RPG Adults
MY JOY AND CROWN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
Philippians 4:1
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
“…dearly beloved and longed for,
my joy and crown…”
MY JOY AND CROWN
In the opening verse of the final chapter, Paul addressed the Philippians in a most tender, loving manner. He called them “brethren dearly beloved and longed for.” These are wonderful terms of endearment that expressed his regard for them as family in the Lord. He remembered them as dearly beloved ones for whom he had great affection, and whose company he truly longed for.
He also described them as “my joy and crown.” He saw them as his source of joy, especially amidst the circumstances he was facing. For them, he was “making request with joy” (Phil 1:4), and he was willing to abide in the flesh for their “furtherance and joy of faith” (Phil 1:25). He told them that if they were to be likeminded and united, it would fulfil his joy (Phil 2:2), and to serve them and sacrifice on their behalf was for him to “joy, and rejoice with you all” (Phil 2:17). As he heard of the spiritual fruit they were bearing, he “rejoiced in the Lord greatly” (Phil 4:10).
He also described them as his crown, like the prize an athlete looks forward to when he is victorious in his race. Because he was sure of their salvation, Paul looked forward to the day when he would stand before the Lord, where all the Christians in Philippi that he had ministered to would also be there in the presence of the Lord (1 Thess 2:19-20). That would be the great reward he yearned for, and which motivated him to continue to serve in the present.
Indeed, what a dedicated servant of the Lord the Apostle Paul was. He found such great joy in the spiritual benefit of others. For him, what mattered most was the salvation of others, and how they were walking before the Lord. It made all his labour and suffering worth it, and that was what brought him the greatest joy. Can we say the same for ourselves?
THOUGHT: What brings us the greatest joy in this life?
PRAYER: Father, may I have the right spiritual purpose and priorities, such that I find the greatest joy in the things of the Lord.