Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[Therefore] … if [you have] any tenderness and compassion …[from being united with Christ]
Summary: Paul points us to a softness of heart that forms inside the breast of each believer.
The emotion that Paul describes in this passage is not a shallow feeling. Paul is talking about an emotion that comes from deep inside. In fact, Strong’s points us to the root of tenderness as being in the spleen.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1d – A Gentle Whisper”
[Therefore] … if [you have] any common sharing in the Spirit,
Summary: In this portion of Paul’s passage about our relationship with Christ, Paul points us to our relationship with God’s Holy Spirit.
As we continue exploring Paul’s pre-flight checklist of spiritual connection to Christ, we come to this passage: “[Therefore] … if [you have] any common sharing in the Spirit…” (NIV).
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1c – Koinōnia”
[Therefore] … if [you have] any comfort from his love…
Summary: As we continue through Paul’s checklist, we are reminded that being broken before God is a prerequisite for finding comfort in his love.
In this passage, Paul provides us with a kind of “pre-flight” checklist.
When I was young, my dad owned a small plane, but it was a very simple one. No electrical system or fancy-dancy navigational equipment. Just magnetos for electrical power and a good, swift pull on the prop for a starter.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1b – Comfort”
[Therefore] if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…
Summary: It has been several days since we took a break from Philippians, so it might be worthwhile to review our last meditation, “Philippians 2:1-2 – Paul’s Request,” before continuing with this one.
There is a theme that runs through Paul’s collection of claims and clauses in his sentence. Behind the workings of his finely tuned academic brain, I hear a question that seems to come from his heart. It sounds like this:
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1a – Specks and Planks”