Tag: body

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Philippians 3:13a – Seeking God

Cartoon picture of the body parts Paul lists in 1 Corinthians 12 (Grok)

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 

Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are almost poetic. He describes himself striving for his goal. Our goal is to understand what he means. 

Oops! Observant readers will note that there was a glitch in the order of meditations last week. For some reason, I skipped over this passage. Today, we correct that oversight, and tomorrow we will be back on schedule.  

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Once again, we are confronted with the question, “What is ‘it’?”

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Philippians 3:4c – The Flesh, Part 2

Picture of a butterfly and its chrysalis (Pixabay)

[If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in] the flesh, I have more:

Summary: Following up on our last meditation, we take a more detailed look at the specifics of what the flesh is and how it relates to our spirit. 

In our last meditation, we looked at the concept of the flesh metaphorically. In this one, let’s take a more objective look through the lens of Scripture. 

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Philippians 1:25 – What About Him?

Picture: Peter asks Jesus about John (John 21:20-21)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you…

Summary: As we read the words of the Bible, it is easy to jump to conclusions. Jesus’ disciples did the same thing. Yet, if we step back from the words it becomes easier to see the meaning. 

Paul is convinced that it is necessary for him to remain “in the body.” In the passage for our meditation, he affirms this when he tells the Philippians, “I know that I will remain.” 

Paul is smart. He understands that the timing of his “departure” is not his to choose (Matthew 25:13, Luke 12:13-21). When he says, “I know that I will remain,” he is most likely relaying his conviction that God wants him to remain. 

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Philippians 1:24 – The Invisible Realm

A picture of a single cloud in a blue sky. (Pixabay)

…  but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 

Summary: This meditation considers what Paul means by saying he can “depart” (Verse 23) or “remain in the body.” 

Paul’s words are quite clear in this passage. The discussion of whether or not he should “remain in the body” clearly implies that the alternative is to leave the body. 

What does this mean? 

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Philippians 1:20c – Doing What’s Right

Jesus entering a tent (Grok)

[I eagerly expect and hope that…] that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, 

Summary: Paul continues to set an example for us with his life and words. 

Paul certainly has a way with words! 

If you were going to exalt someone or something, how would you do that? For example, if you are a Muslim and you want to exalt Allah, you prostrate yourself in the direction of Mecca during prayer. This demonstrates respect with your body. 

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