Philippians: Prison Blues Turned Technicolored

Paul the apostle made some of his greatest contributions while he was in a Roman prison, including writing the letter of Philippians.

Ironically enough, Philippians is known as the Epistle of Joy and is one of Paul's most winsome, loving letters. He wasn't correcting any major doctrine or conduct in the church at Philippi, but rather writing a personal letter of love and thanksgiving.

Philippians can easily be divided into four sections: Chapter 1 is the marvel of the Christian life, which is the love we share in our spiritual family. Chapter 2 is the model of the Christian life, which is Christ; we should treat people like Jesus treated people. Then Philippians 3 is the march of the Christian life, which is not backwards into the law but forward into grace. And finally, chapter 4 gives us the marks of the Christian life, which are peace, joy, and contentment.

I have to tell you, I'm really glad Paul was put in jail. His experience shows us that any place you're at can become a launching pad for the Lord to work through you to spread the gospel.

Think It Through

Read Philippians 1:21, Paul's summary statement of his life. Does this verse accurately describe your life? Why or why not?

Read Philippians 2:1-8. What would your life look like if you took these verses seriously? What's one thing you can do today to be more like Jesus?

How did Paul learn to be content no matter his situation (see Philippians 4:11-13)?

A Word of Encouragement

Paul wrote some of his most impactful letters while he was in prison, including Philippians. Do you feel imprisoned by something? Some of God's greatest work can be done in your most confining experiences, if you open yourself to be used by Him and let Him work.

Prayer

Father, thank You for where You've placed me and what You're allowing me to go through. I pray that You would help me see even my most confining circumstances as part of Your will for my life. Help me to be an agent of change and further the gospel, no matter the situation I'm in.

Land and Explore

Interested in taking a personal flight through the Epistle of Joy? We're excited to offer you to download of Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians  from Pastor Skip.