Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…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”
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.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:2a – Old and New”
“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”
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.
Continue reading “Colossians 3:20 – God’s Children”… having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness …
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.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:14a – Legally Dead”From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
Summary: As Paul closes his letter to the Galatians, he makes a rather unusual statement. We are left wondering how much we should read into his words.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:17 – Tired Warrior”— to the Israel of God.
Summary: In today’s passage, Paul drops a clue to his views on the true nature of Israel.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:16b – God’s Children”Not even those who are circumcised keep the law …
Summary: Keeping the law is simple, but that doesn’t mean it is easy.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:13a – Keeping the Law”Against such things there is no law.
Summary: Paul points us to a place where God wants us to be. If we are following Jesus, that is where he is leading us.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:23c – Walking with Jesus”You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ;
Summary: Paul’s insistence on this point is leading us to deeper levels of understanding God’s power of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:4a – Christ or Antichrist?”