“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:1-2
I find it interesting that Paul opens his letter to the church at Philippi, with himself and Timothy. He opens a few of his other letters that he wrote, also mentioning another individual or two.
He then identifies themselves as “servants of Jesus Christ.” Paul left no room for error when saying who he was and what he was doing. He made it clear that they were servants of Christ.
I see three things in verse one that we can use in our service for Christ.
- Find friends to serve Christ with.
Some of the best friendships I have had throughout the years are those that I have served the Lord with.
Paul always seemed to have someone with him on his missionary journeys.
When you serve Christ with your friends, it’s easier to make it through the hard times; you have a friend to rejoice with in the good times.
Friends can and should keep you accountable in your service for Christ. They should encourage you to serve and admonish you when you start to stray.
- Focus on the figure of your service— Christ.
Paul stated what he and Timothy were, servants of Christ. He didn’t refer to themselves as tentmakers or fishermen. He didn’t say they were travelers.
Paul’s one goal, one desire was to serve Christ in everything he did. He didn’t let anything or anyone distract him from his goal. He didn’t let shipwrecks or imprisonment stop him. Paul suffered multiple beatings, and yet he still served Christ.
Too often, we start down the path of service, and we get distracted by everything around us, and we lose focus of Christ.
When you focus on Christ and put Him first in everything you do, you will be able to continually serve Him.
- Find your place to serve Christ at.
“To all the saints…which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.”
The church is a group of people who are called out and serve the Lord. Paul was writing to a specific group of people who were in a specific place serving Christ.
He mentioned the saints, the bishops, and the deacons…he was talking about the church body.
Find your place to serve Christ and just serve Him. Many times, Christians are looking elsewhere to serve when God has placed them in a specific location to reach a specific person.
Let God place you and serve where you are!
Counted Faithful 