Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… rather, he made himself nothing…
Summary: Paul’s description of Jesus gives us something to think about: Who is Jesus really?
When Paul writes that Jesus “made himself nothing,” he is not exaggerating.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:7a – Our Jesus”
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Summary: Paul is preparing us to see something very special. He wants our hearts and minds to be open to what he is about to show us.
Paul is about to show us a portrait of Jesus. As he takes us down the hall to the gallery where the portrait waits, he reaches out his hands to us and gently speaks these words:
Continue reading “Philippians 2:5 – A Portrait of Jesus”[Therefore, if you ….make my joy complete by being like-minded]… having the same love…
Summary: Having the “same love” as Christ is a challenge. Understanding why helps us to focus our efforts on serving God’s will.
Paul’s sentences are famously long and convoluted. In this passage, he begins with a series of “if’s,” and then, when he reaches his “then,” he asks his readers to “make my joy complete by being like-minded.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:2c – Two Kinds of Love”
… by being like-minded…
Summary: When Paul asks us to be like-minded, he challenges the very essence of our human desire to be in charge.
In this passage, Paul is imploring the Philippians to express their connection to Christ (Philippians 2:1) and complete Paul’s joy by demonstrating like-mindedness.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:2b – The Road to Like-Minded”
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Summary: Paul’s thoughts are sometimes complex. In this meditation, we take a 30,000-foot view of Paul’s thoughts in his passage in hopes of seeing the “bigger picture.”
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you are probably shocked to see a meditation that is based on two entire verses at once. Never fear! We will, no doubt, dissect this in future meditations. However, given the complexity of Paul’s thought here, I thought it best to begin with an overview.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1-2 – Paul’s Request”
… since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Summary: The NIV’s use of the word “struggle” prompts us to examine Paul’s intent more closely.
Struggle? What struggle?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:30 – Struggles”
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…
Summary: Understanding the suffering Paul asks us to do for Christ requires that we look past our own pride and love as Christ loves.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of suffering has never appealed to me. Of course, there are different kinds of suffering. The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 is a good illustration of this.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:29 – Suffering for Jesus”
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Summary: Paul’s direct instruction about how we ought to conduct ourselves is the foundation for a lifetime of study and practice.
Finally — Paul provides us with a straightforward sentence!
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of ________ (fill in the blank).”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27a – Living Worthy”
… so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Summary: Paul’s use of the word “boast” allows us to take another look at our dual nature in Christ.
“Boasting” is an interesting word. The Greek word Paul used is “kaúchēma,” which can mean “boasting,” “glorying,” or “rejoicing” (Strongs G2745*). The Strong’s Concordance adds an interesting note about this word. It says it can be used in a “good or bad sense.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:26 – Pointing to God”
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Summary: Death and dying are subjects most people don’t like to talk about, yet each of us will have to confront death at some point. In this passage, Paul’s words give us a clue as to what is waiting for us on the other side of the doorway called death.
When is dying a “good” thing?
Paul seems to be wrestling with this question as he considers the pros and cons of life in the flesh compared to life in the spirit.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:21 – The Fish and the Camel”