Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
Summary: Looking back at Paul’s ‘trustworthy sayings’ helps us gain perspective on his strategy for the Lord’s churches.
The words in this passage represent the third time Paul has pointed to a “trustworthy saying.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:9 – Focus on the Truth”
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales…
Summary: Paul’s challenge to avoid “godless myths and old wives’ tales” makes us wonder how we tell the difference between truth and fiction.
What is the difference between the truth and a “godless myth”?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:7a – The Line”
If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus…
Summary: Paul’s admonition to “point out” certain things makes us wonder what Paul was referring to.
Have you ever wondered what Paul means by “these things” in this passage? Is he talking about just the things in the last paragraph, or is he talking about his whole letter so far?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:6a – Paul’s Points”
[…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”