Day 349, December 15 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Philemon, Philippians 1-2
Joyful Living (even in bad circumstances)
Christmas is a beautiful season of joy, but how do we respond when life is not so lovely? Do we try to find something good in our circumstances, some encouragement for which we can thank the Lord? In today’s Bible reading, Philemon, the Apostle Paul, and the believers in the city of Philippi provide us with superb examples to help us find joy, even in bad or unfortunate circumstances.
An Appeal for Grace!
Philemon is a slave owner in the first century BCE, but he is also a well-loved believer in Christ. He has the gifts of hospitality and encouragement, and a church congregation meets regularly in his home. One-Day, Philemon was given a bad report —one of his slaves, Onesimus, has run away.
While he is on the run, Onesimus becomes a Christian under Paul’s ministry. Because Paul loves him and Onesimus is now useful, the apostle wants to keep him. However, he knows the right thing to do is to first get permission from Philemon, the slave’s owner.
The Apostle writes to Philemon,
Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord” (Philemon 1:15-16, NIV).
How would Philemon respond? In that culture, he would be justified in severely punishing or killing Onesimus. However, Paul is confident that Philemon will act in love and forgiveness to his former slave, so he makes his appeal on Onesimus’ behalf. He ends the short letter to Philemon with a prayer, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Philemon 25, NIV).
How would we respond if we were in similar circumstances? Perhaps someone has hurt us and now wants to be forgiven. Will we act with bitterness and hatred or with grace? If we do the latter, it will give God joy. Grace will also encourage the forgiven offender and others who witness it. We, too, can have joy if we forgive others like Jesus did (Philippians 2:1-11).
Paul also writes a letter to the believers in Philippi in Macedonia. He had visited with them during his second missionary journey. Lydia, a valuable purple fabric seller and a Philippian jailor with his family converted to Christ (Acts 16:12-34). Paul also visited with the Philippians on the way back from Greece. He was on his third missionary journey during one of the Jewish feasts, the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Acts 20:6).
A Gracious Response
In his letter, Paul writes to thank the church family for their contribution to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Their gracious response gives him joy. Giving sacrificially also gives us pleasure as we help those who cannot help themselves. This is an excellent thing to do at Christmas or any time of the year. After praising them, Paul writes some practical advice on how to live the Christian life. We will look at this more in our next lesson.
Paul was also an example of finding joy in less than desirable circumstances—Paul was a Roman prisoner. He says,
Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Some indeed preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
But what does it matter? [Paul asks ]The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice (Philippians 1:14-18, NIV).
Paul further testifies, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NIV). Paul prepares himself for the worst. Nevertheless, he is convinced that he will soon be delivered once again to minister to them for their joy because of their prayers on his behalf.
In Paul’s day, suffering for Christ was a reality for Christians in Macedonia and the rest of the known world. Because of this, Paul says to the believers,
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2, NIV).
At that time and today, a Christians’ temptation would be self-preservation to look out for their own welfare. However, Paul encourages them to make his joy complete by humbling themselves and looking out for the interests of others, just like Jesus did for us.
Finally, we read that Paul wants the believers to welcome Timothy and Epaphroditus back to their fellowship. They are Paul’s fellow workers. He wants them to be received back with joy for the work they did among the Philippians.
How do we receive servants of Christ? It gives God and other Christians joy when we receive them gladly with love, giving them a warm reception. We prove our love for God as we show love to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Discussion
How did Paul want Philemon to act after he told him about his slave Onesimus? What is a Christian way to respond when we have been hurt?
When Paul was collecting for the poor believers in Jerusalem, how did the Philippians respond?
How do we encourage others who are suffering?
Focus Verses
Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
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Looking Ahead: How do we Keep our Joy and Liberty at Christmas and throughout the year? Find out in our Next Lesson
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