Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…and receive eternal life.
Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.
Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home”
I want to know Christ—
Summary: Paul has been talking about his relationship with Jesus. In this passage, he looks forward to something most people fear.
These five words, “I want to know Christ —,“ are a stunning statement coming from a man who has actually MET the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9). He was personally chosen by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15). Paul received his Gospel by direct revelation from Christ (Titus 1:3). Paul knows Christ rather well.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death”
… not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law…
Summary: Righteousness can mean a lot of different things depending on whose righteousness you are talking about.
What happens if we have a righteousness of our own?
Many years ago, I worked for a man who claimed there was “no right or wrong—only shades of gray.” It was frustrating because this meant he was always “right” and I was always “wrong.”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:9b – Going Home”
[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.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4c – The Flesh, Part 2”
… and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ.
Summary: Epaphroditus was someone who was deeply committed to the Lord’s work. His commitment to the Lord led him to serve Paul in his time of need, and that service put his life in danger.
Sacrifice demands honor.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
Continue reading “Philippians 2:29b-30a – A Living Conundrum”
Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
Summary: This passage provides another insight into Epaphroditus’s adventure and Paul’s feelings for his brother in Christ.
By now, it feels like we know Epaphroditus personally. He comes from Philippi, and he is devoted to the Lord. Because of his love for the Lord, he has given himself to serve both the church at Philippi and Paul.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:27 – Paul’s Sorrow”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: The weird truth about Jesus is that he also happens to be God.
There are many “teachers” out there, but not all teachings are true. So, who is Jesus, and why should we listen to his teachings?
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part I”
… without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage touch on a nerve that everyone has experience with: fear.
To get the context for this passage, let’s step back and take a look at Paul’s entire thought:
“… I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:26a – Fighting Fear”
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.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:25 – What About Him?”
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…
Summary: Understanding the power of the Gospel is the key to understanding what happens after our bodies die.
Many of you who are reading this have much more experience with death than I do. Some people are better suited to dealing with trauma than others. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of deaths this past year. Many of those who are dying are afraid, but every now and then, you hear of people who, like Paul, “desire to depart and be with Christ.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:23 – The Power of the Vine”