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Verse by Verse Devotional on Philippians by Pastor Jack #285

October 14, 2015 | by: Jack Lash | 0 comments

Posted in: Philippians

The Final Word

4:23 " The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. "

Paul now ends this letter as he began it: wishing the grace of Christ upon them (Cf. 1:2). This is not mere formality. It is an indication of what was important and central to Paul. It is a splendid reminder that the central focus of Paul’s whole letter (as well as his life) was Jesus Christ.

If you take away Christ, you take away Paul. For by his own testimony, for him to live was Christ. And that’s exactly how it should be with us. If they took away our Christ, there should be nothing left for us. If there is, it is an idol.

What we need is Christ’s grace in our souls (spirits). We do not need health or wealth or relief from suffering. We need grace. We don’t need a new job or a new friend or a new house. We need God’s grace. We need His grace to make us what we should be. We need His grace to make us content and satisfied with His will in our lives. We need His grace to make us loving and joyful and hopeful and peaceful and godly. We need His grace to make us strong in faith and obedience. We need His grace to see Jesus as He is: glorious, gracious, and satisfying.

So, Paul’s final and fullest wish for his beloved friends in Philippi is for the grace of the Lord Jesus. It is also my wish for you.

"I Wish You Jesus" by Scott Wesley Brown

I could wish you joy and peace to last a whole life long.

I could wish you sunshine or a cheerful little song.

Or wish you all the happiness that this life could bring.

But I wish you Jesus, more than anything.

I could wish you leaves of gold and may your path be smooth.

I could wish you treasures or that all your dreams come true.

And I could wish you Paradise, that everyday be sweet.

But I wish you Jesus, more than anything.

Cause when I wish you Jesus, I wish you everything.

I pray for all those who read these words, O Lord. I pray for Your grace to come upon them in rich measure. I pray that their spirits would be filled with the knowledge of Christ. I pray that they would be given eyes to see that He is what makes life worth living. I pray that they might see that everything else is garbage in comparison to the surpassing value of knowing His love. I wish them Jesus, my Father. Please fill them with Jesus.

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