Author’s Note: Parents are commanded to diligently teach the Word of God to their children (Deut 6:7, Eph 6:4). Poetry is one way that God effectively communicates truth to His people (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations). The following poem is intended to summarize the main themes of a biblical book to help children learn, internalize, and retain the truth of God’s Word.
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus,
To the Philippi saints, elders, and deacons.
I always thank God when I think of you,
And your partnership in the gospel of truth.
I pray that your love continues to thrive,
As you wait for the day when Christ will arrive.
The chains that I wear have turned out for good,
Emboldening brothers to speak forth the word.
For me, life is Christ! And death is my gain,
Despite this desire, for you I remain.
Live worthy of Christ, stand firm side by side,
His humble example now serves as your guide.
Though equal with God, He came as man,
A Servant obeying God’s sovereign plan.
On a cross He was hanged, humbly to die,
Was raised back to life and exalted on high.
Because He now holds the name of all names,
Work out your salvation and live for His fame.
Man’s boastful pride is as worthless as dross,
To gain Christ as Lord I count all things as loss.
Forgetting the past is good for the soul,
Strive after the prize and press on toward the goal.
Some glory in shame, immune to reform,
While we await Jesus who comes to transform.
Rejoice in the Lord, to all men be kind,
And pray to the Father who guards heart and mind.
Practice and dwell on the things that are true,
And the God of all peace will be near to you.
I’ve learned the secret in hunger and need,
All things I can do through Him strengthening me.
I’m well supplied by the riches of God,
May Jesus give grace to saints near and abroad.
