Mount Isa Baptist Church

A Greeting of Grace

Yesterday, we began a new series in the Epistle of Philippians. I want to encourage you to read through the Book of Philippians this week as we prepare our hearts and minds for what the Lord is going to teach us as we go through this book.

But I also want to remind us of the context in which it was written. Paul is in a Roman prison, awaiting trial, facing accusations regarding his faith. He had been faithful to preach the Gospel, serving the Lord, even at his own demise. And what is his reward that he receives after faithfully serving the Lord? He finds himself in a Roman prison awaiting accusations regarding his faith. Under such terrible circumstances, it would have been easy to have become bitter toward God. Paul could easily have abandoned his faith, and if he did this, he probably would have been released from prison and likely been spared from his suffering. However, he remained steadfast despite his trials and burdens. In fact, he remained joyful and encouraged through it all. As we go through the Book of Philippians, we will see how Paul remains joyful and he is an encouragement, even for us today. Paul had learned to be content, no matter what his circumstances. His joy was found in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. His joy was found in service to the church. Paul found great joy in leading others into a deeper relationship and a deeper faith in Christ.

In verse 1, the Apostle Paul gives four separate titles which relate to the body of Christ.

1. “Servant of Christ Jesus” 2. “To all the Saints in Christ” 3. “Overseers” 4. “Deacons”

Then lastly in verse 2 - “The Salutation in Christ”

vs.2: “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Notice the Sentiment: “Grace and peace be unto you.”

Paul genuinely desired that the church experiences the grace of God and the peace of God. Paul reminded them and us of the wondrous grace they had received in Christ; it was not something that they had to go out and earn. It was the unmerited favour offered from the Lord. Having received such grace, they should be compelled to live in grace, enjoying its fullness and bestowing such grace to others. Paul also longed for them and us to experience the peace of God. Peace offered comfort during the turmoils of life and consoled them and us in times of grief. We need His continued grace in our lives. We desperately need peace in our lives as well. We are facing great uncertainty and division in the world. We need peace to reign in our hearts to provide the strength to continue for the Lord and calm the many needs so prevalent in our day. It is interesting that Paul always says it in this order, it is always grace first then peace. The reason he puts them in that order is because until you understand and walk in the grace of God you will never experience the peace of God.

When you understand and walk in God's grace we understand and get to embrace peace. This happens throughout our entire Christian life. If we don't have peace we need to relook at our understanding of God's grace. Knowing by faith that God has accepted and embraced you and loves you according to His grace which is unmerited, unearned, not deserved but it is given freely. Paul reminds them of their association with the Father, the Sovereign of heaven. He is the source of the grace and peace that we enjoyed. In fact, He is the source for life itself and every blessing we receive is from Him. We are known and loved of the Father. The Eternal God of the universe, the true and living God is mindful of us and active in our Iives. He daily loads us with His many benefits. Again, Paul emphasized the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our grace and peace is from the Lord Jesus, and dependent upon the Lord. We must never forget the object of their faith and the source of our blessings. All we possessed, and all we ever hoped to attain, is bound in the Lord and His good grace. They were what they were because of Christ! We are what we are because of Christ! I trust you have great joy in Christ. If not, He is more than able to supply. Bring your burdens and cares before Him. I rejoice for all that I have in Christ! I can't imagine life without Him, and I certainly wouldn't want to live without Him. If you are not saved, come by faith to Christ and experience the joy, grace, and peace He gives!