The Philippian Christians were so very precious to the Apostle Paul since he was the one who first preached the Gospel to them and led them to Jesus. So, the Philippian Christians were Paul’s spiritual children and it showed in the loving way Paul addressed them. 

Unlike many of the Apostle’s other letters, this was not a “corrective” epistle. Paul had no rebukes or problems to solve in the Philippian church. He simply wrote this letter to encourage them and share his love and Joy in Jesus with them. This is a great example of godly encouragement. There is not one mention of sin in this book. But the word “joy” is found seven times. This is an encouraging letter for every Christian who needs some Jesus Joy! Read this letter as if it is a personal letter to you because it is.

“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as bothin my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:1-11

Praise God for these wonderful words of joy and encouragement,

 Pastor Mike