Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
[We] … who boast in Christ Jesus…
Summary: Sometimes, to appreciate what we have, we need to look at what we wouldn’t have if we didn’t have what we have.
As we read ahead in this chapter, we find that Paul is about to give us a masterclass on the art of boasting in Christ Jesus. But for now, before we get into the details, it might be good to take a minute and consider what boasting in Christ means.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3c – Something to Boast About”
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!
Summary: Rejoicing in the Lord sounds rather simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, even when we put our faith in Jesus, we are still able to take pride in ourselves.
Do Christians still know how to “rejoice in the Lord?” Sometimes I wonder if rejoicing has become a lost art.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:1a – A Lost Art”
… for your progress and joy in the faith…
Summary: Paul’s mission to the churches is somewhat unique and is summed up in this passage.
I find it interesting how God stage-manages his will in the world.
If I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought that the “Acts of the Apostles” would have been a story about how the former disciples of Jesus had become apostles to the world. But that didn’t happen.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:25b – When Paul Met Jesus”
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…
Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus.
In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him.
The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well”
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!”
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…
Summary: Paul’s joy is an indicator of a special relationship with the Philippian church.
This verse alone tells us a lot about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. His prayer for them is filled with joy.
Paul’s other letters all convey his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, but his relationship is different with each one.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:4 – The Source of Joy”… and giving joyful thanks to the Father,
Summary: It is one thing to say we are thankful, and it is another thing altogether to be joyfully thankful. Meditating on the difference helps us to understand what Paul is saying in this passage.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:12a – Joyful Thanks”May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ …
Summary: As Paul gives us an important pointer about boasting, he also points us to the deeper meanings of the words he used.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:14a – Did Paul Pun?”[T]he fruit of the Spirit …
Summary: Looking back at Paul’s list of the “fruit of the Spirit,” we discover that the fruit of God’s Spirit is actually poured into us before we can share it with others.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22-23 – Looking Back, Part 2”