“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Paul’s usual practice was to close his epistles with an emphasis upon God’s matchless grace. Paul concluded the letter with a closing prayer for the Philippians. The prayers of the saints often reveal their hearts. Paul’s heart was that the Philippians would experience the grace of God.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

Paul made his final and crowning comment—he wanted them to experience the grace of God day by day.

This was more than a formal or customary greeting. The greeting had deep meaning to Paul. This was the deepest desire of the apostle. Paul, above all else, wanted the Philippians to experience God’s grace in their lives. Grace is a centerpiece in the salutations and conclusions of Paul’s epistles.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of grace:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Co 8:9)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” (2 Co 13:14)

“Amen”

“Amen” means so be it. Paul affirmed his belief system: “May the Philippians experience the grace of God day by day in their lives.”

Principle:

The grace of God is a central operating principle for Christian living.

Application:

The grace of God is His provision for us. He gives these provisions without merit.

Are you conscious of God’s provisions in your life? Do you know what those provisions are? Are you able to use those provisions for what you face day by day? Is the grace of God operative in your experience? Is the grace of God “with you”?