Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, THAT your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 THAT ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till (with a view toward being ready for) the Day of Christ. 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness,
which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
| Day 11—The trouble we face can be a holy time that will make us stronger and better. |
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The prayers we have taken from Philippians 1:9,10 wind up with concern about the Day of Christ. Paul’s concern was that the people for whom he was praying should be sincere and without offence as they were being prepared for that Day.
The conviction has been growing in me that this time of our living in this world, after we have been born from above, is the time for being groomed for the Kingdom of God. It seems that some have the idea, although it may be rather subconscious in them, that either death or the rapture will be what puts the finishing touch on us in preparation for the Day of the Lord. But, for the life of me, I can’t find a Scripture anywhere that speaks of either of these events holding within them a sanctifying power.
We do, however, have some amazing insight from Paul regarding the appointment, from the ascended Christ, of certain ministries that are to work till we all come into a unity in our acknowledgment of the Son of God. The amazing Scripture pointing to this, of course, is Ephesians 4:8-16. It is a passage so profound and rich that we might well spend our lifetime searching it out, only to realize at our end that there is more. This is because as we grow, it grows.
If you’re not very familiar with this Scripture, might I suggest that you become familiar with it. Let that same Spirit that brought again Jesus from the dead take this Word and work it into your heart. And, may He use it to direct you toward your own preparation for the Day of Christ.
Father, the Word that Your Spirit caused Paul to leave with us is deep. Some of it I can readily grasp. But, much of it is beyond my understanding. However, my heart does respond where my mind has its difficulty in doing so. Please give us understanding in all You would have us to know—and to be.
“The words of the Lord are perfect.
They are like silver made pure in a clay furnace.
They are like silver made pure seven timesover.”
—Psalm 12:6NIRV
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