Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord…
Summary: We don’t always know how dark it is until someone turns on the light.
With these six words, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,” Paul is about to launch into a self-portrait of his own shortcomings and the power of Christ to forgive and restore us to his kingdom.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12a – Twice Owned”
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Summary: Teaching others is a wonderful calling and profession, if we are teaching God’s truth. For those who teach otherwise, there are consequences.
Now that we have discussed what evil actually is and have a better understanding of what the law is, let’s look at what it means to be a “teacher of the law.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:7 – Part III: Teachers of the Law”
… for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage…
Summary: Paul’s assessment of the things in his life gives us a reason to pause and consider what it is that we value, too.
Sometimes people say things and they don’t really mean it.
For example, if I said, “If I don’t get to go on vacation soon, I’m just going to die!,” you would understand that I am exaggerating. Some call it hyperbole. Everyone “get’s it.”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:8b – All Things”
It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Summary: This passage leaves us with both questions and answers. If done cautiously, it can be constructive to consider why Paul wrote what he did.
I notice that Paul says he is writing “again.”
Do you ever wonder what happened to Paul’s first letter to the Philippians?* I suppose that it must have been lost or misplaced. Perhaps, at some point, people started realizing that Paul’s letters were valuable.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:1b – Authority and Clarity”
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place …
Summary: When we consider where the “highest place” is, we open the door to considering the nature of the universe and the supremacy of the spiritual realm.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:9a – The Highest Place”Not even those who are circumcised keep the law …
Summary: Keeping the law is simple, but that doesn’t mean it is easy.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:13a – Keeping the Law”Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Summary: Paul is working hard to help us understand our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:1b – Standing Firm”… and all the brothers and sisters with me,
Summary: Paul continues to add layers of authority to his message.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:2a – Correction”… but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world …
Summary: As we pick our way through the text of Paul’s letter, we discover treasures and insights. Today’s insight is confirmation that we are not alone in this world.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:12b – Opposition”And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them,
Summary: Paul has been admonishing slaves to work, as if they were serving the Lord. Now, he turns his attention to those who have authority over others.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:9a – The Test of Authority”