Message of Philippians: Jesus Our Joy

When Apostle Paul was in prison, he wrote a letter to the Philippian church expressing his joy in Christ, fellowship with the Christians, and Jesus himself. Alec Motyer highlights the letter's relevance to today's themes of Christian unity, the Person of Jesus, and living a life worthy of the gospel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

When Apostle Paul penned his letter to the church in Philippi, he was confined by the chains of imprisonment. Despite facing the loss of freedom and encountering opposition from his fellow workers, the letter exudes an overwhelming sense of joy. This joy stems from various sources, including the proclamation of Christ, the deep fellowship he shared with the Philippian Christians, and his profound joy in Jesus himself. In his book, "The Apostle Paul," Alec Motyer delves into the profound themes that remain relevant to our lives today. These themes include the importance of Christian unity, the person of Jesus and the incredible achievements he made for us, and the call to live a life that is truly worthy of the gospel.

Paul's letter to the Philippians is a remarkable testament to his unwavering faith and determination, even in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that joy can be found even in the most challenging circumstances and that our relationship with Jesus should be the source of our greatest happiness and fulfillment. Through his writings, Paul encourages us to embrace unity, to celebrate the person of Jesus, and to live lives that reflect the values and teachings of the gospel.

One of the key themes in Paul's letter is the importance of Christian unity. He emphasizes the need for believers to come together in love and harmony, despite their differences and disagreements. Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to put aside their petty quarrels and to focus on building up one another in their faith. He reminds them that they are part of the same body of Christ and that their unity is a reflection of their love for one another.

Another theme that Paul explores in his letter is the person of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus is not just a teacher or a prophet, but the ultimate revelation of God himself. Paul describes Jesus as the savior of the world, who came to earth to save sinners and to bring them into a relationship with God. He highlights the significance of Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead, which is the foundation of our faith.

Paul also calls the Philippian Christians to live a life worthy of the gospel. He encourages them to imitate the example of Jesus, who lived a humble and selfless life and who was willing to die for the sake of others. Paul encourages them to live in obedience to God's word and to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires. He reminds them that true joy comes from serving others and from living a life that is pleasing to God.

In conclusion, Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is a powerful and inspiring message that continues to resonate with believers today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of Christian unity, the person of Jesus, and the call to live a life worthy of the gospel. Through his writings, Paul encourages us to embrace joy, to celebrate our faith, and to live lives that reflect the values and teachings of Jesus.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789742121