TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 1:8-12
Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. - 2 Timothy 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Early in the morning on January 23, 1999, a group of about sixty Hindu fundamentalists shattered the windows of Graham Staines’s jeep. Graham, longtime director of a leprosy mission in India, and his sons, Philip and Timothy, were participating in a Bible conference in the village Monoharpur.

After breaking the windows, the fanatics poured gasoline over the vehicle and set it on fire. Graham and his sons died, though not instantly, as many heard screams coming from the blaze.

Days later, Graham’s wife, Gladys, made a public statement forgiving the murderers of her husband and sons. She also expressed hope that the guilty individuals would be touched by the love of Christ. India was stunned by her spirit of forgiveness, as well as her commitment to stay on and direct the mission.

Gladys has this advice for future missionaries: “Make very sure of your call from God and, once you’re sure of it, be very prepared for whatever, even if it costs your life.” The strength, love, and commitment of the Staines family teach us much about a godly response to suffering, the focus of today’s devotion.

We suffer in the knowledge of reward and victory. Jesus promised: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10-12; 2 Thess. 1:4-5; Heb. 10:32-39; Rev. 2:10).

That’s why Paul exhorted Timothy not to be ashamed and to continue boldly proclaiming the good news. From prison, he invited his young friend, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel.” How? “By the power of God” (v. .

The gospel is the highest calling, and Paul couldn’t resist summarizing it (vv. 9-10), as he did so often in his letters. Christ, He who destroyed death and saved us to eternal life, can and will sustain us through whatever hardships we face. We have on our side the power of God’s eternal grace, revealed in His Son.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we did on October 10, we’d like to suggest that you respond to today’s reading with an act of worship-filled creativity. It can show your faith and confidence in our Savior. Here are some ideas that you can try:

• Write your own psalm. They often begin with questions and end with praise.

• Create a Bible quiz game for your kids, based on stories and verses about suffering and faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 96:1-13
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. - Psalm 96:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
For years, a dirt-encrusted painting hung in the San Salvador church in Venice, Italy. Entitled “Supper at Emmaus,” it showed the resurrected Christ eating with the two followers He’d met on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-32), and was believed to be a poor copy of an older work. A group called Save Venice had decided not to restore the painting.

Upon closer inspection, however, experts found that the painting was not a copy, but an original work by Renaissance master Vittore Carpaccio, worth $50 million. Restorers removed layers of dirt and over-painting to reveal a colorful, finely detailed masterpiece.

The masterpiece was there all along. It simply needed close examination by experts to be recognized, and careful effort by restorers to be appreciated.

Perhaps this month has been like that for you–a gradual, more complete uncovering of God’s master plan for missions. Perhaps you hadn’t realized how far back His plan for world missions went, or how integrally every part of the Bible related to it. That master plan is the theme of today’s reading.

Psalm 96 (cf. 1 Chron. 16) is a universal call to praise the Lord--all people and all creation are invited to join in! Verses 1-3 are an invocation or call to worship. Verses 4-5 assert God’s worthiness to be worshiped above idols (cf. Jer. 10:1-16). Verses 6-10 list more of His attributes and present a picture of worshiping in His temple. Finally, verses 11-13 climax with references to creation and judgment day.

We are urged to sing a new song, proclaim God’s salvation, declare His glory and marvelous works, and recognize who He is. He is the Creator, worthy of reverence and worship, strong, glorious, holy, just, and sovereign. “He will judge the world in righteousness” (v. 13; cf. Isa. 2:2-4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Praying for world leaders can be a good way to boost your global missions perspective. Praying for the World’s 365 Most Influential People, a book based on Paul’s instruction to pray for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2), gives you a prayer target for every day of the year.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 5:6-10; 21:22-27
With your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. - Revelation 5:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
William Cameron Townsend had come to Guatemala to distribute Bibles in Spanish, but a question from a local Cakchiquel Indian stopped him in his tracks: “If your God is so smart, why doesn’t he speak Cakchiquel?”

In part to answer that question, in 1934 Townsend founded Wycliffe Bible Translators, an organization that has played a pivotal role in the explosion of Bible translations in this century.

How big is this “explosion”? One historian recently counted 289 languages with complete Bibles–170 of those published in the twentieth century. Another source reports that at the turn of the last century portions of Scripture were available in 537 languages--now the total is more than 1,800! This means that more language groups have received God’s Word in the last one hundred years than in all of previous church history!

This exciting fact reflects John’s vision of heaven as a place in which people from “every tribe and language and people and nation” will worship God (Rev. 5:9). This is how the story ends, or rather, how it begins, for when history ends there’s eternity yet to come.

Revelation 5 is the scene before God’s throne in which Christ the Lamb (also the Lion, see v. 5) is found worthy to open the scroll with the seven seals. When He takes the scroll, the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him, singing a new song. They’re holding golden bowls full of incense, symbolizing believers’ prayers. The theme of their song is the worthiness of Christ the Lamb. What’s the proof? His redeeming blood.

Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem in the Millennial Kingdom. The point of these verses is that the city’s beauty and light will spring from God’s presence and kingship. Only believers will be allowed in, and all the nations of the world will acknowledge the Lord (cf. Ps. 72:11; Isa. 60:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We hope that the Holy Spirit has used this month’s theme to teach you more about the heart of God. Before you start a new month tomorrow, why not reflect on what you’ve learned?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 23:26-56
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. - Luke 23:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Gospel of Luke is noted for its intense emotion, revealing dialogue, and detailed character exposition. The book has the plot of a major motion picture. It's no surprise that it was written by the Bible's only Gentile author, because it carries with it much of the style of Greek culture that makes it feel so familiar to a Western audience. The crucifixion account specifically is the epitome of Luke's style and has become a central theme throughout modern art and literature.

Today's reading plunges from high-impact emotional drama to stunning, aching silence. Even as Jesus hobbled toward the place where He would be crucified, followed by mourners and weakened by vicious flogging, His thoughts were not for Himself but for those who would suffer because of disbelief.

Everyone, it seemed, focused on Jesus' claim that He might be the Christ, the King of the Jews. The soldiers mocked Him for it. The sign above Him sarcastically announced it. Even one of the criminals ridiculed Jesus for not acting like the Messiah.

But the other criminal didn't accept the notion that Jesus was behaving badly. Amid the cloud of blasphemous insults against the Son of God, how could anyone think Jesus is the one who deserved criticism? The criminal recognized three things: 1) Jesus was innocent; 2) The criminals were guilty (a rare admission for any criminal); 3) Jesus' kingdom was still certain. His simple statement of humble faith was returned with assurance of salvation.

After three hours of suffering, an inexplicable darkness in the middle of the day, and a supernaturally torn veil, Jesus voluntarily died. The emotion and the vivid detail of the scene escape from Luke's writing at this point like a final breath. The events that followed are described in short, cold language, and the only recorded statement in the chapter after Jesus' death came from the Centurion who accurately and soberly decried the atrocity that had just taken place.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes the only appropriate response we can muster is total silence, and the crucifixion of Jesus deserves such a reaction. Reread today's passage, dwelling on its emotional events and its implications for you, then spend some time in silent reflection. There are only two kinds of people in this world: those who believe Jesus is the Christ and those who don't. Reaffirm your own belief in who He is and pray for those whose disbelief mocks His sacrifice.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 24
He is not here; he has risen! - Luke 24:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many churches commemorate Good Friday services by extinguishing candles, the only light source during evening services in which every light is turned off and every window is covered up (although we should keep in mind that the darkness of that moment happened at three in the afternoon). A traditional practice for commemorating Resurrection Sunday is to begin the service by uncovering the windows and releasing shouts of joy and praise.

Luke chooses to disrupt the silence with his record of the angelic proclamation that Jesus had risen. The women to whom this announcement was made seemed to understand the truth better than the eleven remaining apostles did. Luke resumes his detailed descriptions of personal reactions with Peter's sprint to the tomb, which he follows up with a story that is quite simply hilarious.

It's difficult to read the account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus without laughing out loud. Their seven-mile trek recaps the major events of the weekend for Jesus, as if He were a stranger to the story, because they were somehow prevented from recognizing Him. Perhaps it was their doubt, because even with the news that Jesus had left the tomb, they spoke of their faith in Him in the past tense (v. 21). Even after Jesus rebuked their slowness to understand, they didn't recognize Him until after they witnessed a familiar way of breaking bread.

When Jesus appeared before the mass assembly of disciples, He gave them ample proof that He was alive, well, and completely real by showing them His hands, feet, and ability to eat.

Jesus left them with their two most critical tools for moving forward. First, He opened their minds to understand Scripture. Then, He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would lead them to greater knowledge, power, and righteousness than they received while Jesus was on earth. Jesus had fulfilled His purpose, and He departed quickly. The disciples' attitude of praise as their leader ascended shows that their faith was maturing.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Keep a bookmark in Luke 24 and turn there any time you need cheering up, as it is one of the most humorous and joy-inspiring chapters in the entire Bible. In addition to the comic elements is the bedrock truth that has fueled the growth of the church for 2,000 years—Jesus Christ is risen, and He has given us all that we need to effectively serve Him. Although we are certain to face adversity, put your trust in the risen Christ!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:1-2
Pray . . . that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. - Colossians 4:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Roman Empire encompassed most of the known civilized world in New Testament times. The city of Philippi, named after Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, was a prosperous city located in Macedonia. In fact, it was only ten miles from where Paul had landed when he responded to his Macedonian vision (Acts 16:6-10).

We know that Paul visited Philippi at least twice, on his second and third missionary journeys (Acts 16:11-40; 20:1-6). Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe whom the Bible names, lived in Philippi and showed hospitality to Paul and his companions. Paul and Silas were imprisoned there briefly, but God released them through a miraculous earthquake. As a result, the jailer and his family trusted Christ!

That’s the background for the book we’re studying this month, Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It was most likely written about 61 A.D., while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. At this time he was not actually in a jail--he was allowed to live under house arrest in rented quarters (see Acts 28:14-31). Although constantly guarded, he was free to spread the gospel and to write letters.

In the opening greeting to the Philippian church, Paul revealed the true identities of those in leadership. He called himself and Timothy “servants” (Phil. 1:1). Rather than use an impressive-sounding title or office, he chose the humble term of servant.

Equally important is how Paul addressed the Philippians--“saints.” He was not referring to their “saintliness,” for they were far from perfect. He was referring instead to their “set apartness”--the fact that God had chosen them for Himself (see Ephesians 1:4-5). He also specifically mentioned the overseers and deacons, the only time in his letters where church leaders are singled out in the “address.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Thank you for embarking with us this month on what is sure to be an exciting book study. Paul’s epistle to the Philippians holds key spiritual lessons, exhortations, and truths for today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:3-6
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel. - Philippians 1:4-5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Missouri Southern Baptists decided in 1993 to start a missions partnership with Baptists in the republic of Belarus in the former USSR. After decades of persecution, the churches of Belarus were enjoying new freedoms but also facing new challenges. The Missouri Baptists committed to provide finances, leadership training, construction help, and other resources.

Since then, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of dollars have helped build churches, support pastors, and purchase curriculum. One project was a fundraiser to keep open a Christian children’s camp; the goal now is to make repairs and improvements as funds and volunteers become available.

Missions and church partnerships have existed since the days of the apostles. The close partnership between Paul and the Philippian church gave him joy and gratitude. (We’ll learn more about the specifics of their relationship later in the month.)

Paul’s prayer life is an important background for our study. No doubt the Philippians felt encouraged by Paul’s words of praise, and even more so by the fact that their “spiritual father” was continuing to pray for them (v. 4).

Another essential background is the history that Paul and this church shared. The Philippians had supported him and the work of the gospel from day one (v. 5). So Paul’s love for this church sprang from their shared experiences as well as from his prayers.

The foundation for their partnership and for Paul’s feelings is found in verse six--Christ’s redemptive work. This is the reason Paul was confident of the Philippians’ continued growth and ministry with him. God will not leave His work half-done or His people half-sanctified!

Paul’s glowing statements were intended to encourage the Philippians, not to make them prideful. His faith and hope for the future were based on God, not on himself or on the Philippians. He looked forward to an ongoing partnership, but knew that whatever might happen to him, God would keep working in them.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s verses show the thankfulness Paul had for the Philippians and the joy he felt when he thought about them.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:7-8
All of you share in God’s grace with me. - Philippians 1:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
How did Jesus show affection for His friends? The Gospels give us some fascinating answers to this question.

When Lazarus was sick, for example, the Bible says Jesus loved him, but waited two days before going to him so that God would be glorified (John 11:1-6, 14-15). When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was dead, so He comforted the sisters Mary and Martha with truth about Himself (vv. 21-27). Standing before His friend’s tomb, He was “deeply moved in spirit” and wept (vv. 33-36). The miracle that followed showed both Jesus’ love for Lazarus and His obedience to God (vv. 38-44).

This incident illustrated Jesus’ genuine emotion combined with a desire to build up people spiritually. His love always intends to bear fruit.

That’s exactly the kind of love and affection Paul felt for the believers in Philippi. Yesterday we saw both Paul’s joy in his relationship with the Philippians and his confidence that God would continue to sanctify them.

Today’s verses explain the reasons for his confidence (v. 7). One reason was emotional--because of their close relationship, he held them in his heart. The apostle felt warm personal affection for these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Inextricably intertwined with this emotion was a spiritual truth--they all “shared in God’s grace.” In other words, the ground is always level before the cross. As in his greeting, Paul did not lord his apostleship over them, nor did he moan about his imprisonment. Instead he focused on God and His work of salvation.

Circumstances can change and emotions can ebb and flow, but Paul put his love on the firm foundation of God’s love. Nothing can separate us from it (Rom. 8:38-39). It works in us for our good and should overflow to others. John wrote, “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands” (1 John 5:2; see also 1 John 3:10-18; 4:7-12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The tremendous truth of God’s grace is at the heart of today’s devotional. Grace is simple enough for a child to understand, yet so deep that a lifetime of Bible study cannot exhaust the topic.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:9-11
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. - Proverbs 11:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
We often think that prayer is merely talking to God, but it would be more accurate to see prayer as God’s tool to change us. Henry Blackaby and Claude King explain this in Experiencing God,“Prayer is a relationship, not just a religious activity. Prayer is designed more to adjust you to God than to adjust God to you. God does not need your prayers, but He wants you to pray. You need to pray because of what God wants to do in and through your life during your

praying. . . . Prayer is a relationship to a Person. It is a two-way communication with the God of the universe.”

In today’s reading, then, it is especially appropriate that Paul prayed for positive spiritual change in the lives of the Philippians. His prayer naturally followed what we learned yesterday--that true Christian love is both an emotion and a spiritual reality. When Paul prayed that their “love may abound” (v. 9; cf. 1 Thess. 3:12), he had in mind primarily God’s love at work in them.

What will this love look like? Paul associated it with such qualities as knowledge, insight, and discernment. In other words, love sees as God sees, and understands His will.

And the apostle didn’t stop there. The Greek word translated here as “discern” was also used when discussing testing coins and metals for purity, so it makes sense that Paul next allied love with purity and blamelessness (Phil. 1:10). Additionally, love does as God does by following and obeying His will.

In short, Paul wanted the Philippians to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness” (v. 11; cf. Gal. 5:22-23). Who can answer such an ambitious prayer? Only Christ can be the source of such love and holiness. How can believers grow in these godly traits? The secret is to abide in Christ (see John 15:1-17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How’s your prayer life these days? In effect, Philippians 1:3-11 is a prayer by Paul, beginning with thankfulness and ending with a petition. With this example in mind, we encourage you to pick one concrete way to improve your prayer life this month. Here are some ideas: (1) Make a two-column prayer list, one column for requests and the other for answers. (2) Read a book about prayer, such as one by E. M. Bounds. (3) Start a prayer journal.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:12-14
Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life. - 2 Timothy 1:8-9
TODAY IN THE WORD
On March 28, 1997, pastor Eugenio Nij of San Raymundo, Guatemala, was arrested and imprisoned on charges of assault and attempted murder. The charges were completely false--no evidence was produced. Yet Eugenio remained in prison despite petitions signed by hundreds of townspeople.

In jail Eugenio continued to minister. He told Pulsemagazine: “I’ve preached thirty or forty times in the fifty days I’ve been here. . . . I’ve also been able to comfort fellow prisoners, some of whom have confessed their crimes to me while others are innocent. There have been twenty to thirty conversions. . . . As a minister, I find this a special experience from God.”

The apostle Paul had a similar experience as Eugenio. Far from thwarting him, his imprisonment actually served to advance the gospel (v. 12).

We know that after more than two years of imprisonment, Paul had exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar for justice. After a journey that included a shipwreck, he ended up in Rome under house arrest, awaiting trial (see Acts 24-28). This is the circumstance in which he wrote the letter to the Philippians.

A lack of freedom didn’t mean a lack of ministry, though. Paul’s witness for Christ was stronger than ever! How? First, there was word of mouth. It had become clear that Paul was a religious prisoner, not some political rebel or common criminal (Phil. 1:13). The way he endured persecution for his faith spoke volumes to those guarding him.

The “palace guard” Paul mentioned was likely the famous “Praetorian Guard,” possibly numbering as many as 9,000 soldiers. It’s easy to picture a soldier, after spending the day chained to the apostle, heading back to the barracks and telling his friends about this amazing prisoner. What an outreach!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Suffering is not an easy subject to think about, yet the Scriptures tell us that God uses suffering in many ways in the lives of His children. In His ultimate plan, suffering is for our benefit and to His glory.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:15-18
The important thing is that in every way . . . Christ is preached. - Philippians 1:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
The church in China has often been persecuted by the government since the Communist Party took control in 1949. Yet its growth has been phenomenal, especially in the last decade.

In 1949, less than one million Chinese Protestant Christians could be counted. In 1996, the Chinese government estimated there were 20 million Christians; some outside observers put the figure at 50 million. While only about one in one thousand Chinese were Protestant Christians when the Communists started to rule, today one of every 36 is a believer!

History has often shown that the church grows through persecution and hardship, a truth presented in today’s reading as well. Although the apostle Paul was imprisoned, the work of the gospel was going forward with more power than ever!

This was true despite the issue of mixed motives. Some of those preaching were doing so for selfish and sinful reasons. They were envious of Paul’s success and viewed themselves as competitors. They hoped to capitalize on his difficult situation and make it even worse. Their ambition was earthbound and self-centered rather than heavenward and God-centered (vv. 15, 17).

Thankfully, a second group of evangelists was motivated by goodwill, love, and a knowledge that Paul’s suffering was in God’s plan and for His glory (vv. 15-16). These individuals understood Paul’s heart and God-honoring principles.

In any case, as Paul stressed, what was important was that Christ was being preached, whatever the motive (v. 18). Since he didn’t condemn the message, we can conclude that the true gospel was being preached and not a heresy, even by the troublemakers. Apparently the doctrine was sound although some of the people were suspect.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading we clearly see that motives matter. Spend some time today in prayerful self-examination of your own motives for Christian service. In your church, home, and elsewhere, are you seeking to imitate Christ and to bring God glory? Or is a form of selfish ambition corrupting the purity of your motives?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:19-22
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
The number of those dying for the cause of Christ has never been higher. Jesus warned His disciples it would be so--that they would be hated and persecuted by the world (Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-19; 16:2; 17:14).

From Christ’s death until 1990, there were 56 known situations in each of which more than 100,000 believers were killed. In twelve of those situations more than one million Christians died. In the years between 1900 and 1980 alone, 26 million Christians were martyred--that’s over half of all Christian martyrs in history, with nearly ten million in the past forty years alone. In 1996, an estimated 159,000 believers died for their faith.

These sobering statistics remind us that we must count the cost (Luke 14:26-30). As Paul faced the possibility of his martyrdom recorded in today’s reading, he looked death full in the face and found only Christ.

After telling the Philippians about the external effects of his imprisonment, Paul then turned inward to his own state of mind. Thankful for their prayers and trusting in the Spirit’s help, he was confident of deliverance (Phil. 1:19). Whether he lived or died, he knew that this experience was part of God’s completing the “good work” begun in him (v. 6).

Paul’s main desire was that Christ be glorified by whatever happened (v. 20). If his appeal to Caesar failed, he would be executed, but that possibility did not make him fearful. Rather, he eagerly hoped to find faith and courage to endure his sufferings, including martyrdom. Death was a lesser shame to the apostle than failing to stand up for the gospel.

Why did Paul think this way? Verse 21 explains: “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” To live is to live for Christ, in His strength, laboring for Him. In Christ is found all of life’s meaning and fulfillment. But to die is far better because it means being present with Him. (Martyrdom could advance the gospel even more than his imprisonment.)
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You are probably not in prison facing death, as Paul was. Nor is it likely that you are under persecution as described in the illustrations for this week’s devotionals.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:23-26
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? - 1 Thessalonians 2:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was imprisoned near the end of World War II at the Nazi concentration camp in Buchenwald. When his death sentence was decreed in Berlin, he was transferred to the extermination camp at Flossenbürg on April 3, 1945.

On April 8, the first Sunday after Easter, Bonhoeffer led his fellow prisoners in a prayer service and spoke from Isaiah 53:5, on the truth that “by His wounds we are healed.” Two Gestapo officers interrupted the meeting and ordered him to come with them. He bid the others farewell, saying, “This is the end--for me, the beginning of life.” The next morning he was hanged.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood martyrdom and death in the same way as the apostle Paul. To die is to be with Christ!

We broke off yesterday in the middle of Paul’s internal debate. Should he have desired martyrdom and being with Christ, or release from prison and continued service for God? The strong emotions this question generated in Paul’s mind reveal clearly that he loved Christ above all else!

This passage also answers the question of what happens to believers after death. Some people believe in purgatory, while others think we will “sleep” until Christ returns. But as we see here, believers who die are immediately with Christ (v. 23).

In today’s reading we find the resolution to Paul’s problem. He was convinced that he would be freed for further ministry (vv. 24-25). This was neither a choice on Paul’s part nor egotism of the apostle, but a conviction from God that this was what would happen. How strong was this conviction? The word for “convinced” is the same as in verse six--God has guaranteed it!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“Hiding” God’s Word in your heart is an excellent faith-builder. We at Today in the Wordoften recommend the discipline of Scripture memory as a helpful tool in daily Christian living.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:27-30
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. - Philippians 1:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Arab Christians in Muslim nations face constant harassment and persecution for their faith.

On April 21, 1997, Mansour Hussein of Iraq was killed by a shot to the head while in a Christian bookstore in the city of Arbil. An evangelical believer, Hussein was bold and fearless in witnessing, and there is no doubt that his murder was motivated by religious hatred. He left behind a wife and baby son.

“Tragedy” and “triumph” are both appropriate words for martyrdom. “Tragedy” because murder has been committed and people grieve. But “triumph” because that believer is with Christ and has earned a martyr’s reward (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10).

Although Paul was convinced that he would be released and go on ministering, he did not know God’s timetable. He could remain in prison, living with the possibility of martyrdom for some time. So he shifted his focus outward again, from his inner state of mind to an exhortation to the Philippians. (This ends one major section of Philippians--prayers and news--and begins the next--godly imitation.)

The bottom line of this next major section is given in today’s verse--the believer’s conduct must always be “worthy of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Regardless of when he would be reunited with the Philippians, Paul wanted to hear that they were united and standing firm in the face of difficult struggles just as he himself was in his Roman imprisonment. No doubt the Philippians also had vivid memories of Paul’s imprisonment and miraculous release in their own city (see Acts 16:16-40).

Through faith and unity, they could have the same attitude as Paul--fearlessness in the face of death. And just as Paul’s faith was a testimony to those around him, the Philippians’ courage would be a sign to their persecutors, in this case a warning sign of a sure judgment by God (Phil. 1:28).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you reflect on this first chapter of Philippians, here’s a suggestion for further study. Based on what Paul says in Philippians 1, what is true Christian courage? How is it characterized? What motivates and sustains it? How can we develop and apply this sort of courage? How is it different from the world’s idea of courage?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:1-4
If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. - Mark 9:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
You may know that the planet’s best-selling book is the Bible. But do you know which book is the second most widely read worldwide? The answer is The Imitation of Christ,ascribed to Thomas à Kempis. Written in the late 1300s, this devotional classic has been translated into more than fifty languages and enjoyed by millions of readers.

The title of the book sums up its purpose--Christlikeness. Chapter headings include “Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth,” “The Intimate Friendship of Jesus,” and “Few Love the Cross of Jesus.”

No doubt one reason the book has endured so long is that it addresses what should be every Christian’s consuming priority. Specifically, “imitating Christ” is the underlying idea in today’s reading.

The passage begins with an overview of the riches we have in Christ (v. 1). “If” should be read as “since” because these spiritual facts are a certainty--we do have encouragement from being united with Christ, comfort from His love, and fellowship with the Spirit. These are not conditional “ifs” but truths rooted in our relationship with Christ that are stated rhetorically for emphasis.

As a result of these truths, believers are to exhibit unity and love (v. 2). We don’t have to achieve these on our own--they don’t flow from human striving but from divine enablement. God has already done the work. Because we have been already united with Christ, we should be “one in spirit and purpose.” We should act toward one another with Christ’s sacrificial love. If the Philippians could do that, Paul would feel even more joy!

Humility is both the means and motive for obeying this command, and is defined as considering others better than ourselves (vv. 3-4; cf. Rom. 12:10; 1 Peter 5:5). This principle is reinforced by the “golden rule,” Christ’s guideline to “do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Putting others above ourselves (Phil. 2:3) is a difficult command to follow, but one we must obey if we desire to imitate Christ. On numerous occasions in the Gospels, Jesus taught His disciples that servanthood was the path to greatness in God’s kingdom.