Philippians 1:27-30
"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ . . ." (v27). Christians are to live their lives in a way that affirms Christ's gospel--in a way that makes it valuable. Since the centerpiece of the gospel is gracious life-change, the best way in which we can demonstrate it's worth is by allowing Christ to completely change our lives.
"standing firm" (v27). We are to stand our ground! We must put on the spiritual armor that God has provided for our protection. Take a look at Ephesians 6:10-18.
"one spirit" (v27). There is only one Holy Spirit who indwells all Christ-followers. There is an amazing unity that can exist among believers when we are all following and listening to the unified Spirit of God.
"one mind" (v27). The gospel is evidenced when the church is able to come together with one will--one purpose! If each of us is submitted to the Holy Spirit's leadership, then we will be united in mind. The Holy Spirit is not divided and He is not dividing Christians. We are divided by our own rebellion to the promptings of the Holy Spirit of God.
"striving together for the faith of the gospel" (v27). "Faith" is confident belief in what remains unseen. The "faith of the gospel" then is the confident belief that the gospel will be effective in the lives of those who receive it. The church comes to together to struggle for ongoing life-change in it's members.
"in no way alarmed by your opponents" (v28). Lives that are being transformed by the power of the gospel have nothing to fear. Christ's transforming power is evidenced by fear being replaced with love in the lives of those who know Christ.
"but also to suffer for His sake" (v29). We not only have been given the ability to believe but also the ability to suffer for the sake of Christ. The manner in which we may endure suffering gives evidence of Christ's transforming power. It's not culturally popular to speak of our need to suffer but it is biblical!
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
The Joy of Living...
Philippians 1:21-26
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (v21). How many times have we heard this verse quoted as a an admonition to couragiously embrace death? I've often quoted this mantra at funerals in an attempt to make death seem more appealing to those of us who fear it so often. Recently, when I was working through some dark and despairing days, this text came alive to me in a very unexpected way. An enlightening clue to Paul's meaning is hidden in his very next statement:
"but if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me;" (v22). My Greek study revealed an amazing possibility. "Fruitful labor" translated literally would read, "fruit of my labor". Perhaps instead of meaning that his life would continue to produce "good fruit", Paul is saying that his continued life would produce more of this kind of fruit, which is in fact, suffering! Is it possible that Paul is writing out of an emotion of deep despair and pain, and therefore death is very appealing to him? I believe that it is likely. It doesn't mean that Paul is suicidal but it does mean that the pressure of suffering is immense and the release of death is to be preferred.
" . . . and I do not know which to choose." (v22). Note that Paul is not convinced in his mind which course he will choose.
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake" (v22-24). As Paul comes to grips with his decision, he declares that it would be in his best interest to go on and be with Christ. "Depart" is word picture that envisions untying a boat from the dock. It's not only "better" to go...it is not only "much better" to go...but it is "very much better" to go! And yet, Paul recognizes the necessity of living--not for his benefit but rather for the church.
"Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again" (v25-26). Paul chooses life for two reasons: for the progress of the church, and for the joy of the church!
It is true that for many of us we need to be willing to let go of the enticements of this life and to embrace death. But it is also true that for those who are suffering and dying inside--those who despair of living--there is a call to live! "To live is Christ (suffering) and to die is, of course, much better . . . however, I will choose to remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy".
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (v21). How many times have we heard this verse quoted as a an admonition to couragiously embrace death? I've often quoted this mantra at funerals in an attempt to make death seem more appealing to those of us who fear it so often. Recently, when I was working through some dark and despairing days, this text came alive to me in a very unexpected way. An enlightening clue to Paul's meaning is hidden in his very next statement:
"but if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me;" (v22). My Greek study revealed an amazing possibility. "Fruitful labor" translated literally would read, "fruit of my labor". Perhaps instead of meaning that his life would continue to produce "good fruit", Paul is saying that his continued life would produce more of this kind of fruit, which is in fact, suffering! Is it possible that Paul is writing out of an emotion of deep despair and pain, and therefore death is very appealing to him? I believe that it is likely. It doesn't mean that Paul is suicidal but it does mean that the pressure of suffering is immense and the release of death is to be preferred.
" . . . and I do not know which to choose." (v22). Note that Paul is not convinced in his mind which course he will choose.
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake" (v22-24). As Paul comes to grips with his decision, he declares that it would be in his best interest to go on and be with Christ. "Depart" is word picture that envisions untying a boat from the dock. It's not only "better" to go...it is not only "much better" to go...but it is "very much better" to go! And yet, Paul recognizes the necessity of living--not for his benefit but rather for the church.
"Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again" (v25-26). Paul chooses life for two reasons: for the progress of the church, and for the joy of the church!
It is true that for many of us we need to be willing to let go of the enticements of this life and to embrace death. But it is also true that for those who are suffering and dying inside--those who despair of living--there is a call to live! "To live is Christ (suffering) and to die is, of course, much better . . . however, I will choose to remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy".
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Joy of Preaching
Philippians 1:15-20
Paul discloses in this passage that not everyone who is preaching Christ is doing so from proper motives. However, the end result is the same...Christ is proclaimed! The passage reveals five improper motives that all who declare Christ must avoid and fifteen characteristics that should evident in preaching.
Improper Motives for Preaching Christ:
Paul discloses in this passage that not everyone who is preaching Christ is doing so from proper motives. However, the end result is the same...Christ is proclaimed! The passage reveals five improper motives that all who declare Christ must avoid and fifteen characteristics that should evident in preaching.
Improper Motives for Preaching Christ:
- Envy - desiring what belongs to another.
- Strife - creating division.
- Selfish Ambition - literally, one who works for money.
- Distress - applying pressure.
- Pretense - wearing a mask, not genuine.
- Good Will - positive motive expecting positive results.
- Love - God's sacrificial "agape" love.
- Appointed - destined.
- Defense - apologetic, argument.
- Pure Motives - unmixed, holy.
- Truth - honesty, integrity.
- Rejoicing - the outward display of joy.
- Deliverance - salvation, progression.
- Prayer - supplication, requests.
- Holy Spirit Provision - supply of the Spirit, annointing.
- Earnest Expectation - literally, "to turn your head and watch", looking for results.
- Hope - optimistic belief.
- No Shame - no embarassment.
- Boldness - confident declaration.
- Exaltation of Christ - only Christ is glorified--not the preacher.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Joy in the Journey
Philippians 1:12-14
Paul has focused on the relational aspect of the church in the first eleven verses of his letter to the believers in Philippi. He now turns his attention to the proclamation of the Gospel.
"Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear."
He begins with an amazing statment, "My circumstances (i.e. imprisonment) have actually advanced the Gospel". This should help us to find hope in the midst of our own difficult circumstances. It is the purpose of God to expose more people to the Gospel story and He will take us through difficult places to see it occur. Perhaps, more often than not, the purpose of our pain is to give us a platform for sharing Christ.
Paul says that the Gospel has progressed in three clear ways:
Paul has focused on the relational aspect of the church in the first eleven verses of his letter to the believers in Philippi. He now turns his attention to the proclamation of the Gospel.
"Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear."
He begins with an amazing statment, "My circumstances (i.e. imprisonment) have actually advanced the Gospel". This should help us to find hope in the midst of our own difficult circumstances. It is the purpose of God to expose more people to the Gospel story and He will take us through difficult places to see it occur. Perhaps, more often than not, the purpose of our pain is to give us a platform for sharing Christ.
Paul says that the Gospel has progressed in three clear ways:
- Paul has become well-known throughout the Roman guard and everywhere else because of his imprisonment. His notoriety has become his vehicle for sharing Jesus. How can you use your own experiences of suffering to share Christ?
- Paul insists that some have trusted in the Lord because of his imprisonment. He has not only been sharing Jesus--but people are responding. He has found a field to harvest in the midst of his prison. What about you? Are people attracted to Jesus by the way that you respond to difficulties? I don't think that there could be any greater purpose in your pain than to see someone's life transformed because of it.
- Paul says that the other believers have become courageous and bold in sharing the gospel because of his example. What effect is your suffering having upon the church?
Monday, March 12, 2007
How to Have Joyful Relationships - Part II
Philippians 1:9-11
This passage builds on the first eight verses that provided an indication of what our relationships should be like in the church. You can read my notes from Philippians 1:1-8 here. I believe that verses 9-11 indicate a maturing progression that should be occurring within our "church" relationships.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God".
The Definitions:
The Progression:
This passage builds on the first eight verses that provided an indication of what our relationships should be like in the church. You can read my notes from Philippians 1:1-8 here. I believe that verses 9-11 indicate a maturing progression that should be occurring within our "church" relationships.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God".
The Definitions:
- "love" = agape, sacrificial love
- "knowledge" = practical understanding of spiritual principles
- "discernment" = ability to make correct decisions
- "approve" = to affirm after having thoroughly tested
- "excellent" = worthwhile, vital, different
- "sincere" = pure, unmixed, genuine
- "blameless" = not stumbling nor causing to stumble
- "righteousness" = fairness, justice
- "glory and praise of God" - the ultimate purpose of man
The Progression:
- We must be spending intimate time alone with God receiving His undeserved love and affection so that we will, "abound more and more" in sacrificial love. Only when we are saturated in the love of God can we progress in our relationships beyond selfish and superficial connections. If you doubt the importance of love--simply read the Gospels.
- We will understand how to apply spiritual principles into our lives and the lives of others only when we love sacrificially. Otherwise, we are working from our wounded and selfish inclinations and are prone to make great mistakes. Knowledge without love quickly becomes cold legalism.
- Notice that Paul doesn't say that when we lovingly speak knowledge into someone's life that we will be able to confront their failures. No, he says instead that we will be able to, "approve the things that are excellent". The result of Godly knowledge and discernment mixed with agape love is an incredibly positive approach to pointing out what is right in people's lives--not what is wrong!
- The process of speaking positively into someone's life progresses to our own sincerity (purity, perfection) and blamelessness (lack of stumbling). We become better people and look more like Christ when we lovingly encourage.
- The result of this sincere love is righteousness, justice, fairness. We seem to truly want the very best for those around us when we we're focusing on what they are doing right--and not so much on their faults.
- The final progression is the ultimate goal of man--to praise and glorify God. God is glorified when we are lifting each other up rather than dragging each other down.
Monday, March 05, 2007
How to Have Joyful Relationships...
Philippians 1:1-9
Our churches should be filled with SLAVES, SAINTS, and SERVANTS (v1)
Our churches should be marked by GRACE and PEACE (v2).
Our relationships in the church should be marked by . . .
Our relationships in the church should be abounding in LOVE! (v9).
Our churches should be filled with SLAVES, SAINTS, and SERVANTS (v1)
Paul and Timothy are bond-servants (slaves) who do not have any rights except those that are given to them by their master (Jesus). The letter is written to the saints (holy ones) at Philippi. Note that their "saintliness" is because of Christ and not because of their own self-righteousness. Included in their number are some overseers (bishops/pastors) and some deacons (servants). These officers are listed
after the saints because they are the servants of the saints. There is no room here for prestige or position--just humble service!
Our churches should be marked by GRACE and PEACE (v2).
Grace is simply "unmerited favor"--getting more than we deserve. Peace is "the absence of conflict". Those that God would bring into the church should be treated to grace and peace--not legalistic rules and conflict! The world will flock to our churches for grace and peace! They don't seem to be too interested in our fights!
Our relationships in the church should be marked by . . .
- Pleasure with God (v3). Can you thank God for everyone in your church?
- Prayer (v4). Do you pray joyfully for all of the members of your church?
- Participation (koinonia) in the Gospel (v5). Are you "sharing in" the gospel as well as "sharing" the gospel?
- Positive Affirmation (v6). Are you reminding the members of your church that God is still perfecting them?--He hasn't given up!
- Partaking of Grace (v7). Are you filling your plate and the plates of others at God's buffet of grace?
- Passion (v8). Are you passionate for the members of your church? The word for "affection" in verse 8 is the strongest possible Greek word to convey compassion!
Our relationships in the church should be abounding in LOVE! (v9).
Paul uses the word "agape" here and indicates that the seed of healthy, nurturing relationships in the church is agape (sacrificial God-like) love. One can only distribute agape love by receiving regular doses of the same from the giver of love--God Himself! We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:7-8). Are you spending intimate time with God each day?
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