Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Amen.
Summary: The word “Amen,” is handy to know for several reasons. In our closing meditation, we look at a few things Paul mentions in his letter.
As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is worth taking a few minutes to look back over Paul’s words to us. (He is, after all, a messenger of God to you and me.)
Continue reading “Philippians 4:23b – The “Amen!” at the End”
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Summary: Paul continues to lay challenges before us, even in the last line of his letter.
Paul closes out his letter to the Philippians with these beautiful words:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:23a – Spiritual Sight”
The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
Summary: When Paul sends greetings, it is like setting off fireworks! He doesn’t just send one, but instead sends a dazzling bouquet of them.
In the closing verses of Philippians, Paul extends greetings to his readers. “Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus,” he begins (Phil. 4:21a). It is a simple command that echoes the familial bond that binds believers everywhere.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:21b-22 – You Are Not Alone”
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus.
Summary: This passage requires us to strap in for a linguistic roller coaster ride.
It would be easy to gloss over this sentence and instead look at the entire verse or even the next two verses. However, on close examination, there is a lot to chew on here.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:21a – Greetings”
Amen.
Summary: The word “amen,” is unusual in that it is common to many languages. It doesn’t matter much where you are; if you shout, “Amen!” people know what you mean.
The “Blue Letter Bible” website entry on Strong’s G281, “amen,” includes this quote from Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006) about the word, “Amen:”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:20b – Amen”
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.
Summary: Our God and Father is worthy of all honor and glory — always.
It has been a long journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians! Each meditation has explored only one facet of the passage or word it focuses on. God’s Word is amazing in its depth and breadth of meaning (Isaiah 55:9). I am reminded of John’s words at the end of his Gospel:
Continue reading “Philippians 4:20a – Glory and Honor”
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Christmas provides the perfect backdrop for this passage.
As I begin to write this meditation, it is the day after Christmas. The Christmas tree is still up in the living room, and the house is still decorated with garlands and lights. The happy sounds of conversation and laughter emanate from the dining room, where our son and his wife share memories with my wife, while I sit in the living room, keeping an eye on our two-year-old granddaughter.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:19 – Wants and Needs”
They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Summary: In this passage, Paul equates what the Philippians have given to an Old Testament sacrifice.
This verse fascinates because it poses the question, “What is pleasing to God?”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:18b – Giving It Up For God”
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.
Summary: Once again, we find ourselves stepping into the role of Word Detective as we work to make sure we have a clear understanding of Paul’s meaning.
Maybe it is just me, but it seems weird that in the prior verse Paul says that he doesn’t desire gifts from the Philippians and then in this verse he starts talking about having received “full payment.”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:18a – Word Detective”
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
Summary: Paul’s statement in this verse reveals his heart for serving God and leads to a revealing study of God’s Word.
This passage touches on an important point: Paul is careful to separate his carnal self-interest from God’s will.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:17 – Treasure”