Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… 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?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus”
[Put to death] … impurity …
Summary: Paul’s reference to impurity draws us into an interesting study of dross and chaff.
Paul’s list of things belonging to the “earthly nature” and that deserve being put to death includes sexual immorality, impurity, and lust. Together it would seem that all three have a lot in common and, in fact, they do. But there are differences, too.
Sexual immorality is the use of our human sexuality in ways that God did not intend. Lust is the craving for sexual immorality. Impurity embraces both but, at the same time, encompasses more.
Continue reading “Colossians 3:5c – Choose Jesus”Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives us a warning: God cannot be mocked. To fully understand his meaning we need to explore how mockery works.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:7a – Mocking Lutefisk”The acts of the flesh are obvious …
Summary: Looking back over Paul’s two lists, we find there are still more treasures of insight to explore.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:19-21 – Looking Back, Part 1”