I remember when Jan and I drove through the modern city of Philippi, Greece. It was not the ancient city depicted in Scripture. I had to pause for a moment and remember it was a modern city to the people of the day when Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians. What Paul wrote about was not the current state of the city. He wrote about things that still affect us today, like how we relate to each other and the nature of Jesus. 

One verse in Paul’s letter revealed a powerful truth, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).

When God begins to transform our lives when we are saved, it begins a process of surrendering to Him as Lord. Some things we struggle with in this life may take a lifetime to see their fulfillment. They may not be finished until the Lord returns.

Paul was in prison when he wrote to the Philippians. He would be in prison on and off for the rest of his life leading to his death. Paul lived in union with Christ. His hope was not dependent on the condition of his life. It meant he would experience the favor of God in every struggle of life, “You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News” (vs. 7). It didn’t matter to Paul what happened to him because the Lord would be faithful to do through Paul what He had promised as long as he remained faithful to the Lord.

When Paul wrote to the Philippians he said, “I want you to understand what really matters so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return” (vs. 10). Living a pure and blameless life is about our focus.  For Paul, and for us, it was about, “The righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ” (vs. 11).

What really matters in this life is our relationship with Jesus. That relationship is where we will find peace and hope even if our lives continue to struggle forward through the various prisons of this life. It’s a hope that will endure, even if some of our struggles will only end at Christ’s return.