Heart Theology

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Philippians 1 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14, NIV)


THE BIG IDEA:
When Paul writes this letter to the Philippians, he’s completed his 3 missionary journeys; he’s established churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe; he’s written 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans, and the events contained in the book of Acts are complete. It seems that Paul had already lived a life for the Lord, but now he’s in prison and writing his soul children in the first church he established in Europe. 

How did Paul get here? We know from the book of Acts that Paul was consistently stirring up trouble in any town he visited with the local Jews by preaching the gospel of Jesus. In Acts 25, we read that Paul was before the ruling official in the city of Caesarea, this time as his case is being tried Paul appeals to Caesar. Every Roman citizen had the right to have his trial heard before Caesar. This was like an appeal to our Supreme Court. So then, Paul under arrest heads towards Rome and in the final verses of Acts we read “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:30-31). In these 2 years Paul writes Philippians and also Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon. 

So, with all that background in place, what would Paul have on his mind as he waited under house arrest in Rome? It seems that Paul was full of joy and love for his partners in the gospel at the church in Philippi. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).

Paul was a remarkable theologian and capable of writing deep and rich texts that pull the ancient scriptures together with the good news of Jesus, but here we see Paul’s heart towards his fellow believers, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (1:9-11).

In Philippians 1, I challenge you to find one verse that includes any sentiment of anger, worry, or pity. Paul understood and didn’t begrudge his situation. He didn’t fear the outcome of his trial before Caesar. He didn’t worry about who or how the gospel message was being spread. He was content because he knew God’s will was being done. And that is heart theology versus head theology. Head theology works great in the abstract, but our heart theology shows our core beliefs, our intuitive gut responses. Paul’s heart was filled with peace, love and joy even in his situation of need. Paul was smitten with the Spirit. 


REFLECTIONS:
Last year was tough for me. I had an illness that just wouldn’t go away and at the same time at work I was in charge of a project that had a seemingly impossible schedule. I was also personally challenged by many things that I wanted to complete. Several nights I lay awake praying earnestly for God to rescue me and take control. And guess what? When I look in the rear view mirror many of those things that troubled me have come and gone. God is truly in control and I am the one that needs to align my will with His and to fill my heart with trust and peace in Him. Thanks Paul for the great example. 


POINT OF ACTION:
Name your worries and concerns. Plead with God for His rescue. Then as you can, wait on Him and trust that in all adversity that He is with you, loves you, and that His will is being accomplished. 


PRAYER:
God, give us peace, patience and courage for today. Help us put our faith wholly in you and your will for us and our families. 


WHO AM I?
Last month I was fortunate enough to visit Israel with folks from our church and from around Texas and it was wonderful. There were so many things we did and saw that now help me relate to the Bible in new ways. One case in point is our visit to Caesarea. At Caesarea we saw Herod’s amazing man made harbor and palace. We also saw the Roman auditorium, coliseum, and state buildings. The state building we saw is believed to be the location where in Acts 25 Paul stands trial and appeals to Caesar, which leads to his travel to and stay in Rome and the writing of Philippians. These two pictures are the foundation of the state building and the plaque documenting the site.