"After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find nowhere to perch because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth."~Genesis 8:6-11

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Philippians


This letter was written from Paul to the Philippian church during his Roman imprisonment in 61-62AD. This is the only church that Paul has been in a partnership with (4:15) and he cares for them very deeply (1:8).  They may be facing persecution (1:29).  It seems as though disunity(2:2), pride(2:3), and a lack of understanding about suffering for Christ (1:12-14) are what led Paul to write this letter.

2:2- "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

OBSERVATION: Theme of Joy/Unity (Daily double!)
What does Paul say will bring him joy?
Unity amongst the Philippians: if they would have the same mind, love and be of one mind.

What has Paul said that the Philippians have done in the past that has brought him joy?
Being in partnership with him (1:4-5).

INTERPRETATION: 
So what really brings Paul joy?
Unity and close relationships amongst believers.

With the knowledge that they are about to face persecution, and Paul’s instruction to take it with joy, what would the 
Philippians be led to do, knowing that unity brings joy?
Be unified!

APPLICATION: 
Is there a timeless truth?
Unity brings about joy, so we should strive for it amongst all believers that our joy may increase.

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