Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
Summary: Paul reflects on his impending death and how to use his remaining time effectively.
Paul’s dilemma is an interesting one.
On the one hand, “to die is Christ.” Paul knows that to be released from the body of flesh means that he can be fully present with the Jesus he first met on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:21 – Paul’s Dilemma”
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Summary: Death and dying are subjects most people don’t like to talk about, yet each of us will have to confront death at some point. In this passage, Paul’s words give us a clue as to what is waiting for us on the other side of the doorway called death.
When is dying a “good” thing?
Paul seems to be wrestling with this question as he considers the pros and cons of life in the flesh compared to life in the spirit.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:21 – The Fish and the Camel”
… whether by life or by death.
Summary: This passage brings us to an interesting crossroads between one kind of “life and death” and another.
It is, perhaps, time to review Paul’s entire thought here:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20d – Choosing Life”
[I eagerly expect and hope that…] that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
Summary: Paul continues to set an example for us with his life and words.
Paul certainly has a way with words!
If you were going to exalt someone or something, how would you do that? For example, if you are a Muslim and you want to exalt Allah, you prostrate yourself in the direction of Mecca during prayer. This demonstrates respect with your body.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20c – Doing What’s Right”
[I eagerly expect and hope that I…] will have sufficient courage…
Summary: The word “courage” is an interesting choice for a translation of the Greek word Paul used. As we examine the Greek, we discover that there is more to this passage than a desire to be brave.
Do you have “sufficient courage?” Do you know anybody who does?
Whatever the word “courage” means to you, it probably does not capture the essence of what Paul was trying to say.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20b – Bold Assurance”
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed…
Summary: Paul’s hope of being free of shame is a beacon of light for all believers who share his hope in Jesus Christ.
Ashamed by what?
I kinda hate to write on this topic for personal reasons. You see, I have a shame problem! Throughout my long life, I have been shamed by others for many reasons.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20a – All the Difference”
… what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Summary: It turns out that Paul’s statement about deliverance is not as simple as it sounds. Exploring the possible meanings of the word opens doors to better understanding our role as Christians.
What does Paul need to be delivered from?
The easy answer to this question is that Paul is in prison, and he wants to be released, free to pursue his mission of spreading the Gospel. Unfortunately, that doesn’t feel very satisfying.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:19b – Deliverance”
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…
Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus.
In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him.
The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well”
And because of this I rejoice.
Summary: In the face of adversity Paul defies the temptation to despair and instead finds reason to rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is alive and well.
Why is Paul rejoicing?
He has just listed a litany of reasons to be glum. First and foremost, he is in prison: literally in chains. Then, while he is chained, all his rivals are free to do their dastardly deeds unfettered by Paul’s presence to restrain them.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18c – Rejoice!”
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
Summary: Paul is pondering what is most important in life. In this passage, he shares his conclusion that at the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ is preached.
How much Jesus is enough to save a soul?
This question may sound silly, but it stems from the passage before us. What does Paul mean by “in every way?” Does it matter if I preach a little Jesus or a lot? Is how I preach Jesus more important than the fact that I preach Jesus? What if I preach Jesus, but I do it in a way that you don’t like?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing”