Do your actions and life choices flow from a deep inner love for God and others? Are you living your daily live with a desire to be ready for the return of Jesus? Are your actions in line with God’s clear commands in scripture? In response to the good news of Jesus Christ, Paul challenges us to recognize that the day of salvation is almost here, to wake up, to get dressed, and to live like the “people of the day” that God has called us to be.

In the introduction of his letter to the Philippian church, Paul reminds them of the depth of community that exists between them, even though they are currently apart. Christ's call to the church today is to lean deeply into authentic community, not just for our own benefit, but to equip us to then go out and share Christ's love with the world around us.

As followers of Jesus, what actions and attitudes should characterize our relationship with the governing authorities? Paul, writing from a historical political situation much more difficult than ours, clarifies three truths about submitting to the government, and provides a jumping off point to discuss civil disobedience.

Paul recognizes that our behaviour must be built upon our belief. The first 11 chapters teach us about the believer’s position in Christ. This salvation which is found in these chapters should transform our Christian life in relation to God and all of humanity. Paul has previously told us that our lives are to be transformed by the renewing of our hearts and minds. These changes that take place inwardly, should then produce changes that are outworked in all of our relationships. We are to practice this love within our Christian family. A Love that is genuine and real, and leads us to be able to practice this even with those who oppose us. This Love should lead us to pursue doing good and help us to run away from doing evil.

As long as our focus remains on ourselves, we will never discover our true identity. Instead, it is when we look to God, when we understand the merciful way that he has loved us in Jesus Christ, that we can begin to understand who we really are. Responding to the good news requires a total renovation of our perspective and results in ongoing transformation of our relationships. This is only possible when we begin to understand our lives in light of what God has done for us, and to live our lives not for ourselves but in service to others.

After spending eight chapters explaining and celebrating the gospel, Paul pauses for three chapters to discuss the role of Israel in God’s plan of salvation. In today’s passage, he lands the discussion, clarifying the realities of Israel concerning the past, the present and the future. While Paul may not answer each question as clearly as we’d like, he provides a sweeping view of salvation history clarifying God’s heart for Israel and the right attitude of non-Jews in response. And, before moving onto the next passage, he rightly pauses to worship God.

How does spreading the gospel “work”? In the midst of his discussion about the spiritual condition of Israel, Paul zooms out to talk about the steps involved with sharing gospel. He reminds us that faith can only grow when people hear the gospel, that God chooses to speak through his followers, and that he stands in a posture of grace even towards those who are indifferent or resistant to him.

Who are you and what is the purpose of your life? We spend our lives searching for happiness, hope and meaning, but time after time we come up short. In the bad times it’s obvious. In the good times it’s more subtle, but still there remains this nagging feeling in our souls that there must be more to life. The story of Jesus’ resurrection offers a perspective worth considering, challenging us with the possibility that fulfillment is available, but only with God’s help.

Throughout Mark, we encounter an emphasis on the fact that, while Jesus’ entire ministry takes place out in the open for all to see, only those who are paying attention with eyes of faith truly grasp what’s going on. Everyone else seems to miss the point. We see this same dynamic playing out as Jesus enters Jerusalem. This passage invites us to pay attention as we journey toward Good Friday and Easter. It challenges us to be counted among those who truly embrace the open secret rather than those who—while seemingly participating fully—are missing the point of who Jesus is and what he’s up to.

In the previous passage, Paul waded through the difficult truth of divine election, celebrating the mercy of God in his decision to bring salvation to the elect. In this passage, Paul speaks to the other true side of salvation—that it is available to all through simple and sincere trust in Jesus. In contrast to the pride that causes so many people to miss God’s gift, Paul reminds us of the truth that Jesus has accomplished all that is necessary for our salvation, and assures us of the simplicity of receiving the good news.