Saturday, August 31, 2013

Philippians 4:14-20

Passage

Yet, it was good of you to do while sharing in my affliction.  And even you all know, Philippians, that in the beginning of telling the good news when I went out of Macedonia (Northern Greece) no church entered into fellowship with me in the matters of giving and receiving except you only.  Even in Thessalonica once and again you sent into my need.  I am not seeking the gift, but I am seeking after the fruit that is in abundance in your credit.  And in all things I have received in full and I am in abundance.  I have been provided for completely after receiving from Epaphroditus the things from you – a fragrant smell, an acceptable sacrifice, and a thing well-pleasing to God.  And my God will fulfill every need of yours according to His riches of glory in Christ Jesus.  And to God our Father be glory into the ages of ages, amen.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul takes a small amount of time at the end of the letter to remind the Philippians of their faithfulness.  They were the first and only Macedonian people to join with him.  They have supported him a few times when he moved on to Thessalonica.  They have now supported him again through Epaphroditus.  Sometimes it is nice to do a review of our faithfulness as it helps us remember how God actually is working in our life.  It is easy to forget all the good things God is doing through us.

If you were to review your spiritual life in the past year, what can you say God has done through you?  How do you feel after looking at what God has done through you?

Second Thought:

Note that Paul brings attention to the credit given by God with respect to our fellowship with other followers.  Because the Philippians are supporting Paul, God will increase their credit.  The fruit they bear has an earthly element to it as well as a spiritual element to it.  In many respects, what Paul is reminding the Philippians in these verses is what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:20.  When we are obedient to God, we lay up treasure in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy.  I love this concept.  First, it embraces delayed gratification.  Second, it reminds us about perspective.  In life, perspective is everything.  When our perspective is with God, life just goes along better even in the midst of persecution.

Where are your treasures?  How can you learn to look more for “God’s credit” than your own “stuff?”  What does it mean to you that we have credit with God according to our fruit?

Third Thought:

Paul declares that God will fulfill every need of the Philippians.  That is a bold comment.  After all, God isn’t in the business of making His followers the biggest and brightest according to the world’s standards.  Instead, God is about making His followers the biggest and brightest according to His standards.  So what Paul is saying here is that when you are doing what God has asked you to do then He will indeed give you everything that you need to accomplish it.  It’s really that simple.  Abide in God’s will and He will provide without question.

How often do you abide in God’s will?  How often do you abide in your own will?  In which of these two do you experience more frustration and shortcoming?  In which of these two do you experience more abundance and fulfillment?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 4:21-23

Friday, August 30, 2013

Philippians 4:10-13

Passage

And I have rejoiced in the Lord greatly that you all are now again in a familiar position to think of me – upon whom you were thinking but you lacked opportunity.  Not that I am speaking according to a need, for I learned about what I am to be content.  I have known what it is like to live in humble circumstances and I have known to live in abundance.  In everything and in all things I have learned the secret – even to be full and to be hungry and to be in abundance and to be in lack.  I am capable in the one who empowers.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul is grateful for the Philippians’ concern.  It is easy to read this passage in the light of equating “thinking of me” and “financially supporting me.”  In truth, this probably has some air of truth – especially given what Paul says later in the same paragraph.  However, we do all have needs that it feels good to have others meet regardless of whether they are financial, physical, mental, or emotional.  It is good to realize that other people are coming along beside us and helping us walk through life together.

What needs do you have?  Who are the people who are helping you meet those needs?  Are there any needs that you have that are unmet?  Who are the people that might be able to help you with those?

Second Thought:

Paul speaks about living in extremes.  He speaks about living in abundance and in need.  Certainly Paul is talking about life provisions here: food, clothing, shelter, etc.  But I also believe Paul is talking about spirituality as well.  He knows what it is like to live in a place of spiritual abundance as well as spiritual wasteland.  His conclusion is sound.  Regardless of whether we are in abundance or lack – physically or spiritually – the trick is learning how to be content.  We find contentedness not in the stuff around us but rather in God.

How are you doing with contentedness in life?  What brings you to a place of being content?

Third Thought:

Paul says that he is capable in the one who empowers.  This is both a statement of confidence and humbleness.  Paul knows that he can accomplish what he has been asked to do.  God gives him the power to do it.  However, Paul recognizes that it is God from whom the power comes.  Paul is not saying he can succeed at anything.  He is saying that he can succeed at that which he has been empowered to accomplish.

What has God asked you to do?  What has God empowered you to do?  Do you feel confident in your ability to accomplish that task?  Are you content with your ability to accomplish the task?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 4:14-20

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Philippians 4:8-9

Passage

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is of good character, whatever is just, whatever is pure without defect, whatever is pleasing, whatever is worthy of approval, if it is of virtuous quality and praiseworthy: ponder these things.  And what you all learned and received and heard and seen in me: practice these things.  And the God of peace is with you all.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul gives us a laundry list of things to ponder.  The word Paul uses here for pondering is a word that means “to think logically” or “to reason.”  This word is etymologically connected to our English word “logic.”  When we are thinking, reasoning, in control, and following God – these are the things we should consider.  Of course, I have to think back over my past.  How often have I not been interested in truth or justice or good character or purity or pleasing God or my worthiness of God’s approval or virtue or my praiseworthiness?  If I’m not first concerned about those things, how will I ever do the actions that lead to those things?

How often do you ponder the things of God?  How do you ponder the things of God?  How does focusing, thinking about, or reasoning about God help you in life?

Second Thought:

Paul doesn’t only focus on thinking about God; he also focuses on living out the faith.  Paul is clear in his directive to the Philippians.  Where they have seen God in Paul, heard God through Paul, received God through Paul, and learned about God from Paul – these are the things that they should put into practice.  Hear we see brilliantly the practice of Christianity.  Learn information, imitate behavior, and innovate into your own life.  That’s what the disciples did with Jesus.  It is what Paul is encouraging the Philippians to do through him as well.

From whom do you learn?  Whom in this world can you imitate because you can see Christ in them?  How do you innovate God’s behavior into your life?

Third Thought:

God is with you.  In one sense, it is fitting to say this after we’ve spoken about that which we ponder and practice.  When we ponder and practice the presence of God, of course He is with us!  But if that is all, then it makes God sound rather self-serving!  No, God was with us while we were still rejecting Him.  God was with us when we were rebelling against Him and running away from Him.  God was with us when we were running into our own desires.  He was calling us to Him.  Of course He is with us when we are with Him.  But the reality is that He is with us when we have our backs to Him as well.  How great is our God!

When has God been with you even if you weren’t interested in being with Him?  When has God been with you and you knew it all along because you were with Him in return?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 4:10-13

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Philippians 4:4-7

Passage

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say, rejoice!  Let your graciousness be known to all people.  The Lord’s time is almost at hand.  Be anxious in nothing.  But in every prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known by God.  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep watch in Christ Jesus over your hearts and your minds.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

This is an awesome section of verses.  Paul reminds us to rejoice.  Rejoice always, even!  So here we are with the invitation and challenge again.  Who can’t rejoice every moment of every day because God walks with you through life?  Yet, do I?  When the rubber meets the road, are there places in my life where rejoicing just isn’t happening?  Yeah.  There is challenge there.  I know I have so much to rejoice over.  I’m still alive in spite of having done some pretty stupid things in my past.  I have a great marriage.  I have a job that I love.  I am surrounded by spiritual people who love me.  God has been good in having His hand work through all of these things so that I can enjoy the benefit of His work.  I have much to rejoice over!

What in your life can you rejoice over?  How is God at work within you and the activities of your life?

Second Thought:

Paul tells the Philippians to let their graciousness be known.  They are to not be anxious.  They are to be in prayer – relationship with God.  In a nutshell, they are to be living out their faith in God.  Here is another point of challenge.  If I truly believe in God’s hand at work in my life, what reason do I have to be anxious about anything?  That’s kind of Jesus’ point in Matthew 6:25-34, actually.  Paul goes on to make another point.  If I truly am in relationship with God, how often do I talk to Him in prayer?  Paul knows that there is a difference between an academic understanding of God and living out one’s faith in God.  As h ends this letter, he encourages them to actually live it out.

Do you live out your faith in God?  How do you accomplish this task?  Do you think other people see you living out your faith?

Third Thought:

The peace of God will keep watch in Christ Jesus over your hearts and minds.  What an incredible testimony.  This is such a valuable verse.  It is difficult growing closer to God.  It is difficult growing apart from the world.  It is difficult hearing God’s voice in our lives and even more difficult to discern God’s voice from the world.  How do we know when we have discerned God correctly?  We will continue to be at peace with God.  God’s peace will watch over us.  Walking with God means walking through life under His peace.

How do you discern God’s word in your life?  Do you act upon what you discern?  What does it mean for you to have God’s peace keep watch over your heart and mind?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 4:8-9

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Philippians 4:2-3

Passage

I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche to think the same in the Lord.  Yes, I ask even you, my coworkers, join in helping these women who joined in the labor of the Gospel with me and even with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul appeals to two women in this letter to think the same things that Paul wrote earlier.  Paul’s ultimate goal for the church is unity in proclamation.  It is not good for us to argue among each other; it is even less good that we should proclaim different things.  The more we divide over truly less important theological ideals the more we send a message to the world that we aren’t actually focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Indeed, what we see here is that the concept of division is so important that Paul attempts to mobilize the whole resources of the church to resolve the division.

How can unity come from focusing on Jesus Christ?  How does our division come when we focus elsewhere besides Jesus Christ?

Second Thought:

We can learn much about women in ministry from this passage.  First we can learn that Euodia and Syntyche were powerful in the Philippian church.  If their division is causing conflict enough so that Paul is hearing about it in jail elsewhere, they must be of significant importance.  Paul doesn’t take the opportunity to chastise the church for allowing them to becoming leaders – so Paul must not have actually had the issue against women in ministry that many claim him to have.  Second, Paul actually says of them that they labored with him and all the other people in Philippi.  The words he uses here are not words one would use of a mentor, a servant, or slave.  Paul calls them co-workers.  Actually, in one case the term is actually understood to be co-yoked.  These women shared an equal burden with Paul in the work of the Gospel.  This is yet another passage that shows the importance Paul placed on the role of women in the church.  {Don’t forget that the church in Philippi began with Lydia as taught in Acts 16!}

Why is it important to see these women not as servants under Paul but as ones being co-yoked with Paul?  What can we learn from this passage about Paul’s understanding of church hierarchy with respect to power?

Third Thought:

Paul talks here about the book of life.  This is a fairly vague reference.  The idea is that God is keeping track of His own.  God knows who belongs to Him.  Even in the midst of our flaws and failings, God knows who belongs.  How comforting is it that even in the midst of our humanity God can tell which of us belongs to Him!

How does it make you feel to realize in Christ that you are God’s?  What emotions would you speak of to describe your reaction to your name being present in God’s book of life?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 4:4-7

Monday, August 26, 2013

Philippians 3:20-4:1

Passage

For our citizenship exists in heaven.  Out of which we even await a savior: the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will change the state of our lowly bodies to a form similar to His body of glory according to the functioning of His power even to subject all things to Himself.  Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers and sisters – my crown and joy, in this way, beloved, stand in the Lord.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Our citizenship is in heaven.  It’s a pretty plain and simple concept.  We are not citizens here, although we do live here and exist here.  But our true place of belonging is with God.  I think I find this to be one of the greatest struggles in life.  How does one live as a citizen in heaven yet exist in this world?  Surely God doesn’t want us to ignore this world.  Yet, God does not want us to embrace this world and become like it, either.  This is one of the most difficult concepts to continue to live out in balance.

Where in your life are you clearly a citizen in heaven?  Where in life are you truly a citizen of this world?  Do you ever get caught in the tension between the two?

Second Thought:

Largely because of this tension, Paul tells us that we expect a savior to come.  Yes, Jesus Christ has already come once: to die.  But when He returns, He will bring us into the kingdom as full citizens.  It is Christ who has the power to transform us as beings of this world into beings of the world to come.  It is Christ who will usher us fully and completely into the new age.  I don’t have the power to do it myself; Christ will do it with me – perhaps for me is the better expression.  He has the power to subject all things to Himself.

When you think about Jesus as spoken about in the Gospels, do you think of someone who was all-powerful and someone who presented Himself as making all things subject to Himself?  What can this teach us about servant leadership and true use of power in a Christ-like fashion? 

Third Thought:

Paul speaks about the Philippians as His crown, joy, beloved, and longed-for.  What a great set of characteristics!  Talk about feeling loved and cherished!  Yet, Paul doesn’t let them only feel loved.  Paul gives them both invitation and challenge.  The invitation is the love.  The challenge is the command to stand firm.  They are beloved and cherished because of their faithful response to God!  They need to keep up the faith!

Which do you respond to better: challenge or invitation?  Do you think both are necessary?  How would you respond to Paul if you heard him speak 4:1 to you as the subject?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 4:2-3

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Philippians 3:17-19

Passage

Brothers and sisters, become fellow imitators with me.  And regard closely the ones who live customarily in this manner just as you all have us as an example.  For many– about whom I was speaking to you all often and even now about whom I speak while lamenting – live customarily as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their end is destruction.  Their god is the stomach and glory is in their shame.  These are the ones who give serious consideration to earthly things.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul encourages the Philippians to become a fellow imitator.  As Paul imitates Christ, he invites the Philippians to come alongside of him and do likewise.  However, notice that in order to do this Paul tells them that they have to watch others closely.  They have to watch them not to judge them on an eternal scale but rather to discover the patterns and behaviors that are worthy of imitation.  The Christian life is fundamentally about looking closely and deeply into the lives of others so we can learn and imitate.

How good are you at looking deeply into the life of someone you want to imitate?  What do you need in order to be able to look closely?  How good are you at letting others look closely into your life in order to imitate Christ as He is seen in you?

Second Thought:

Paul laments over the multitudes that are focused on their life.  Paul laments over the multitudes that are living for the things of this world.  Paul laments over just how many people in this age are pursuing goals that won’t bring long-lasting fulfillment.  They do not realize that in choosing the world they are also not choosing Christ.  In the pursuit of things that will not last they are also becoming an enemy to the cross of Christ.  This is troubling to Paul, because he cares for people.  Paul – in imitating the God he serves – loves people and wants them to find fulfillment in life rather than the things of this world.

What have you chased in your life that ultimately wasn’t fulfilling?  How did that make you an enemy of the cross of Christ for a time?  How did you overcome that experience?

Third Thought:

Again in Paul’s work we find this idea of focus or consideration to be a significant concept.  If we care about the goals and desires of the world, then our end is destruction and we are to be shamed.  This doesn’t mean we should shun the world and go into the mountains and forsake the world, either.  What it means is that our goal is Jesus Christ.  We need to learn to interact in the world so that Jesus Christ is the outcome.  We need to learn how to interact with the world so that the things of the world are not the goal but rather the means to engaging others with the grace, love, and mercy of God.

Why is it so easy to get wrapped up in the things of the world so that they become our goal?  How can you continue to move past – or through – the things of the world to be with God?  What things of this world can you use to engage others in the things of God?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:20-4:1

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Philippians 3:15-16

Passage

As many as are whole, we should think like this.  And if in anything you all should think differently, even God will reveal this to you.  In any case, into that which we attained conform into this same thing.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Whole.  Mature.  Complete.  Perfected.  There are many ways to get at Paul’s point in the first clause.  Remember that yesterday was about realizing that we arrive at salvation through the cross and respond out of the grace of God that we find at the cross.  Therefore, if we are wholly with God, we should think like this.  If we want to be mature in Christ, we should think like this.  If we want to be complete, we should think like this.  The mature in the faith are willing to come to the cross first and let salvation be about the cross.  The mature in the faith don’t put any basis of salvation on any works of mankind.  Instead, we work because we have been saved.  In fact, we anticipate much effort because it is through much effort on God’s behalf that we are saved.

In what way is maturity demonstrated by allowing salvation to be only God’s work?  Why does it take maturity to accept that salvation can only come through Jesus and not through our own work?  Why does it take maturity to put aside all of our human works and traditions and believe that God works salvation only through the cross?

Second Thought:

We need to be careful with the verse in this section regarding thinking differently.  Remember, Paul is talking here about how faith and works balance and work with each other.  Paul isn’t saying that in all things we must think exactly alike and do exactly alike.  Rather, Paul is saying that with respect to salvation through Christ and our calling to respond out of salvation we need to think this way together.  But there is absolutely freedom in that we all may be called to different ministries through our united salvation in the cross of Christ.  Paul is saying that if any of us think differently about salvation or that God desires much effort in response to salvation that God will reveal to such a person that they are wrong.

Why is it important to understand that we need to be united in our understanding of how salvation comes to us?  Why is it likewise important to understand that there is freedom in how God may ask us to respond to that salvation?

Third Thought:

We are to conform.  Conform doesn’t mean that we stay the same and rationalize ourselves.  To conform means that we change to become like something else.  Specifically, Paul is saying that as we see the great effort that God put into our salvation, then we conform to the same thing.  We are conforming to what we see in the cross.  We are striving and reaching out to be like what we see in the cross.

What does it mean to you to be conformed to the cross?  Are you conforming your life to the cross?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:17-21

Friday, August 23, 2013

Philippians 3:12-14

Passage

I have not already received this, nor have I already been made perfect.  But I press on so even I should receive it with much effort, for I also was received with much effort by Christ Jesus.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself as having received with much effort.  But one this I do consider: on one hand while forgetting the things behind me and on the other hand while stretching out to the goal ahead of me I press on according to the goal into the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul wants to be very clear in this passage.  It is difficult to talk about the Christian walk and not slip into works righteousness.  After all, a response to faith is expected by God, but that response is never what saves us.  Therefore, Paul delicately dances around the issue of pressing towards perfection in Christ but also making sure that his readers understand that he’s not already there and it is never by his own initial effort.  He is not yet perfected in Christ.  He is working with much effort, but he is doing so only after being received by Christ through much effort on Christ’s behalf.

Why is it always important to put our work in its proper place – that is, following Christ’s initial work?  How does this thought lead us towards humbleness?

Second Thought:

That being said, Paul makes it clear in this passage that much effort is being used on his behalf.  Following Jesus is never easy.  It takes focusing upon the goal.  It takes working towards the goal.  It takes stretching ourselves out for what God wants of us.  It is a challenge.  But it is worth it.

Where has God asked you to work and grow and stretch out?  Why does it make it easier to remember your growth in the context of what God first asked of His Son?

Third Thought:

Paul speaks of a prize.  The prize is the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Life is full of many tasks.  Many don’t bring fulfillment.  Some do.  Very few things bring lasting fulfillment throughout all of life.  In God, however, we can routinely find that long-lasting satisfaction.  When we are working for God and working on the things that He asks us to work, we are often fulfilled on a much deeper level.  That’s the upward calling.

What has God asked you to do that was ultimately fulfilling?  What have you done apart from God that was not long-lasting in its fulfillment?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:15-16

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Philippians 3:8-11

Passage

Rather, I even consider all things a loss for the sake of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord.  Because of Him I suffered loss of all things – even considering them garbage – in order to gain Christ.  Even I should be found in Him, not while having my righteousness that comes out of the Law but through the righteousness through the faithfulness of Christ – the righteousness from God resting upon faith – to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings while with Him taking on the same form of His death so that in some way I should arrive into the state of the resurrection out of the dead.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul continues his challenging conversation of loss here.  Paul pushes the envelope one more step.  Not only does he consider the things of the world loss; he is now of the mind to consider them garbage.  As we learned yesterday, the things of the world are things that need to be overcome.  Therefore, without the things of the world we wouldn’t have to overcome the negative influences they have upon us.  They truly are trash from a spiritual perspective.  The things of this world hinder our spirituality with God and with one another.  Yet it is so hard resisting the lure of the things of this world.

Why is it so difficult to turn away from the things of this world?  Why is it so difficult to consider the non-spiritual stuff in this world as garbage?  What gets in our way?

Second Thought:

Paul talks about knowing Christ as the replacement for the trash of this world.  In that light, there is no comparison!  But to know Christ means to know both the good and the bad dynamics of the relationship.  To know Christ is to know something of great value.  To know Christ is to know the power of the resurrection and triumph over death.  To know Christ is to know the death of this worldly person and the birth of the person Christ wants me to be.  Yet to know Christ is also to know the fellowship of His suffering.  I love that Paul uses the word fellowship there.  Fellowship is a good thing.  Fellowship of suffering is a good thing.  We tend to naturally see it as bad, but to truly know Christ we must also know the fellowship of His suffering.  To know Christ, we must know the rejection of the world.

Do you think it is possible to truly know Christ and not also share in His suffering?  What does it mean to you that to know Christ also means to know the power of the resurrection and triumph over death?

Third Thought:

Paul ends this passage in a most humble tone: “that in some way I should arrive…”  Paul is careful of his words here.  Paul literally is saying, “should.”  In other words, it is a confession.  He knows he cannot guarantee it on his own power or means.  Based on his works alone, it is not a foregone conclusion.  It is only through Christ that Paul should arrive at the resurrection out of the dead.  Yes, he will arrive there when Christ comes back.  We can trust fully in God’s promise knowing that He is faithful to His promise.  But it is good for us to remember that the only reason we will find joy in eternal life is because of God’s grace.  It is never me or my work; it is always by the grace of God.

Do you ever talk of the resurrection as though you are taking it for granted?  What is the danger in speaking about the resurrection in terms that are not humbly pointing back to God’s grace, mercy, and love?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:12-14

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Philippians 3:4-7

Passage

However, I have reason for confidence in the flesh also.  If anyone thinks that they have reason to be confident in the things of the flesh, I have more.  I am circumcised on the 8th day: a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin – a Hebrew out of Hebrews.  According to the Law, I am a Pharisee.  According to zeal, I am a persecutor of the church.  According to righteousness – the righteousness in the Law – I am, after becoming blameless.  But whatever profit I was having I have considered a loss because of Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul now speaks about fleshly qualifications.  As we read these words, we need to understand that Paul isn’t trying to puff himself up.  He’s not trying to say that he is better than anyone else.  What he is trying to do is set up the importance of Christ and the hindrances of the world.  Let me give an example of what he is doing.  Who will be best able to speak to the struggle of alcoholism – a person who has never had alcohol or a person who was an alcoholic and who has sobered up?  This is the same argument Paul is making.  The person best able to speak about casting off the fame of the world is the one who has cast off much fame.

What role can your life struggles play in your testimony to the world?  What are the things that you have struggled to overcome in Christ?  Who might you be able to help through that struggle?

Second Thought:

Regarding Paul’s heritage, one would say that he literally had it all from a Jewish perspective.  He was born of Jews.  He was circumcised according to the proper tradition.  He took the study of God’s Word very seriously.  He persecuted those who were taking God’s Word in non-traditional directions.  Paul was one of the up and coming rising stars among Jewish leaders of his day.   He had the right pedigree and life circumstances to truly make a name for himself in Jewish circles.  His plate was set for him for probably the rest of his life.

What does this passage tell us about Paul’s fame, reputation, and life trajectory prior to meeting Christ?  How hard do you think Paul had to work to get himself into that position?  What human fame, reputation, glory, or life trajectory do you have in your life?

Third Thought:

Paul lowers the boom in verse 7.  Whatever he had as profit he now counts as a loss because of Christ.  Take seriously the power of this verse.  Paul is saying that all the stuff in his life of which he was once proud was actually a hindrance!  It wasn’t a wash or something neutral; it was actually a loss!  It was something to be overcome.  The claim Paul is making is that human success – that is, success apart from God’s will – is actually a hindrance in our spiritual life.

Do you believe this?  What human successes – things that the world would say are good – are actually hindering you from being able to do God’s will?  If you believe what Paul is teaching here, how can you help yourself avoid the pitfalls of having successes in this world of which God is not a part?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:8-11

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Philippians 3:1-3

Passage

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.  For me to write this same thing to you is on one hand not troublesome for me and on the other hand a safeguard for you all.  Beware of the dogs, beware of the workers of evil, and beware of the mutilation.  For we are the circumcision – we who worship by the Spirit and who express confidence in Christ Jesus and who do not put confidence in the flesh.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul tells the Philippians to remember to rejoice.  Then he tells them that it is easy for him to do so, which it is.  Then he tells them that it is a safeguard for them.  This is really a neat point.  How easy is it to go through life and forget to rejoice!  How easy is it to go through life and get so caught up in the work and problems of life that we honestly forget to rejoice!  I think Paul is brilliant in this reminder.  We can take life so seriously sometimes that we forget to stop and rejoice in the Lord! 

What does it cost us to remind each others to rejoice?  What might it cost us and others if we forget to remind others to rejoice?

Second Thought:

Paul tells the Philippians to beware of the dogs and the workers of evil.  In ancient days, dogs were not the beloved house pets they are today.  They were pack scavengers.  They roamed the world looking for dead, near dead, sick, or injured that they could finish off.  They roamed in packs looking for something vulnerable to consume.  They separate off the old, the young, and the weak from a herd in order to consume it.  I love my dogs; but I am not ignorant of their origin.  Paul tells the Philippians to be careful about people in this world who look to do the same to believers in Christ.  There are people who are looking for any sign of weakness so that they can come into your life and pull you away from God by indoctrinating you with their own understanding.  Like the scavenger dogs of Paul’s day, these people simply seek to devour the weak in the faith.

Do you know any people who will take advantage of any opportunity to try and pull someone away from God?  Why are these people dangerous?  How can we protect ourselves and each other?

Third Thought:

Paul also tells the Philippians to be careful of the mutilation.  This is Paul’s word for those people who taught that circumcision is necessary for salvation.  In the verses that follow, Paul is quick to point out that true faith is found in worshipping God in the Spirit.  True faith is found in clinging solely to the cross of Jesus Christ.  There is a real danger anytime someone says, “Yes, but if you just do _____ then you’ll be truly saved.  In Paul’s day people put circumcision in that blank.  Today people put baptism into that blank.  Others put praying the Sinner’s Prayer into that blank.  Still other put church attendance, Bible study attendance, etc into that blank.  The reality is that all of these things are great responses to salvation.  But they do not bring us salvation.  I am no more or less saved because of my baptism.  I am no more or less saved because I pray, attend church, preach, study my Bible, tithe, etc.  I am saved only through the cross of Christ.  To promote any of these things as anything other than a response to the grace of God as given through the cross is simply dangerous theology.  That is why Paul calls it mutilation.  It is mutilation of genuine Christianity.

Why do some people believe that doing certain works guarantees salvation?  Why do people have such a difficult time asserting that salvation only comes through the cross? 


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:4-7

Monday, August 19, 2013

Philippians 2:25-30

Passage

I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, coworker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and minister to my need.  For while longing for you all he was distressed when you all heard that he was sick.  Indeed, he was sick – even near death.  But God showed mercy to him – and not only to him but to me as well – in order that I should not have grief upon grief.  Therefore, I am now more eager to send him so that you may rejoice at seeing him and I may be less anxious.  Receive him in the Lord with all joy as you receive all such men.  For he nearly died on account of the work of Christ after exposing his life to danger in order to fill up that which was needed in your service to me.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

 Paul now talks to the Philippians about Epaphroditus.  According to these words, Epaphroditus was from Philippi.  This means that he was one of the community to which Paul was writing.  This really comes out as we hear Paul talking about how much the Philippians were distressed when they heard that he was sick and how much Epaphroditus wanted to convince them that he was better once he had recovered.  What we see here is a genuine spiritual connection between Epaphroditus and his people.  No wonder this Philippian church was so strong.  The evidence of their spiritual connection is clear in their relationship.

Are you inspired by the amount of love between an apostle and their sending community?  How do you think such relationships are fostered?  Who should get the credit for the existence of such relationships?

Second Thought:

Paul gives Epaphroditus several personal titles here.  He calls him a brother.  That indicates a tie of spiritual family.  Paul calls him a “coworker.”  Paul elevates him up to his level, demonstrating humbleness while being willing to lift up Epaphroditus’ place in God’s kingdom.  Paul calls him a fellow soldier, indicating that the calling that Epaphrditus has undertaken has not been easy yet he has persevered.  He also calls him an apostle, demonstrating his belief that Epaphroditus is called by God to be doing the work.  We’ve already spoken about how Epaphroditus was from the Philippian community and came to help in Paul’s ministry.  Epaphroditus was a valued member of the team.  His gifts were given and used by God.

Imagine being a part of Paul’s team – God’s team, of course.  What do you think it would have felt like to do ministry beside Paul?  Who is your ministry team?  Who are your coworkers in the gospel?  Who are your fellow soldiers?  Who are the apostles standing shoulder to shoulder beside you?  How do you feel about them?

Third Thought:

The last sentence of this passage needs to be explained.  It is often translated in a manner as though Paul is chastising the Philippians.  There was nothing lacking from the Philippians.  Remember that this letter began with Paul praising their efforts to support him!  Rather, Paul is saying that Epaphroditus was supplying to him what they naturally could not supply because they weren’t with him day-to-day.  It wasn’t a condemnation; rather it was to set their mind at ease.  Paul was saying that his needs were being met as they do God’s work where God has called them to be!

How does God use your support in other areas of the world?  Who are you supporting in prayer, finances, verbally, or some other means?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:1-3

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Philippians 2:22-24

Passage

But you know his proven character, how in the gospel he has served with me like a son to a father.  Therefore, on one hand I hope to send him as soon as I determine the things regarding my situation.  But on the other hand I have become convinced in the Lord that I will also soon arrive with you all.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul speaks about Timothy’s proven character.  Timothy has developed a pattern of righteousness.  He has not only said he follows Christ but also lived it out.  For Timothy – and for Paul observing Timothy – he has been about the practice of living out God’s will for his life.  Anyone can confess to follow Christ.  Some of those people will live it out for a while.  Only the true disciple will live it out such that their life becomes Christ-like forever.

What does a “proven” character mean to you?  How do you identify a proven character?  Who in your life has a proven character?  Would people in your life see you as one with a proven character? 

Second Thought:

Paul speaks about Timothy as a son working with a father.  There is clearly a bond between them that has grown out of years of ministry together.  They are not blood relations, but there is a clear spiritual familial bond here.  It is amazing to see how God knits people together when those people recognize that it is God that joins them together.

Who are you close to in your life?  Do you have a spiritual mentor (or mentors) in your life that you look to as a spiritual father or mother?  Do you have anyone in this life that you look to as a spiritual son or daughter?  How do you get to that point of spiritual connectedness?

Third Thought:

Paul is convinced that he will be with the Philippians soon.  This helps us understand what Paul said in the first chapter about the tension between desiring to be with the Lord but also desiring to do the work of the Lord.  Paul knows that the Lord is not done with Him and He will allow Paul to continue to do the work that has been set before him.  It is good to desire to be with the Lord; but it is even better to desire to do what the Lord actually wants us to do with our time.  This last verse in this section is a verse of submission.  For Paul, he is convinced that the Lord has more work for him to accomplish.

Why is it important for Paul to submit to God even in the midst of imprisonment?  What does it say to others when they see Paul’s commitment and joy with respect to doing the work of the Lord?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 2:25-30

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Philippians 2:19-21

Passage

I hope through the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon.  In his coming, I will be cheered by hearing news of you all.  I have nobody else like him who will so genuinely be concerned for your welfare.  Everyone else seeks their own interests rather than the interest of Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul hopes to send Timothy through the power of Jesus Christ.  Jesus will make it possible.  He will provide the way, the strength, and even the mindset.  Here at the beginning of this section we are reminded of the importance of Jesus Christ in everything that we do.

What do you do through Jesus Christ?  What areas of your life does He touch the most?  Why do you think that He is in those areas?

Second Thought:

Paul says that he has nobody else who will be so concerned with their welfare.  Let’s remember Timothy’s story.  Timothy was discipled first by his mother and grandmother (who were Jews at the time).  Timothy and his family met Paul.  They watched Paul get stoned.  Later, Timothy joined Paul and became discipled under Paul.  What we see in Timothy is that this servant mindset is not something gained over night.  It is learned and experienced through others as it is adopted slowly into one’s life.  But it is the goal.  The highest praise Paul could give to Timothy is that he will be genuinely concerned for them.

Are you genuinely concerned for others?  If so, whom?  What about those people makes you concerned for them?  How did you get to the point of caring for them?

Third Thought:

Paul then criticizes most of the world around him.  He says that everyone else around him is concerned for themselves, unlike Timothy who is concerned for others.  How rare is a genuine selfless disciple of Christ!  I happen to love mnemonics.  I learned today that people are either living in Philippians 1:21 or they are living in Philippians 2:21.  What a great way to remember each of those verses!

How does Philippians 1:21 contrast with Philippians 2:21?  Which person are you?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 2:22-24

Friday, August 16, 2013

Philippians 2:14-18

Passage

Do everything without grumbling or arguing about differences of opinion.  In this way you can be children of God who are blameless and innocent – without blemish in the midst of a bent generation.  Among that generation you shine as lights in the world while holding fast to the Word of God.  This will enable me to be proud in the Day of Christ knowing that I did not lack results in my running or labor.  Even if I should be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice.  Likewise, you all should be glad and rejoice with me.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul tells the Philippians that they are to be blameless children of God.  They aren’t to argue about differences of opinion or grumble against one another.  The work of the kingdom is far too important to spent time grumbling or arguing about the small stuff!  What matters is that Jesus Christ is brought to the world.  We are blameless when we are focused on God’s agenda and not sweating the individual agendas of mankind.

Why do human beings like to get entangled in the differences of opinion?  Why do we need proverbs like “Don’t sweat the small stuff?”  Under this definition of “child of God,” how do you fit?  Are you blameless and innocent or are you focused on the wrong things?

Second Thought:

The word that Paul uses to describe the current generation is “bent” – skolios (σκολιός).  It is the root word for the name of the disease we call scoliosis.  It means bent or crooked.  Just like a person with scoliosis has a bent or crooked spine, Paul calls the generation one that is bent or crooked.  The generation is not lining up as they should.  They are not living up to the standards of God as they should.  They are not even coming in repentance as they should.  This world is bent – skolios – on its own agenda.

Where do you see an indication that the world is bent on its own agenda?  Where do you see the world’s agenda bending your life away from God?

Third Thought:

As Paul ends this section he speaks about pride in the Day of the Lord.  It is easy to hear this and say, “Wait, isn’t pride a bad thing?”  Think about it.  What is it that Jesus Christ has called us to do?  First and foremost we are to make disciples.  What are the Philippians if not evidence that Paul has submitted to God and is following his Lord?  He can have pride in that there are people who have a true relationship with God.  Doing God’s work should always evoke a sense of pride for us.

In what part of God’s work do you take pride?  What is it about the discipleship process that keeps our human ego in check?

Fourth Thought:

Paul also talks about rejoicing in the midst of suffering.  He makes the comment that he might be poured out like a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of their faith.  In other words, Paul is saying, “I might die because I made disciples of Jesus Christ.”  And then he turns around as says that he will rejoice.  He turns around and tells the Philippians to rejoice with him.  What a statement of faith!

What does it say to you that Paul is able to rejoice over his potential death?  Would you be willing to die for your faith?  Would you be willing to encourage other people to rejoice in your death should you die for the faith?  In what way is this perhaps one of the more challenging portions of scripture in its application to our life?


Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 2:19-21