Best Friend
Best Friend - Philippians Intro
Diving into the book of Philippians will be fun. So much rich content here, and application for our lives. Philippians is a missionary letter, Paul and Timothy writing back to the city in northern Greece, Philippi. This was the first place in Europe the gospel was preached. You can turn to Acts 16 and read all about it. If you remember the Roman soldier who nearly took his own life, but instead Paul leads him into a relationship with Jesus...that was in Philippi.
Paul and Timothy were on a mission, sharing the gospel of Jesus to this region. They saw massive life change and transformation in people, families, communities, cities, and regions. Just think about this Roman soldier. Not only did the Roman soldier turn to Christ, and his life forever changed, look at what happened to his family.
“He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.” - Acts of the Apostles 16:34 NLT
A family was eternally impacted, and Paul and Timothy had a front-row seat to this transformation. This was the mission, and they were in the game together. They saw amazing transformation, but let's be honest, they saw a massive amount of resistance and suffered great trials and pain along the way.
“But Paul replied, “They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison—and we are Roman citizens. - ”Acts of the Apostles 16:37a NLT
On mission doesn’t mean easy, but I do think it creates a bond, partnership, and friendship that is not attainable any other way. As Paul is opening Philippians feel these words.
“Grace and peace to you from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” - Philippians 1:2-5 NIV
What a greeting! When you read, I thank my God every time I remember you, who do you think of? Do you have anyone in your life that every time you think of them, you thank God for them? This is a friendship that is deep and unique. A bond that really can only form when you are on mission together. Paul goes on to share that very thought, and I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. This is it, being on mission together, locked arms, and aligned side by side creates a partnership and friendship like nothing else.
Who is your best friend? How did that friendship form, and what holds the bond together? My guess is you will find at the center of that relationship and bond a unified mission. A mission in raising kids, a mission around a business, a mission around a strong marriage. When on a mission, you will develop the best and most meaningful friendships. So, if you are seeking deep and meaningful friendship, may I suggest starting by giving your life to a mission worthy of if.
We will dive into Philippians over the next few days, so get ready. But until then, think and pray about being on mission. What are you giving your life too, and how is that bringing you joy, peace, and great fruit? Allow this prayer of Paul to speak to your soul today.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” - Philippians 1:9-11 NIV