Philippians 1:26 – Pointing to God

A picture of a person in Paul's day, with their left hand raised towards heaven and their right hand over their heart, earnestly talking to the others about God. (Grok)

… so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Summary: Paul’s use of the word “boast” allows us to take another look at our dual nature in Christ.  

“Boasting” is an interesting word. The Greek word Paul used is “kaúchēma,” which can mean “boasting,” “glorying,” or “rejoicing” (Strongs G2745*). The Strong’s Concordance adds an interesting note about this word. It says it can be used in a “good or bad sense.” 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:26 – Pointing to God”

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.

Continue reading “Colossians 2:14a – Legally Dead”

Colossians 2:13a – The Greatest Gift

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. 

Summary: Paul, himself, provides the summary for this meditation. In fact, this passage summarizes the entire Bible! 

In this passage, Paul captures the heart of the entire Bible.

•   Genesis chapters 1–3 describe how we became “dead” in our sins.
•   Genesis 4 through the end of the Old Testament (Malachi 4) describe the uncircumcised life of the flesh.
•   The New Testament is all about God making us alive with Christ.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:13a – The Greatest Gift”