Tag: servant

Posted on

Philippians 4:18a – Word Detective

Sherlock Holmes is looking through a magnifying glass at a Bible (Grok)

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. 

Summary: Once again, we find ourselves stepping into the role of Word Detective as we work to make sure we have a clear understanding of Paul’s meaning.   

Maybe it is just me, but it seems weird that in the prior verse Paul says that he doesn’t desire gifts from the Philippians and then in this verse he starts talking about having received “full payment.” 

Continue reading “Philippians 4:18a – Word Detective”
Posted on

Philippians 2:7b – The Nature of a Servant

Jesus kneeling in prayer. (Grok)

… by taking the very nature of a servant,

Summary: This passage provides a critical description of Jesus’ character. Understanding Jesus requires that we try to understand what it means to have the “nature of a servant.”   

To avoid using his “equality with God” as an advantage, Jesus did things that run counter to our natural instincts for self-preservation. One of those things was “taking the very nature of a servant.” 

Continue reading “Philippians 2:7b – The Nature of a Servant”
Posted on

Colossians 4:1 – Dangerous Ground

Picture of a man sinking into a fiery lake surrounded by demons.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Summary: Paul, after pointing out our responsibilities, points to an interesting fact about the people we report to. We all have a “Master in heaven.” 

Until now, Paul has been talking to the people who serve others. In this passage, he “flips the script” and goes after the bosses in charge of the workers. 

Bosses are people, too, but sometimes they forget that. 

Continue reading “Colossians 4:1 – Dangerous Ground”
Proudly powered by WordPress