Christ At The Center Of Blessings

It is to the book of Philippians we turn our attention and consider this point of blessings. Paul’s prayers often raised central themes in his inspired letter to the church at Philippi and noted in chapter one verses three through eleven. As Paul expressed his affection for the Philippians and his confidence that God would complete His work in them, he also noted that purity and blamelessness of character comes through being filled with the fruit of righteousness. Love, knowledge, and discernment produce such fruit, but the basis for being able to love unconditionally with knowledge and discernment is understanding the work and example of Christ the Master and noted in Phil.2:5-11.

As we study this great book we are able to see that the central role of Jesus, to Paul as well as we today, is the hub of blessings and caused Paul to say later that he desired a righteousness that is not based on his own activities alone, but that it must come by or be attained through Jesus Christ and none other. (Phil.3:9) (Phil.4:13). Paul knew the importance of Christ’s message and the power of His resurrection, even going forth in partaking of Christ’s sufferings. Paul knew that faith in Christ means not only looking to Him, but also walking down His path, and is described by Him as being “narrow”. (Matt.7:14). Therefore, Paul’s remarks are like that of Christ where He called His disciples to “come after me.” (Lk.9:23). This great apostle also recalls in part why the early Christians were described as “the way”. (Acts 9:2). These obedient ones of the Gospel of Christ saw themselves not only on a journey to God but on a journey with God!

Therefore, it is Christ that is preached by all His followers, because they understand He is at the center of the Gospel Message. (Phil.1:15-17). This truth is so great that even if Paul was mistreated by others as they preached Christ, and they wanted to bring dishonor upon the apostle Paul. Nevertheless, Paul still rejoiced that Christ was proclaimed. Because Paul preached Christ, he is now in prison. (Phil.1:13). In fact, one is struck by the times Christ is noted in Phil.1:12-26. The promised Anointed One of God stands as the center of all blessings and as the subject of the Gospel! Paul had a heart’s desire for people to be saved, as we must, and God used Paul and all His people wherever and however He desired. There is not one who does not need Christ today, and there is not any reason why His people cannot be blessed by getting the Good News to the masses. We are blessed because of Christ; let’s see that all others are!

. . . . Fred House