Read Acts 16
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16&version=NIV
Philippians has been called Paul’s “epistle of Joy.” The theme of joy pervades the entire letter. Please note as you read the letter, where joy does appear. The affectionate tone of the epistle indicates that Paul had a particularly warm relationship with the Philippian Christians. They formed a partnership in the gospel which started from the very first day (Phil. 1:5).
Paul established the congregation at Philippi on his second mission. Located at the eastern extremity of Macedonia, Philippi was his first church on European soil. His witness there was a major breakthrough, not in a geographical sense, since Philippi was quite close to Asia. Neither was it all that different culturally, since the cities of Asia were thoroughly Hellenistic (Greek) and under Roman dominion. But Philippi was a new part of the world for Paul, the west, the land of the Greeks, the home of Alexander the Great.
Among Paul’s letters, Philippians is dated as variously as is Galatians. Some scholars would place it as early as 52 AD, others would put it a full decade later.
Discussion question
What can we learn from Paul & Silas about peace and joy even in the hard times?
Personal reflections
If you were falsely accused, severely beaten and thrown into a dark jail, would you still trust in God’s plan? Why or why not?
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We can see from Paul and Silas that no matter what their circumstances were, they were not beaten down but continued to praise God and to spread his gospel. This is not something that comes easy for me but it is something I work very hard at being able to do. It is so easy to let our circumstances dictate our attitude and distract us from trusting God.
ReplyDeletejeanie:
ReplyDeleteThis illustration of Paul and Silas' actions in encounter clearly relay the message that,even in hard times should strive to stay in peace and joy. Our way may be rough and rocky, but God will bring us through . It is hard to be in peaceful and joyful space all of the time. However God' word tell us to count it all joy. This might sound a little crazy. But it works if you work it. To remain in peace and joy in our hard times shows that we are putting all of our cares in Gods's hand. We are trusting Him to bring us to a peaceful place and fill our hearts with love and joy at all times no matter what our circomstanses are trying to bring us down.
Paul and Silas knew that God would work the situation for the best for the faithful followers.
That god is with us not matter what. That we should trust in him. When something is wrong or seems to be bad, to pray and ask for guidenace. Funny, on some days where I am stressed and have an impossible to do list. I will take time & pray and ask for guidenace. Then sometime after lunch, I have completed tasks & all seems under control. Paul & Silas did not give up, they prayed & sang hyms. With god's help they regained their freedom.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very easy for us as humans to deal with are hardships ourselves. I was dealing with some heavy stuff not so long ago and someone simply said, Have you asked God to help?" I was kind of embarrassed, when the answer was no, I hadn't. Keep in close to us and we will always have peace and joy, regardless of the cicumstances.
ReplyDeletePaul and Silas were resolved to be content in any situation. I was married to a man I was pretty sure I couldn't do without. When he died, I stood in the hospital room and asked God to give me peace. I was amazed at how fast it came and the intensity of the feeling of total calm that washed over me from head to foot. Thank you, God, for another unspeakable gift!
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