Wednesday – 1st Timothy 6 - Riches: Here & There

MONEY says a lot. In Ecclesiastes 10:19 Solomon wrote, "Money answers all things."  Here in this chapter Paul wrote to Timothy, warning him that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (vs. 10). And the thing about money is that a person doesn't even have to have any of it to be consumed by it. There are rich men who worship God, and there are poor men who worship money (and vice versa). In this brief chapter, Paul addressed all angles of this issue.

What if I find myself on the bottom of the totem pole, with no power, no position and no possession? Paul said that in such circumstances we should be careful to treat those above us with respect (vs. 1-2). And, we are to worship God contentedly. On the other hand, what if I find myself at the top of the economic totem pole? In that case, I would be called on to look even higher, all the way to the very throne of heaven. Of course, regardless of whether we are high, middle, or low on the socioeconomic scale, we are all called to look to God for our sustenance. But especially if we have more means than the average man around us, we are challenged with the responsibility to remain humble, to give generously, and to make our investments in heaven, not on earth vs. 17-19). In any case, categorically, Paul wanted to warn about the extreme dangers of the temptation of wealth (Matthew 6:19-21).

Tuesday – 1st Timothy 5 - Elders & Widows

WHILE I personally see a sameness of office in the titles "pastor," "bishop," and "elder" (Titus 1:5-9 & 1st Timothy 5:17) - there are certain passages of Scripture that open up my perspective a little bit on this issue. This chapter is one such example. Here the title of "elder" seems to be a reference generally to Christian men who are more mature, and who have influence in the church due to their knowledge and experience. Speaking from experience, I have known many older Christians who possessed tremendous spiritual influence, even though they did not necessarily hold an official elected or ordained office in the church. On the other hand, even here (where Paul is dealing with how to treat older men and women respectfully within the church), it seems apparent that there was indeed an ordered list of those who were officially recognized as "elders" and "widows" in the congregation (vs. 9 & 22).

The main thing here is how the church as a whole relates to its older members. The older members of some congregations are basically forgotten. Now, while I understand the practical value of cultivating an atmosphere that is conducive to reaching young people for Christ, there is no reason to assume that fellowship between younger and older Christians is impossible. The relationship between older Christians and younger ones (in years or in faith) should be symbiotic. This chapter tells us how it should look.

Monday – 1st Timothy 4 - Seeing the Value of Invisible Things

IN both testaments, it is apparent that God sees what's in our hearts and on our minds. And, it is this invisible part of our existence that matters most to Him. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1st Samuel 16:7 & 2nd Corinthians 10:7). In our many discussions about the law and liberty, we have essentially been comparing two things: 1). the hollowness of material rituals with 2). the eternal value of immaterial faith. Not that those material things don't have any significance at all, but they have to fall in line in their proper place. Titus 1:14-16 tells us that all things are pure to those who are pure. That is a result of a combination of God's grace and our faith. What Paul wanted Timothy to promote relentlessly was faith in God's grace.

Now, Timothy is warned here that there would inevitably be apostates in the midst of the congregation, that is: unbelievers who would still be in some way associated with the true church; men and women who deviate from the true doctrines of Christ (vs. 1). Paul called these opponents of grace "lying hypocrites" (vs. 2). And ironically, although their conscience is horribly desensitized, they can come up with quite a mighty list of rules that they expect everyone around them to follow impeccably (vs. 2-3). In this case we can say with certainty that ignorance is definitely not bliss, in fact it is binding. It is oppressive.

Friday – 1st Timothy 3 - Overseers, Attendants & the Gospel

AS we continue through this book, we come to the section which is most often consulted when churches are seeking for officers. Going by Paul's descriptions in this chapter, it is apparent that the churches in Paul's day had leaders whose offices and functions fit into two categories: bishops and deacons. Both kinds of leaders were ministers of the gospel. 

It can be shown (from other passages) that bishops (otherwise known as pastors, overseers, or elders) were generally responsible for leading in studying, preaching, teaching, and praying. The deacons (defined biblically as attendants, servants, or messengers) were authorized to handle a leadership role in any other area of church ministry that might otherwise distract the pastors from their ministry of the word. For the most part “deacon” ministry involves relationships. The first deacons were ordained because some of the church members felt neglected. The creation of a group of deacons was supposed to fix that problem (Acts 6:1-4). However, this chapter is not really aimed at the function of pastors and deacons. Instead, here Paul addresses the qualifications (or one might say, the standards of behavior) for pastors and deacons.

There are some close similarities between the requirements for these two offices. But overall, according to Paul, church officers should be holy. Once a man accepts a position of leadership, he (and his family) is open to (and should embrace) a significant level of scrutiny.

Thursday – 1st Timothy 2 - Praying & Serving up Sermons

YOU probably recall from Act 6:4 how in the selection of the first seven deacons, the apostles who served as the pastors of the first church of Jerusalem said that they would (as pastors) properly "give themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." This is significant, especially in light of the chapter at hand. As Timothy's ministerial mentor, Paul began this letter (in chapter 1) by calling the Reverend Tim to stand for the truth; to fight for sound doctrine. Now, here in chapter 2, Paul reminds him of the importance of prayer and preaching.

The church calls many men "preachers," "pastors," "teachers," but we don't bequeath the title of "prayor" (like "mayor" or "benefactor") on anyone. Admittedly, (in the church) certain believers do indeed develop a noble reputation as individual "prayer warriors" - which is a good thing (as long as this is not sought out by these individuals as a point of pride or personal superiority). And, since prayer is chiefly a private ministry, it makes sense that the title of "prayer leader" might not grow and develop as readily in our congregations as does the title "preacher." Yet, in the spiritual life of the church, both ministries are indeed necessary (and are certainly complimentary).

When it comes to praying and preaching, both types of service are spiritual in nature. And both demands that we consider the role of authority in relation to the exercise of that service. Concerning prayer specifically, we know that we pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are required to pray for those who are in authority over us (vs. 2). We are expected to pray for everyone around us (vs. 1 & 4). And, we are ALL expected to pray. It is not JUST the "preacher's job." 

Wednesday – 1st Timothy 1 - Rejecting False Doctrine

THIS letter from Paul is different from the ones we have studied so far in that this one is addressed to an individual rather than to an entire congregation of saints. Paul was a mentor to many other preachers. One of them was the man whose name this book bears: Timothy. This epistle (or letter) to Timothy begins appropriately with a strong call to sound doctrine. It does matter what we believe. As a minster of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Timothy was responsible for the proclamation of the truth, and for the condemnation of error (vs. 18-20). It takes both.

There is no doubt that Paul and Timothy had one primary thing in common: they were both loyal followers of Jesus Christ, our Savior (vs. 17). But is that all that needs to be said? There are so many people within the realm of Christendom who can't agree on hardly anything (beyond the identity of Christ). While knowing Christ is certainly all we need for salvation (1st John 5:12), there are so many other good spiritual truths to relish and to share (Romans 8:32). Christ is all we need, but the particulars of that word "all" do actually matter. Hence, Pauls’ strict warning against false teachers and their lies. Satan is the ultimate source of bad doctrine. It was his manipulation of God's words that led to the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. It was his twisting of the Scripture that permeated the temptation of Christ in the wilderness. And, it has been his meddling hand that has pushed countless "Christian" denominations further and further away from biblical truth (some even into cultism).

Tuesday – 2nd Thessalonians 3 - Works Well with Others; or Alone

IN both of the previous chapters, Paul pointed toward our responsibility to work diligently (1:11 & 2:17) in the light of Christ's coming (3:5). In this closing chapter, he focuses almost exclusively on the importance of this principle. In fact, for those of us who tend to be workaholics, this should probably be our most favorite chapter in the whole Bible.

First of all, in verse 7 - 9, we see that Paul and his companions set a wonderful example of diligence when they were ministering in Thessalonica. By Paul's own testimony, we know that they worked "night and day" in that city while they were there (Acts 17).  On top of that, Paul categorically commended hard work & condemned laziness among the believers in Thessalonica (vs. 10-12). That particular section seems to be aimed at plain physical labor. In other words, every able-bodied man should earn his own way. The principle seems to work like this: if a man in the church is able to work, but is simply unwilling to do so, then he is unworthy of charity and should receive no aid from the church. In this sense, help should go to those who can't help themselves, and to those who are trying to help themselves. It should not go to those who can but won't.

Monday – 2nd Thessalonians 2 - A View of the Tribulation Period

THE 7 year period of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), which is Daniel's seventieth week (Daniel 9:27), is the time of the antichrist. It will last from right after the rapture up until the second advent of Christ. This chapter is devoted to describing the order and nature of this particular future period of seven years. As we saw in the last chapter, the Thessalonians feared that they were already in the middle of this era. Paul makes it abundantly clear that such was not possible. 

Before the Tribulation and the day of Christ, several things must happen. First, there has to come a major event which Paul calls "a falling away" - a major apostasy within Christianity (vs. 3). It could be argued that this has occurred already, but it can and will get much worse in the future. The second necessity is that the Holy Ghost be removed from the earth (vs. 7).  After Christ's resurrection and ascension up to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to comfort and indwell believers (as well as to rebuke sinners). When the rapture occurs, the temple of the Holy Spirit on earth (the church) will be totally removed. With the church will go that morally restraining influence, whom we know to be the Holy Spirit. The third precondition is actually a signal that the Tribulation has begun: it will be the revelation of the identity of the antichrist (vs. 3-4 & 8-10). The church will not know the identity of this awful leader. We will be gone before He takes over the world.

Friday – 2nd Thessalonians 1 - Not the Rapture

IT is readily apparent that the coming of Christ described in this chapter is not only a different event than the one in 1st Thessalonians 4. It is a different kind of an event. The rapture (during which we meet Christ in the air) will be all reunion and rejoicing. The return of Christ (which is described here) will be a day of great wrath and retribution. The rapture is for the church. This second coming of Christ will be aimed at the unbelieving world. They are different events with dissimilar purposes.

Now, it appears that someone had convinced the Thessalonian believers that the establishment of Christ's kingdom on earth had already begun.  It also appears that the difficulties which they were enduring were used as proof that the time of great tribulation was upon them. In this chapter, Paul was evidently trying to clarify things a bit for them. While he certainly acknowledged the fact that they were enduring significant tribulations, he assured them that when Christ is someday revealed in all of His glory, the church will be resting, not suffering (vs. 7).

So, we really have two main topics in this chapter. First, we see the growth, security, and comfort of God's people in this era; the church. In contrast to that, we also see the miserable plight of those unbelievers who survive to see Christ's return to earth. Paul commended the Thessalonians for their faith, love, & patience. And he reassures all of us who are saints; reminding us that we will be worshipping Christ safely at His Second Coming. 

Thursday – 1st Thessalonians 5 - Parting Shots

HAVING raised the issue of the rapture at the end of chapter 4, here Paul reminded them that the timing of end time events is secret (vs. 2 & Acts 1:7). Not that there are no indicators at all (vs. 3, Matthew 16:2-3 & Luke 12:56). Especially for believers, Paul pointed out that we should actually be able to anticipate the coming of the Lord, or at the least be constantly ready for it (vs. 4). More than once in the New Testament, we are reminded to be on the lookout for Christ's return, & to live as if His coming is imminent. Because it is (vs. 6).

Speaking of how we live, Paul closes this first letter to the Thessalonians by offering some parting shots on how we should live our lives as we wait for Christ's return. He begins his ending by reminding us that this "looking-and-living-for-Christ's-return-thing" is very serious business indeed (vs. 8). Knowing that the rapture precedes the 7 years Tribulation Period (and realizing that through the rapture Christ saves the church from having to go through that horrid time – vs. 9), we have layer upon layer of reasons to live righteously. And, Paul gives us ways to do that. 

Wednesday – 1st Thessalonians 4 – Now & Then

CHRONOLOGICALLY, this chapter is divided into 2 sections: now & then. The 1st part deals with the present; the last section, the future. More specifically, the first 12 verses challenge us to live righteously; the last 6 give us a reason & motive to do so: the rapture. Jesus is coming soon.  At least, He could come soon. And, because of the impending return of Christ (in the air to rescue & receive us), we should be living circumspectly. That is both a positive (vs. 18) & a negative motivator (vs. 6).

We should be doing the will of God (vs. 3). What is His will? Holiness, faith, spiritual growth, separation from evil, humility, love, diligence, honesty – these are the things that the Spirit of Christ is working to produce in us. It is called godliness. God wants to convert us into practical reflections of His Son. And one way or another, He will succeed (1st John 3:2). But we should be striving for the mastery here & now. We should be on board with His agenda.  After all, He is the one to whom we will answer. 

Now, let's really get down to the future "then" in this chapter. Verses 13-18 is quite a marvelous prophetic revelation concerning an event that is commonly called The Rapture of the church. Notice what is taught explicitly by the Apostle Paul here. The death of a Christian is only a temporary inhibition. Our sorrow is different than that which the lost souls around us endure. We have hope (a certain positive anticipation of better things). The living Christ will bring the souls of our “sleeping" loved ones with Him at the rapture. Some of us will miss death altogether. The bodies of “sleeping” Christians will be raised to life to be rejoined with their souls. The triumphant church will literally fly away to meet together for the first time as a whole, in one assembly in the sky. We will never be separated from each other (or from Christ) ever again. 

Tuesday – 1st Thessalonians 3 - Appointed Afflictions

WE'VE all had appointments. Appointments are specific events at specific places with specific people and for specific purposes. And, I'm sure we've all had someone else set up an appointment for us a time or two. But I can't recall ever accepting an appointment "to be in pain" (at least, not for that purpose exclusively).  I can think of a few medical appointments that I expected to include some pain. So, some appointments are less exciting than others. But in life, God has appointed us to certain & specific afflictions (John 16:33). Of course, Paul is the most perfect example of this.  Jesus told Ananias that Paul had been chosen to endure much suffering for the glory of God and for the purpose of the propagation of the gospel (Act 9:16). As he proceeded, Paul knew pain was coming, but he proceeded anyway.

Like Jesus (Matthew 10:34), Paul didn't try to hide the coming of afflictions from those to whom he preached the gospel. There is indeed a place for calling potential converts to take up their cross & follow Christ. Here in chapter 3, verse 3 we find that the believers in Thessalonica certainly knew that pain was in their future. Paul had told them that they would suffer (vs. 4). But, seeing that God is good & loving, it is not surprising that, with their affliction, God also prepared comfort (vs. 2). This is His way. He allows us to be tempted, but He also provides for us help in times of need (vs. 13). Of course, we have to reach out & accept those helps. 

Monday - 1st Thessalonians 2 - A Model Relationship

THE relationship Paul (& his fellow ministers) with the Thessalonian believers commenced with a faithful & humble presentation of the gospel (vs. 1-9). Paul & his fellows proclaimed the truth of God's saving grace, & the Thessalonians believed it. This common ground certainly provided for a firm foundation for that which followed. Once the Thessalonians were in the family of God, Paul & his companions discipled them patiently & faithfully. This process began with an excellent lead-by-example strategy (vs. 10-11). It continued with strong teaching. Notice the excellence of this particular part of their relationship. Paul recognized God's activity in this process (vs. 12). He preached the word of God, not his own contrivances. And, this audience accepted the teaching readily, giving it deserved weightiness. The result was abiding spiritual fruit. Paul’s ministry of the word was effective (vs. 13). Holiness & unity became a reality there (vs. 14).

Now, the sweetness of all that was going on between the Pauline missionary team & these national believers did not negate the negative circumstances that were also present in Paul's ministry & in the lives of those new believers. Jews & Gentiles who were not regenerated did indeed tirelessly persecute the churches of God during the days of Paul's ministry (vs. 14-16). It was Satan at work then, even as he works now (vs. 18). But Paul didn’t allow these distractions to cool the spiritual passion of his heart. He loved these believers & communicated as much (vs. 17). He understood the deep significance of their relationship & fellowship (vs. 19-20). 

Friday – 1st Thessalonians 1 - Knowing Your Election

 

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HIS chapter has a phrase in it that caught me off guard as I read it today. Read it for yourself, "We give thanks to Gad always for you... knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God" (1^st Thessalonians 1:2-4). Many times, I have been guilty of saying that I don't know who is saved and who isn't. I've heard other preachers say the same thing. And, while our motive may be honest & humble, the statement is not altogether biblical. What we should say is that there are some people who claim to be saved; who fool themselves (and others) about their spiritual condition but are as lost as the devil himself. What we could say is that we may doubt some people’s salvation, yet they are as secure as Samson, Samuel or David; as genuine as Peter, Paul or John. However, if we are to take Paul's words at face value, there are believers who have such strong outward evidence of their inward faith that we actually & honestly do not wonder at all about their election. Like Paul said concerning the Thessalonians, sometime you just know. You can know that you are saved. And, according to Paul, you can know if I'm saved too.

 

This letter came from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. These three ministers of the gospel obviously felt completely confident concerning the conversion of the Thessalonians. Their "work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope" was unmistakable and unforgettable. The power of God and the presence of the Spirit of God were evident in their lives (1^st Thessalonians 1:5).

Thursday - Colossians 4 - Friends in Ministry

 

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HIS chapter begins with a continuation of a list good things that we are supposed to “put on" as we seek to live by heavenly values. Christians in positions of authority should treat those under them fairly (vs. 1). All believers should pray faithfully and gratefully (vs. 2).  Evangelism is a high priority in the church (vs. 5). And, carefulness in conversation is necessary in the lives of all disciples (vs. 6). These four exhortations should be connected to the ones found in Colossians 3.

 

Beginning in verse 7, Paul closes this letter with a list of personal greetings. Tychicus & Onesimus were evidently the couriers of this letter. Aristarchus, Marcus, Justus, Epaphras, Luke & Demas were with Paul. He sent their greetings to the Colossian believers as well as to the Laodiceans. He also sent warm greetings to Nympha’s & Archippus, as well as to a large number of unnamed saints. Their names are not so important to us at this point, but the fact that Paul was closely connected to so many other ministers, matters much. He had many friends in ministry.

 

Notice the motives behind all of this personal interaction. It was not just a formality. Paul cared for the condition of these believers. He desired to get comfort to them (vs. 8). He hoped for a mutual sharing of information (for the good of all of the believers involved). He encouraged his audience by assuring them of the prayers which were being offered on their behalf (vs. 12). He obviously hoped to spur these believers forward so that they would each complete their mission & fulfill their calling (vs. 17). And, Paul needed these believers to help him carry his burdens too (vs. 18).

Wednesday - Colossians 3 - Things Above

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UST because we are free from the judgmental oppression of those who would be religious dictators among us (see Colossians 2), we are not free from judging ourselves (1^st Corinthians 11:31-32). And, we are not free from the standards of God and of His word.  He is our Judge. We will stand before Him to answer for the deeds we have done (as well as the words we have said and the thoughts we have entertained) here below. This chapter closes with a salient summary in this regard, "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ. But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons" (Colossians 3:23-25). So, while we are free, there are still certain obligations and expectations which we must consider. One way we could look at our freedom would be to say that we have been freed from this world in order to be connected to the next. That is, the things below (earthly, material, secular, and temporary) have no more hold on us. We can now focus on things above (heavenly, immaterial, spiritual and eternal) - see Colossians 3:1-2.

Tuesday - Colossians 2 - Abounding in the Truth

 

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OD wants us to live an abundant life (John 10:10). He wants us to excel, exceed, and succeed. Of course, we must define this prosperity spiritually.  Living in a way that pleases our Father (by faith) – this is what it means to thrive. But wait now, Satan has other ideas. Satan wants to ruin every believer (1^st Peter 5:8). He is devoted to making our lives a miserable wreck and an embarrassment to the cause of Christ. Sometimes he uses money, sometimes fame. He can use sex, hobbies, disease, addictions, positions, stress, pain, loneliness, talents; opportunities for comfort; the list could go on and on. But perhaps the one thing that Satan uses more effectively than any other tool is dead religion.

 

There are philosophies and traditions that end up being adopted even in the true church of God; ideas that are not only unbiblical, they are contra biblical. The test of a doctrine is its source. Doctrine that comes from God is perfect (Colossians 2:2-3). Doctrines that are developed and contrived among men are as worthless as a dead idol made of stone. The words of men can certainly be flattering and impressive (vs. 4), but the mere philosophies and rituals of human invention can never substitute adequately for the sound doctrine of our living Lord (Mark 1:22 & Colossians 2:6). If we remain attached inseparably to the truth of the gospel which we have been given by our Lord (vs. 7), then we can succeed in our spiritual walk. But, if we get distracted by culture, personality, preference, taste, habit, and human expectations – especially when these things both contradict and replace God's truth – we cannot succeed (vs. 8).

Monday - Colossians 1 - Our Preeminent Christ

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ANY times my father has said that Christ doesn't just deserve first place in our lives, He deserves every place. This is his description of the preeminence of Christ. I agree. This is why Christ is worthy of our complete faith. Because He has a right to our complete submission, He is also worthy of complete trust. This is also why He is worthy of our undivided attention and undying love.  He is in us, was before us, stands above us, and lives all around us. Even as we love our spiritual siblings, we do so because Christ is in them (Colossians 1:27, James 3:9 & 1^st Corinthians 14:25). What's more, this is why we should demand faithfulness in ourselves. Our God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent (Acts 17:28). It's not like we can hide from Him. (Psalm 139:7). And although He already has preeminence in the courts of heaven, Christ deserves it in our hearts as well. Someday it will indeed be realized in every place (Matthew 6:10).

 

Because of God's identity, character, and characteristics (and in response to His authority over us, love toward us, and interest in us), we really should seek to know Him and to know His will in constant incremental progression. As we walk by faith, we will find that our heavenly Father will continually add spiritual blessings, which are in Christ Jesus, into our lives. While He has already "translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Colossians 1:13), there is so much more that He wants to do for us. He was willing to give us life through His Son (Colossians 1:14), it makes perfect sense (then) that He has much more that He is willing and able to do for us as well (Romans 8:32).

 

Friday - Philippians 4 - Good Things

 

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VERY day that we live, we should fill it up with good things. If we don't fill it up with good things, the devil will certainly make sure that it is filled up with other things. Notice some of the good things that Paul promotes here: rejoicing (vs. 4), moderation (vs. 5), & prayer (vs. 6). Then he starts painting with just as broad of a brush as he can, as he writes, "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (vs. 8). That just about covers it, doesn't it? Intentionally, we must fill our minds with good thoughts. On purpose, I must do the good things that I know to do (vs. 9). With careful planning, you must allow Christ to conquer evil in your own life by His grace, and His grace in action works through the principle of replacement (Daniel 4:27, 1^st Corinthians 13:11 & Romans 13:12).

 

Now, we can't always change our circumstances. Paul had things come upon him that were not so good, but there were things he did have control over (even in very bad situations). He had learned to focus on good things, even in bad times (vs. 11-13).  Not that he had figured this out on his own.  He had the help of Christ in taking on this new and better perspective. He understood the generosity and power of the Spirit (vs. 19). He was willingly submissive to the objective of giving God glory. He was dependent upon God's grace. And so, through faith in God, Paul had learned that when someone brings us lemons, we are to make lemonade. We should carefully and deliberately look for the good in every condition. If Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love God, then we might as well look for good from the beginning.

Thursday - Philippians 3 - Press On

 

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NE of the more inspiring verses to come from the pen of the Apostle Paul is found here in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Paul was describing his own mindset. However, he was also giving us an example to follow (vs. 17).  Paul was not stuck in the past. Part of his past was commendable, and part of it was basically deplorable, but it made no difference to him. He was looking forward (vs. 13). His whole objective was to get closer to God (vs. 8-10). And he desired to see this same mentality in all believers. He encouraged all of his readers to press on. We should be growing in grace. We should be moving onward and upward.

 

Sadly, many Christians cannot honestly claim this as their constant spiritual experience (vs. 18-19). It is too easy to stagnate, or worse to revert back to our former faults. If Paul were to preach a revival meeting for us today, he would surely remind us of who we are in Christ. We should strive to live up to our name and heritage (vs. 20). He would certainly remind us of what our ultimate destination is (vs. 21).  I’m confident that he would call on us very simply to push forward; to strive hard; to press on for Jesus.

Wednesday - Philippians 2 - Elite Humility & Brotherly Love

 

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HE eager willingness of Christ to humble Himself in order to bear our cross is, of course, the reason that we have hope (vs. 5-8). But not only is He our Savior, He is also our example. He is our example of love and humility. Now, we can't follow His moral example without first surrendering to His authority and accepting His forgiveness, but (once regenerated) Christlikeness should be our constant objective. Make no mistake about it, there is no question about how Christlikeness looks. Humility and brotherly love have never been seen more clearly than what we see in Christ.  And yet, it is His desire and design to produce the same things in us. He calls us to be "likeminded" (vs. 2). That is, our perspective should match Christ's. And, if your attitude and mine resembles the spirit of our Lord, then realize the agreement that will exist among us. This will produce a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere within the church of the living God (Psalm 133).

 

"Lowliness of mind" and "esteeming others" are supernatural products of Christ living in us (vs. 3-4). Still, our sinful flesh tenaciously resists these marvelous spiritual traits. Speaking for myself, I have no natural humility, and little natural concern for others. I'm a selfish, self-centered, pride-filled hermit. But Christ pushes us in the opposite direction (vs. 13). Self-service is not rewarding anyway. It is a deceptive depressant. Only as we step down willingly (from our imagined place of superiority, like Christ did actually from His real place of superiority) in order to serve God and man, will we find the satisfaction and fulfillment our soul craves.

Tuesday - Philippians 1 - Glad, in Any Case

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HILIPPIANS 1 is a very optimistic (and true) view of the Christian life. To begin this letter, Paul expresses great joy and confidence concerning his own situation, and toward the believers in Philippi.  "I'm thankful, I'm joyful, I'm confident, I love, I yearn..." these are not the expressions of a sour-green­-persimmon-sucking old bellyacher. Although we know that Paul endured many hardships in his life and ministry, we also see that he had learned to keep on the sunny side of life (Philippians 4:11).  This is not to say that he looked at life through rose-tinted glasses, or that he was either gullible or delusional. Paul knew what was real all right, but (and perhaps we should say, "in fact") he saw everything in light of eternity's values. Nothing is more real than the eternal spiritual realities of our faith.

 

Through the eyes of faith, Paul was able to see all the way to the finish line. He could see how God was working all things out according to His own will and plan (Romans 8:28). So, He encouraged the readers of this letter by reminding them that their ultimate and full sanctification was inevitable (Philippians 1:6). Still, he challenged them to press forward toward full fellowship and communion here in the meantime (Philippians 1:10). He gave them a perspective with which it would be hard to argue. He basically declared that as long as the name of Christ is being spread abroad, we all have a good reason to smile (vs. 14-18).