So Much To Take In

June 2018 – Grace & Truth Magazine

So Much To Take In

We all likely have certain verses or passages that we hold dear. For me, I find many of those jewels in Philippians, giving me much encouragement. God, by the Holy Spirit, directed men to write His thoughts (1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21) with an application to us, even though the true interpretation of a particular passage may be about others, such as the nation of Israel. However, God never changes; His love for us is constant. Therefore, treasured words from Him are to be found in every book of the Bible.

Early in Philippians, a letter written to the believers in Philippi, we find Paul telling about his remembrance of and praying for the believers there. Can we not take this to a more personal level between God and us? I am thankful to God for His remembrance of me, and for you too (Phil. 1:3). What about the Lord’s praying for His own – for us – as He did in John 17, like the apostle did for the saints in Philippi with joy (v.4)? Does that not encourage your heart? Will not “He who has begun a good work in you ... complete it” (v.6 NKJV)? We could certainly go through Paul’s letter verse by verse and find a great many other precious truths. In doing so, we would see that they all are centered on the Lord Himself. He loves us, cares for us and died for us. The Lord now lives exalted in heaven. Oh, the riches of God’s grace toward us!

Philippians 4:8 gives us descriptions of things on which to meditate: things that “are true ... noble ... just ... pure ... lovely ... of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy.” These words describe our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us not simply think of Him from time to time, but let us actually pause for a time and consider Him. He is altogether lovely (Song 5:16), and through Him the “peace of God ... guards [our] hearts and minds” (Phil. 4:7) despite the turmoil of our world.

There is so much to enjoy in this short book – so much to take in. Slowly and carefully read the four chapters of Philippians for yourself and delight yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ.

By Paul Alberts