Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.
Summary: In this passage, we have to peek behind the curtain of the translation to capture the sense of what Paul is really saying.
Timothy must have been someone very special.
I think it is a tremendous testimony that the Christian brothers who surrounded Paul understood what he meant.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:20 – Spiritual Twins”
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
Summary: Life in ancient times lacked the mass communication we take for granted. To share news and ideas required patience and planning.
This passage is a bit challenging to meditate on because it deals primarily with what is called “housekeeping.” Paul is sending a letter to the Philippians, but his reference to Timothy suggests that letters were a means of last resort in sending information.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:19 – Communication”
I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Summary: Paul’s gladness puts all of our complaints in perspective when we consider that he is in chains while writing his letter.
To put this passage into context, we have to look back to the beginning of Paul’s paragraph. His thought begins with these words:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14).
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17b-18 – Paul’s Plan”
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith…
Summary: Paul’s comment about being “poured out” makes us wonder why he sacrificed what he did.
The passage that comes to mind as I read this verse comes from Genesis. It is a brief glimpse into the life of Jacob after he has returned to the land of Canaan from Paddan Aram where he met and married his wives.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17a – Wine and Rock”
And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Summary: Paul’s concern for his churches’ faithfulness invites deeper reflection on the nature of salvation.
Why would anyone in Paul’s line of work worry about the possibility they had run or labored “in vain?”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16b – Two Teachings or One?”
… as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Summary: Paul’s words about THE “word of life” lead us to wonder about our connection with Jesus and his Word, the Bible.
As Paul continues his thought, he finally brings us to the crux of the matter. In our passage for this meditation, he tells us to “hold firmly to the word of life.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16a – The Word of Life”
“children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…
Summary: Paul’s words point us to one of the most important questions facing Christians: How do we know we are saved?
What does he mean by suggesting that we can become “blameless and pure” (Philippians 1:15a) and “children of God without fault?” Is he suggesting that we can attain some level of perfection as believers in Christ?
Continue reading “Philippians 2:15b – Star Light”
[Do everything without grumbling or arguing] so that you may become blameless and pure…
Summary: The road to being Christ-like requires that we travel a path of humility in God’s service.
It is interesting that Paul seems to summarize Christian living with two simple words. His words suggest that by doing everything without grumbling or arguing, we can become “blameless and pure.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:15a – Becoming Nothing”
Do everything without grumbling or arguing…
Summary: Paul’s words about grumbling force us to examine our relationship with God.
This is our third meditation on this phrase—but it’s worth the time. If it weren’t important, it wouldn’t be in the Bible. Besides, if we start grumbling or arguing, we are missing the point!
Continue reading “Philippians 2:14 – Part III, A Mutter of Discontent”
Do everything without grumbling or arguing…
Summary: In this meditation, we continue with our exploration of what it means to do everything without arguing.
In our last meditation, we examined the dangers of assuming authority that is not ours. Scripture that has authority is what the Bible calls “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Continue reading “Philippians 2:14 – Without Arguing (Part II)”