Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
Summary: Power is desired by those who want control over others. Jesus shows us that real power is revealed when we can control our desire for power over others.
Consider what Paul is saying in this passage: Jesus Christ has the power to bring everything under his control.
Wow.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:21a – Under Control”
And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Summary: Listening to Paul talk about waiting for Jesus is inspiring!
Where is your mind? Is it on “earthly things” or are you focused on your “citizenship … in heaven?”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:20b – Knowing Jesus”
But our citizenship is in heaven.
Summary: The idea of citizenship in heaven is a provocative peek into our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Citizenship is something many of us take for granted. Growing up, I never worried about carrying citizenship papers until I traveled overseas. Before traveling outside the country, I needed to get a passport. Getting a passport required proving that I was a citizen.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:20a – Our Heavenly Passport”
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
Summary: Paul’s words remind us of the importance of staying focused on God’s will.
The words in this passage sound like they belong in a courtroom.
Not just any courtroom, but a heavenly courtroom.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:19 – A Serious Faith”
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Summary: Paul touches on a topic that challenges every thoughtful and well-meaning Christian. Ironically, those who are not thoughtful and well-meaning might not feel challenged at all.
This verse shifts gears rather rapidly. If the resulting head-bob makes your neck hurt, don’t feel alone. We are all in the same situation.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:18 – Doing and Saying”
… and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Summary: Learning how to follow Jesus is like learning to dance. A good teacher makes it easy.
Who do you know that lives as Paul did?
Anybody?
Maybe you have never run across his twin, but there are a lot of people who model their lives after Paul. Even if they are not one hundred percent successful, there is usually something we can learn by watching them.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:17b – Learning to Live”
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters…
Summary: Reading about Paul’s life in the Book of Acts reveals a portrait of a man who is not only devoted to Jesus Christ but can maintain that devotion through every hardship.
As I read Paul’s words in this passage, my mind wanders to the question: “What was Paul like?”
What kind of person was he?
What, exactly, was the example that he set?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:17a – Learning From Paul”
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Summary: Paul challenges us to ponder what it means to know Jesus.
Oddly, Paul has just told us all the things he has not yet obtained (vs. 12). Yet, in this passage, he points to things “we” have already attained.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:16 – Attainment”And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Summary: Ultimately, God is in charge. There is a great deal of comfort in that.
Some time ago, a man was leading a small study group at his church. In the course of preparing for the study, he wrestled with a Biblical passage that dealt with the nature of sin.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:15b – Who’s In Charge?”
All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.
Summary: Paul continues to challenge our thinking with his words. Here, he is speaking to “all of us … who are mature.” How do we know who is “mature?”
I wonder if Paul is talking to me?
He says, “All of us, then, who are mature…”
How do I know if I am “mature?”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:15a – Such a View”