Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… and a good conscience…
Summary: Paul’s words are intended to guide us to a better understanding of godly love (agapē). The second key to success that he provides deals with having a good conscience.
Where are we again? (It is easy to get lost in these word studies…)
Paul’s whole sentence reads, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience …”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5c – Conscious of Conscience”
… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Summary: As we look at the second half of Paul’s verse about peace, we discover the dangers that confront us and how incredibly important the peace of God is.
When Paul says “your hearts and your minds,” he is talking to you and me. Anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ is entitled to this peace that Paul talks about.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:7b – Safe Haven”
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Summary: Paul touches on a topic that challenges every thoughtful and well-meaning Christian. Ironically, those who are not thoughtful and well-meaning might not feel challenged at all.
This verse shifts gears rather rapidly. If the resulting head-bob makes your neck hurt, don’t feel alone. We are all in the same situation.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:18 – Doing and Saying”
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
Summary: This passage opens a window into Paul’s reason for writing the Philippians and the care and concern the early believers had for each other.
The voice of the letter is Paul’s, and so far in this letter, he has been instructing the Philippians (and us!) about Christian life. Now, for a moment, his thoughts settle on how he can reach out to the Philippians in a more personal way.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:26 – Homesick”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: Jesus is more than a man. People who meet him face-to-face are looking into the eyes of the being who made everything.
In Part I, we looked at Jesus’ divine nature and the fact that he is God. Yet, somehow, Jesus is more. Other religions lay claim to stories about how the world was made, but only one man was ever said to have created the world. Jesus’ disciple, John, describes Jesus this way:
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part II — Creator”
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”…[clothe yourselves with] …compassion …
Summary: God’s Word is amazingly consistent in every way. Compassion has something very much in common with faith; both require deeds to become real.
The first piece of spiritual “clothing” that Paul wants us to put on is compassion.
“Compassion” is a word that describes the feelings of pity and sympathy we have for people who are suffering. The Greek word Paul used takes this concept even further.
Continue reading “Colossians 3:12c – Doing Compassion”
… set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Summary: Bridging the language barrier between our world and Paul’s is not always easy or straightforward. Sometimes, we have to think hard about what he is saying.
It is interesting how my mind plays tricks on me.
You can play tricks on your mind, too. The funny thing is that the mind is pretty good at tricks. Take, for example, the ltetres in teshe wdors. Did you nitoce that they are all mxied up? Even though the letters are mixed up, most of you reading this will still be able to sort out what the words are.
The same thing happens with word order in a sentence. Our sees mind the words and somehow straightens out them.
Continue reading “Colossians 3:1b – Things Above”[My goal is] … that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love …
Summary: The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross bridges the gap between our hearts and our minds, drawing us together in love.
Perhaps the most powerful concept associated with Christianity is the power to connect hearts in love.
Intellectually, it doesn’t make any sense. There are so many things we like to argue about. Each of us has our reasoning. Each one has their own perspective.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:2b – Game Changer”… circumcised.
Summary: Circumcision is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. In the beginning, it was a symbol of a covenant. In the end, circumcision was a point of contention. Instead of a symbol of something good, it had become a legalistic requirement for something bad.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:12b – Circumcision of the Heart”