Articles
Philippians - A Group of Saints
Philippians - A Group of Saints
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2)
In writing to the church at Philippi, notice Paul is actually writing to the PEOPLE. The PEOPLE ARE THE CHURCH at Philippi. Within this group of people, there are various roles, specifically, here there are overseers (elders, shepherds [pastors]). There were also some that were set apart to serve the church (deacons) in whatever the church needs.
Make note that the people, all of them, the living ones who are following the teachings of Jesus, including the overseers and deacons, they are all SAINTS. A Saint is one who has been set apart unto God, thus one of God’s people. They are set apart to live a life of holiness.
The words “saint”, “sanctified”, and “holy” all are based upon the same word. When a person obeys the gospel, they enter into a relationship with God, they become children of God (Gal. 3:26-27), they are sanctified (1 Cor. 6.11). They then begin completing this life of holiness: “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1)
Such perfecting of holiness is the changing of our very character: what we do, what we think, where we go, how we talk, etc. This requires a putting off of previous lifestyles and putting on new ones. The New Testament includes many actual lists of such changes. (cp. Eph. 4:17- ; Gal. 5:19-22; Romans 12; etc.!).
If you have become a saint in relationship, make sure you are living a life of holiness.
Hugh DeLong
