Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[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”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: Jesus is more than a man. People who meet him face-to-face are looking into the eyes of the being who made everything.
In Part I, we looked at Jesus’ divine nature and the fact that he is God. Yet, somehow, Jesus is more. Other religions lay claim to stories about how the world was made, but only one man was ever said to have created the world. Jesus’ disciple, John, describes Jesus this way:
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part II — Creator”
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Summary: Paul’s thoughts are sometimes complex. In this meditation, we take a 30,000-foot view of Paul’s thoughts in his passage in hopes of seeing the “bigger picture.”
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you are probably shocked to see a meditation that is based on two entire verses at once. Never fear! We will, no doubt, dissect this in future meditations. However, given the complexity of Paul’s thought here, I thought it best to begin with an overview.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1-2 – Paul’s Request”
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit…
Summary: Paul’s words put us in mind of the power of God to connect us in his Spirit.
Our modern world is an amalgam of strange and conflicting realities.
On the one hand, technology has made it possible for us to be more connected with other people than ever. Do you want to talk with someone? Reach for your cell phone and call. If you don’t want to talk, you can text, or at the other end of the spectrum, you can use the video feature and call, talk, and see the person(s) you are talking with.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27b – Standing With Paul”
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you…
Summary: As we read the words of the Bible, it is easy to jump to conclusions. Jesus’ disciples did the same thing. Yet, if we step back from the words it becomes easier to see the meaning.
Paul is convinced that it is necessary for him to remain “in the body.” In the passage for our meditation, he affirms this when he tells the Philippians, “I know that I will remain.”
Paul is smart. He understands that the timing of his “departure” is not his to choose (Matthew 25:13, Luke 12:13-21). When he says, “I know that I will remain,” he is most likely relaying his conviction that God wants him to remain.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:25 – What About Him?”
… but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Summary: This meditation considers what Paul means by saying he can “depart” (Verse 23) or “remain in the body.”
Paul’s words are quite clear in this passage. The discussion of whether or not he should “remain in the body” clearly implies that the alternative is to leave the body.
What does this mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:24 – The Invisible Realm”
… 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”
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”
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Summary: Understanding Paul’s thought about setting our minds on “things above” requires that we first understand what he means by “above.”
If this sounds like a repetition of the last verse, it is … kinda. Paul repeats his thought, but instead of saying, “set your hearts on things above,” here he says, “set your minds on things above.”
There is a difference!
Continue reading “Colossians 3:2 – Things Above (Part II)”Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be … .
Summary: Paul packs a lot into this short sentence. He has been teaching us about the Gospel of Christ, and now he teaches us about the application of that Gospel.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:12a – Compelled by Whom?”