Win Christ

Paul’s optimism and rejoicing despite his circumstance certainly did not catch anyone off-guard in Philippi. I would venture, no one second-guessed his mood. You will recall that it was Paul and Silas who were found at midnight, praying, and singing praises (Acts 16:25) in Philippi. Now about 9 years later Paul finds himself in another jail and again his heart is rejoicing. His present imprisonment was critically different this time, for he was alone. There is no Silas to be his companion in the bleakness of a jail-cell at midnight. Timothy is his faithful companion, visiting Paul in his incarceration. Still, Paul’s mood seemed indomitable. He is found rejoicing, giving thanks, being filled with Christ, thinking of other believers, and being a blessing in the capacity he was able. We might ask, ‘what gave Paul such joy in his predicament?’ To which I submit that it was the control of the Spirit in his life. Galatians 5:22-23 will short-list joy as a mark of the Spirit led life. The Epistle to the Philippians bears testimony to the Spirit’s leading in Paul’s life. In his letter, Paul indicates that all nine of the Holy Spirit’s fruits are evident in his life. In this section, as throughout the epistle, we will notice his joy and rejoicing- this time as he is thankful to God for other Christians.

Philippians 1:3 – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”