February 24, 2005

As we have studied the first chapter of Philippians we have seen the intimate walk that Paul had with Christ and the community he felt with the church at Philippi.

In verses 9-11 we are reminded that Paul prayed specifically for the church and for God’s will to be done. He wrote, “And this I pray that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Paul boldly came to God with his request. Paul had complete confidence in Jesus and understood the power of prayer.

Remember the words of the author of Hebrews? We read, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

We have a Savior who has been tempted in all things yet without sin. We have a Savior who has been victorious over death. We have a Savior who can sympathize with our circumstances. We have a Savior who delights in extending grace and mercy to His children, and His arms are always open and He is always available.

Our prayer lives reflect our confidence in Christ. The more we pray the more likely we are to allow God to have complete control of our circumstances. The less we pray the more we communicate that we are trusting in ourselves and our reliance on our own strength.

Today, allow your thoughts to be on the sacrificial, unconditional, and fully satisfying love of Jesus. Meditate on Hebrews 4:14-16.

Ask yourself:
What does it mean to me to have a High Priest who can sympathize with my needs?
What does it mean to me to serve a loving God who freely extends grace and mercy to all who call upon His name?
What does it mean to me to serve a God who loved me enough to die for my sins to give me a hope and a future?