Tag: Hope

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1 Timothy 1:5d – The Headwaters of Love

Picture of three separate water streams forming one stream (Grok)

[The goal of this command is love, which comes from]… a sincere faith. 

Summary: Wrapping up our discussion of Paul’s three reasons for his “command,” we come to the question of faith. What is it and why is it important?  

Writing to Timothy about the need to “command” misguided believers in Jesus not to do certain things,* he says the goal is love (agapē). He then explains that there are three sources, three artesian springs if you will, where the headwaters of love spring from. The three sources are: 

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Philippians 3:4b – It’s All About Jesus!

Picture: I giant cross surrounded by thousands of people (GROK)

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: 

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Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus

An image of a swan caught in the focal point of a camera lens (Pixabay)

… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…

Summary: “Striving together” suggests a coordinated effort between people. On closer examination, we discover that a loose association of believers can also “strive together.” 

When was the last time you found yourself “striving together” with anyone? Do you remember? What were you striving for? 

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Philippians 1:20a – All the Difference

A child puts coins ("small change") into a piggy bank (Pixabay)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed…

Summary: Paul’s hope of being free of shame is a beacon of light for all believers who share his hope in Jesus Christ. 

Ashamed by what? 

I kinda hate to write on this topic for personal reasons. You see, I have a shame problem! Throughout my long life, I have been shamed by others for many reasons. 

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Colossians 4:12 – Epaphras’s Prayer

Picture of the jailer in Acts 16 who is asking Paul, "What must I do to be saved?"

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 

Summary: Epaphras’s prayer is a wonderful model of what to pray for ourselves and each other. 

In this passage, we learn a bit more about Epaphras.* Paul says he is “one of you” which I take to mean he is originally from Colossae. Somewhere along the line, Epaphras must have met up with Paul because Paul explains that Epaphras brought the Gospel to Colossae “on our behalf.” 

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Colossians 3:8e – Doom Loop

Hand holding a lighted wooden match with a dark woods in the background.

[… rid yourselves of] … slander …

Summary: By following each step in Paul’s thinking, we discover that he has something very specific in mind. 

Let’s go back and review the whole verse so far: 

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander …” 

Paul is painting a portrait of a slave to SELF. When we put our self-interest above God and others, we will always find things that offend us. The rest of the world is only interested in pleasing themselves, so since my SELF is most important (to me), it is very irritating when other people do not share my concern for my own happiness. 

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