In today's Epistle Philippians 4:1-9, the apostle Paul shares with fellow believers the injunction to stand firm in Christ-centered spiritual mindedness. He reminded these believers, who chose to join him in follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, that they are now a witnessing paschal faith community of heavenly people. Because of their firm affirmation and adherence to their new heavenly position in Christ, they have now been delivered from slavery and bondage to sin, in the mind of the flesh. They are now enjoying the freedom and joy of abundant and eternal live in the mind of the spirit (Romans 8:1-11, Philippians 4:1)
By steadfastly following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, personal rifts are being healed. These believers are now experiencing unity and agreement, because they seek, worship and serve Christ, the invisible image and likeness of God, in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, each other and all persons as Lord (Genesis 1:26-27, Colossians 1:26-27). A spirit of helpfulness has developed and now prevails within their witnessing faith community. There is great joy, meekness and gentleness among them as they are now experiencing the mystery and eminent return and reign of the universal indwelling and Christ of Faith, through their spiritual bodies (Philippians 4:2-5).
The secret to finding and dwelling in God's peace is following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery. When standing firm in our position in Christ, we pray about everything in a spirit of thanksgiving, gratitude and praise. There is now no need to worry about anything. This new peace is incomprehensible to the mind of the flesh. It surpasses anything the mind of the flesh can grasp. These believers are learning to keep on their guard and protect their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual life from Satan, the mind of the flesh (Philippians 4:6-7).
The key to preserving God's peace is maintaining proper stewardship of our thought life.
These Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based believers meditate on the things that are true, noble, honorable and irrefutable. They contemplate the things that are pure, lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8-9).
Do you desire to possess God's peace? Are you willing, like Jesus Christ, to be possessed by the indwelling and incarnate Christ of Faith, God's peace? Will you seek and serve the Christ of Faith in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, yourself and all persons? Will you steadfastly follow Jesus Christ in loving your neighbor as your self? Will you steadfastly follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery?
No comments:
Post a Comment