Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Paul addresses a question that often haunts the believer’s mind.
I was in a Bible class the other day, and one of the people there asked if people can lose their salvation.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:13 – The Path to Assurance”
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
Summary: Christians don’t “fight” like normal people. Instead of trying to dominate others, we strive to submit ourselves to God’s will.
Christians “fight” in ways that are different than the ways of the world. Instead of knowing the best techniques for kicking and punching, we strive to be expert at “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1b – In the Game”
[…holding on to faith and a good conscience]…which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Summary: Paul uses a metaphor to help explain the importance of maintaining control over our thoughts and actions.
This passage brings up a sensitive topic for many people. They read these words Paul wrote and wonder, “Does this mean we can lose our faith?” Others take the question one step further and ask, “What about salvation? Does this mean we can lose our salvation?”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:19c – Sheets & Tillers”
…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”