Read: Philippians 1:1-5
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi. (v. 1)
Sometimes when we think of a saint, we imagine some angular figure crystallized in stained glass or a person long dead who has been officially declared an ecclesiastical hero. Yet Paul identifies everyone in the church at Philippi as a saint. The word is the common New Testament designation for those who have embraced Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and who are now in the process of becoming more like Christ in their character and actions. In fact, the word “saints” could be translated as holy ones.
To say that Christ-followers are holy means they have been set apart as God’s very own for the purpose of serving him and reflecting his character. The term “saint” is not simply a religious label; it describes a life that is first of all vertically directed, toward God. You may be sitting next to a saint—in the biblical sense of the word—as you read this. You may be working with saints at your office this week. You may be living under the same roof with a family of saints—including yourself! Think of it in these terms: saints are ordinary people who worship an extraordinary Savior. They are natural people who follow a supernatural Christ. Saints are common people who are linked by faith to a very uncommon God. They are imperfect, flawed people who are set apart to serve a perfect and flawless Savior.
As you pray, thank God for the saints around you, and ask God to help you truly understand your role as a saint in this world.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
