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”
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit…
Summary: Paul’s words put us in mind of the power of God to connect us in his Spirit.
Our modern world is an amalgam of strange and conflicting realities.
On the one hand, technology has made it possible for us to be more connected with other people than ever. Do you want to talk with someone? Reach for your cell phone and call. If you don’t want to talk, you can text, or at the other end of the spectrum, you can use the video feature and call, talk, and see the person(s) you are talking with.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27b – Standing With Paul”
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Summary: Paul’s direct instruction about how we ought to conduct ourselves is the foundation for a lifetime of study and practice.
Finally — Paul provides us with a straightforward sentence!
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of ________ (fill in the blank).”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27a – Living Worthy”
… 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”
… for your progress and joy in the faith…
Summary: Paul’s mission to the churches is somewhat unique and is summed up in this passage.
I find it interesting how God stage-manages his will in the world.
If I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought that the “Acts of the Apostles” would have been a story about how the former disciples of Jesus had become apostles to the world. But that didn’t happen.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:25b – When Paul Met Jesus”
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you…
Summary: As we read the words of the Bible, it is easy to jump to conclusions. Jesus’ disciples did the same thing. Yet, if we step back from the words it becomes easier to see the meaning.
Paul is convinced that it is necessary for him to remain “in the body.” In the passage for our meditation, he affirms this when he tells the Philippians, “I know that I will remain.”
Paul is smart. He understands that the timing of his “departure” is not his to choose (Matthew 25:13, Luke 12:13-21). When he says, “I know that I will remain,” he is most likely relaying his conviction that God wants him to remain.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:25 – What About Him?”
… but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Summary: This meditation considers what Paul means by saying he can “depart” (Verse 23) or “remain in the body.”
Paul’s words are quite clear in this passage. The discussion of whether or not he should “remain in the body” clearly implies that the alternative is to leave the body.
What does this mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:24 – The Invisible Realm”
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…
Summary: Understanding the power of the Gospel is the key to understanding what happens after our bodies die.
Many of you who are reading this have much more experience with death than I do. Some people are better suited to dealing with trauma than others. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of deaths this past year. Many of those who are dying are afraid, but every now and then, you hear of people who, like Paul, “desire to depart and be with Christ.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:23 – The Power of the Vine”
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
Summary: Paul reflects on his impending death and how to use his remaining time effectively.
Paul’s dilemma is an interesting one.
On the one hand, “to die is Christ.” Paul knows that to be released from the body of flesh means that he can be fully present with the Jesus he first met on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:21 – Paul’s Dilemma”
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Summary: Death and dying are subjects most people don’t like to talk about, yet each of us will have to confront death at some point. In this passage, Paul’s words give us a clue as to what is waiting for us on the other side of the doorway called death.
When is dying a “good” thing?
Paul seems to be wrestling with this question as he considers the pros and cons of life in the flesh compared to life in the spirit.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:21 – The Fish and the Camel”