Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Summary: This passage provides a wonderful opportunity to explore how God’s Word is like a measuring line for our soul.
As you may have noticed, our passage today is from the New King James Version of the Bible. The reason is that the NIV translation chose to translate the passage this way:
Continue reading “Philippians 4:13 – Now or Forever?”
…whatever is admirable …think about such things.
Summary: Paul’s use of the word “admirable” can be taken several ways. By looking at the original Greek and meditating on the context, we can better understand his meaning.
English is not Greek.
That sounds obvious, of course, perhaps even “stupid,” but it is important. The reason it is important is that it is very easy to read an English translation of the New Testament and forget about the Greek.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:8f – Language Matters”
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Summary: Wrestling with Paul’s letters is not an easy task. Paul’s thinking can be complicated, and the context of his thoughts obscure. Today’s passage gives us plenty to ponder.
In the beginning of Paul’s letter, he “sets the table” with this statement:
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.” (Colossians 1:21-23)
Continue reading “Colossians 3:25 – A Warning”
… why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?
Summary: Understanding Paul’s writings often requires an understanding of the world Paul is writing about. We call this “context,” but even that concept has limits. Because God’s thoughts are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:9) we have to stretch our minds to try and understand God’s.
Reading this passage without context is dangerous! It is very easy to look at Paul’s words and come away with the idea that Christians don’t have to follow any rules. Like most words in the English language, the word “rule” has many applications.
Paul is not talking about the “rules of the road.” Christians don’t get a free pass to ignore speed limits or drive toward oncoming traffic. We don’t get a “pass” when we go the wrong way on a “one way street.” Christians, like everyone else in the world, still have to follow the traffic rules.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:20c-21 – Rules About Rules”