The Lord is near.
Summary: Do you ever wonder where Jesus is? He might be closer than you think!
Do you ever feel like Jesus is far away?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus”Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus
Philippians 4:5a – More Than Human
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Summary: In this passage, Paul makes a simple suggestion. But is it just a suggestion?
As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he begins Chapter Four with a plea to “stand firm in the Lord.” He then adds a note to stand firm “in this way.” “This way” turned out to mean adhering to the true Gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus, valuing Christ above all else, pressing on, striving for maturity in faith, focusing on the godly, and remembering we are citizens of heaven.*
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5a – More Than Human”Philippians 4:4 – Remain Calm and Carry On
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Summary: Paul’s admonition to “rejoice” is both a delight and a puzzle. When we take a closer look at what he says, we find that what he asks us to do is really quite simple.
When Paul says “Jump!,” I jump! When he says, “Rejoice!” I say, “Huh?”
What does he mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:4 – Remain Calm and Carry On”Philippians 4:1b – In the Lord (Part 2)
… stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Summary: As we consider the rest of this passage, we rediscover the wisdom Paul shared in Chapter 3.
In the first part of our meditation on this passage, we looked at the phrase, “in the Lord.” In this meditation, let’s look at the phrase, “in this way.”
What does Paul mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:1b – In the Lord (Part 2)”Philippians 3:21a – Under Control
…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
Summary: Power is desired by those who want control over others. Jesus shows us that real power is revealed when we can control our desire for power over others.
Consider what Paul is saying in this passage: Jesus Christ has the power to bring everything under his control.
Wow.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:21a – Under Control”Philippians 3:18 – Doing and Saying
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”Philippians 3:16 – Attainment
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Summary: Paul challenges us to ponder what it means to know Jesus.
Oddly, Paul has just told us all the things he has not yet obtained (vs. 12). Yet, in this passage, he points to things “we” have already attained.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:16 – Attainment”Philippians 3:15b – Who’s In Charge?
And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Summary: Ultimately, God is in charge. There is a great deal of comfort in that.
Some time ago, a man was leading a small study group at his church. In the course of preparing for the study, he wrestled with a Biblical passage that dealt with the nature of sin.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:15b – Who’s In Charge?”Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize
… 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?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize”Philippians 3:12b – The Jesus Train
… but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Summary: What is it, exactly, that is being taken “hold of?” Clearly, Paul has something in mind. It is up to us to figure out what it is.
Before we dive into this passage, let’s see if we can figure out what Paul is talking about. What is it, exactly, that he and Jesus are taking hold of?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:12b – The Jesus Train”