​As citizens of the United States of America, we have certain privileges and freedoms we enjoy.  However, we also have duties and a reputation to uphold.  We must act as Americans, not dishonoring or defaming our country by our conduct.   
 
Likewise, we have a reputation to uphold as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom.  We carry the name of Christ, and therefore, must act accordingly.  As Paul urges the Philippians:

Have you ever thought of what it might be like to have the potential of execution hanging over you?  Have you considered what your thoughts and spiritual outlook might be if you were imprisoned for your faith? 
 
I don’t think many of us consider the notion.  We’re comfortable in our un-persecuted lives.  We don’t have to worry about being caught following Jesus or ponder whether we are ready to die for what we believe.  The worst that might happen right now in comfortable America is we might get sued or dragged into a lawsuit for standing up for what we believe.  Or maybe we’d receive a nasty email or letter from people who don’t like what we have to say.  These are not nice things to experience, nor are they easy.  However, we would not be thrown into a dark, damp prison cell with little food or water for our faith.  Nor are we expecting to be executed for preaching the gospel. 
 
But this is what Paul faced.  

​Paul’s love and affection for the Philippians is obvious from the first couple of verses.  However, the great Apostle never intended love to end with these saints, he wanted their love to abound and overflow for one another and those around them.  This is evident in his prayer for the Philippians, found immediately after his opening greeting.

​We’ve done our due diligence, and studied the background of this wonderful letter.  We know who wrote it and who received it.  Now it’s time to start taking a look at what was actually written in this important letter that has stood the test of time.  So let’s jump right in!

Immediately following the opening greeting, Paul writes:

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 1:3-8​