Month: October 2020

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:1-11 (day 6)

Jesus was no stranger to difficult and interesting conversations. Often enough, the locals, including the religious leaders, would try to trip Him up; other times Jesus would throw a wrench in their thinking, never shying aware from saying something truly offensive.

This account makes its way to the top of the list:  After a brief exchange with local Jews, Jesus declares, “You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires.” (John 8:44)

Can you imagine how offensive this statement was to descendants of Abraham? 

But Jesus was driving home the same point Paul is making to the Philippians. Your spiritual heritage (or righteousness) is not determined by externals, where you were born, who your parents are, how well you follow the law, etc. Your heritage is determined by who you love.

“If God were your father, you would love me…”-Jesus, John 8:42

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:1-11 (day four)“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,”
‭The first half of chapter three helps us understand what happened to Paul’s heart, mind, and life when he met Jesus on the Damascus road. Priorities, values, and passions changed dramatically.  Paul lists those, and remembers when those were the most valuable things. In and through the process of salvation as sanctification, Paul’s “life economy” changes dramatically. Loving and knowing Jesus moves into that list. As Paul’s faith grows and strengthens, his relationship with Christ, quickly climbs the list and revolutionizes the way he thinks about those previous achievements.  Not only did they move down the list, they moved off the list on Paul’s “profit column”. His life was so changed, he vowed that nothing could/should ever be in that column except knowing and loving Jesus.

Maybe it’s time for an “internal audit”. Where is faith in Christ on the spreadsheet of your heart and life?  Where is everything else?

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:1-11 (day four)

Paul tells us that there are only two types of people…the false circumcision and the true circumcision.  The false circumcision depends on the law to achieve righteousness.  The true circumcision depends on faith in Christ.  Paul is telling the church at Philippi that regardless of which standard you choose, he (Paul) would be at the top of the list.  Even though he would be the best on the false circumcision list, he could not receive forgiveness and eternal life through this path.  Forgiveness, salvation, reconciliation, and resurrection are only available through faith in Christ.  Righteousness cannot be earned, it is a gift from God through His Spirit.

Paul’s goal in life was resurrection and eternity with God in heaven.  What is your goal?  If you have the same goal as Paul, then the only path is faith!  For the false circumcision, their plan was to work to earn their salvation.  For the true circumcision, righteousness came as a gift and they worked to please God as a gift back to Him.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:1-11 (day three)

“…if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Something about our modern thinking tells us we’ve got to have everything spelled out, turn-key, elevator-pitch ready, and mystery-free. Tell that to Job, who played by the rules and got slammed, or to Jeremiah, who wished he’d never been born, or to Jesus himself, who said, “I have no idea” when faced with questions about the timing of the last day of history. Paul put the exclamation point on those things the Lord taught him: “Jesus came into the world to save sinners”; “I know whom I’ve believed”; “Christ has indeed been raised, a preview of what is to come for those who die.” With other things, there was room for the term “somehow.” Knowledge isn’t the gateway to faith. It’s the other way around.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:1-11 (day two) 

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; vs. 10

I recently read an essay by C.S. Lewis called Apologetics. In it he states that we do not believe or follow Christianity because we like it or that it makes us feel good. Rather, we believe it because it is true. Paul speaks in his letter the Colossian church about being buried with Christ through baptism and raised with him through faith. We must fully embrace this reality that Jesus came to die for us, and not only to die, but to suffer. That suffering was our penalty, and it became the path to our salvation. Our own journey may lead to temporary suffering, but as we enter, by faith, into a relationship with Christ we can know his strength. Don’t fear the suffering, look into the face of Jesus and let him love you through it.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:19-30 (day six)

For I have no one like him…Philippians 2:20

What set Timothy apart? Was it his unique giftedness? His eloquence? Or maybe he stood head and shoulders above all the others. Perhaps he was more educated than most, or had a quick wit. It could have been his comedic timing, or deft use of sarcasm. Maybe Paul just needed an extra pair of hands to run errands while he was in prison.

Paul mentions none of those things. We know two reasons Paul described him this way; he genuinely cared for others, and concerned himself mostly with Jesus’ interests rather than his own.

Make no mistake, Paul’s mentioning of Timothy and Epaphroditus was strategic. Aside from Jesus, he intended to tie their examples to his command:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit…Philippians 2:3

Men and woman, like this, were in short supply then and today.

Be different. Be a Timothy. You will be set apart too.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:19-30 (day five)

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon”.
It’s been a long 7 months and I miss seeing and being with so many of our church family. The Lord has led some to come back for worship. Others are being wise, prayerful, and careful (as we all should) as they listen to the Lord about their return timing.

There is a tangible joy and delight (for them and for me) when (each week) someone comes back for the first time since the pandemic. You can see it in their eyes and sense it in their hearts. (“that you may rejoice at seeing him again”)

I like the way Paul frames His decision to send Timothy back to the church in Philippi (in the Lord). Trusting God’s leadership and guidance in this (and every decision Paul makes). I believe God will help us, guide us, and speak to us (each and all) about when we could and should return. So, while my heart is heavy, it is also full of hope and confidence in God’s strength, sovereignty, and wisdom in protecting  and gathering His church. I hope “in the Lord” to be with you soon, as God continues to bless and grow His kingdom through FBCSA.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:19-30 (day four)

Just because Paul wrote about having joy in all situations, does not mean he did not have strong feelings that caused him great grief.  Verse 27 tells us that God spared Epaphroditus so Paul would not have sorrow upon sorrow.  What was causing Paul’s sorrow that would have been double sorrow with the loss of his friend?  Paul was in prison…he could not visit the people he loved and he could not spend time teaching them about living the Christian life.  How could he have joy and sorrow at the same time?

Paul’s joy was not dependent upon the circumstances surrounding his life…imprisonment, separation from loved ones, etc.  His joy was the result of his relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Nothing could change that relationship.  Sorrow comes based on our circumstances.  For Paul, it was his imprisonment, separation from loved ones, etc.  Even though he had deep sorrow, he could have a sustaining joy in Christ.

Have you discovered the secret of true joy?  Have you been distracted by your circumstances and allowed them to steal your joy?  We see in verse 1 of chapter 3 what Paul admonishes…”rejoice in the Lord.”