Tag: law

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Philippians 3:2a – Old and New

a stone bridge between to land masses. The side of the bridge spells out the word "HISTORY." It is a symbolic connection between the old a the new. In the middle of the bridge is the cross and the on the cross is Jesus. (Grok)

For it is we who are the circumcision…

Summary: Understanding what Paul means by “we who are the circumcision” requires a brief look back at the history of the Bible.   

In the Old Testament, circumcision was given by God to Abraham and every male that was with him (Genesis 17:10). When we talk about circumcision of the flesh in the Old Testament sense, we are talking about something that is uniquely male. Interestingly, when we talk about circumcision in the New Testament sense, it can apply to both men and women.

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Philippians 2:15b – Star Light

Artistic rendering of stars in space (Pixabay)

“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? 

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Colossians 3:20 – God’s Children

Picture of a man in white hair, beard and robe depicting God holding the world in his hand and rolling his eyes.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Summary: Speaking of children, how did God deal with his kids? 

It is interesting that Paul would include this statement in his section on family values, but not surprising. 

Paul is sharing information revealed to him by God (Galatians 1:12). As usual, God’s message is completely consistent over the centuries. It is also a message close to God’s heart. 

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Colossians 2:14a – Legally Dead

…  having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness …

Court order reading "Eternity in Hell" and stamped "Canceled"

Summary: Understanding what it means to have our “legal indebtedness” canceled requires an understanding of the law.

We know from previous passages that Paul often mixes metaphors with reality. We also know it can be hard to tell the difference. This passage presents us with the same question: Is Paul speaking literally or metaphorically?

The concept of “legal indebtedness” depends on the existence of law. Without laws, nothing is illegal.

God’s law is like that. God doesn’t need a legislature to confirm his laws or a police force to enforce them. All God has to do is speak, and his words become law.

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