Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
… then make my joy complete…
Summary: Paul’s plea for unity among believers is one that echoes through the centuries and still haunts us today.
This phrase of Paul’s is heart-wrenching.
Paul, now an old man as he writes these words, is a prisoner. The man who was once free to roam the known world is now trapped like a bird in a cage. His heart longs to be with the Philippians, but his body is chained to the floor in Rome.*
Continue reading “Philippians 2:2a – In Search of Unity”
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”
… 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”
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”
And because of this I rejoice.
Summary: In the face of adversity Paul defies the temptation to despair and instead finds reason to rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is alive and well.
Why is Paul rejoicing?
He has just listed a litany of reasons to be glum. First and foremost, he is in prison: literally in chains. Then, while he is chained, all his rivals are free to do their dastardly deeds unfettered by Paul’s presence to restrain them.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18c – Rejoice!”
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
Summary: Paul is pondering what is most important in life. In this passage, he shares his conclusion that at the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ is preached.
How much Jesus is enough to save a soul?
This question may sound silly, but it stems from the passage before us. What does Paul mean by “in every way?” Does it matter if I preach a little Jesus or a lot? Is how I preach Jesus more important than the fact that I preach Jesus? What if I preach Jesus, but I do it in a way that you don’t like?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing”
But what does it matter?
Summary: When Paul poses the question, “[W]hat does it matter?” we are forced to confront the central issues of the Gospel.
Indeed, what does it matter if Christ is preached to stir up trouble for Paul? In fact, what does that even mean? Can someone teach the Gospel like Paul does and at the same time “stir up trouble” for him?
Standing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a bit like trying to stand on one foot while balancing on a ball. The true Gospel is the sweet spot where you can stay upright. The reality is that we tend to fall off the ball on one side or the other.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18a – Things That Matter”