Click here for the Philippians 4:4-7 PODCAST
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7
In our text, the Apostle commands us to "Rejoice in the Lord always." To rejoice in the Lord begins with understanding His sovereignty to some degree. When we learn to rejoice in the Lord, we have learned to direct our minds to the awesome truth that Jesus Christ is actively bringing everything under His power and goodness. It is then, at this point, that we are positioned to respond to whatever happens to us and to whatever the Lord desires of us. It is at this point that we can honestly live by Paul's statement in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ."
With this command in view, the potential joy stealers fade into view. The joy stealer in Philippians 4 is our problems which causes us anxiety. In all of the Word of God, God is revealed as jockeying with constant exhortations for us to stop worrying. Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
When we consider what it looks like when we trade worry and anxiety for joy, we will trust the Lord more and we will treat each other better. We trade our anxiety for joy through prayer. Once we are in the habit of practicing His presence, we will be positioned to receive from Him all that we need to trust Him more and love one another as we ought.
On the other hand, the fuel to our anxiety is fear. Fear is like that big bully who would be waiting for me everyday on my way to middle school. Everyday this bully would demand of me money, half of what I had for lunch. The fear that I experienced, everyday, zapped me of any joy that I had when my day began.
Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness. It creates a form of spiritual forgetfulness. It wipes out our memory for miracles. It makes us forget what the Lord Jesus has done and how good He is. And, God's most common command emerges from the “fear not” genre.
In v.6, the Apostle Paul gives us a way to deal with our fear: He writes, "in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." We do not have to be afraid or anxious. We can turn it over to God. And, He will turn it on its head, using it to bolster our heart's ability to see Him.
God's salve for healing us from our anxieties is prayer which is the expression of our dependence upon His promises. This quiet conversation with God is most often fueled by our trust in Him. Prayer is the continual recognition that we need to lean on Him and His grace and strength. Prayer is experiencing Him in everything, constantly relating to His indwelling life. When we turn it over to God, we have access to His peace which is not manufactured by us. His peace invites His joy over for dinner and it stays for breakfast.
In v.5, we read, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." A literal translation is: "not insisting on every right of letter of law or custom; yielding, gentle, kind, courteous, tolerant." When we follow God's path: anxiety leads to prayer which leads to peace which leads to joy. This is what happens as we relate to Him and it spills over to how we trust Him and treat others. We will become more gentle, kind, and tolerant.
The phrase "the Lord is near" refers to two things simultaneously. The first, the Lord Jesus is with us. He has not left us alone to figure everything out. He is with us. His Spirit indwells us who believe. And, He will lead us when we follow.
The second, we are reminded and made more and more aware of the fact that the Lord Jesus is coming back. His return is imminent. It could happen any day. Learning to live in His presence is the key here. As we practice His presence, He becomes a good habit. His presence is as sure as the rising of the sun, that is until He returns for us.
This means we do not have to insist on anything because, we have turned it over to Him, relying on and being defined by Him. Anxiety and fear is then dealt a death blow. The Lord Jesus is here with us, and He is coming back soon. We do not have to fix everything. And, the result is experiencing His life come to bear in the here and now.
In v.6, the Apostle directs us to "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." When we give thanks in everything, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we are seeking to draw water from a well that is not of us. Yet, if faith in Christ resides within us, this well resides within us. No matter how bad things get, we can always find something for which to be thankful. Once we find one thing, we will find another and then another. If we start giving thanks, whether we feel thankful or not, we will find and experience the well.
Whenever we encounter the problems of life, we must habitually lean back into Him in prayer. We are wise to lean into the One who is able and competent to calm anything within us through His indwelling life.
Thanksgiving is that forward look of faith that gives safe haven to gratitude for Him in advance for the good developments that are yet to be realized. A growing familiarity with His presence assures us that something good will result and that even the cause of our fears and anxieties are parts of His recipe that yields His purpose.
God is not saying we should ask for everything we want. We are to pray for His will. Frequently we pray for things He never promises. Often we ask, "Lord, take this trouble out of my life." But God may have allowed this trouble to enable us to see Him more clearly and to know Him more deeply. Wisdom says, "Embrace Him through the trouble."
As a result, prayer and gratitude escorts His peace into our existence. And, when His peace grips us in the midst of the most distressing circumstances, we will experience Him directly as He undergirds, sustains and strengthens us.
The peace of God keeps us, guards our hearts from breaking free into thinking that stomps all over our inner lives. Our hearts and minds are thus fortified against anxiety and inaccurate and potentially destructive ways of understanding reality.
Finally, when I realized that if I put my lunch money in my shoe when I was in Middle School, the thief subsequently left me alone. I am discovering that it is much the same with fear, worry and anxiety. When I trust God with my day, He rushes in with His strengthening presence for which I am very, very grateful.
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Friday, March 13, 2020
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Philippians 4:1-3
Click here for the Philippians 4:1-3 PODCAST
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. ~ Philippians 4:1-3
In v.1, Paul refers to the Philippians as his "brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown." Paul's relationship with this group has been solidified due to the fact that he had learned the key to all of life: "standing firm in the Lord."
Paul's ability to unconditionally love others was conditioned by him "standing firm in the Lord." In essence, it is the Lord loving the Philippians through Paul. When we love the lord, we will love people.
The words “longed for” are based on Paul's status as a prisoner. His inability to come to them personally has only pulled his heart strings even more. The word for “longed for” is found only here in this passage, and it signifies a “longing for with great affection.”
This phrase “stand firm” was used of soldiers who stood their ground in battle. Paul 's appeal to joyful unity is embedded in the exhortation "to stand firm in the Lord" by adopting the pattern modeled by Paul, that of knowing the Lord Jesus and looking for His return while practicing self-giving love.
When we find our identity in the Lord, we are granted a growing measure of security, that feeling of value that enables us to love unconditionally. If we do not find our security in the Lord and we discover it in anything else, we will be insecure and therefore immature in our ability to love others unconditionally.
In addition, by calling the Philippians his “joy,” Paul makes a clear statement about the fundamental source of his joy. His joy was founded in seeing God at work in the lives of his friends.
Paul also refers to the Philippians as his “crown.” The Greek word used here, stephanos, does not refer to a royal crown as on a king, but rather the wreath that was placed on the head those who won a game or a contest. It was a symbol of public honor. The Philippian believers were proof of the work that God had done through Paul in the lives of his friends.
In our text, the Apostle Paul speaks to two women, Euodia and Syntyche who were at odds with one another. Ironically, “Euodia” means “sweet fragrance,” and “Syntyche” means “pleasant.” And they were anything but. They had experienced a major conflict. And, everyone knew about their difference. People had likely taken sides. The conflict between these two women was a threat to the Gospel andtheir unity.
Paul pleads with these two women "to be of the same mind in the Lord." He addresses the arena of our sanctification, our souls, which are made up of our minds, our wills and our emotions.
Having the same mind doesn't have so much to do with the content that we believe, it has our attitude. We are to consider others first before we consider ourselves. The humility of Christ is the ultimate example of how we are to think.
Paul isn't suggesting these two women come to the same conclusion. He is pleading with them to relate to each other, in the midst of their difference. To be of the same mind in the Lord is not arriving at the same conclusion, it’s about treating each other like Christ has treated us. This is God's pathway toward joyful unity.
In our text, the Apostle provides us with a novel approach to conflict resolution: “think the gospel.” Let the gospel inform the way we treat others, especially those who we are at odds with. In the gospel, we have something that’s bigger and more important than any of our conflicts. And, it screams no one deserves God's favor, yet He extended it to us while we were yet His enemies.
Whereas the potential joy stealer in Philippians 1 is our prisons, and in Philippians 2 is the people in our lives, and in Philippians 3 is our pedigree and/or possessions, in Philippians 4 the potential joy stealer is our problems. Our problems create in us a certain measure of anxiety.
A real issue in our text is resisting bitterness which is destructive, because it is an appetite of the flesh. In order to experience, together, the life that the Lord Jesus died to provide us, we must daily choose His definition of all things. The love of Christ has been applied to us and we should yield to it's flow in our lives. We don't even have to manufacture this love.
The phrase "in the Lord" is used one hundred and thirty-two times in Paul's Letters. When we view ourselves as favored by God through His Son, Jesus Christ, we will be more likely to yield to His presence in our lives. Then, we will more likely have the mind of Christ controlling ours. Then, we will increasingly pursue the Lord more, finding our satisfaction in Him as our goal. It is out of this disposition that we are able to love others as He has loved us.
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1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. ~ Philippians 4:1-3
In v.1, Paul refers to the Philippians as his "brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown." Paul's relationship with this group has been solidified due to the fact that he had learned the key to all of life: "standing firm in the Lord."
Paul's ability to unconditionally love others was conditioned by him "standing firm in the Lord." In essence, it is the Lord loving the Philippians through Paul. When we love the lord, we will love people.
The words “longed for” are based on Paul's status as a prisoner. His inability to come to them personally has only pulled his heart strings even more. The word for “longed for” is found only here in this passage, and it signifies a “longing for with great affection.”
This phrase “stand firm” was used of soldiers who stood their ground in battle. Paul 's appeal to joyful unity is embedded in the exhortation "to stand firm in the Lord" by adopting the pattern modeled by Paul, that of knowing the Lord Jesus and looking for His return while practicing self-giving love.
When we find our identity in the Lord, we are granted a growing measure of security, that feeling of value that enables us to love unconditionally. If we do not find our security in the Lord and we discover it in anything else, we will be insecure and therefore immature in our ability to love others unconditionally.
In addition, by calling the Philippians his “joy,” Paul makes a clear statement about the fundamental source of his joy. His joy was founded in seeing God at work in the lives of his friends.
Paul also refers to the Philippians as his “crown.” The Greek word used here, stephanos, does not refer to a royal crown as on a king, but rather the wreath that was placed on the head those who won a game or a contest. It was a symbol of public honor. The Philippian believers were proof of the work that God had done through Paul in the lives of his friends.
In our text, the Apostle Paul speaks to two women, Euodia and Syntyche who were at odds with one another. Ironically, “Euodia” means “sweet fragrance,” and “Syntyche” means “pleasant.” And they were anything but. They had experienced a major conflict. And, everyone knew about their difference. People had likely taken sides. The conflict between these two women was a threat to the Gospel andtheir unity.
Paul pleads with these two women "to be of the same mind in the Lord." He addresses the arena of our sanctification, our souls, which are made up of our minds, our wills and our emotions.
Having the same mind doesn't have so much to do with the content that we believe, it has our attitude. We are to consider others first before we consider ourselves. The humility of Christ is the ultimate example of how we are to think.
Paul isn't suggesting these two women come to the same conclusion. He is pleading with them to relate to each other, in the midst of their difference. To be of the same mind in the Lord is not arriving at the same conclusion, it’s about treating each other like Christ has treated us. This is God's pathway toward joyful unity.
In our text, the Apostle provides us with a novel approach to conflict resolution: “think the gospel.” Let the gospel inform the way we treat others, especially those who we are at odds with. In the gospel, we have something that’s bigger and more important than any of our conflicts. And, it screams no one deserves God's favor, yet He extended it to us while we were yet His enemies.
Whereas the potential joy stealer in Philippians 1 is our prisons, and in Philippians 2 is the people in our lives, and in Philippians 3 is our pedigree and/or possessions, in Philippians 4 the potential joy stealer is our problems. Our problems create in us a certain measure of anxiety.
A real issue in our text is resisting bitterness which is destructive, because it is an appetite of the flesh. In order to experience, together, the life that the Lord Jesus died to provide us, we must daily choose His definition of all things. The love of Christ has been applied to us and we should yield to it's flow in our lives. We don't even have to manufacture this love.
You will remember that in every chapter Paul accentuates something unique about the Lord Jesus. When put together, we have His definition of joy. In Philippians 1 it is the life of Christ, in Philippians 2 it is Christ's way of thinking and living, in Philippians 3 it is that Christ is our pursuit, and here in Philippians 4 it is Christ our contentment or satisfaction.
So, the stage is set with an unnamed conflict between two prominent woman in the church at Philippi. Now, everybody's got problems. Job said, "Man is born for trouble." The question is not, "Who's got problems?" The real question is, "How do I get victory over problems?" This is the subject of Philippians 4.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Philippians 3:15-21
Click here for the Philippians 3:15-21 PODCAST
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:15-21
In Philippians 3:1-14, the Apostle Paul emphasizes knowing Christ and his willingness to consider everything as garbage for the sake of knowing Christ. This is the pursuit of the human heart as God designed it. But, we are born with a different default mode for self. And, when we have trusted in the cross of Christ to bridge us back to God, our paradigm has shifted.
In Philippians 3:15-16, the Apostle Paul provides definition to Christian maturity, which emanates out of the priority of seeking to be intimate with and defined by the Lord Jesus. The expression of this is seen in Paul's willingness to abandon his privileges as an elite Jew for the sake of knowing, personally and experientially, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word translated “mature” in v.15 means “perfect.” Paul has previously said that he has not been made perfect. Yet now he says that all of those who are perfect, or mature, should "take such a view of things." Mind you, no one is perfected in this life. The “perfect” or “mature” approach to life is pressing on toward full knowledge of Christ, knowing our pursuit and our discoveries will not be perfect.
The mark of those who are mature recognize that they are not mature, and that there is more to gain. “Mature” people will never be satisfied. The mature want more of Christ. It is about the pursuit of the heart, and the mature in the faith recognize that it is only God who recognizes any of us as having arrived.
In v.16 the Apostle says "we must live up to what we have attained." As mentioned before, the mature will never attain anything fully this side of heaven. The mature will not always understand everything that is taught. The mature lives up to what we already know of the truth that we understand.
In v.17-18, Paul zeroes in on the mature pursuit that he encourages us to follow. The common denominator for those who are mature is the cross of the Lord Jesus. That tool of torture embodies the rescue of all of our hopes. Its design could not be more simple. One beam horizontal, the other vertical. One reaches out like God’s love. The other reaches down as does God’s holiness. It is at this intersection that life best comes into view because the cross makes sense of everything, even our sin and pain.
In v.19, we read, “their God is their stomach.” This is a reference to those who are defined by this world. They live for the things of this world. Their minds are thus set on the fragile and temporary. When one is defined by such, one will reflect its lack of substance.
In v.20, we read, "But our citizenship is in heaven." In contrast to those whose minds are on earthly things, the thinking of believers is defined by God, framed up by God's way of thinking and living. And, when we are focused on Him, we will be transformed, not only in our thinking, but in our bodies.
According to v.21, when Christ returns, He "will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. ” We will then be perfect, as He is perfect. And, the transformation of our bodies will take place by the “power” that enables Christ to “bring everything under his control.”
In Hebrews 2:10, we read, “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
The joy stealer in Philippians 3 is our pedigree and/or our possessions. In order to access the joy of the Lord, we must not be defined by earthly things but we must be defined by the Lord and His way of thinking. The difference is seen in a comparison of Egypt and the Promised Land.
In Hebrews 11:24-28, we read, "24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel."
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15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:15-21
In Philippians 3:1-14, the Apostle Paul emphasizes knowing Christ and his willingness to consider everything as garbage for the sake of knowing Christ. This is the pursuit of the human heart as God designed it. But, we are born with a different default mode for self. And, when we have trusted in the cross of Christ to bridge us back to God, our paradigm has shifted.
In Philippians 3:15-16, the Apostle Paul provides definition to Christian maturity, which emanates out of the priority of seeking to be intimate with and defined by the Lord Jesus. The expression of this is seen in Paul's willingness to abandon his privileges as an elite Jew for the sake of knowing, personally and experientially, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word translated “mature” in v.15 means “perfect.” Paul has previously said that he has not been made perfect. Yet now he says that all of those who are perfect, or mature, should "take such a view of things." Mind you, no one is perfected in this life. The “perfect” or “mature” approach to life is pressing on toward full knowledge of Christ, knowing our pursuit and our discoveries will not be perfect.
The mark of those who are mature recognize that they are not mature, and that there is more to gain. “Mature” people will never be satisfied. The mature want more of Christ. It is about the pursuit of the heart, and the mature in the faith recognize that it is only God who recognizes any of us as having arrived.
In v.16 the Apostle says "we must live up to what we have attained." As mentioned before, the mature will never attain anything fully this side of heaven. The mature will not always understand everything that is taught. The mature lives up to what we already know of the truth that we understand.
In v.17-18, Paul zeroes in on the mature pursuit that he encourages us to follow. The common denominator for those who are mature is the cross of the Lord Jesus. That tool of torture embodies the rescue of all of our hopes. Its design could not be more simple. One beam horizontal, the other vertical. One reaches out like God’s love. The other reaches down as does God’s holiness. It is at this intersection that life best comes into view because the cross makes sense of everything, even our sin and pain.
In v.19, we read, “their God is their stomach.” This is a reference to those who are defined by this world. They live for the things of this world. Their minds are thus set on the fragile and temporary. When one is defined by such, one will reflect its lack of substance.
In v.20, we read, "But our citizenship is in heaven." In contrast to those whose minds are on earthly things, the thinking of believers is defined by God, framed up by God's way of thinking and living. And, when we are focused on Him, we will be transformed, not only in our thinking, but in our bodies.
According to v.21, when Christ returns, He "will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. ” We will then be perfect, as He is perfect. And, the transformation of our bodies will take place by the “power” that enables Christ to “bring everything under his control.”
In Hebrews 2:10, we read, “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
The joy stealer in Philippians 3 is our pedigree and/or our possessions. In order to access the joy of the Lord, we must not be defined by earthly things but we must be defined by the Lord and His way of thinking. The difference is seen in a comparison of Egypt and the Promised Land.
In Hebrews 11:24-28, we read, "24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel."
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Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Philippians 3:12-14
Click here for the Philippians 3:12-14 PODCAST
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
We will not arrive at the goal of knowing Christ fully this side of heaven. But, that doesn't stop our pursuit. Paul says, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” The word translated “press on,” can also be translated “pursue” or “persecute.” Paul used this word earlier when he wrote in Philippians 3 that he was at one time a “persecutor” of the church. The irony here is that while Paul was pursuing followers of the Lord Jesus, the Lord Jesus was pursuing Him.
After the Apostle entered into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, He now “prizes” what he pursues. Whereas the potential joy stealer in Philippians 3 is our pedigree and possessions, the next ingredient making up God's definition for joy is that Christ is our prized pursuit. In Philippians 1 we see the first ingredient of joy and it is the life of Christ. In Philippians 2, we have the mind of Christ. Here in Philippians 3, the third ingredient is that Christ is our prized pursuit.
We see this line of thinking highlighted this in v.13 where Paul writes, "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Paul says that there is one thing he doesn’t do and one thing he does do. He doesn’t consider himself as having taken hold of full knowledge of Christ. He does forget what is behind and strains forward to what is ahead which is an increasing intimacy with Christ.
Paul was an elite Jew before meeting the Lord Jesus. His pedigree and his possessions defined him. Now, he literally considers these things garbage compared to his newfound relationship with Christ. For quite a while in his life, these things gave him a sense of identity. Now that he has come into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, he sees life increasingly different, through the eyes of the Lord Jesus.
In v.14, Paul explains what motivates him, once again using the verb translated “press on.” A word borrowed from olympic competition, in the games, the “goal” was the marker at the finish line. The prize, a palm branch, was given by the president of the games, who summoned the victor at the conclusion of the race. The prize for Paul is literally the “heavenward calling of God in Christ Jesus.” For him, the prize is increasingly knowing Christ in a more intimate way.
A mark of someone who is a follower of the Lord Jesus is that he pursues Him. Having tasted of Christ, he, with increasing desperation, wants more of Christ. And he will not rest until he knows Christ more deeply with each passing day. He will not stop this pursuit, even into eternity.
Christ pursues us that we might pursue Him. On the one hand, we can expect to always have a sense of holy dissatisfaction with life that causes us to want something more. On the other hand, Christ has seized our hearts that we might seek Him. All of our desires are just echoes of this one desire to know Him more deeply.
In context, it is through suffering that we go deeper in our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. We get to know Him better when we experience His empathy because of His pain. Those who know intimacy with Christ are those who have suffered with Him deeply. Suffering gives eyes to our heart's ability to see God.
The Apostle illustrates this point when he writes, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." And, it is suffering that largely frames up our point of reference causing us to listen to the Lord Jesus more intensely and more intimately. In context, suffering is the taking away of bad things or good things that the world offers as a flimsy substitute. When these things are taken away (by force or by circumstance or by choice), we suffer.
Intimacy with God can not only be experienced through knowledge accumulation. In order to intimately know God, we must know crucial things about Him, but theological head knowledge will never be enough. We must "know" or "experience" Him in order to be intimate with Him. And, suffering is a must ingredient in this formula.
Our world is not abounding in intimates who walk with God in a profound way because knowledge is not synonymous with trust. Biblical knowledge is far better than gold when it fuels our trust in God, because it fuels our intimacy with Him. But when biblical knowledge replaces our trust in God, it only fuels our pride. And suffering is useful to rivet us on the goal who is Christ. Intimacy with God most often occurs in the places where we must trust Him most.
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12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
We will not arrive at the goal of knowing Christ fully this side of heaven. But, that doesn't stop our pursuit. Paul says, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” The word translated “press on,” can also be translated “pursue” or “persecute.” Paul used this word earlier when he wrote in Philippians 3 that he was at one time a “persecutor” of the church. The irony here is that while Paul was pursuing followers of the Lord Jesus, the Lord Jesus was pursuing Him.
After the Apostle entered into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, He now “prizes” what he pursues. Whereas the potential joy stealer in Philippians 3 is our pedigree and possessions, the next ingredient making up God's definition for joy is that Christ is our prized pursuit. In Philippians 1 we see the first ingredient of joy and it is the life of Christ. In Philippians 2, we have the mind of Christ. Here in Philippians 3, the third ingredient is that Christ is our prized pursuit.
We see this line of thinking highlighted this in v.13 where Paul writes, "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Paul says that there is one thing he doesn’t do and one thing he does do. He doesn’t consider himself as having taken hold of full knowledge of Christ. He does forget what is behind and strains forward to what is ahead which is an increasing intimacy with Christ.
Paul was an elite Jew before meeting the Lord Jesus. His pedigree and his possessions defined him. Now, he literally considers these things garbage compared to his newfound relationship with Christ. For quite a while in his life, these things gave him a sense of identity. Now that he has come into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, he sees life increasingly different, through the eyes of the Lord Jesus.
In v.14, Paul explains what motivates him, once again using the verb translated “press on.” A word borrowed from olympic competition, in the games, the “goal” was the marker at the finish line. The prize, a palm branch, was given by the president of the games, who summoned the victor at the conclusion of the race. The prize for Paul is literally the “heavenward calling of God in Christ Jesus.” For him, the prize is increasingly knowing Christ in a more intimate way.
A mark of someone who is a follower of the Lord Jesus is that he pursues Him. Having tasted of Christ, he, with increasing desperation, wants more of Christ. And he will not rest until he knows Christ more deeply with each passing day. He will not stop this pursuit, even into eternity.
Christ pursues us that we might pursue Him. On the one hand, we can expect to always have a sense of holy dissatisfaction with life that causes us to want something more. On the other hand, Christ has seized our hearts that we might seek Him. All of our desires are just echoes of this one desire to know Him more deeply.
In context, it is through suffering that we go deeper in our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. We get to know Him better when we experience His empathy because of His pain. Those who know intimacy with Christ are those who have suffered with Him deeply. Suffering gives eyes to our heart's ability to see God.
The Apostle illustrates this point when he writes, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." And, it is suffering that largely frames up our point of reference causing us to listen to the Lord Jesus more intensely and more intimately. In context, suffering is the taking away of bad things or good things that the world offers as a flimsy substitute. When these things are taken away (by force or by circumstance or by choice), we suffer.
Intimacy with God can not only be experienced through knowledge accumulation. In order to intimately know God, we must know crucial things about Him, but theological head knowledge will never be enough. We must "know" or "experience" Him in order to be intimate with Him. And, suffering is a must ingredient in this formula.
Our world is not abounding in intimates who walk with God in a profound way because knowledge is not synonymous with trust. Biblical knowledge is far better than gold when it fuels our trust in God, because it fuels our intimacy with Him. But when biblical knowledge replaces our trust in God, it only fuels our pride. And suffering is useful to rivet us on the goal who is Christ. Intimacy with God most often occurs in the places where we must trust Him most.
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Monday, March 09, 2020
Philippians 3:8-11
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8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. ~ Philippians 3:8-11
In our text, the Apostle Paul pulls the curtain back on what precedes knowing Christ.
The word “know” describes an experiential relationship with God. It is much the same as any other relationship we have. There is give and take involved, and to the degree that we invest in it is the degree to which we benefit from it.
This is not knowing about Christ. This is knowing Him. This knowledge the Apostle is talking about here is not simply a casual contact now and then. We don't get to know our friends that way. The friends we know best are the ones we have spent most time with, or at least we have gone with through deep experiences. This knowledge of Christ comes by continual sharing of experiences together.
In v.8, Paul calls Christ “my Lord” for the only time in his writings. Paul uses the word "gnosko" for "know." Nothing satisfies the heart like intimacy with Christ. If we are to experience "gnosko" with the Lord, we must go on counting everything else that would compete for His place in our heart as loss and even garbage.
It was Mary of Bethany who gave her expensive perfume. She thought nothing of pouring it on Jesus’ feet as an expression of her love for Him. She not only gave a valuable possession, she also did it eagerly, in order to embrace something much more valuable, a personal act of gratitude to Him.
Like Paul, we must give up seeking our identity in our pedigree and our possessions in order to experience Him. In v.9-10 we are given more to what it means to gain Christ. To gain Christ means to have a righteousness from God through faith in Him. God has always pursued us. In fact, if He had not pursued us, we would still be dead to Him.
In v.9, the word “Righteousness” means "covenant membership." In this sense, when we are “righteous,” we belong to God. Paul says, “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law.” This is not the kind of righteousness that Paul formerly possessed. He had concluded that kind of righteousness as “loss.”
When he says, "be found in him", he means this is what others will see when they examine his life. It's something to be discovered, "found in Him," whether it is in the day-to-day experience or in that final examination of God when Paul stands before Him.
The covenant membership he now possesses does not come from obeying the law but through faith in Christ. He could not earn his place in the family of God. When we have faith in Christ, we believe that He is Lord over that which separated us from God, namely sin and death. God grants us with the gift of righteousness or covenant membership because we believe that His Son's death paid the penalty for our sinfulness.
At this point, Righteousness, is not the goal of Paul’s existence. Paul has and pursues the righteousness of God so that He may "know Christ". For Paul, covenant membership is not an end; it is a means to an end. The end is “to know” Christ.
According to v.10, "knowing Christ" means knowing “the power of his resurrection” and "participating in his sufferings.” If we are to know someone, we must know the story of that person’s life. To know the story of Christ’s life, is to hear about His sufferings and resurrection. Knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection and the participation of his sufferings means connecting with the story of Christ at a deep level. Paul wants not only to know about the story of Christ; he wants to live the story of Christ.
To experience the power of Christ’s resurrection means to experience the risen Lord Jesus Himself through His Holy Spirit, who empowers us by enlightening us, motivating us, leading us, and enabling us to pursue Him. In many ways, the process of experiencing Christ’s resurrection means being empowered to experience the sufferings of Christ. Knowing the power of His resurrection enables us to share His sufferings.
The Apostle ends v.10 with, "becoming like him in his death". On the cross the Lord Jesus was made to be all that we are, sinful and self-pleasing, and He put all that to death. The cross of the Lord Jesus was the end of the believer's sinfulness. When we received the Lord Jesus, we accepted God's judgment on our sin. As a result, we are free to be real humans who are freed, unbound, delivered, and no longer concerned about what happens to us when we sin.
In v.11, Paul uses a word that he does not use in his writings. This word is resurrection. It's an augmented word. When Christ returns only the dead in Christ shall rise. Not all the dead will rise. Only the dead in Christ rise to be with Him. Paul is naturally not afraid that he won't make it.
When we experience this kind of intimacy with the Lord, we will find our hearts breaking for a broken world. When our hearts break for them, and we feel almost as if we are suffering or even wish we could suffer in their place, we are very close to the heart of Christ. When Christ becomes our goal then our pedigree and possessions will be yielded to His purposes in this world.
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8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. ~ Philippians 3:8-11
In our text, the Apostle Paul pulls the curtain back on what precedes knowing Christ.
The word “know” describes an experiential relationship with God. It is much the same as any other relationship we have. There is give and take involved, and to the degree that we invest in it is the degree to which we benefit from it.
This is not knowing about Christ. This is knowing Him. This knowledge the Apostle is talking about here is not simply a casual contact now and then. We don't get to know our friends that way. The friends we know best are the ones we have spent most time with, or at least we have gone with through deep experiences. This knowledge of Christ comes by continual sharing of experiences together.
In v.8, Paul calls Christ “my Lord” for the only time in his writings. Paul uses the word "gnosko" for "know." Nothing satisfies the heart like intimacy with Christ. If we are to experience "gnosko" with the Lord, we must go on counting everything else that would compete for His place in our heart as loss and even garbage.
It was Mary of Bethany who gave her expensive perfume. She thought nothing of pouring it on Jesus’ feet as an expression of her love for Him. She not only gave a valuable possession, she also did it eagerly, in order to embrace something much more valuable, a personal act of gratitude to Him.
Like Paul, we must give up seeking our identity in our pedigree and our possessions in order to experience Him. In v.9-10 we are given more to what it means to gain Christ. To gain Christ means to have a righteousness from God through faith in Him. God has always pursued us. In fact, if He had not pursued us, we would still be dead to Him.
In v.9, the word “Righteousness” means "covenant membership." In this sense, when we are “righteous,” we belong to God. Paul says, “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law.” This is not the kind of righteousness that Paul formerly possessed. He had concluded that kind of righteousness as “loss.”
When he says, "be found in him", he means this is what others will see when they examine his life. It's something to be discovered, "found in Him," whether it is in the day-to-day experience or in that final examination of God when Paul stands before Him.
The covenant membership he now possesses does not come from obeying the law but through faith in Christ. He could not earn his place in the family of God. When we have faith in Christ, we believe that He is Lord over that which separated us from God, namely sin and death. God grants us with the gift of righteousness or covenant membership because we believe that His Son's death paid the penalty for our sinfulness.
At this point, Righteousness, is not the goal of Paul’s existence. Paul has and pursues the righteousness of God so that He may "know Christ". For Paul, covenant membership is not an end; it is a means to an end. The end is “to know” Christ.
According to v.10, "knowing Christ" means knowing “the power of his resurrection” and "participating in his sufferings.” If we are to know someone, we must know the story of that person’s life. To know the story of Christ’s life, is to hear about His sufferings and resurrection. Knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection and the participation of his sufferings means connecting with the story of Christ at a deep level. Paul wants not only to know about the story of Christ; he wants to live the story of Christ.
To experience the power of Christ’s resurrection means to experience the risen Lord Jesus Himself through His Holy Spirit, who empowers us by enlightening us, motivating us, leading us, and enabling us to pursue Him. In many ways, the process of experiencing Christ’s resurrection means being empowered to experience the sufferings of Christ. Knowing the power of His resurrection enables us to share His sufferings.
The Apostle ends v.10 with, "becoming like him in his death". On the cross the Lord Jesus was made to be all that we are, sinful and self-pleasing, and He put all that to death. The cross of the Lord Jesus was the end of the believer's sinfulness. When we received the Lord Jesus, we accepted God's judgment on our sin. As a result, we are free to be real humans who are freed, unbound, delivered, and no longer concerned about what happens to us when we sin.
In v.11, Paul uses a word that he does not use in his writings. This word is resurrection. It's an augmented word. When Christ returns only the dead in Christ shall rise. Not all the dead will rise. Only the dead in Christ rise to be with Him. Paul is naturally not afraid that he won't make it.
When we experience this kind of intimacy with the Lord, we will find our hearts breaking for a broken world. When our hearts break for them, and we feel almost as if we are suffering or even wish we could suffer in their place, we are very close to the heart of Christ. When Christ becomes our goal then our pedigree and possessions will be yielded to His purposes in this world.
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Friday, March 06, 2020
Philippians 3:4-7
Click here for the Philippians 3:4-7 PODCAST
4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ~ Philippians 3:4-7
As mentioned in our last blog, the Apostle accentuates "the flesh" in this chapter because it is the cause of the third potential joy stealer which is our pedigree and our possessions. In v.4 he sets up his line of thinking by writing, "though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more."
In v.5-6 Paul explains himself by listing seven things that gave him pedigree before he became a believer in Christ. His pedigree brought him great gain, a great sense of assurance and importance. It gave him a great deal of meaning and significance. As a result, these things gave Paul belonging, because he got acceptance from excelling.
In v.5, Paul accentuates he was “circumcised on the eighth day.” In the Old Testament God had prescribed circumcision on the eighth day, because He knew that it took eight days for the blood of the baby to build up enough potassium which would make the blood clot and the baby would not die.
The second thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “of the people of Israel.” Paul was a Jew by birth, not by conversion. To the Israelites belonged the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the temple service and the promises. God had given to Israel all the pedigree.
The third thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “of the tribe of Benjamin,” which was a tribe of prominence, not least because it was one of only two tribes, along with Judah, to which one’s heritage could still be traced.
The fourth thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “a Hebrew of Hebrews.” This meant that he was an elite member of the nation of Israel. The Jews in Paul's day had become victims of the Greek culture, so they lost their language, traditions and culture. But not Paul. He had Hebrew parents. He was a Hebrew child. He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and he maintained the traditions. This set him apart from those who had allowed the faith to become watered down in their lives.
The fifth thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was a Pharisee. He viewed God's Word from the Pharisaic perspective. He was quite narrow-minded, allowing no room for grace. Being a Pharisee was the highest level of religious achievement in Judaism. And, as a result, he accentuates the sixth thing, he persecuted the church.
Paul was so zealous for the things of God, he killed Christians. This type of zeal says I love God so much I hate whatever offends Him. And, Paul thought Jesus and His followers were an offense to God.
The seventh thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “faultless” according to the “righteousness based on the law.” He lived as an observant Jew. He followed the Sabbath, food laws, and feasts. He kept short accounts with God, participating in the sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement. No one could fault him in these respects.
In v.7 the word "gains" is used. The Greek word kerdos is used here which means profit. The Apostle Paul accentuates his religious activity, falsely thinking that his performance garnered and maintained favor with God.
In v.7, Paul concluded, "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." When he met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul's orientation to life changed. After the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, he moved beyond the few things mentioned in v.5–6 and considered everything but Christ as garbage.
Finally, when we begin with anything other than the Lord Jesus, we make Christianity legalistic. It may be a good thing, like discipleship or sanctification. But, when we begin with Him, everything else flows from that. He must be our first love everyday, or else, we go the way of the Ephesians to whom the Lord Jesus said, "2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:2-4)
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4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ~ Philippians 3:4-7
As mentioned in our last blog, the Apostle accentuates "the flesh" in this chapter because it is the cause of the third potential joy stealer which is our pedigree and our possessions. In v.4 he sets up his line of thinking by writing, "though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more."
In v.5-6 Paul explains himself by listing seven things that gave him pedigree before he became a believer in Christ. His pedigree brought him great gain, a great sense of assurance and importance. It gave him a great deal of meaning and significance. As a result, these things gave Paul belonging, because he got acceptance from excelling.
The second thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “of the people of Israel.” Paul was a Jew by birth, not by conversion. To the Israelites belonged the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the temple service and the promises. God had given to Israel all the pedigree.
The third thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “of the tribe of Benjamin,” which was a tribe of prominence, not least because it was one of only two tribes, along with Judah, to which one’s heritage could still be traced.
The fourth thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “a Hebrew of Hebrews.” This meant that he was an elite member of the nation of Israel. The Jews in Paul's day had become victims of the Greek culture, so they lost their language, traditions and culture. But not Paul. He had Hebrew parents. He was a Hebrew child. He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and he maintained the traditions. This set him apart from those who had allowed the faith to become watered down in their lives.
The fifth thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was a Pharisee. He viewed God's Word from the Pharisaic perspective. He was quite narrow-minded, allowing no room for grace. Being a Pharisee was the highest level of religious achievement in Judaism. And, as a result, he accentuates the sixth thing, he persecuted the church.
Paul was so zealous for the things of God, he killed Christians. This type of zeal says I love God so much I hate whatever offends Him. And, Paul thought Jesus and His followers were an offense to God.
The seventh thing that gave Paul pedigree, he was “faultless” according to the “righteousness based on the law.” He lived as an observant Jew. He followed the Sabbath, food laws, and feasts. He kept short accounts with God, participating in the sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement. No one could fault him in these respects.
In v.7 the word "gains" is used. The Greek word kerdos is used here which means profit. The Apostle Paul accentuates his religious activity, falsely thinking that his performance garnered and maintained favor with God.
In v.7, Paul concluded, "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." When he met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul's orientation to life changed. After the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, he moved beyond the few things mentioned in v.5–6 and considered everything but Christ as garbage.
Finally, when we begin with anything other than the Lord Jesus, we make Christianity legalistic. It may be a good thing, like discipleship or sanctification. But, when we begin with Him, everything else flows from that. He must be our first love everyday, or else, we go the way of the Ephesians to whom the Lord Jesus said, "2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:2-4)
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Thursday, March 05, 2020
Philippians 3:1-3
Click here for the Philippians 3:1-3 PODCAST
1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. ~ Philippians 3:1-3
We finished the second chapter of this epistle with the spotlight on Epaphroditus, a fellow soldier for the advancement of the Gospel. Paul begins chapter three with an admonition: “rejoice in the Lord," which is the theme in this letter.
In today's text, Paul turns the tables on those who put confidence in the flesh. Rejoicing “in” the Lord overcomes the desire to put confidence “in” the flesh. Those who put confidence in the flesh are described by the Apostle in v.2 in three ways: “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “those mutilators of the flesh.”
The Apostle underscores "the flesh" in this chapter because it is the cause of the third potential joy stealer in our lives. The potential joy stealer is our pedigree and our possessions. And, of course, the unique thing about the Lord Jesus that is accentuated is that the Lord Jesus must be our goal in all of life.
These who put confidence in their flesh thought of themselves as doers of righteousness, in accordance with the Mosaic Law. By relying on the law, they were actually out of step with the God of the Bible. They were missing God because their hearts were not circumcised and engaged with the Lord Jesus.
God has always been about the circumcision of our hearts. Outward circumcision was simply meant to be a sign of God's commitment to them. This was meant to make a certain impact on our hearts. The impact is that we would fling open the doors of their hearts to the One who made them. This is what God really wants: the engagement of our hearts with Him.
Every day we are painfully made aware that we cannot live life on our own and alone. If we acknowledge this and cry out to God for help, daily, this is always the turning point in our daily lives. If we don't have faith in the God of the Bible and we achieve things, we are in the greatest danger of placing our faith in self. But, the problem with self-made men is they tend to worship their creator.
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1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. ~ Philippians 3:1-3
We finished the second chapter of this epistle with the spotlight on Epaphroditus, a fellow soldier for the advancement of the Gospel. Paul begins chapter three with an admonition: “rejoice in the Lord," which is the theme in this letter.
In today's text, Paul turns the tables on those who put confidence in the flesh. Rejoicing “in” the Lord overcomes the desire to put confidence “in” the flesh. Those who put confidence in the flesh are described by the Apostle in v.2 in three ways: “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “those mutilators of the flesh.”
The Apostle underscores "the flesh" in this chapter because it is the cause of the third potential joy stealer in our lives. The potential joy stealer is our pedigree and our possessions. And, of course, the unique thing about the Lord Jesus that is accentuated is that the Lord Jesus must be our goal in all of life.
These who put confidence in their flesh thought of themselves as doers of righteousness, in accordance with the Mosaic Law. By relying on the law, they were actually out of step with the God of the Bible. They were missing God because their hearts were not circumcised and engaged with the Lord Jesus.
God has always been about the circumcision of our hearts. Outward circumcision was simply meant to be a sign of God's commitment to them. This was meant to make a certain impact on our hearts. The impact is that we would fling open the doors of their hearts to the One who made them. This is what God really wants: the engagement of our hearts with Him.
Paul offers a description of the true people of God to counter his description of the false people of God. The Apostle writes in v.3, "we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh."
The people of God are those “who serve God by his Spirit.” It is the Holy Spirit who makes us worshipers of God. He calls forth worship that is genuine and deep, instead of fake or superficial. True worship and service are produced by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our spirit. The godly results which come out of our existence are produced by the Spirit of God.
In addition, the people of God are those “who boast in Christ Jesus.” To boast is to put the spotlight on Him. It means to worship Him rather than anything else, including ourselves. From our childhood, we have been taught the way to become important is through self-confidence. This only leads to pride. And, the cross of the Lord Jesus is the end of the line for our pride. Due to the fact that we are still fallen, we face life feeling weak, ineffectual, and unable. Since this is so, we must be driven to the one who is totally adequate, and who is ready to be our strength. This is the way God intended for us to live.
The people of God are those "who put no confidence in the flesh." The true children of God put no confidence in our abilities to do the Lord's work. True believers don’t believe their successes have anything to do with being made right with the Lord. Self-confidence is the most deadly lie that has ever been perpetrated upon the human race.
The people of God are those "who put no confidence in the flesh." The true children of God put no confidence in our abilities to do the Lord's work. True believers don’t believe their successes have anything to do with being made right with the Lord. Self-confidence is the most deadly lie that has ever been perpetrated upon the human race.
Every day we are painfully made aware that we cannot live life on our own and alone. If we acknowledge this and cry out to God for help, daily, this is always the turning point in our daily lives. If we don't have faith in the God of the Bible and we achieve things, we are in the greatest danger of placing our faith in self. But, the problem with self-made men is they tend to worship their creator.
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Wednesday, March 04, 2020
Philippians 2:25-30
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25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. ~ Philippians 2:25-30
In our text the Apostle Paul uses another example of the principle that he gives in Philippians 2:1-16. Epaphroditus, also known as, Epaphras, as noted in Colossians 1:7, is the example now. Epaphroditus was a common name, drawn from the name of the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love. Her Roman name was Venus. Epaphroditus was named after her. Epaphroditus literally means "favorite by Aphrodite."
Epaphroditus came out of a pagan background, and was converted to Christ. According to v.25, he was useful to the church in Philippi and the Apostle Paul by delivering a financial gift to Paul from the believers in Philippi. It was an act of love, because travel in those days was difficult and dangerous. In v.30, Paul uses a verb, "risked," which means "to roll the dice." This is what we do when we gamble. It means to expose oneself to danger.
In v.25, Paul describes Epaphroditus as “my brother.” Epaphroditus was Paul's spiritual brother, and as followers of the Lord Jesus, they both had the same source of life. And, since they shared the same passion to advance the gospel, they had a tight bond in Christ.
Paul also refers to Epaphroditus as "my co-worker and fellow soldier." The Greek word used here for fellow soldier is the Greek word stratios from which we get our word strategist. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as my fellow strategist in the war of the spiritual realm.
Like Timothy, Epaphroditus had God's heart for others. He almost died, which caused Paul to have what he describes in v.27 as “sorrow upon sorrow.” According to v.28, Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippians in order to lessen the Philippians' anxiety.
In v.29-30, Paul encourages the Philippians to honor Epaphroditus who had “almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” Epaphroditus risked his life for the Gospel indicating how invested he was in the ministry of the Lord Jesus.
When we enter into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, and He reveals His heart to and for us, we begin to develop a deep heart of gratitude for who He is and what He has done in our lives. As our theology develops, we are granted a wider and deeper understanding of His salvation which melts our hearts of stone.
The Lord Jesus has come into our lives, not bent on changing our personality. He does address our ego, and it's good for it to go, that independent self that seeks always to be the center of attention. He will wage relentless, unending war against that, and the weapon He uses is primarily, the cross. Our trials and those moments when we need His grace are also helpful. He does not destroy our person, He indwells us, he enhances us. The result is attractive and transformational. It is at this moment that we experience God as He intended.
The Gospel is not just a set of rules, when followed, gets us into heaven or even makes our lives have meaning. It is a movement that transforms God’s entire creation. God will make that happen. And He has given us the privilege of being part of it. It is out of this perspective C.S. Lewis wrote, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
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25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. ~ Philippians 2:25-30
In our text the Apostle Paul uses another example of the principle that he gives in Philippians 2:1-16. Epaphroditus, also known as, Epaphras, as noted in Colossians 1:7, is the example now. Epaphroditus was a common name, drawn from the name of the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love. Her Roman name was Venus. Epaphroditus was named after her. Epaphroditus literally means "favorite by Aphrodite."
Epaphroditus came out of a pagan background, and was converted to Christ. According to v.25, he was useful to the church in Philippi and the Apostle Paul by delivering a financial gift to Paul from the believers in Philippi. It was an act of love, because travel in those days was difficult and dangerous. In v.30, Paul uses a verb, "risked," which means "to roll the dice." This is what we do when we gamble. It means to expose oneself to danger.
In v.25, Paul describes Epaphroditus as “my brother.” Epaphroditus was Paul's spiritual brother, and as followers of the Lord Jesus, they both had the same source of life. And, since they shared the same passion to advance the gospel, they had a tight bond in Christ.
Paul also refers to Epaphroditus as "my co-worker and fellow soldier." The Greek word used here for fellow soldier is the Greek word stratios from which we get our word strategist. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as my fellow strategist in the war of the spiritual realm.
Like Timothy, Epaphroditus had God's heart for others. He almost died, which caused Paul to have what he describes in v.27 as “sorrow upon sorrow.” According to v.28, Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippians in order to lessen the Philippians' anxiety.
In v.29-30, Paul encourages the Philippians to honor Epaphroditus who had “almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” Epaphroditus risked his life for the Gospel indicating how invested he was in the ministry of the Lord Jesus.
When we enter into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, and He reveals His heart to and for us, we begin to develop a deep heart of gratitude for who He is and what He has done in our lives. As our theology develops, we are granted a wider and deeper understanding of His salvation which melts our hearts of stone.
The Lord Jesus has come into our lives, not bent on changing our personality. He does address our ego, and it's good for it to go, that independent self that seeks always to be the center of attention. He will wage relentless, unending war against that, and the weapon He uses is primarily, the cross. Our trials and those moments when we need His grace are also helpful. He does not destroy our person, He indwells us, he enhances us. The result is attractive and transformational. It is at this moment that we experience God as He intended.
The Gospel is not just a set of rules, when followed, gets us into heaven or even makes our lives have meaning. It is a movement that transforms God’s entire creation. God will make that happen. And He has given us the privilege of being part of it. It is out of this perspective C.S. Lewis wrote, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
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Tuesday, March 03, 2020
Philippians 2:19-24
Click here for the Philippians 2:19-24 PODCAST
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. ~ Philippians 2:19-24
The Bible is a book about God interacting with people. In fact, there are 3,237 people referenced in the Bible. That's a lot of people in 30,0000 verses. People are obviously important to God and should be to us, too.
Philippians 2:19-24 seems to be out of place. Paul has been addressing the fact that people are our second greatest potential joy-stealer. In our text, the Apostle begins with "I hope in the Lord Jesus." It is this posture that we must have in order to access His joy.
In addition, Paul introduces Timothy, in order to illustrate the fact that when Christ's mind becomes our mind, people become important. The Apostle sets Timothy apart because Timothy genuinely has a heart for others. Paul earlier told the Philippians, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Timothy is an example of what this admonition looks like.
In Philippians 2:1-16 the Apostle gave us the precepts regarding how we should live. While in Philippians 2:17-30, the Apostle gives us examples, including Timothy, of what this looks like to "look out for the interest of others."
Christ served as Paul’s model for looking out for others in Philippians 2:5-11. Paul uses Timothy as another model for this act of Christlikeness. As we will see in tomorrows blog, Epaphroditus is yet another example toward whom Paul turns our attention. At the heart of Christlikeness is a heart for people which comes into our souls through our pains. Brennan Manning once said it well, “The unwounded life bears no resemblance to the Rabbi.”
The Apostle Paul met Timothy during his visit to the city of Lystra and led him to faith in the Lord Jesus. Then, they traveled together sharing the Gospel for years. Of all of Paul's companions, Timothy was his disciple. He was the one to carry on the mantle. But this mantle was not easily handed over or received easily. This mantle came on the heels of much consternation of the soul. In order to give us His heart for others, God sometimes has to melt us down.
Paul and Timothy shared in ministry together. They had a common purpose and goal. This underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with other people to walk through life together who have the same mission. We can have a community without shared purpose, but we can't have shared purpose without creating community. Coming together around a common goal always builds a community between people.
Paul says he has no one else to send to the Philippians who shares his concern for them. Everyone else who is available “looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ..”
Timothy had shown that the advancement of the gospel was most important to him. As we have observed elsewhere in our study of the Philippians, the cause of advancing the gospel brings people together and creates deep relationships (see Philippians 1:5).
Because of his love for the Lord, Timothy became genuinely interested in others because he genuinely walked with the Lord Jesus. To care for people we must be connected with Christ. When we draw near to Christ, His love for us softens our hearts. It is at this point that His interests become our interests, and we find ourselves loving people.
This is the biggest message in the Bible: our deepest needs get met in relationship with the Lord Jesus. And, as a result, we love others and take to heart the things that interests them. God created us to love others, and as we take an interest in them by seeking to advance the gospel in their lives, we find soul mates with whom we share His heart.
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19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. ~ Philippians 2:19-24
The Bible is a book about God interacting with people. In fact, there are 3,237 people referenced in the Bible. That's a lot of people in 30,0000 verses. People are obviously important to God and should be to us, too.
Philippians 2:19-24 seems to be out of place. Paul has been addressing the fact that people are our second greatest potential joy-stealer. In our text, the Apostle begins with "I hope in the Lord Jesus." It is this posture that we must have in order to access His joy.
In addition, Paul introduces Timothy, in order to illustrate the fact that when Christ's mind becomes our mind, people become important. The Apostle sets Timothy apart because Timothy genuinely has a heart for others. Paul earlier told the Philippians, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Timothy is an example of what this admonition looks like.
In Philippians 2:1-16 the Apostle gave us the precepts regarding how we should live. While in Philippians 2:17-30, the Apostle gives us examples, including Timothy, of what this looks like to "look out for the interest of others."
Christ served as Paul’s model for looking out for others in Philippians 2:5-11. Paul uses Timothy as another model for this act of Christlikeness. As we will see in tomorrows blog, Epaphroditus is yet another example toward whom Paul turns our attention. At the heart of Christlikeness is a heart for people which comes into our souls through our pains. Brennan Manning once said it well, “The unwounded life bears no resemblance to the Rabbi.”
The Apostle Paul met Timothy during his visit to the city of Lystra and led him to faith in the Lord Jesus. Then, they traveled together sharing the Gospel for years. Of all of Paul's companions, Timothy was his disciple. He was the one to carry on the mantle. But this mantle was not easily handed over or received easily. This mantle came on the heels of much consternation of the soul. In order to give us His heart for others, God sometimes has to melt us down.
Paul and Timothy shared in ministry together. They had a common purpose and goal. This underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with other people to walk through life together who have the same mission. We can have a community without shared purpose, but we can't have shared purpose without creating community. Coming together around a common goal always builds a community between people.
Paul says he has no one else to send to the Philippians who shares his concern for them. Everyone else who is available “looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ..”
Timothy had shown that the advancement of the gospel was most important to him. As we have observed elsewhere in our study of the Philippians, the cause of advancing the gospel brings people together and creates deep relationships (see Philippians 1:5).
Because of his love for the Lord, Timothy became genuinely interested in others because he genuinely walked with the Lord Jesus. To care for people we must be connected with Christ. When we draw near to Christ, His love for us softens our hearts. It is at this point that His interests become our interests, and we find ourselves loving people.
This is the biggest message in the Bible: our deepest needs get met in relationship with the Lord Jesus. And, as a result, we love others and take to heart the things that interests them. God created us to love others, and as we take an interest in them by seeking to advance the gospel in their lives, we find soul mates with whom we share His heart.
To help BYM, click here
Monday, March 02, 2020
Philippians 2:17-18
Click here for the Philippians 2:17-18 PODCAST
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. ~ Philippians 2:17-18
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. We often confuse joy with happiness. A common mistake is to think that getting something will make us happy. We tell ourselves, “If only I had ...” But, as is illustrated in our text, joy comes from giving and serving, not from getting. To grow in joy, we must resist being self-centered and self-absorbed. For joy to flourish in our lives, we must willingly bow our wills to the Lord Jesus and grow in an intimate relationship with Him.
Joy is closely related to gratitude. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, gratitude prepares our souls for joy which is the power that frees us from ourselves and being short-sighted. Joy enables us to lose sight of self. It keeps us from being cowards, and it reveals to us that comfort, the most popular god in America, is its greatest enemy.
In v.17, we read, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith..." Paul’s joy is the result of being poured out on the offering of the faith of the Philippians. The Apostle Paul is in prison in Rome for the sake of the Gospel. This picture of being poured out ends in death to self. Paul uses the exact phrase again in 2 Timothy 4:6, where he says, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”
At the end of v.17 we read, “, I am glad and rejoice with alI am glad and rejoice with all of you.” The Apostle is rejoicing with the believers in Philippi. They are rejoicing in the advancement of the “faith” in their lives. When joy is given away, it grows because it is doubled.
Joy and faith are inseparable. When we have saving faith, we have tasted the joy that belongs to faith. This is the joy of faith. Many Scriptures show a cause-effect relationship between faith and joy. Faith is the cause and joy is the result. This discovery transforms us, because our faith in the providence of God enables us to rest in the joy that God has our backs. When we stand on our tiptoes and look beyond the distracting nature of our trials and fix our eyes on the hope found in our salvation, we can have joy in all circumstances.
We read in v.18, “So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” Joy is the product of being poured out for the sake of the faith. The risk of dying produces the joy of faith. And now Paul says, rejoice with me as I die for your joy of faith.
To be "poured out like a drink offering" means that the Apostle is suffering for the faith. In Genesis 35:14, Jacob set up a pillar for worship at Bethel, he consecrated it by “pouring out a drink offering on it.” There was a similar ritual commanded in Exodus 29, it says the priests were to offer a “drink offering” of a hin or a gallon of wine along with the lamb of the burnt offering. They poured the wine out as part of the sacrifice that was offered. Paul is saying, "Suffering is an offering to God, which is the cause for celebration of joy."
In Hebrews 12:2 we read, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." The joy that was set before the Lord Jesus culminated in our once ruined lives being redeemed though His death and resurrection. Anticipating the outcome, He endured the pain and torture of the cross. He poured out his blood as a drink offering so that we might experience His presence and influence in our daily lives.
When we suffer together, we have deeper intimacy and stronger connections. Our suffering with other believers creates the strongest connection possible, because that connection is eternal. Many today are hungry for community. Enduring community is the product of joining others who have His heart for that which is most important. In this case, it is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.
Finally, Nate Saint was the missionary pilot who flew Jim Eliot and three others on a mission trip to a remote tribe of natives in Ecuador, where all five of the missionaries ended up being killed by the tribe after they landed. Nate Saint was not as well-known as Jim Eliot, but had a great heart for the Lord and His work as well. Before his death, he wrote these words:
“People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives … and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.”
We can pour out our lives like Paul did, in service to God, or we can waste them on things that won’t matter in eternity. Oh to have the ability to transcend to such a perspective. This is the purpose of joy, it enables us to transcend.
To help BYM, click here
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. ~ Philippians 2:17-18
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. We often confuse joy with happiness. A common mistake is to think that getting something will make us happy. We tell ourselves, “If only I had ...” But, as is illustrated in our text, joy comes from giving and serving, not from getting. To grow in joy, we must resist being self-centered and self-absorbed. For joy to flourish in our lives, we must willingly bow our wills to the Lord Jesus and grow in an intimate relationship with Him.
Joy is closely related to gratitude. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, gratitude prepares our souls for joy which is the power that frees us from ourselves and being short-sighted. Joy enables us to lose sight of self. It keeps us from being cowards, and it reveals to us that comfort, the most popular god in America, is its greatest enemy.
In v.17, we read, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith..." Paul’s joy is the result of being poured out on the offering of the faith of the Philippians. The Apostle Paul is in prison in Rome for the sake of the Gospel. This picture of being poured out ends in death to self. Paul uses the exact phrase again in 2 Timothy 4:6, where he says, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”
At the end of v.17 we read, “, I am glad and rejoice with alI am glad and rejoice with all of you.” The Apostle is rejoicing with the believers in Philippi. They are rejoicing in the advancement of the “faith” in their lives. When joy is given away, it grows because it is doubled.
Joy and faith are inseparable. When we have saving faith, we have tasted the joy that belongs to faith. This is the joy of faith. Many Scriptures show a cause-effect relationship between faith and joy. Faith is the cause and joy is the result. This discovery transforms us, because our faith in the providence of God enables us to rest in the joy that God has our backs. When we stand on our tiptoes and look beyond the distracting nature of our trials and fix our eyes on the hope found in our salvation, we can have joy in all circumstances.
We read in v.18, “So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” Joy is the product of being poured out for the sake of the faith. The risk of dying produces the joy of faith. And now Paul says, rejoice with me as I die for your joy of faith.
To be "poured out like a drink offering" means that the Apostle is suffering for the faith. In Genesis 35:14, Jacob set up a pillar for worship at Bethel, he consecrated it by “pouring out a drink offering on it.” There was a similar ritual commanded in Exodus 29, it says the priests were to offer a “drink offering” of a hin or a gallon of wine along with the lamb of the burnt offering. They poured the wine out as part of the sacrifice that was offered. Paul is saying, "Suffering is an offering to God, which is the cause for celebration of joy."
In Hebrews 12:2 we read, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." The joy that was set before the Lord Jesus culminated in our once ruined lives being redeemed though His death and resurrection. Anticipating the outcome, He endured the pain and torture of the cross. He poured out his blood as a drink offering so that we might experience His presence and influence in our daily lives.
When we suffer together, we have deeper intimacy and stronger connections. Our suffering with other believers creates the strongest connection possible, because that connection is eternal. Many today are hungry for community. Enduring community is the product of joining others who have His heart for that which is most important. In this case, it is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.
Finally, Nate Saint was the missionary pilot who flew Jim Eliot and three others on a mission trip to a remote tribe of natives in Ecuador, where all five of the missionaries ended up being killed by the tribe after they landed. Nate Saint was not as well-known as Jim Eliot, but had a great heart for the Lord and His work as well. Before his death, he wrote these words:
“People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives … and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.”
We can pour out our lives like Paul did, in service to God, or we can waste them on things that won’t matter in eternity. Oh to have the ability to transcend to such a perspective. This is the purpose of joy, it enables us to transcend.
To help BYM, click here
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