What does it look like to live authentically as disciples of Christ? The Apostle Paul, writing to the church ‘in Christ at Philippi,’ reveals the realities of their new identity, hope and purpose, together with the implications for the everyday, equipping his readers to stand firm and shine out even in the midst of testing opposition. As we engage with this letter, we will likewise be encouraged and fortified to live out our shared calling, confidently contending together as we press on toward the prize ‘which is better by far.’
Sunday 26th April
The Church broke new ground as Paul and team entered the city of Philippi. Their first encounter was with the ‘God fearers,’ notably Lydia. In her story we see the blueprint for mission, the Lord opened her heart to receive the good news proclaimed by human agents. This is the typical pattern in the early church, there are clear implications for us if this is a how mission bears fruit, not least the priority of prayer and proclamation. Inevitably, as the mission in Philippi progressed, so did the opposition. Paul and Silas were stripped and shackled, however, rooted in Christ and privileged to serve, they responded remarkably to their adversity and it didn’t go unnoticed, indeed their witness would play a significant part in an entire household joining the Church. Let us heed the principles of this mission past, to inform and encourage us in our own mission present.