Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… so that you may be able to discern what is best …
Summary: There is a reason we need help to discern what is best. To find out what that reason is, we have to go back to the very beginning of history.
To discern what is best requires love that abounds “more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”
Why?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:10a – The Need to Discern”
… knowledge and depth of insight,
Summary: Knowledge and insight are related but different. Understanding why we need both can greatly enhance our relationship with God.
Before we move on, we need to spend a few more minutes exploring what “knowledge and depth of insight” mean. To review, Paul starts this passage with these words:
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight …”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:9b – Godly Love – Part II”
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight …
Summary: Paul’s prayer is an interesting one. We don’t normally associate love with knowledge and insight.
Have you ever wondered what Paul prayed about? Today’s passage gives us the answer.
Paul isn’t asking for the Philippians to have love or to be able to love; they already have that. He is specifically asking that the love they already have multiplies and grows “more and more” in two specific ways: in knowledge and “depth of insight.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:9 – Godly Love”God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Summary: Paul’s claim about God testifying for him sounds a bit crazy at first, but the more we think about it and study what God is able to do, the more sense it makes.
If you needed someone to testify about what you were thinking at a certain place and time, who would you go to?
Sometimes we say things like, “I know what you’re thinking!” but we don’t. Nobody knows what you are thinking except you and God.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:8 – Mind Reader”
… whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
Summary: Paul, writing from prison, talks about sharing in the grace of God. This leads us to wonder about what “grace” is and what it means.
Have you ever noticed that whatever you are looking for, you always find it in the last place you look? It’s funny because it is true! It is also “funny” (odd) because sometimes the last place we look is the last place we would ever think to look.
For example, whoever thought the world would be saved by someone crucified by the Romans two thousand years ago?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:7b – The Last Place”
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart …
Summary: Paul continues his introductory remarks by explaining why he feels so strongly about the Philippians.
Emotions are a tricky thing. As people, we are susceptible to being emotionally needy.
To some extent, everyone is emotionally needy before they meet Jesus. We all need to be reunited with our Father, God.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:7a – Emotional Need”… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Summary: God has started a “good work” in everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
If you were wondering why Paul prayed “with joy” every time he prayed for the Philippians, now we know!
Continue reading “Philippians 1:6 – God Never Quits”
… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Summary: Words matter, and the Bible’s words matter the most. Helping people understand the gospel is often a matter of making sure we are using words correctly.
What does it mean to have a partnership in the gospel?
The word “partnership” seems straightforward. Paul acknowledges the support he has received from the Philippians. The word “gospel” is a little different.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:5 – Good News”
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…
Summary: Paul’s joy is an indicator of a special relationship with the Philippian church.
This verse alone tells us a lot about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. His prayer for them is filled with joy.
Paul’s other letters all convey his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, but his relationship is different with each one.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:4 – The Source of Joy”
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Summary: Paul’s thankfulness for the church at Philippi is a sign of his love for them and his memories of his time with the Philippians.
Do you know anybody you’d do that for?
Do you know someone, whom every time you think of them, you literally thank God for that person?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:3 – A Special Place”