Philippi was a Roman city. Established as such in about 42BC, it was proudly Roman, proudly populated by ex-soldiers, all Roman citizens. And, yet, in this very city, many had changed their citizenship. They had heard the good news of Jesus. They had met the One who had been raised from the dead, with all authority and power in heaven and earth. They had understood His humility and power. They had been transferred, and were now transformed. They had met Jesus.
As citizens of Jesus’ kingdom, not only did they eagerly look forward to the day when all His authority would be displayed – they now were to ‘live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ’ (Phil.1:27). They had to ‘live as you are’.
God reminds us that sin is real, and it can be forgiven. This is the truth of His word (just read the heart-rending Psalm 51, as David confesses his sin and turns to God alone to be forgiven!).
God reminds us that sin can really be taken on, because we have one who stands in for us, and has transferred and transformed us (His name is Jesus!).
God reminds us that dealing with sin, and trusting in Jesus, is the truth of grace and obedience going hand-in-hand. To know Jesus is to be the object of God’s grace. To know Jesus is to obey Jesus – obedience displays that we have received grace.
God’s mob are a unique community. Created by God, through Jesus, it is made up of people who all have their lives ‘hidden with Christ’. It is open to any person, who comes to Jesus. It is forgiving and forbearing. It is peaceful, loving and constantly thankful. It is rich and singing, because of God’s word. And it reflects God in such a way that man-made divisions disappear. Isn’t that good?
