Making a Lasting Difference This Year
January 7/8, 2023
Daniel Im

When Paul refers to the Philippians as saints in Christ Jesus, he is reminding them (and us) that:

We are God's people
Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites. (Exodus 19:5-6 CSB)

There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28 CSB)

We are dedicated to God
In the original language, the word “saint” is translated as one who is “dedicated to God,” or “that which is holy.”

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 CSB)

We are in this together
…The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21b-22 CSB)

Indeed, the body is not one part but many. If the foot should say, “Because I’m not a hand, I don’t belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. (1 Corinthians 12:14-18 CSB)

As the new people of God (saints in Christ Jesus), we are called to carry on the original mission that the original people of God (Israelites) were supposed to do, but failed to do:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:23 CSB)

The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:1-3 CSB)

BLESS (beulah.ca/bless)
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