As we look forward to zealously pursuing the Lord in 2024, let us encourage and equip ourselves by gleaning four critical concepts from Philippians 4:
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:10-13)
- Beware our human inclination in the coming year. Paul had to learn contentment, as it does not come naturally to man and is counter to culture.
- Prioritize being a practitioner, not an academic, of your faith in the days ahead. John Owen said, “The apostle does not say, I have heard, that in every estate I should be content: but, I have learned…Paul was a practitioner. Christians hear much, but I fear, learn little.”
- Prepare yourself now for God’s 2024 classroom. Warren Wiersbe states, “How did Paul learn? Surely in God’s classroom, the curriculum offering such classes as Discipline 101 and Tribulation 102; classes in which Paul had ample experience” (2 Cor. 11:26).
- Rely on Christ. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life to faithfully pursue God’s will and walk (Jn 15:16). As we labor FOR Christ this year, let us do so IN Christ’s strength.
Happy New Year!
