and dedicated Christians who understood the true essence of brotherly love preached by our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul's lack of fear of death under his circumstance encouraged others to boldly proclaim the gospel. We should emulate him - not to be ashamed to identify with Christ (Phil. 1:12-14), but willing to preach Christ whether living or dying (v.21) knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:35-36).
Prayer: Lord, I want to live for you alone, give me the grace to fulfil my purpose in life. Amen