Theme of the Week: Living in Light of the Resurrection
Bible Verse: “And when Paul had seen the vision… we sought to go into Macedonia concluding that God had called us.” Acts 16:10
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:1-11
Have you ever thought about how fascinated we are with stories? We collectively spend about $30 billion on movies—every year. We love stories because they reveal the longings of our hearts.
Paul had his own plans until God disrupted them with His plans – His story. This is how the church in Philippi was born (Acts 16:6-40). Paul says, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… because of your partnership in the gospel” (Phil 1:3-8).
Do you know what the resurrection of Jesus does for us? It makes us partners in the good news of Jesus (gospel) and places us into His story. Paul gives us 4 reasons why being part of God’s story is vital:
- The Gospel Is Greater Than Us: The gospel of Jesus is not just an event that took place in history; the gospel is the story of God’s redemptive plan. God made us in His image, we rebelled against Him, and since then, we long to be part of a story. Our life will only make sense when we realize God has drawn you and me – His children – into His plot.
- The Gospel Is Our Assurance: The gospel saved the Gentiles in Philippi in a powerful way (Acts 16). When Paul says that “He who began a good work in you will bring to completion,” it is more than just a pretty verse; it is God’s assurance that He will transform and change us to the end of the story.
- The Gospel Humbles Us: “You are all partakers with me of grace” (Phil. 1:7). Paul includes you and me in the same sentence: equal partakers. The story of God’s love and grace to redeem sinners makes Him the hero and levels the playing field for all of us. No one can boast.
- The Gospel Deepens Our Love: The gospel frees us to love everyone, including those who don’t yet know God’s redeeming plot and His story. “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:8).
As the song goes, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”, the resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that hope is real, and it is ours. We have hope because it is placed on God who has already written the beginning, middle and end of His story.
And I don’t mean to spoil the ending of His story for you – but He wins.
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