
First, before we get to verse one, I want to share a little history about the Book. It was written by the Apostle Paul around 62 to 64 A.D.
The one thing unique about this Book of rejoicing was that Paul wrote it from PRISON. And we think we have problems. Most likely Paul was imprisoned in the city of Rome. He was awaiting to be offered up in death for the sake of the gospel. And we still think that we have problems.
Yet, in light of the fact that he was in a Roman prison looking at a soon earthy departure via of death, his chief theme in Philippians was for the church to be ENCOURAGED and to walk in JOY.
Paul wanted to encourage the Philippians to live out their Christian lives realizing their heavenly citizenship. In doing so he sought for the believers to serve God and serve one another with joy and not with an attitude of murmuring and fault-finding.
Bless someone with the Spirit and fruit of joy this week. Leave them wondering...