Tag: Heaven

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1 Timothy 4:8 – The Life to Come

A man works out with two angels watching. (Grok)

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

Summary: Does godliness have a value? It turns out that it does.   

Perhaps you have heard it said that this is a “dog eat dog” world? 

As gruesome as that saying is, the reality of a world without Christ is much worse. When it comes to “getting your way” in the world, the shortest distance between you and what you want is probably at the end of a good, stout club. 

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1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home

Picture of St. Paul standing by the side of the road with a sign that says "This Way Home." (Grok)

…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. 

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Philippians 3:20a – Our Heavenly Passport

Picture of a red passport with a cross on the front (Grok)

But our citizenship is in heaven. 

Summary: The idea of citizenship in heaven is a provocative peek into our relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Citizenship is something many of us take for granted. Growing up, I never worried about carrying citizenship papers until I traveled overseas. Before traveling outside the country, I needed to get a passport. Getting a passport required proving that I was a citizen. 

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Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize

St Paul crosses the finish line in a footrace dragging his chains behind him (Grok)

… and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Summary: Life is not a game, but sometimes thinking in terms of a contest helps us visualize what is at stake in life.   

What kind of prize motivates you? 

Is it a trophy? 

Are you excited by the thought of having your picture and name in the paper? 

Do you work extra hard if the prize is money? 

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Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death

a picture of a wilderness scene at sunset. In the center of the image stands a doorframe by itself. The door is open and a bright white light beams out through the doorframe into the twilight. (Grok)

 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. 

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Philippians 2:10b – Spirit and Flesh

a man bows before the cross surrounded by spirits who also kneel (Grok)

… in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Summary: Paul’s simple little phrase about places above and below the earth opens a door of wonder about how things work in the spiritual realms.   

This is an interesting passage. Paul could have said, “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow,” and left it at that, but he didn’t. Instead, he added these words: 

“… in heaven and on earth and under the earth…”

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