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What you missed in church

A report to an absent friend

Guess who showed up on Sunday. Epaphroditus!

We all cheered when he walked in. Not much sign of his illness — but Paul sent him home to stop us worrying. Apparently he nearly died when he took our gift to Paul.

Epaphroditus brought something special. A letter from Paul — Syzygus read it out.

Paul’s so positive about prison. He says it’s all moving the Gospel forwards. Then he keeps going on about ‘joy’. I counted 16 times — but I may have missed some.

And can you believe it? All his Roman guards have heard about Jesus, and the Christians are proclaiming the gospel with much more courage.

It’s a really warm letter. He sees all of us as together in this Christian thing. He’s really appreciated our gifts — calls them ‘a fragrant offering to God’! And God will meet our needs like he’s used us to help Paul.

For myself, I’m so glad Paul says God will keep on working in us right to the end. But Paul is praying for us too — that we’ll really grow as Christians.

His life is always challenging. He says all his religious status and privileges are rubbish compared to knowing the Saviour. And he’s going to keep looking forward whatever happens.

I didn’t like one thing. He may well be put to death. But he’s Paul, so he doesn’t worry. He says it’s better by far to be with Christ. He talks about citizenship in heaven — we’ve got to concentrate on that, and not worry about everyday things. He’s right on tiptoe waiting for Jesus to come back. And we must do the same.

Mind you, Paul doesn’t think our suffering for Jesus will stop. He called it a funny thing — a gift from God! With that attitude, no wonder he’s content whatever happens to him!

Remember our favourite hymn about Jesus? Paul quotes it! Isn’t it great that one day everyone will join us saying, ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’!

But Paul turns the hymn into a hard challenge. We’ve all got to have the same mindset Jesus had when he became a servant and suffered for us. I can’t remember all he says that involves, but I’ve enough to stretch me!

We’ve got to be far more considerate of each other in the fellowship. No complaints or arguments. Tough one! He even named Euodia and Syntyche! And we’ve got to stand together for the truth.

He talks about ‘shining like stars’. I think he means we’re not just to enjoy our new life, but live it front of everyone in Philippi. Then we’ve got to pray about everything. That will give us the greatest peace ever.

Another difficult one is to keep checking our thoughts. I slip up even in what I say — so this one’s really big!

I almost forgot. Timothy might come soon! And Paul, if he does get out of gaol.

You’ll pick up more next Sunday. I’m so glad Paul is fired up to help us although he’s so far away.