Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… 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?”Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Summary: Paul’s simple encouragement to “live by the Spirit” opens the door to wonderment as we consider what he means.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:25 – The Ride of Our Lives”But the fruit of the Spirit is … love …
Summary: Paul begins describing how the Spirit of God changes us by describing those changes as “fruit.”
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22b – Apple Sauce”For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
Summary: Once again Paul points us to the truth that there are reasons we wait, have faith, and hope.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:5 – Waiting in Faith and Hope”At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives us a timeless insight into the human condition.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:29 – Flesh Versus Spirit”Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts …
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives us a different twist on what it means to have God’s Spirit in us.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:6a – The Spirit of His Son”If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Summary: How do you run a race? Are you a natural athlete or do you prefer being a couch potato?
Continue reading “Galatians 3:29 – Clouds of Dust”