Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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)”
Do everything without grumbling or arguing…
Summary: We begin our examination of this passage by focusing on the concept of arguing.
I try not to grumble. I really do! I especially try not to grumble in church or about church. After all, if churches were only for perfect people, I’d never be allowed in!
Continue reading “Philippians 2:14 – Without Arguing (Part I)”
… for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Summary: Faith is not merely believing in God, but allowing Him to work in and through us for His greater purpose.
In our last meditation, we looked to Abraham as an example of faith lived out in action (See “Philippians 2:12b – Faith and Action”). Now, Paul has us examining how God worked in Abraham’s life and why action is such an integral part of faith.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:13 – God’s Good Purpose”
… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage challenge our concept of faith and what it means.
This passage is one of the most significant and possibly most ignored in the entire Bible.
Why is it significant?
It is important because it deals with the core of Christian living.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:12b – Faith and Action”
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence…
Summary: Paul’s commendation of the Philippians’ obedience points us to a vital truth: that true obedience is only possible when we rely on God to guide us.
Paul’s words about obedience in this passage are like a key that opens many doors. One door leads to doing God’s will. The others, however many there are, lead into darkness.
Discerning the right door without God’s help is beyond human understanding.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:12a – Trust and Obey”