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Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Introduction

INTRODUCTION

THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS

The apostle Paul wrote many instructive and inspirational epistles. In them he shares what we may call “revelation theology”. He would never claim credit for the thoughts that He shared with his readers. He would gratefully acknowledge that his understanding of faith in Christ was graciously revealed to him by the Spirit of God.

Of all the epistles Paul wrote to the different churches he founded or had been led to minister at, Philippians would arguably be the most intimate and loving of all. In this short but beautiful epistle the apostle bares his heart and reveals tender aspects of his soul.

MINISTRY IN PHILIPPI

It was not by chance that Paul began his ministry in Philippi. While he was contemplating and planning his missionary trips, a special vision was given by God. The famous Macedonian Call came to Paul and the Spirit of God confirmed that this was a ministry that He wanted Paul to explore and develop. Paul began his ministry in Macedonia in the city of Philippi.

The ministry was indeed approved by the Spirit of God. However that did not mean that it would be an easy piece of work to do. Paul soon found himself in serious trouble after he cast out a demon that had possessed a slave-girl. She was possessed by a spirit of divination and brought great profit to her masters in their trade.

When her masters realised that she was now healed and could no longer divine for them, they caused Paul and Silas to be severely beaten and thrown into jail. But the two stalwarts in the faith faced their problem with great faith! They even sang in the middle of the night in prison (Cf. Acts 16).

A WONDERFULLY DEVELOPED RELATIONSHIP

The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians displays a beautiful relationship between Paul and the Philippian church. He was not just an apostle to the church. He was their pastor who loved them dearly. Paul was not abashed to use tender terms to address this most beloved Church.

READING PHILIPPIANS MEANINGFULLY

This new Book of Devotions from the Epistle to the Philippians is written in the hope that we would be deeply moved by what the apostle Paul had written. And as we read, let us seek to catch a glimpse of:

1. His spirit of faithfulness.

2. His heart of love.

3. His mind that reflected Christ’s own.

Prayerfully,

Charles Tan