Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition…
Summary: This passage provides us with an opportunity to explore the nature of sin and its impact on sharing the Gospel with others.
How should we understand Paul’s words in this passage? I know that they sound straightforward, but are they? Let’s examine them more closely.
He writes, “The former (those who preach Christ out of envy and rivalry) preach Christ out of selfish ambition…”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:17a – Pineapple on Pizza”
The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
Summary: Paul’s description of those who shared the Gospel out of love touches the heart as we explore the relationship Paul had with his followers.
The word Paul uses for “love” is that well-known Greek word, “agapē.” This form of love is most often associated with God’s love for us.
Human love is often transactional. We “love” in a way that demands “love” in return. If we are not loved as we think we should be, human love can turn to hate in an instant.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:16 – Carry On”
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
Summary: Preaching Christ is a privilege and an honor for those whose hearts are fully committed to the Kingdom of God.
Have you ever wondered what God thinks about people who preach Jesus on TV and appear to get rich doing it?
Once, many years ago, a door-to-door salesman sat down in a tidy apartment with a tiny elderly woman. He was there to tell her about the products he was selling: Bibles and Bible books.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:15 – Motives”
… most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Summary: Confidence in the Lord is something every true believer desires. In this life, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Our primary weapon is to proclaim the Gospel without fear.
Paul’s chains were made of iron. They were heavy, they bruised and chaffed the skin, and they could not be ignored. There are other chains in this life that are not as obvious. One of them is fear.
The online dictionary defines “fear” this way:
Continue reading “Philippians 1:14b – Contagion”
And because of my chains…
Summary: Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all who have fought for our country and died for our freedoms.
Note: This meditation was written for publication on Memorial Day, 2025.
Chains, for the person bound by them, are a constant reminder of confinement. A person who is chained is a slave to the chains.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:14a – Remembering Our Heroes”
[As a result] … it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Summary: It requires some imagination to open up the mind to what Paul means when he describes the “whole palace guard” being aware that he is in chains for Christ.
Meditations are the playground of theology. When we meditate on a passage like this, it is okay to have some fun. For example, let’s imagine that one of the palace guards is a man named Ralphus. Ralphus is married to Salina, and the two of them live near the palace in a small apartment.
Our scene opens late one evening as Ralphus gets home from work.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:13b – Ralphus and Salina”
As a result …
Summary: The first three words of this passage open the door to looking back through time at the beginning of our human history.
I thought we might start this next verse with the first three words, “As a result…”
Paul has just pointed out that what has happened to him has actually been good — from a certain point of view.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:13a – As a Result …”
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
Summary: Comparing ourselves to Paul puts our own experiences in an interesting light.
Most of us have had a bad day now and then, but very few of us have ever had bad days like Paul’s bad days.
Imagine going to work and ending up in prison — for years! Or, you are just minding your own business, trying to do your job, and somebody stirs up a riot against you. Before you get to your first coffee break, soldiers grab you and drag you off to be flogged or beaten with rods. Then, just before you clock out for the day, an angry crowd gathers around you, physically carrying you outside the city limits while simultaneously beating you up on the way. Once outside the city, they all pick up rocks and throw them at you until, bruised and bleeding, you black out from the pain (2 Corinthians 11:21-27).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:12 – Paul’s Bad Day”—to the glory and praise of God.
Summary: In this meditation, we arrive at the end of Paul’s prayer. Here at the end, Paul points us to the goal of bringing glory and praise to God.
As we arrive at the end of Paul’s prayer, we can be forgiven if we are wondering, “Why?”
Why do we want to discern what is best? Why do we need “depth of insight?” Why would anyone want to make an effort to be pure and blameless?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:11c – The Glory of God”
[… filled with the fruit of righteousness] that comes through Jesus Christ…
Summary: Righteousness that comes through Jesus is different than human righteousness.
As we continue through this passage, we discover that Paul is referring to a specific kind of righteousness, the kind that comes through Jesus Christ.
The word Paul uses for “righteousness” is “dikaiosýnē,” in Greek, which Strong’s Concordance defines as “equity (of character or act)” (Strong’s G1343).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:11b – God’s Standard”