Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in] the flesh, I have more:
Summary: Following up on our last meditation, we take a more detailed look at the specifics of what the flesh is and how it relates to our spirit.
In our last meditation, we looked at the concept of the flesh metaphorically. In this one, let’s take a more objective look through the lens of Scripture.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4c – The Flesh, Part 2”
…and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Summary: As we prepare for Paul’s essay on what the flesh can and cannot do, it is helpful to understand the basics of our human nature.
If you don’t know what Paul means by putting “confidence in the flesh,” he is going to explain, in great detail, in the next few verses. Meanwhile, this is a good opportunity to preview the concept before we dive into the details.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3d – Flesh & Spirit”
…we who serve God by his Spirit…
Summary: The concept of serving God is clearly explained in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, obedience becomes more Spirit-driven.
If you ever wonder why it takes us so long to get through a short book of the Bible, this passage is a great example of why.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3b – Serving God”
Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.
Summary: Paul’s use of name-calling serves a specific purpose, and it might not be what you expect.
There is a saying I remember from childhood when someone had harsh words to say about someone else — they would say, “Them’s fighting words!” If somebody were to call you a “dog,” you might feel inclined to defend your honor. If so, that is because “dog,” “evildoer,” and “mutilator of the flesh” all fall into the “fighting words” category.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:2 – Fighting Words”
It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Summary: This passage leaves us with both questions and answers. If done cautiously, it can be constructive to consider why Paul wrote what he did.
I notice that Paul says he is writing “again.”
Do you ever wonder what happened to Paul’s first letter to the Philippians?* I suppose that it must have been lost or misplaced. Perhaps, at some point, people started realizing that Paul’s letters were valuable.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:1b – Authority and Clarity”
And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Summary: Paul’s simple statement about his confidence in the Lord gives us a reason to have confidence in Jesus, too.
I have to admire Paul’s confidence.
Here he is, at least four years into an unjustified imprisonment, confident that he will be released soon.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:24 – God’s-Eye View”
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.
Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.
As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:21 – Self-Interest”
And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Summary: Paul’s concern for his churches’ faithfulness invites deeper reflection on the nature of salvation.
Why would anyone in Paul’s line of work worry about the possibility they had run or labored “in vain?”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16b – Two Teachings or One?”
… as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Summary: Paul’s words about THE “word of life” lead us to wonder about our connection with Jesus and his Word, the Bible.
As Paul continues his thought, he finally brings us to the crux of the matter. In our passage for this meditation, he tells us to “hold firmly to the word of life.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16a – The Word of Life”
“children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…
Summary: Paul’s words point us to one of the most important questions facing Christians: How do we know we are saved?
What does he mean by suggesting that we can become “blameless and pure” (Philippians 1:15a) and “children of God without fault?” Is he suggesting that we can attain some level of perfection as believers in Christ?
Continue reading “Philippians 2:15b – Star Light”