Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, have mercy. Cleanse me. Still my mind. Help me to listen as you speak.
In the middle of the first century, the Apostle Paul wrote to a Christian fellowship in the Greek city of Philippi. The congregation had started out as a house church which Paul himself had previously founded (see Acts 16). Meanwhile, he had been detained for his faith; yet, despite writing from prison, Paul stresses the joy of being a Christian that doesn’t depend on external circumstances.
The opening chapter of the letter reminds us of the themes we explored over the past few days: a young church, gathered by Christ, empowered by the Spirit, but under pressure from those who oppose it.
Today’s passage starts off with a concern to which Paul will keep returning: that his fellow-Christians in Philippi wouldn’t crack under pressure, 'so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless' (verse 10); 'that you are standing firm' (verse 27); 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' (2.12); 'let us hold fast to what we have attained' (3.16). As external opposition mounted, the temptation to fall away from Christ kept lurking in the shadows.
Despite being their mentor and a giant of the faith, Paul reminds not only his readers but himself that he isn’t there yet. If even he saw the need to 'press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 3.14), how could not we?
Thank you, Father, that my salvation is secure in your Son and that you are with me now, through your Spirit. Help me to live worthily of my calling and to keep sight of the final goal.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
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