Phil. 3:1-21
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).
Paul begins this chapter by mentioning two classes of persons. First, there are the unrighteous ones who persecute Christians. These he calls “dogs,” “evil workers,” and “false circumcision” (these pretenders claim to have earned righteousness by obeying the Law). Secondly, there are the righteous ones who are being persecuted, whom Paul calls “perfect” because they are growing in faith as the Lord expects them to do. Regarding the latter, Paul continues, “We are the true circumcision (heart circumcised Rom. 2:29), who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” Then, in order to be an effective teacher, Paul gives his Jewish credentials and immediately denounces them as an example for other believes. “I count all things to be loss,” he says, “in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteous of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul knows that he is on the right road and that he has not yet reached his destination. He also has some sage advice for those of us who are trying to become mature Christians.
1. Live what you know and God will show you more. “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by the same standard to which we have attained” (vs. 15, 16).
2. Follow mature examples. “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (v. 17).
3. Be aware of the enemies of Christ and don’t let them influence you. “For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (v. 1, 19).
4. Remember that you are a citizen of heaven and Christ will come for you. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20).
5. Think often about what Christ will do for you when He comes. “(He) will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (v.21). “Behold, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is” (I John 3:2). “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
6. Rejoice in the Lord always. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord (v. 1).
7. What Paul has written is a“safeguard” for us (v. 1).
Many Christians lament the fact that they are immature. Some try too hard to grow while others don’t try at all. Christian maturity doesn’t come by following rules any more than righteousness comes by obeying the Law. Study these statements and “think on these things;” see if they won’t help you to “press on toward the goal” and make this way of living your life style. This is the meaning of Christian maturity.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Why Brit Hume is Leaving Fox News
"There are other things I want to do in my life. I didn't use to have grandchildren, now I do, and it's the purest love I've ever known, and I want to spend more time with them.
"I also want try to pursue my spiritual life, my walk with Christ, and do better in that than I ever have," he added. "It's something that really came to me when my son died 10 years ago, and it's been a big part of my life since." Richard Huff, NY Daily Editor
"I also want try to pursue my spiritual life, my walk with Christ, and do better in that than I ever have," he added. "It's something that really came to me when my son died 10 years ago, and it's been a big part of my life since." Richard Huff, NY Daily Editor
Friday, December 26, 2008
Questions on Philippians Two
(Using the New American Standard Bible)
1. What eight things did Paul lists that the saints should think about? (vs. 1, 2)
2. What would it do for Paul if his readers followed his instructions? (v. 2a)
3. What two motives were they to avoid? (v. 3)
4. What do humble people do? v. 3
5. With whose interests should a Christian be concerned? (v. 4)
6. What is the sure way to get one’s thinking and actions right? (v. 5)
7. What two things did Jesus do which serve as the very best examples for us? (vs. 7, 8)
8. What did the Father do for Jesus because He was obedient? (v. 9)
9. What is expected of all created being as they relate to Christ? (v. 10, 11)
10. What did Paul say that these Christians had done? (v. 12a)
11. What are we to do about out salvation? (v. 12b)
12. What does God do about our salvation? (v. 13)
13. What two things are we taught not to do? (v. 14)
14. What three things result from not doing these things? (v. 15a)
15. What is the nature of the generation in which Christians live? (v. 15b)
16. How do Christians appear in such a generation? (v. 15c)
17. How would their behavior benefit Paul in “the day of Christ”? (v. 16)
18. What pending eventuality would not rob Paul of his joy? (v. 17)
19. What was Paul’s evaluation of Timothy? (v. 20)
20. What did Paul trust the Lord to do for him? (v. 24)
21. What three words describe the relationship of Epaphroditus to Paul? v. 25a)
22. What was Epaphroditus’s relationship to the Philippian church? (v. 25b)
23. Why did Paul send Epaphroditus to Philippi? (vs. 26, 28)
24. How were the Philippian saints to receive Epaphroditus? (v. 29)
25. What risk did Epaphroditus take getting the Philippians’ offering to Paul in Rome? (v. 30)
1. What eight things did Paul lists that the saints should think about? (vs. 1, 2)
2. What would it do for Paul if his readers followed his instructions? (v. 2a)
3. What two motives were they to avoid? (v. 3)
4. What do humble people do? v. 3
5. With whose interests should a Christian be concerned? (v. 4)
6. What is the sure way to get one’s thinking and actions right? (v. 5)
7. What two things did Jesus do which serve as the very best examples for us? (vs. 7, 8)
8. What did the Father do for Jesus because He was obedient? (v. 9)
9. What is expected of all created being as they relate to Christ? (v. 10, 11)
10. What did Paul say that these Christians had done? (v. 12a)
11. What are we to do about out salvation? (v. 12b)
12. What does God do about our salvation? (v. 13)
13. What two things are we taught not to do? (v. 14)
14. What three things result from not doing these things? (v. 15a)
15. What is the nature of the generation in which Christians live? (v. 15b)
16. How do Christians appear in such a generation? (v. 15c)
17. How would their behavior benefit Paul in “the day of Christ”? (v. 16)
18. What pending eventuality would not rob Paul of his joy? (v. 17)
19. What was Paul’s evaluation of Timothy? (v. 20)
20. What did Paul trust the Lord to do for him? (v. 24)
21. What three words describe the relationship of Epaphroditus to Paul? v. 25a)
22. What was Epaphroditus’s relationship to the Philippian church? (v. 25b)
23. Why did Paul send Epaphroditus to Philippi? (vs. 26, 28)
24. How were the Philippian saints to receive Epaphroditus? (v. 29)
25. What risk did Epaphroditus take getting the Philippians’ offering to Paul in Rome? (v. 30)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Serious but Funny
While at a Christmas party at a church in Rockford, I heard about a local preacher named Larry, who had been taken to the hospital for what was believed to be a heart attack. His church waited anxiously all night for a word on his condition. Early the next morning an email letter was sent to everyone in his congregation saying, “Thank God! Pastor Larry has pleurisy.”
Friday, December 19, 2008
Characters and Characteristics of Phil. 2:19-30
1. Jesus Christ is the leading character in the drama of redemption. All true believers know that He is their dependable trustworthy Savior and Lord. Paul put his hope (vs. 19, 23) and trust (v. 24) in Him.
2. Paul is a prisoner in Rome, living in his own rented quarters (Acts 28:30, 31), teaching all who come to him, and expecting to be released. From indications in his letters he was released and went on another missionary journey, after which he was arrested again, placed in chains and executed by Nero. He wanted to see his Philippian brothers and sisters, whom he loved. They also loved him and had been very good to him, sending aid a number of times. In his absence, he communicated with them through his faithful helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Even though Paul was confined, his spirit was free. He couldn’t go on a mission journey to convert people but he could convert the prison guards and members of Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22). He acknowledges the church’s gift by saying, “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent…” (4:18). Somehow the church had learned that their good brother Epaphroditus had been ill, and it stressed Paul to know that they had been burdened by the news. To Paul he was a fellow worker and fellow soldier; to the Philippians he was a faithful brother, a messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. Paul was anxious for them all. If Epaphroditus could make it to Philippi before Timothy, he would be encouraged because the church could stop worrying about him. Paul wrote, “I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you may rejoice.” And he wrote for his own benefit, saying, “...and I might be less concerned about you.” Paul had needs but he was more concerned about the needs of others than himself. He suffers but he didn’t complain. Under these circumstances he wrote this letter of fidelity courage and joy.
3. Timothy is with Paul. “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope therefore to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall be coming shortly” ( 19-24). Timothy would travel to Philippi but he would wait to see how Paul’s case came out in court. This way he could give the church an update on Paul’s circumstances and bring back to Paul a report on the church. Meanwhile Paul would send Epaphroditys, who had recovered from a serious illness and was anxious to return to his church. He would send Timothy later, in the hope of receiving a good report from the church. Timothy was a model of loyalty and service. While others got involved in other things, (“Demos has deserted me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10)”) etc., Timothy was as devoted as a son to Paul and as loyal to Christ.
4. Epaphroditus “I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you might rejoice and I may be less concerned about you…” (25-30). Faithful servants of Christ always seek after the interests of Christ and their fellow servants.
5. The saints at Philippi V. 29, 30-“Thereefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men.” Can’t you imagine the church having a Sunday service with their good brother Epaphroditus, who had almost died serving them? He had been with Paul and is now giving his report. Can’t you imagine the questions they are asking? “How is Paul? Is there any chance that he will come soon?” Is he well? Is he being mistreated? We have never stopped praying for him. We’re glad you got our gift to him. Epaphroditus answers their questions and tells them all about Paul. I suspect they had a long prayer and praise session, shed some tears, and rejoiced in a long worship service. Faithful servants of Christ work and pray together. Lord Jesus, teach us to be concerned about your interests and to care for one another. Give us the courage to stand together for the truth, even under hardships.
Thus you have the characters and characteristics of Philippians 3:19-30.
2. Paul is a prisoner in Rome, living in his own rented quarters (Acts 28:30, 31), teaching all who come to him, and expecting to be released. From indications in his letters he was released and went on another missionary journey, after which he was arrested again, placed in chains and executed by Nero. He wanted to see his Philippian brothers and sisters, whom he loved. They also loved him and had been very good to him, sending aid a number of times. In his absence, he communicated with them through his faithful helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Even though Paul was confined, his spirit was free. He couldn’t go on a mission journey to convert people but he could convert the prison guards and members of Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22). He acknowledges the church’s gift by saying, “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent…” (4:18). Somehow the church had learned that their good brother Epaphroditus had been ill, and it stressed Paul to know that they had been burdened by the news. To Paul he was a fellow worker and fellow soldier; to the Philippians he was a faithful brother, a messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. Paul was anxious for them all. If Epaphroditus could make it to Philippi before Timothy, he would be encouraged because the church could stop worrying about him. Paul wrote, “I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you may rejoice.” And he wrote for his own benefit, saying, “...and I might be less concerned about you.” Paul had needs but he was more concerned about the needs of others than himself. He suffers but he didn’t complain. Under these circumstances he wrote this letter of fidelity courage and joy.
3. Timothy is with Paul. “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope therefore to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall be coming shortly” ( 19-24). Timothy would travel to Philippi but he would wait to see how Paul’s case came out in court. This way he could give the church an update on Paul’s circumstances and bring back to Paul a report on the church. Meanwhile Paul would send Epaphroditys, who had recovered from a serious illness and was anxious to return to his church. He would send Timothy later, in the hope of receiving a good report from the church. Timothy was a model of loyalty and service. While others got involved in other things, (“Demos has deserted me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10)”) etc., Timothy was as devoted as a son to Paul and as loyal to Christ.
4. Epaphroditus “I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you might rejoice and I may be less concerned about you…” (25-30). Faithful servants of Christ always seek after the interests of Christ and their fellow servants.
5. The saints at Philippi V. 29, 30-“Thereefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men.” Can’t you imagine the church having a Sunday service with their good brother Epaphroditus, who had almost died serving them? He had been with Paul and is now giving his report. Can’t you imagine the questions they are asking? “How is Paul? Is there any chance that he will come soon?” Is he well? Is he being mistreated? We have never stopped praying for him. We’re glad you got our gift to him. Epaphroditus answers their questions and tells them all about Paul. I suspect they had a long prayer and praise session, shed some tears, and rejoiced in a long worship service. Faithful servants of Christ work and pray together. Lord Jesus, teach us to be concerned about your interests and to care for one another. Give us the courage to stand together for the truth, even under hardships.
Thus you have the characters and characteristics of Philippians 3:19-30.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Attitde of Christ Jesus
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5 NASV).
The first eleven verses of Philippians two have two great lessons for us; 1) they teach us to have a Christian attitude and 2) they set forth Christ as our model. While some translations say “mind” the NASV says “attitude” – “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” An attitude is a “settled way of thinking or feeling” (Oxford) hence, the only way one can have Christ’s attitude is to think as He thinks. And that‘s what this text is all about.
Philippians 2:1-11 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he existed in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in the appearance of a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In this text we have both a description of the Christian attitude (vs. 1- 4) and the source of the Christian attitude (vs. 5-11)—what is it and where it comes from. (The following are not just lines to be read but truths to be mastered. Practice them!
1. This is the Christian attitude (1-5)
Encourage one another in Christ.
Console one another in love.
Fellowship one another in the Spirit.
Show affection and compassion for one another in life.
Be of the same mind with one another.
Share your joy with one another.
Maintain unity of purpose with one another.
Hold one another in high regard.
Look after one another.
Cultivate a Christ-like attitude in one another.
2. This is the source of the Christian attitude is (6-11)
Jesus emptied Himself and took the form of a man, a servant, and submitted to death for us.
God highly exalted Him above all.
Everyone must confess Him as Lord to the glory to God.
As humans we are inclined toward evil, and will gravitate toward evil unless we guard our minds and watch our attitudes. We cannot see in ourselves the badness we see in others. We compare ourselves with others and feel rather proud that we are better than they. But as judges, when we judge others, we pass sentences on ourselves. Paul puts it this way: “You are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same thing” (Rom. 2:1). We should rather compare ourselves with our Lord and fall on our faces in humility and penitence, confessing that we have failed to have the attitude of Christ. But we are going to do better, aren’t we?
The first eleven verses of Philippians two have two great lessons for us; 1) they teach us to have a Christian attitude and 2) they set forth Christ as our model. While some translations say “mind” the NASV says “attitude” – “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” An attitude is a “settled way of thinking or feeling” (Oxford) hence, the only way one can have Christ’s attitude is to think as He thinks. And that‘s what this text is all about.
Philippians 2:1-11 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he existed in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in the appearance of a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In this text we have both a description of the Christian attitude (vs. 1- 4) and the source of the Christian attitude (vs. 5-11)—what is it and where it comes from. (The following are not just lines to be read but truths to be mastered. Practice them!
1. This is the Christian attitude (1-5)
Encourage one another in Christ.
Console one another in love.
Fellowship one another in the Spirit.
Show affection and compassion for one another in life.
Be of the same mind with one another.
Share your joy with one another.
Maintain unity of purpose with one another.
Hold one another in high regard.
Look after one another.
Cultivate a Christ-like attitude in one another.
2. This is the source of the Christian attitude is (6-11)
Jesus emptied Himself and took the form of a man, a servant, and submitted to death for us.
God highly exalted Him above all.
Everyone must confess Him as Lord to the glory to God.
As humans we are inclined toward evil, and will gravitate toward evil unless we guard our minds and watch our attitudes. We cannot see in ourselves the badness we see in others. We compare ourselves with others and feel rather proud that we are better than they. But as judges, when we judge others, we pass sentences on ourselves. Paul puts it this way: “You are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same thing” (Rom. 2:1). We should rather compare ourselves with our Lord and fall on our faces in humility and penitence, confessing that we have failed to have the attitude of Christ. But we are going to do better, aren’t we?
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