Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… whether by life or by death.
Summary: This passage brings us to an interesting crossroads between one kind of “life and death” and another.
It is, perhaps, time to review Paul’s entire thought here:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20d – Choosing Life”
[I eagerly expect and hope that…] that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
Summary: Paul continues to set an example for us with his life and words.
Paul certainly has a way with words!
If you were going to exalt someone or something, how would you do that? For example, if you are a Muslim and you want to exalt Allah, you prostrate yourself in the direction of Mecca during prayer. This demonstrates respect with your body.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20c – Doing What’s Right”
[I eagerly expect and hope that I…] will have sufficient courage…
Summary: The word “courage” is an interesting choice for a translation of the Greek word Paul used. As we examine the Greek, we discover that there is more to this passage than a desire to be brave.
Do you have “sufficient courage?” Do you know anybody who does?
Whatever the word “courage” means to you, it probably does not capture the essence of what Paul was trying to say.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20b – Bold Assurance”
… what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Summary: It turns out that Paul’s statement about deliverance is not as simple as it sounds. Exploring the possible meanings of the word opens doors to better understanding our role as Christians.
What does Paul need to be delivered from?
The easy answer to this question is that Paul is in prison, and he wants to be released, free to pursue his mission of spreading the Gospel. Unfortunately, that doesn’t feel very satisfying.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:19b – Deliverance”
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…
Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus.
In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him.
The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well”
And because of this I rejoice.
Summary: In the face of adversity Paul defies the temptation to despair and instead finds reason to rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is alive and well.
Why is Paul rejoicing?
He has just listed a litany of reasons to be glum. First and foremost, he is in prison: literally in chains. Then, while he is chained, all his rivals are free to do their dastardly deeds unfettered by Paul’s presence to restrain them.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18c – Rejoice!”
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
Summary: Paul is pondering what is most important in life. In this passage, he shares his conclusion that at the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ is preached.
How much Jesus is enough to save a soul?
This question may sound silly, but it stems from the passage before us. What does Paul mean by “in every way?” Does it matter if I preach a little Jesus or a lot? Is how I preach Jesus more important than the fact that I preach Jesus? What if I preach Jesus, but I do it in a way that you don’t like?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing”
But what does it matter?
Summary: When Paul poses the question, “[W]hat does it matter?” we are forced to confront the central issues of the Gospel.
Indeed, what does it matter if Christ is preached to stir up trouble for Paul? In fact, what does that even mean? Can someone teach the Gospel like Paul does and at the same time “stir up trouble” for him?
Standing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a bit like trying to stand on one foot while balancing on a ball. The true Gospel is the sweet spot where you can stay upright. The reality is that we tend to fall off the ball on one side or the other.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18a – Things That Matter”
… not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
Summary: Looking at Paul’s letter from a human perspective reveals a Paul who is, like us, an imperfect vessel.
As you no doubt remember from our last meditation, Paul is talking about the people who preach Christ for unchristian reasons. So far, Paul has mentioned that they are motivated by “envy and rivalry” (Verse 15) and “selfish ambition” (Verse 17a). In this passage, he adds that they hope to “stir up trouble” for him while he is in prison.
Who would do such a thing, and why?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:17b – The Human Herald”
The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
Summary: Paul’s description of those who shared the Gospel out of love touches the heart as we explore the relationship Paul had with his followers.
The word Paul uses for “love” is that well-known Greek word, “agapē.” This form of love is most often associated with God’s love for us.
Human love is often transactional. We “love” in a way that demands “love” in return. If we are not loved as we think we should be, human love can turn to hate in an instant.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:16 – Carry On”