Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[…the sound doctrine] that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God…
Summary: Paul’s definition of sound doctrine depends on an understanding of the Gospel.
Paul began this passage talking about using the law “properly” (1 Timothy 1:8). This inspired a frenzy of meditations dealing with judging, law, covenants, and Paul’s examples of what the law is used for.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:11a – Good News!”
… so that you may command certain people …
Summary: Giving commands sounds easy until someone takes offense.
Let’s regroup and read Paul’s entire sentence so far:
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people …”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:3b – In Defense of the Gospel”
The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
Summary: When Paul sends greetings, it is like setting off fireworks! He doesn’t just send one, but instead sends a dazzling bouquet of them.
In the closing verses of Philippians, Paul extends greetings to his readers. “Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus,” he begins (Phil. 4:21a). It is a simple command that echoes the familial bond that binds believers everywhere.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:21b-22 – You Are Not Alone”
[If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in] the flesh, I have more:
Summary: Understanding Paul’s language sometimes requires that we know Jesus to know what he is talking about.
Here is an interesting fact: To understand the “flesh,” you first have to be in the “spirit.”
What does that mean? Let’s use fish for an example.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4c – The Flesh”
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in…
Summary: The opening words of Paul’s statement about why people put confidence in the flesh provide a jumping-off point for us to consider what the true meaning of the Gospel is.
Before we begin with today’s meditation, Thank you to all of you who took the time to write and share your thoughts. I deeply appreciate the encouragement and the feedback! God bless all of you! — Jeff
Looking at this passage, it is easy to get caught up in the larger picture of Paul’s thought. His full sentence reads:
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4b – It’s All About Jesus!”
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my … fellow soldier…
Summary: Paul calls Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier.” When we consider what this means, we wonder about the war such soldiers fight.
When we think of Christians, the first thing to come to mind is almost anything but “soldier.” The word “soldier” connotes fighting and war. Being a Christian is supposed to be all about “love.” So what do the two have in common?
Continue reading “Philippians 2:25 Part IV – Fellow Soldier”
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my … co-worker…
Summary: In this meditation, we look at Paul’s use of the word “synergós.” Considering what we know of Paul’s work for the Lord, we gain some insight into Epaphroditus’s work, too.
The Greek word Paul used for “co-worker” is “synergós.” As you may have already guessed, “synergós” is one of the roots of our word for “synergy.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:25 Part III – Co-Worker”
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Summary: Timothy’s work for the Gospel of Jesus is revealed in Paul’s praise for his faithfulness as a son.
Each of us has a different idea of what a father is supposed to be. I sincerely hope that your situation includes a father who loves you and wants the best for you.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:22 – To Advance the Gospel”
And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Summary: Paul’s concern for his churches’ faithfulness invites deeper reflection on the nature of salvation.
Why would anyone in Paul’s line of work worry about the possibility they had run or labored “in vain?”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16b – Two Teachings or One?”
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence…
Summary: Paul’s commendation of the Philippians’ obedience points us to a vital truth: that true obedience is only possible when we rely on God to guide us.
Paul’s words about obedience in this passage are like a key that opens many doors. One door leads to doing God’s will. The others, however many there are, lead into darkness.
Discerning the right door without God’s help is beyond human understanding.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:12a – Trust and Obey”