Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…and receive eternal life.
Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.
Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home”… believe in him and receive eternal life.
Summary: Believing in Jesus takes work. Not the kind of work that can save us, but the kind that it takes to resist jumping back into sin.
Once again, Paul includes the Gospel in its essential form. His “trustworthy saying” stated it this way:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16b – The Work of Believing”
… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Summary: As we look at the second half of Paul’s verse about peace, we discover the dangers that confront us and how incredibly important the peace of God is.
When Paul says “your hearts and your minds,” he is talking to you and me. Anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ is entitled to this peace that Paul talks about.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:7b – Safe Haven”
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in…
Summary: The opening words of Paul’s statement about why people put confidence in the flesh provide a jumping-off point for us to consider what the true meaning of the Gospel is.
Before we begin with today’s meditation, Thank you to all of you who took the time to write and share your thoughts. I deeply appreciate the encouragement and the feedback! God bless all of you! — Jeff
Looking at this passage, it is easy to get caught up in the larger picture of Paul’s thought. His full sentence reads:
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4b – It’s All About Jesus!”
[We] … who boast in Christ Jesus…
Summary: Sometimes, to appreciate what we have, we need to look at what we wouldn’t have if we didn’t have what we have.
As we read ahead in this chapter, we find that Paul is about to give us a masterclass on the art of boasting in Christ Jesus. But for now, before we get into the details, it might be good to take a minute and consider what boasting in Christ means.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3c – Something to Boast About”
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!
Summary: Rejoicing in the Lord sounds rather simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, even when we put our faith in Jesus, we are still able to take pride in ourselves.
Do Christians still know how to “rejoice in the Lord?” Sometimes I wonder if rejoicing has become a lost art.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:1a – A Lost Art”
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.
Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.
As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:21 – Self-Interest”
And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Summary: Paul’s concern for his churches’ faithfulness invites deeper reflection on the nature of salvation.
Why would anyone in Paul’s line of work worry about the possibility they had run or labored “in vain?”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16b – Two Teachings or One?”
“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”
… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage challenge our concept of faith and what it means.
This passage is one of the most significant and possibly most ignored in the entire Bible.
Why is it significant?
It is important because it deals with the core of Christian living.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:12b – Faith and Action”