CITIZENS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

Philippians 3:17-21 / Keywords 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

 

3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

1. Paul set an example of faith that he taught and lived by. However, it was not without controversy. The main opposition he spoke against were of the Judaizers, who taught that grace plus obedience to the Levitical law were necessary to be acceptable to God. Grace plus anything is not grace at all, and those who teach and demand as such are those who Paul calls enemies of the cross of Christ. Jesus' death tore the curtain that hid God's presence from all the unworthy. The cross opened the way for all who dared to approach by faith God’s open arms, which are held out for us—just as we are.

 

2. The kingdom of earth represents an order of law and human effort that seeks to attain earthly glory. We idolize harsh standards of beauty, behavior, and lifestyle that threaten rejection or condemnation when they are not followed. On the other hand, the kingdom of heaven, where our soul can truly rest and find expression in God’s love, is given freely by the grace of our Lord Jesus. While on earth, we could become accustomed to earth’s weary expectations. However, we can be transformed and freed by the grace and power of Jesus.

 

Prayer Lord, give me the faith to look beyond standards of the world, and fix my eyes on Jesus who welcomes us to your eternal kingdom.

One Word Follow Jesus

LIVE UP TO WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY ATTAINED

Philippians 3:12-16 / Keywords 3:16

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

 

3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

1. Our life in Jesus can seem somewhat of a paradox. Salvation is not achieved by our own efforts or some unattainable prize. Salvation is already attained by faith in Christ. God does not love us more when we do more, but we can still aspire to live up to his love for us every day. God’s love inspires us to realize the fullness of our being that God created us to be and from which Christ redeemed us from the power of sin and death. Our life starts and continues in God's grace.

 

2. Living by this faith is not easy because of our past wounds and bad habits. They need to be healed and transformed by the sanctifying work of Christ in us. We don't easily forget, but we can unlearn toxic ways of thinking about ourselves and God. We can find healing from our sin and shame in Christ. We can affirm Christ's love and salvation power in us and through us when we also love and serve those in need around us.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to hold on to the faith of your love for me and live according to it and not by the world's corrupted standards that often intrude my thoughts and habits.

One Word Live by faith

A SURPASSING WORTH

Philippians 3:1-11 / Keywords 3:9

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ— the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

 

3:1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Footnotes

Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of

1. Paul warned the Philippians against those who put their confidence in their flesh and deeds. He used to be like them. Paul had many reasons to be proud of himself and his accomplishments. He was driven on his way into greater honor and glory in the political and religious establishment. Jesus met Paul in the midst of his passionate pursuit and blinded Paul so that his eyes may be truly opened to see what he was doing. Instead of judgment, Paul experienced God’s grace and an all-surpassing worth from knowing Christ. Upon his spiritual awakening, everything he previously accomplished became to him like garbage. He could never go back to his previous life and honors.

 

2. Paul had found in Christ a righteousness that was from God, received by faith, not by works. This realization changed his world-view from one of passionately trying to earn more worth, to passionately living, knowing that his worth and acceptance were already found in Christ. This new life was full of joy. Paul's fervor to know Christ continued to grow so that, even in suffering, he could experience Christ's grace and power more.

 

Prayer Lord, there are a lot of bad habits that I want to unlearn and be free of. Help me to live a life of joy in the faith of your unlimited grace and righteousness, and even in suffering, to know you more.

One Word Lose all to gain Christ

BEAUTIFUL CONNECTION

Philippians 2:19-30 / Keywords 2:20

I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.

 

2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

1. Before there was video conferencing, social networking, telephones, and even postal mail, people in the early church found ways to connect, communicate, and care for each other. The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to care for Paul's needs, and Paul was sending Timothy to care for them. Although difficult (Epaphroditus almost died in his efforts to care for Paul), each word and deed were carefully crafted and sent with love.

 

2. Although we are "connected" in so many ways today, many still feel so lonely and alienated. In this age, when it is so easy to send an e-mail or text, we may lose the heart of genuine connection and intimacy that really matter in our lives. It is in our God-given nature to be loved and to belong to God and to each other. Without this, we don't function as we should. We need God's love that reached down to us first—then we can also reach out to others with genuine and sacrificial love. A wide open-hearted love that can embrace others with affection and compassion.

 

Prayer Lord, I am so lonely and feel so distant. I know that you came down to be with me and even give your life for me. Teach me how to love others as you loved me. Help me to show genuine concern for those in need and create meaningful relationships with those around me.

One Word Show genuine concern to others

SHINE LIKE STARS

Philippians 2:12-18 / Keywords 2:15b-16a

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

 

2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Footnotes

c. Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5

1. The world is loved by God, but the world is also full of sin and darkness. Sickness, injustice, war, and the like traumatize people everywhere. The wounded end up wounding others in a vicious cycle. It’s no surprise we hear (or do) so much complaining and arguing about the state of things. Or we could be indifferent to the wickedness, which is worst. Paul urges the Philippians to work out their salvation and allow God to work in them to fulfill his good purpose of planting hope, salvation, healing, and restoration.

 

2. God works in our hearts to be a light in the darkness. Paul uses imagery to paint a beautiful picture of God's children who shine like stars in the dark void of night as we hold on to the word of life. The word of life is the gospel of Jesus. He demonstrated his love and power to save humanity from sin and death by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Jesus is the light of the world who heals our wounds and turns our bitterness into joy and light to others.

 

Prayer Lord, help me not to complain or blame others but to dwell and grow in your salvation so that I, too, may shine the light of your love for the world.

One Word Shine like stars in the sky

RELATIONSHIPS ROOTED IN CHRIST

 Philippians 2:1-11 / Keywords 2:5

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

 

2:1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

Footnotes

a. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of

b. Philippians 2:7 Or the form

1. We live in a climate of uncompromising political agendas and opposing narratives. It is tricky to discuss hot topics that generate heated debate and possible division, even in the church. It was not so different in Paul's time. Rather than choosing which side to belong to, or who was right and wrong, Paul points us to the attributes of Christ. Christ is tender and compassionate, loving and encouraging. Paul highlights the amazing humility of Christ's incarnation. Jesus became fully human in order to have a relationship with us. In doing so, Jesus closes the huge gap between the holy and righteous God and messy humanity.

 

2. Jesus became like us, even the least of us. He became a baby without any voice or rights; he knew what it was like to be a teenager, to be poor, to be misunderstood, to be persecuted, and even to suffer and die. Through Jesus, we all belong to God and can find his welcoming arms. Unity and one-ness are less about being right and more about loving relationships and a ministry of belonging with God and each other, despite our differences.

 

Prayer Lord, I often care to be on the right side rather than to love others who are different or think different than I do. Help me to have the humility of Christ to embrace and care for others more than my own honor or image. May my life be firmly rooted in your love.

One Word Value others

TO LIVE IS CHRIST

Philippians 1:19-30 / Keywords 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

1:19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,[e] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Footnotes

d. Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation

e. Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit

1. Paul's imprisonment, and what might happen to him at the time, made him think about life and death. He was confident that whatever the case, Christ would be exalted.

 

2. Paul knew that his life before meeting Christ was not really life at all. But even at Paul’s worst, God saw him and loved him. Through God’s love, Paul discovered his true life in Christ. Paul was not suicidal by any normal measure, but he surprisingly desired to depart and be with Christ. Paul believed that death was not the end of life but the fulfillment of being united with Christ.

 

3. Paul encouraged the Philippian believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. By faith, they can stand firm in the one Spirit, strive together to grow in the gospel, and have no fear of those who oppose them. Suffering and death are not something to avoid, but to expect. It is why Christ came. Instead of being frightened, believers can see times of trial and suffering as great opportunities to experience and reveal God's grace and power to save.

 

Prayer Lord, you are the author and redeemer of my life. May I not live in fear but in the assurance of your love and sovereign will over my life and even death.

One Word To die is gain

 

CHRIST IS PREACHED

Philippians 1:12-18 / Keywords 1:18

But what does it matter? 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,

 

1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? 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,

Footnotes

b. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.

c. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace

1. Apostle Paul was passionate about being out and sharing the gospel to the world. When people stoned him and left him for dead, he got back up and continued preaching the gospel (Acts 14). Now that he was in chains, he could not do much, but his passion for spreading the gospel was not chained. He trusted and accepted God's sovereign will over the gospel ministry. He believed that, even in chains, he was advancing the gospel through his courageous example.

 

2. Paul acknowledged that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others do so out of good will. This is not an easy thing to look past, but even on the sidelines, he was happy to see and cheer on others who were stepping up and doing the work, regardless of motivation. God's ways are mysterious, and the power of the gospel reaches the hearts of those who are open to receive it. Even when we become less, Christ can shine all the brighter.

 

Prayer Lord, may I not focus on the strength or weakness of the messenger, but on the message of the gospel itself to give salvation and life to all who accept it.

One Word Christ be known

BOUND IN CHAINS, BUT ABOUNDING IN LOVE

Philippians 1:1-11 / Keywords 1:9

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

 

1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons[a]:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Footnotes

a. Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.

1. Apostle Paul was surprisingly full of joy. No matter what hardship he was under, he abided in the grace of God. Paul starts his letter with thanksgiving for the church in Philippi. He was confident that the seed of the Gospel planted in the hearts of them who received it would continue to grow and bear fruit. Paul knew that even though he was not with them in body, he could entrust them to God's grace and encourage them with his loving words.

 

2. I love how Paul mentions the affection of Christ Jesus. Jesus described his own love as a hen that longs to gathers her chicks under her wings (Mt 23:37). Paul’s prayer was that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Love grows when we make a decision to practice loving others. May we seek to understand rather than judge, show compassion rather than indifference, and show tenderness rather than harsh criticism. We can only love when we accept God's unconditional love for who we are, no matter where we came from and what mistakes we've made along the way. God's grace extends to all who receive it with faith.

 

Prayer Lord, help my joy and love be bound not by circumstance but by the wellspring of your love for me that extends to all who receive it with faith.

One Word Abound in love

CUT FREE FROM THE CORDS OF THE WICKED

Psalm 129:1-8 / Keywords 129:4

But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

 

Psalm 129

A song of ascents.

1 “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”

    let Israel say;

2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,

    but they have not gained the victory over me.

3 Plowmen have plowed my back

    and made their furrows long.

4 But the Lord is righteous;

    he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

5 May all who hate Zion

    be turned back in shame.

6 May they be like grass on the roof,

    which withers before it can grow;

7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,

    nor one who gathers fill his arms.

8 May those who pass by not say to them,

    “The blessing of the Lord be on you;

    we bless you in the name of the Lord.”

1. Victory from God (1-4). Israel was born in slavery. She was oppressed by hostile neighbors or superpowers during much of her history. But the Lord had a great purpose for her. He wanted to raise her up as his own people to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex 19:5-6). He cut her free from the cords of the wicked. God sets his people free to serve him. When we worship our righteous God and acknowledge his sovereignty, no one can gain victory over us.

 

2. All who hate Zion (5-8). Those who hate God and oppress and harass his people will be turned back in shame. People without God in their lives are like grass trying to grow on a roof: it has no roots, so it withers in the hot sun before it can grow. People without God cannot receive any blessing from God, so their lives are dry and fruitless. God's people have victory when they wait patiently on God.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for cutting me free from the cords of sin and death. Thank you for blessing me to put down roots in your word so that my life is fruitful.

One Word Thank God for his grace and blessing

BLESSED ARE ALL WHO FEAR THE LORD

Psalm 128:1-6 / Keywords 128:1

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

 

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,

    who walk in obedience to him.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;

    blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine

    within your house;

your children will be like olive shoots

    around your table.

4 Yes, this will be the blessing

    for the man who fears the Lord.

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion;

    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

    all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children’s children—

    peace be on Israel.

1. Blessed are all who fear God (1). Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is

the beginning of wisdom. To fear God means to love and respect him. To fear God

means to honor him and obey him by walking in his ways. His ways are the ways

of truth and life. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (Jn 14:6). To

fear God means to acknowledge his sovereignty and lordship in my life. Fearing

God is not just an inner attitude; it is a way of life.

 

2. A fruitful life (2-6). God promised to bless those who fear him and walk in his

ways. His blessing is to make our labor and our lives fruitful. His blessing is not

only a personal blessing, but also a blessing on the whole community of God's

people, and through them, a blessing on the whole world.

 

Prayer Lord, teach my heart to fear you and help my feet to walk in your ways.

Grant that I may be a good steward of your blessings.

One Word Fear God; bear his blessings

UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE

Psalm 127:1-5 / Keywords 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

    the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

    the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early

    and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

    for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,

    offspring a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

    are children born in one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man

    whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame

    when they contend with their opponents in court.

Footnotes

a. Psalm 127:2 Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for

 

1. When the Lord builds (1-2). Even though we work hard to build a happy home and a secure life, we work in vain if we leave God out. Without God’s blessing, our happy home becomes a miserable home. We want to live in peace and security. Peace and security come from God, not from insurance, a big bank account, or a job with good benefits. No family can hold itself together and be fruitful unless God watches over and establishes it.

 

2. Sons are a heritage from the Lord (3-5). God is the one who gives children. They belong to him. He gives physical children and he gives spiritual children. It is not easy to raise children in a crooked and corrupt world, but God's blessings are not necessarily easy to bear. There are many enemies who work to destroy God’s children. We need God's help to raise children to be a blessing to us and to their generation.

 

Prayer Lord, you are building your house. Let me be a part of your work. Help me to bear the blessings you give so that your name may be glorified.

One Word Unless the Lord builds the house

SOW IN TEARS; REAP WITH JOY

Psalm 126:1-6 / Keywords 126:5

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

 

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,

    we were like those who dreamed.[b]

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,

    our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us,

    and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,[c] Lord,

    like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow with tears

    will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

    carrying sheaves with them.

Footnotes

a. Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to

b. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health

c. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives

 

1. The Lord has done great things (1-3). When the captives returned to Zion after a long exile, it was like a dream. But their captivity was indeed over. They were free. The Lord did great things for them. They were filled with unspeakable joy. We Christians are joyful because we who were slaves of sin and death have been set free by God's grace. The Lord has done great things for us. His name is glorified among all who see our changed lives.

 

2. Those who sow in tears (4-6). Although God's people never lose their basic joy, there is a time for weeping. When we become aware of sins that hurt God's heart, it is time to weep and to repent. When we see how sin devastates those for whom Christ died, it is time to weep and to plant gospel seeds. Sometimes we experience painful rejections or indifference. But if we go out weeping and carrying the seed of the word, we will return with songs of joy.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to sow your word of life and trust you for the harvest in your own time.

One Word Sow in tears; reap with joy