Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… 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”
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s introduction affirms that God’s grace extends to all who believe. In the same sentence, he describes the result of God’s grace; God’s peace.
When Paul offers us “grace and peace” from God, it helps if we understand how he is using those words. The grace and peace he is talking about are not just pleasantries. They are real things.
Let’s begin with “grace.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:2 – Grace and Peace”
… together with the overseers and deacons:
Summary: This letter is unique because the introduction includes “overseers and deacons.” Their presence in the letter’s opening lines gives us an opportunity to explore who these people are.
In some ways, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is unique. Like his other letters, Paul expounds on the love of Christ and the heart of the Gospel. Unlike his other letters, he singles out “overseers and deacons” in his greeting.
Why is this important?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:1c – Church Leaders”
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi…
Summary: God’s people are special because they are family.
If you had to pick one person to act as the key spokesman for introducing Christianity to the Gentile world, it is hard to imagine someone better suited to the job than Paul.
Paul’s expertise as a Pharisee gives him extensive knowledge, not only of the history of Jewish traditions and laws, but the theology, or academic underpinnings, behind those laws. Paul understands the heart of Judaism.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:1b – Vine and Branch”
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…
Summary: As we begin our meditations on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are prompted to reflect on God’s Word as his family album.
I often think of the Bible as God’s family album. Even without pictures, the Bible includes “portraits” of people who are important to God and who are part of his story.
Of course, we are all important to God! He loves us without a doubt! Yet, some people play a more prominent role than others (1 Corinthians 12:18-20).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:1a – One Voice”