Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Do not be anxious about anything…
Summary: Paul’s words are direct and seemingly impossible to obey, except for the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.
As Paul writes the words in today’s passage, he is a prisoner of Rome in the first century AD. Roman prisoners were not noted for having nothing to be anxious about.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:6a – Anti-Anxiety”
The Lord is near.
Summary: Do you ever wonder where Jesus is? He might be closer than you think!
Do you ever feel like Jesus is far away?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus”
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Summary: In this passage, Paul makes a simple suggestion. But is it just a suggestion?
As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he begins Chapter Four with a plea to “stand firm in the Lord.” He then adds a note to stand firm “in this way.” “This way” turned out to mean adhering to the true Gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus, valuing Christ above all else, pressing on, striving for maturity in faith, focusing on the godly, and remembering we are citizens of heaven.*
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5a – More Than Human”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Summary: Paul’s admonition to “rejoice” is both a delight and a puzzle. When we take a closer look at what he says, we find that what he asks us to do is really quite simple.
When Paul says “Jump!,” I jump! When he says, “Rejoice!” I say, “Huh?”
What does he mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:4 – Remain Calm and Carry On”
… 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.
Summary: The struggle between Euodia and Syntyche is not unique. When we consider other disagreements the early church experienced, certain patterns emerge.
It might be helpful to know what Euodia and Syntyche had disagreed about. Of course, since Paul tells us that they were both “in the book of life,” it doesn’t matter to them now. They are enjoying the blessings of heaven and the company of the Lord Jesus. Earthly disagreements carry little weight in heaven.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:3b – Body Parts”
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion…
Summary: Who is Paul referring to? That is the mystery. In this meditation, we explore the possible meanings of Paul’s strange choice of words.
Paul does something very interesting in this passage, and it is worth taking a few minutes to consider what is going on here.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:3a – Minor Mystery”
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Summary: Euodia and Syntyche suffer from a condition that afflicts all of humanity: They want to be right.
What is up with Euodia and Syntyche?
Two women who had worked side by side with the Apostle Paul are caught up in a disagreement. Whatever they are unhappy about, the news of their conflict has reached Paul, hundreds of miles away.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:2 – Of One Mind”
… stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Summary: As we consider the rest of this passage, we rediscover the wisdom Paul shared in Chapter 3.
In the first part of our meditation on this passage, we looked at the phrase, “in the Lord.” In this meditation, let’s look at the phrase, “in this way.”
What does Paul mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:1b – In the Lord (Part 2)”
… stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Summary: This passage provides multiple topics to ponder. In this meditation, we look at what it means to be “in the Lord.”
As we meditate on this passage, there are three separate sections we can focus on. The first is what it means to “stand firm.” The second is the phrase, “in the Lord,” and the third is “in this way.” All three carry special meaning and are worthy of our time.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:1b – In the Lord (Part 1)”