Colossians 1:15-20
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Who is Jesus Christ?
- He is the image of the invisible God
- He is the firstborn over all creation
- He is before all things
- He holds all things together
- He is the head of the body the church
- He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead.
- He had all the fullness of God dwell in him
- It was through Him that God reconciled all things to Himself.
Jesus Christ is supreme. To be honest, I don't think I even come close to understanding how supreme Jesus Christ is. I know forsure my culture does not. We are facinated with Jesus Christ...Kanye West dresses like Him on the cover of Rolling Stone, Madonna ends her concerts on a mirrored cross...in some way reflecting Him, we wear t-shirts that Jesus Christ is our homeboy... but He is one of many "homeboys" and certainly in culture, He is not supreme. Even in the church I think that we are facinated with Jesus Christ as our friend (which He is) but this passage is speaking of something much more majestic. This passage is speaking of His glory, His power, His position, His supremacy. I don't think much of Jesus Christ in this sense, and I need to think much more. I am convinced that it would change my worship. It would affect my obedience. It would humble me to service. Lord, open my eyes to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
To live we need to pray...Colossians 1:9-14
Colossians 1:9-14
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[b] the forgiveness of sins.
Because of the Colossians faith in Christ and love for the saints, Paul has not stopped praying for them...and he is praying for knowledge, but not just worldly knowledge, but spiritual knowledge and wisdom, which Iwould suggest probably reflects on the knowledge that he speaks about in 1 Corinthians 1 that is foolishness to those who are perishing bt is the pwower of God to those who are saved...which fits with vs. 11ff. This is a continual understanding of Christ crucified. The reason that Paul prays for continual understanding, is so that there would be continual growth in the way they live...which leads me to this reality, good actions are results of good thinking, under the power of Jesus Christ. I'm afraid that far too often I have neglected the work of developing my mind...and I wonder why I struggle so much with my actions at times. The reality is, as Paul so often creates the tension, that while we are called to wrestle with this, to work with this, it is done only on the power which God gives, and this creates endurace, patience and joy. How often do these go hand in hand? Endurance and patience imply difficulties and frustrations, but by the grace of God, joy is also a part of this journey. Lord, I pray for joy along with endurance and patience. It is rare that these three traits go hand in hand in my life. It seems to me that at least in part, our endurance, patience and joy come from His strengthening, which is a result of His forgiveness. I don't think I meditate enough on the reality that I have been saved from the "dominion of darkness". This is serious and real. How often do I call my students to meditate on this reality? Lord, thank-you for your saving work...How good are You!!
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[b] the forgiveness of sins.
Because of the Colossians faith in Christ and love for the saints, Paul has not stopped praying for them...and he is praying for knowledge, but not just worldly knowledge, but spiritual knowledge and wisdom, which Iwould suggest probably reflects on the knowledge that he speaks about in 1 Corinthians 1 that is foolishness to those who are perishing bt is the pwower of God to those who are saved...which fits with vs. 11ff. This is a continual understanding of Christ crucified. The reason that Paul prays for continual understanding, is so that there would be continual growth in the way they live...which leads me to this reality, good actions are results of good thinking, under the power of Jesus Christ. I'm afraid that far too often I have neglected the work of developing my mind...and I wonder why I struggle so much with my actions at times. The reality is, as Paul so often creates the tension, that while we are called to wrestle with this, to work with this, it is done only on the power which God gives, and this creates endurace, patience and joy. How often do these go hand in hand? Endurance and patience imply difficulties and frustrations, but by the grace of God, joy is also a part of this journey. Lord, I pray for joy along with endurance and patience. It is rare that these three traits go hand in hand in my life. It seems to me that at least in part, our endurance, patience and joy come from His strengthening, which is a result of His forgiveness. I don't think I meditate enough on the reality that I have been saved from the "dominion of darkness". This is serious and real. How often do I call my students to meditate on this reality? Lord, thank-you for your saving work...How good are You!!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Get Focused...Colossians 1:1-8
Colossians 1:1-8
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Paul's first comment to the church in Colosse (after his openning) is his thankfulness for them primarily because of how much they love the saints. I talk a lot about loving people who do not follow Christ. I don't talk a lot about loving people who already do...sometimes we (notice I included myself in this group) are the hardest ones to love. And yet this is what Paul commends. How do I move myself...get moved...allow God to move, me to love the saints better? The answer comes in verse 5...which is interesting. Paul says that their love "springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven". How does the hope of heaven, the future, intimacy with Jesus Christ, create love here on earth? I thought that thinking about the kingdom of heaven on earth was going to help me love here, not vice versa? I'm not sure, but here is a guess...when the hope of heaven becomes our primary focus, when it becomes our absolute joy, I think we will be more willing to sacrifice here on earth, because it does not compare with heaven. (by the way, that is what love seems to be all about, sacrificing here on earth). When our hope or joy is not tied to things on this earth, including acceptance by others, stuff etc. we will much more willingly give those up as we love others unconditionally. This seems to have been the case with Moses in Hebrews 11. He was looking ahead to his reward, so he sacrificed everything here on earth. Our focus of heaven should not remove us from focusing on earth...it should enable us to be focused on earth...on loving others.
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Paul's first comment to the church in Colosse (after his openning) is his thankfulness for them primarily because of how much they love the saints. I talk a lot about loving people who do not follow Christ. I don't talk a lot about loving people who already do...sometimes we (notice I included myself in this group) are the hardest ones to love. And yet this is what Paul commends. How do I move myself...get moved...allow God to move, me to love the saints better? The answer comes in verse 5...which is interesting. Paul says that their love "springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven". How does the hope of heaven, the future, intimacy with Jesus Christ, create love here on earth? I thought that thinking about the kingdom of heaven on earth was going to help me love here, not vice versa? I'm not sure, but here is a guess...when the hope of heaven becomes our primary focus, when it becomes our absolute joy, I think we will be more willing to sacrifice here on earth, because it does not compare with heaven. (by the way, that is what love seems to be all about, sacrificing here on earth). When our hope or joy is not tied to things on this earth, including acceptance by others, stuff etc. we will much more willingly give those up as we love others unconditionally. This seems to have been the case with Moses in Hebrews 11. He was looking ahead to his reward, so he sacrificed everything here on earth. Our focus of heaven should not remove us from focusing on earth...it should enable us to be focused on earth...on loving others.
Give…its worth it. Philippians 4:14-23
Philippians 4:14-23
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all you needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever, Amen.
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
A couple of thoughts come to mind as I take a look at Paul’s closing remarks…(surprise surprise). Ok, really one primary thought. As Paul is affirming the giving that the Philippian church has done, specifically to Paul, he references the reality that their gift to Paul, was not just about him, it was about God. What they were giving to Paul was a pleasing, acceptable sacrifice to God. And God’s response to them was a desire and willingness to meet their needs.
When we give, when we are called to give, in the name of Christ, we are giving not simply to the person who is receiving our gifts, we are offering something to God. We are responsible before God to give (wisely) and the receivers are responsible to use the gifts wisely. And while I do not believe that we give so that we may receive (not explicitly in the financial sense…although in my reality, that often seems to happen), we will be looked after by Christ, and He will look after us out of His vast resources. This should excite us.
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all you needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever, Amen.
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
A couple of thoughts come to mind as I take a look at Paul’s closing remarks…(surprise surprise). Ok, really one primary thought. As Paul is affirming the giving that the Philippian church has done, specifically to Paul, he references the reality that their gift to Paul, was not just about him, it was about God. What they were giving to Paul was a pleasing, acceptable sacrifice to God. And God’s response to them was a desire and willingness to meet their needs.
When we give, when we are called to give, in the name of Christ, we are giving not simply to the person who is receiving our gifts, we are offering something to God. We are responsible before God to give (wisely) and the receivers are responsible to use the gifts wisely. And while I do not believe that we give so that we may receive (not explicitly in the financial sense…although in my reality, that often seems to happen), we will be looked after by Christ, and He will look after us out of His vast resources. This should excite us.
Learning Contentment Phil 4:10-13
Philippians 4:10-13
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
“Learning contentment.”
According to Paul it is one thing to be concerned and it is another thing to show it…when it is showed, it can bless us and others tremendously. Interesting, whether the Philippians were going to show it or not, Paul was still unwilling to complain. Everything for him comes back to God. It is a blessing for him that he received what he did, but whether this took place or not, he rested in God.
A couple of other observations…
1. Paul “learned” to be content. This implies journey and work. If it would have come naturally, he would not have had to learn it. It would lead me to assume that there have been times when Paul has attempted contentment apart from Christ…I can relate.
2. Paul has learned to be content whether he has had much (so obviously there has been a time when he has) or whether he has little (obviously there have been times, like now, when he has had little).
3. It is not obvious as to how we should be content during these things…he says that it is a secret…
4. The secret, in the sense that the world cannot know this apart from the Spirit’s work and experience, is that this can be done only through Jesus Christ, the one who gives him strength.
- it seems to me that Christ gives him strength when he is in need by reminding Him that he is his greatest joy, and supplier of all needs. That He has not abandoned him.
- it seems to me that Christ gives him strength when he has plenty by reminding him where the plenty has come from and keeping Paul from abandoning God. God is not against the rich, he is for the rich. The problem is that the rich are not always for God…this includes me. Lord, may I be a good steward and may I hold all you give with an open hand.
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
“Learning contentment.”
According to Paul it is one thing to be concerned and it is another thing to show it…when it is showed, it can bless us and others tremendously. Interesting, whether the Philippians were going to show it or not, Paul was still unwilling to complain. Everything for him comes back to God. It is a blessing for him that he received what he did, but whether this took place or not, he rested in God.
A couple of other observations…
1. Paul “learned” to be content. This implies journey and work. If it would have come naturally, he would not have had to learn it. It would lead me to assume that there have been times when Paul has attempted contentment apart from Christ…I can relate.
2. Paul has learned to be content whether he has had much (so obviously there has been a time when he has) or whether he has little (obviously there have been times, like now, when he has had little).
3. It is not obvious as to how we should be content during these things…he says that it is a secret…
4. The secret, in the sense that the world cannot know this apart from the Spirit’s work and experience, is that this can be done only through Jesus Christ, the one who gives him strength.
- it seems to me that Christ gives him strength when he is in need by reminding Him that he is his greatest joy, and supplier of all needs. That He has not abandoned him.
- it seems to me that Christ gives him strength when he has plenty by reminding him where the plenty has come from and keeping Paul from abandoning God. God is not against the rich, he is for the rich. The problem is that the rich are not always for God…this includes me. Lord, may I be a good steward and may I hold all you give with an open hand.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Think About It...Philippians 4:8-9
Philippians 4:8-9
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Paul engages two elements of humanity in this paragraph (after engageing affections in the previous one...although he hits affections at the end here as well).
1. Our minds...
- Paul, really as a wrap up statement to all that he has been talking about, moves us to our thinking or meditation. We are to focus on what is excellent or praisworthy...essentially what reflects the character of God. In our culture this is not easy. We tend to celebrate that which is not God...take a look at the contrast in Galatians 5 and compare the acts of the sinful nature and the fruit of the Spirit. Than take a look at Much Music's top 10 countdown of videos...If we are to sit around with our minds turned off, simply taking in our culture through media, focusing on what is excellent or praisworthy as defined by God, is going to be difficult. Lord, may I focus on You. I love You Father.
2. Our actions...
We live in a world where we do not want to take responsibility for our fellow human beings. It seems that every celebrity who makes a mistake etc. and are challeneged on their position of role model, tend to try the old..."I'm nobody's role model", "I'm not responsible". But Paul does not. He commands the Philippians to follow after him, to live like him. I think that humbly we need to also think a little more like this. I need to be reminded that I am not simply an individual in this journey of life, but rather I am a part of community, and I have a responsibity and role to play in our community...especially with those who are younger. Father, I pray that I would follow after Paul as he follows You, and that I would live in such a way that others could glorify You by following me. By your grace Lord...
Finally, If we watch our minds and actions, it will absolutely affect our affections. Paul says that the peace of God will be with us...I wonder if the reason so often I don't have peace is not because God is not here, but rather I am not there? I am not where what is excellent or praisworthy is being displayed. I am not seeking to live as I should...I cannot expect peace to magically appear unless I am placing myself in a position to experience it. Lord, I surrender to You. I pray that You would convict me where I need to be convicted, so that I could put myself in a position to experience Your peace. I love You Father...
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Paul engages two elements of humanity in this paragraph (after engageing affections in the previous one...although he hits affections at the end here as well).
1. Our minds...
- Paul, really as a wrap up statement to all that he has been talking about, moves us to our thinking or meditation. We are to focus on what is excellent or praisworthy...essentially what reflects the character of God. In our culture this is not easy. We tend to celebrate that which is not God...take a look at the contrast in Galatians 5 and compare the acts of the sinful nature and the fruit of the Spirit. Than take a look at Much Music's top 10 countdown of videos...If we are to sit around with our minds turned off, simply taking in our culture through media, focusing on what is excellent or praisworthy as defined by God, is going to be difficult. Lord, may I focus on You. I love You Father.
2. Our actions...
We live in a world where we do not want to take responsibility for our fellow human beings. It seems that every celebrity who makes a mistake etc. and are challeneged on their position of role model, tend to try the old..."I'm nobody's role model", "I'm not responsible". But Paul does not. He commands the Philippians to follow after him, to live like him. I think that humbly we need to also think a little more like this. I need to be reminded that I am not simply an individual in this journey of life, but rather I am a part of community, and I have a responsibity and role to play in our community...especially with those who are younger. Father, I pray that I would follow after Paul as he follows You, and that I would live in such a way that others could glorify You by following me. By your grace Lord...
Finally, If we watch our minds and actions, it will absolutely affect our affections. Paul says that the peace of God will be with us...I wonder if the reason so often I don't have peace is not because God is not here, but rather I am not there? I am not where what is excellent or praisworthy is being displayed. I am not seeking to live as I should...I cannot expect peace to magically appear unless I am placing myself in a position to experience it. Lord, I surrender to You. I pray that You would convict me where I need to be convicted, so that I could put myself in a position to experience Your peace. I love You Father...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Pauline emo...Philippians 4:4-7
Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peae of God, which transcends understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
There are three commands in this passage..."Rejoice in the Lord always...Let your gentleness be evident to all...Do not be anxious about anything." So we are responsible for obedience in at least three areas. It is not at all unique to think of Paul givine us commands, this is how he rolls. What is interesting, is that all three (gentleness could be argued) do not deal so much with actions, but rather with or emotions. "Rejoice", "Anxious", "Gentleness". I think that often we think of Christianity in terms of action, and we need to do that. However, it is also a responsibility to emotions and affections. Notice in 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, the first 3 verses speak about surrendering our bodies to the flame...perhaps the ultimate action, but still not having love. What is missing? Affection. Both action and affection are needed. This leads to another question...how do we control our affections? Are they not primarily reactions or responses to situations etc? I would suggest yes...And I think the little descripter in verse 5 opens our eyes to reality no matter what the variables are...the Lord is near. If I really had a correct picture of the beauty, of the grandeur of the power, of the majesty, of the love etc etc of the Lord, and understood that He is near, physically, emotionally, socially, I think that would change my response to any aspect of reality. Perhaps that is why Paul commands us to offer up prayers and petitions to deal with anxiety, it is part of the journey towards awareness that the Lord is near.
Father, I pray that You would remind me constantly today that You are near, that You are present that You care that You are intimately concerned with what is going on here and everywhere. I love You Father...How great You are!!!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peae of God, which transcends understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
There are three commands in this passage..."Rejoice in the Lord always...Let your gentleness be evident to all...Do not be anxious about anything." So we are responsible for obedience in at least three areas. It is not at all unique to think of Paul givine us commands, this is how he rolls. What is interesting, is that all three (gentleness could be argued) do not deal so much with actions, but rather with or emotions. "Rejoice", "Anxious", "Gentleness". I think that often we think of Christianity in terms of action, and we need to do that. However, it is also a responsibility to emotions and affections. Notice in 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, the first 3 verses speak about surrendering our bodies to the flame...perhaps the ultimate action, but still not having love. What is missing? Affection. Both action and affection are needed. This leads to another question...how do we control our affections? Are they not primarily reactions or responses to situations etc? I would suggest yes...And I think the little descripter in verse 5 opens our eyes to reality no matter what the variables are...the Lord is near. If I really had a correct picture of the beauty, of the grandeur of the power, of the majesty, of the love etc etc of the Lord, and understood that He is near, physically, emotionally, socially, I think that would change my response to any aspect of reality. Perhaps that is why Paul commands us to offer up prayers and petitions to deal with anxiety, it is part of the journey towards awareness that the Lord is near.
Father, I pray that You would remind me constantly today that You are near, that You are present that You care that You are intimately concerned with what is going on here and everywhere. I love You Father...How great You are!!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Stand...Philippians 4:1-3
Philippians 4:1
"Therefore, my dear brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I plead with Eudoia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side int he casue of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."
This is a transitional statement that Paul is making here...Some translations like the NIV say, "that is how you should stand firm..." referring back to chapter 3, while some, like the NASB say, "in this way you should stand firm." which could refer to the following verses. It seems to me like both have significant merrit and both are clearly affirmed elsewhere in scripture. Let me comment on the first possibility..."that is how you should stand firm". At the end of chapter 3 Paul makes clear that what defines a follower of Christ is their citizenship in heaven, and the reality that Christ is comign and will transform us...in the future. It seems that current church culture is devaluing the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven to come. Certainly I appreciate the balance of remembering our role in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven now, but I wonder if our focus on the here and now and lack of focus on the future might come out of the lack of persecution we face. I wonder if I would be much more excited about heaven, and less enamored with earth if I was under persecution. I wonder if I would not need the hope of heaven to persevere? I know that for me to live is Christ, but sometimes I forget that to die is gain, but in order to pursue the goal to which Christ has called me, I need to rmember this reality. On the flip side, Paul goes on in chapter 4 to speak about other aspects of standing firm areas of focus that are needed. His first is in verses 2-3 where he longs for Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other. There has been a split between them and Paul longs for unity and community to be restored. The reality is we need each other desperately. We were not wired to journey alone here. We need other people who contend with us for the cause of the gospel. When I reflect back on my experience, one of the areas of sorrow in my life are from broken relationships, broken community, with other believers. Lord, I pray that you would heal wounds and bring unity again with my fellow workers whom I have offended.
God bless you as you journey...
"Therefore, my dear brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I plead with Eudoia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side int he casue of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."
This is a transitional statement that Paul is making here...Some translations like the NIV say, "that is how you should stand firm..." referring back to chapter 3, while some, like the NASB say, "in this way you should stand firm." which could refer to the following verses. It seems to me like both have significant merrit and both are clearly affirmed elsewhere in scripture. Let me comment on the first possibility..."that is how you should stand firm". At the end of chapter 3 Paul makes clear that what defines a follower of Christ is their citizenship in heaven, and the reality that Christ is comign and will transform us...in the future. It seems that current church culture is devaluing the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven to come. Certainly I appreciate the balance of remembering our role in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven now, but I wonder if our focus on the here and now and lack of focus on the future might come out of the lack of persecution we face. I wonder if I would be much more excited about heaven, and less enamored with earth if I was under persecution. I wonder if I would not need the hope of heaven to persevere? I know that for me to live is Christ, but sometimes I forget that to die is gain, but in order to pursue the goal to which Christ has called me, I need to rmember this reality. On the flip side, Paul goes on in chapter 4 to speak about other aspects of standing firm areas of focus that are needed. His first is in verses 2-3 where he longs for Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other. There has been a split between them and Paul longs for unity and community to be restored. The reality is we need each other desperately. We were not wired to journey alone here. We need other people who contend with us for the cause of the gospel. When I reflect back on my experience, one of the areas of sorrow in my life are from broken relationships, broken community, with other believers. Lord, I pray that you would heal wounds and bring unity again with my fellow workers whom I have offended.
God bless you as you journey...
It will be just a moment…Philippians 3:17-21
Philippians 3:17-21
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
What defines an enemy of the cross of Christ?
- their destiny is destruction
- their god is their stomach (I assume that means they are controlled by their earthly desires)
- their glory is in their shame
- their mind is on earthly things
When I take a look at this list, I understand it as a good description of our culture, and unfortunately, at times my life. Our culture and our world, while technologically advancing, does not seem to be advancing morally. We continue to hear of atrocities of humanity, of more destructive personal behaviors (I just read an article of 4 grade 5 students in a school in the states who engaged in sex in front of their classmates while the teacher was out of the room), and of a world that physically is groaning for redemption. We live in a world (at least western world) that champions satisfying personal desires, no matter what, as quickly as possible. We live in a world that glorifies the freedom to sin, whether it is open sexuality at any level, or the pursuit of materialistic wealth, or the celebration of pride and boasting amongst athletes and music artists (listen to any rap/hip hop album). There is no sense of thinking about an eternal future…at least not at the expense of temporal pleasure.
However, we are to be different
- our citizenship is in heaven
o this should lead to peace in the midst of turmoil. This should move us to store up treasure in heaven, not here on earth.
- we wait eagerly for our Savior
o we are to treasure Christ more than anything this world offers. We should be expectant, longing, focused. Do we eagerly look for Christ?
- we understand and I would suggest than trust, the power of Christ.
o While our world spins out of control, He is not
- we know that new bodies are coming
o we are not in despair over the physical failure of our bodies. We have new ones coming.
There needs to be a massive shift from the temporal to the eternal. Lord, this is not easy for me. On my strength, this is impossible. I pray for Your grace to move me Lord. Shift my focus for Your glory and my joy.
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
What defines an enemy of the cross of Christ?
- their destiny is destruction
- their god is their stomach (I assume that means they are controlled by their earthly desires)
- their glory is in their shame
- their mind is on earthly things
When I take a look at this list, I understand it as a good description of our culture, and unfortunately, at times my life. Our culture and our world, while technologically advancing, does not seem to be advancing morally. We continue to hear of atrocities of humanity, of more destructive personal behaviors (I just read an article of 4 grade 5 students in a school in the states who engaged in sex in front of their classmates while the teacher was out of the room), and of a world that physically is groaning for redemption. We live in a world (at least western world) that champions satisfying personal desires, no matter what, as quickly as possible. We live in a world that glorifies the freedom to sin, whether it is open sexuality at any level, or the pursuit of materialistic wealth, or the celebration of pride and boasting amongst athletes and music artists (listen to any rap/hip hop album). There is no sense of thinking about an eternal future…at least not at the expense of temporal pleasure.
However, we are to be different
- our citizenship is in heaven
o this should lead to peace in the midst of turmoil. This should move us to store up treasure in heaven, not here on earth.
- we wait eagerly for our Savior
o we are to treasure Christ more than anything this world offers. We should be expectant, longing, focused. Do we eagerly look for Christ?
- we understand and I would suggest than trust, the power of Christ.
o While our world spins out of control, He is not
- we know that new bodies are coming
o we are not in despair over the physical failure of our bodies. We have new ones coming.
There needs to be a massive shift from the temporal to the eternal. Lord, this is not easy for me. On my strength, this is impossible. I pray for Your grace to move me Lord. Shift my focus for Your glory and my joy.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Are we there yet? Philippians 3:12-14
Philippians 3:12-14
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
There are times when Paul’s goals, Paul’s expectations come across as completely overwhelming at first. In verses 12-14 Paul is reflecting back on verse 10-11. Knowing Christ is one thing, and I know, it’s not just mental assent, we are talking about a full experience and engagement. Many of us have a taste of knowing Christ this way. But than he goes on to extrapolate…both knowing Him in terms of the power of His resurrection. Maybe because I grew up in a Christian home, I am not as aware of the power of His resurrection because being a Christ follower seems to have always been a part of my life, so I do not have a “moment in time” where I experienced His resurrection power. Having said that, I think that such power is not limited to simply a moment, and that being the case, I don’t think I put myself in a position to experience that power on a regular basis…or at least I am not aware of it. The other aspect that Paul is speaking o fis a willingness to share in Christ’s sufferings. I think a fair amount of suffering, but I don’t share in it much. I pray that should such suffering come my way, I will, by God’s grace be able to stand. Finally, Paul seems to indicate the fight of salvation. I wonder if it is not somewhat of a reflection of Phil. 2:12-13, this working out our faith, understanding that it is God working in us…this idea of attaining the resurrection from the dead. Whatever the case, these are lofty accomplishments. I don’t know that I am there, at least not consistently. This is where verses 12-14 are sweet. Paul moves from speaking of arrival to speaking of journey. It is about pressing on and straining toward, not obtaining or taking hold of. This gives me hope. Having said that, it is not an easy journey. The verbs Paul uses all imply resistance. There will be resistance in this journey, but we must battle on...we are not there yet.
Lord, there are so many areas of my journey towards the resurrection that I fail at consistently. I am so sorry Lord. I surrender myself to You Father. I love You Lord. I pray Father that You would move and work in real and powerful ways. Continue to grant me the desire and courage to press on and to strain forward. Make me mindful of the prize…
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
There are times when Paul’s goals, Paul’s expectations come across as completely overwhelming at first. In verses 12-14 Paul is reflecting back on verse 10-11. Knowing Christ is one thing, and I know, it’s not just mental assent, we are talking about a full experience and engagement. Many of us have a taste of knowing Christ this way. But than he goes on to extrapolate…both knowing Him in terms of the power of His resurrection. Maybe because I grew up in a Christian home, I am not as aware of the power of His resurrection because being a Christ follower seems to have always been a part of my life, so I do not have a “moment in time” where I experienced His resurrection power. Having said that, I think that such power is not limited to simply a moment, and that being the case, I don’t think I put myself in a position to experience that power on a regular basis…or at least I am not aware of it. The other aspect that Paul is speaking o fis a willingness to share in Christ’s sufferings. I think a fair amount of suffering, but I don’t share in it much. I pray that should such suffering come my way, I will, by God’s grace be able to stand. Finally, Paul seems to indicate the fight of salvation. I wonder if it is not somewhat of a reflection of Phil. 2:12-13, this working out our faith, understanding that it is God working in us…this idea of attaining the resurrection from the dead. Whatever the case, these are lofty accomplishments. I don’t know that I am there, at least not consistently. This is where verses 12-14 are sweet. Paul moves from speaking of arrival to speaking of journey. It is about pressing on and straining toward, not obtaining or taking hold of. This gives me hope. Having said that, it is not an easy journey. The verbs Paul uses all imply resistance. There will be resistance in this journey, but we must battle on...we are not there yet.
Lord, there are so many areas of my journey towards the resurrection that I fail at consistently. I am so sorry Lord. I surrender myself to You Father. I love You Lord. I pray Father that You would move and work in real and powerful ways. Continue to grant me the desire and courage to press on and to strain forward. Make me mindful of the prize…
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Whose the Man...not me. Philippians 2:1-11
Philippians 3:1-11
No Confidence in the Flesh
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
It is interesting to me that in Philippians 1, Paul doesn't seem to come down to hard on those who are preaching the gospel out of selfish motives...I guess he was biding his time, because he seems to hit them pretty hard here. He would call them "mutilators of the flesh" which seems to be pretty harsh (I'm honestly not sure what a mutilator of the flesh is...I'm just thinking it is not who I want to be). Unfortunately I wonder if there are not times that this is exactly who I am...primarily they are defined as people who put "confidence in the flesh" which according to 4-6 includes such things as status, people group, skills, personal zeal. Life and success is about them, not about Christ, everything comes back to their ability. They are in it for their own glory (this is obvious from Philippians 1). Man I can relate to this type of struggle. Lord, you have already heard my prayers this morning, I am so sorry for looking to myself and not you. I am sorry for pursuing self and not You. I am sorry for boasting in the flesh...stuff that this world cares about and not you. Forgive me Lord.
Paul goes on to show us what really counts in life. That everything our world calls profit, is actually nothing compared to Christ and living His purpose in our World. There is nothing more significant, nothing more satisfying, nothing more beautiful than pursuing Christ. Paul is so passionate about pursuing Christ that he even speaks of a longing to "share in his sufferings". Christ is so valuable that nothing compares to Him, not even physical health!!! Lord, how I pray that You would become such a deep passion for me. Lord, may nothing compare to You Father. Thank-you for the undeserved righteousness that You have placed on me. Thank-you for Your unbelievable grace.
No Confidence in the Flesh
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
It is interesting to me that in Philippians 1, Paul doesn't seem to come down to hard on those who are preaching the gospel out of selfish motives...I guess he was biding his time, because he seems to hit them pretty hard here. He would call them "mutilators of the flesh" which seems to be pretty harsh (I'm honestly not sure what a mutilator of the flesh is...I'm just thinking it is not who I want to be). Unfortunately I wonder if there are not times that this is exactly who I am...primarily they are defined as people who put "confidence in the flesh" which according to 4-6 includes such things as status, people group, skills, personal zeal. Life and success is about them, not about Christ, everything comes back to their ability. They are in it for their own glory (this is obvious from Philippians 1). Man I can relate to this type of struggle. Lord, you have already heard my prayers this morning, I am so sorry for looking to myself and not you. I am sorry for pursuing self and not You. I am sorry for boasting in the flesh...stuff that this world cares about and not you. Forgive me Lord.
Paul goes on to show us what really counts in life. That everything our world calls profit, is actually nothing compared to Christ and living His purpose in our World. There is nothing more significant, nothing more satisfying, nothing more beautiful than pursuing Christ. Paul is so passionate about pursuing Christ that he even speaks of a longing to "share in his sufferings". Christ is so valuable that nothing compares to Him, not even physical health!!! Lord, how I pray that You would become such a deep passion for me. Lord, may nothing compare to You Father. Thank-you for the undeserved righteousness that You have placed on me. Thank-you for Your unbelievable grace.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Friends are friends forever...thank you Michael W. Philippians 2:19-30
Philippians 2:19-30
19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Just a couple of quick thoughts on this passage...
First of all, Paul points out the reality of Timothy living out Pauls commands at the beginning of the chapter. Timothy was looking out for thier welfare, which by the way Paul equates to the interests of Christ. Perhaps it would help me in my pursuit of faithfulness if I was to remember that when I place others interests ahead of my own, what I am actually doing is placing Christ's interests ahead of my own. Submission and service seem like a more noble pursuit when seen in this light.
The other point I see in this pasage is that when Paul speaks about Epaphroditus, he speaks about his potential death and the sorrow upon sorrow it would have caused Paul. Paul knows that to die is gain, but he also understands that death is still the enemy, and that there is great temporary loss in death, at least to the people who are left behind. We do not need to feel guilty about grieving, it is just that we do not grieve without hope as Paul said to the church in Thesslonica.
Finally, as always, Paul is not alone. It seems from what we read throughout the Pauline Epistles and Acts, that Paul was pretty much never alone. He always seemed to function in community (I wonder if it was scary to be chosen as part of Paul's community? It pretty much meant you would be beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, thrown in prison...this was almost a guarantee). I wonder if we have not overemphasized "personal evangelism" and under emphasized "communal evangelism"? Even my Mormon friends seem to get that one.
19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Just a couple of quick thoughts on this passage...
First of all, Paul points out the reality of Timothy living out Pauls commands at the beginning of the chapter. Timothy was looking out for thier welfare, which by the way Paul equates to the interests of Christ. Perhaps it would help me in my pursuit of faithfulness if I was to remember that when I place others interests ahead of my own, what I am actually doing is placing Christ's interests ahead of my own. Submission and service seem like a more noble pursuit when seen in this light.
The other point I see in this pasage is that when Paul speaks about Epaphroditus, he speaks about his potential death and the sorrow upon sorrow it would have caused Paul. Paul knows that to die is gain, but he also understands that death is still the enemy, and that there is great temporary loss in death, at least to the people who are left behind. We do not need to feel guilty about grieving, it is just that we do not grieve without hope as Paul said to the church in Thesslonica.
Finally, as always, Paul is not alone. It seems from what we read throughout the Pauline Epistles and Acts, that Paul was pretty much never alone. He always seemed to function in community (I wonder if it was scary to be chosen as part of Paul's community? It pretty much meant you would be beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, thrown in prison...this was almost a guarantee). I wonder if we have not overemphasized "personal evangelism" and under emphasized "communal evangelism"? Even my Mormon friends seem to get that one.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Shine On Philippians 2:14-17
Philippians 2:14-17
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Well, here I am sitting in the airport in Calgary Alberta heading off to Winnipeg Manitoba...pretty cool to be able to do blevo's with my community from pretty much anywhere. I am blessed.
Well, here goes Paul again with his superlatives...Do everything without complaining or arguing??? Can you imagine what we would look like as a community in our world, our crooked and depraved world, if we functioned like this? Seriously, no complaining or arguing? There are few things that bother me more in my relationship with my son than whining...however, when I reflect on myself, in those brief moments of self-awareness, I wonder how much I bother my heavenly Father??? And how significant it would be if we were to pursue such a lifestyle...it would both purify us and be a sign of purification. Can you imagine if we were in a situation like Paul (in prison for no good reason) and we would choose not to complain or argue, what other people might think of that? Truly we could shine in our world. How is this possible? May I suggest again, only if Christ is more valuable to us than anything. Again, this must be the case for Paul because he is telling the Philippians to not feel sorry for him, but rather rejoice with him if he should be sacrificed...Why? Because according to Paul in the first chapter, to live is Christ but to die is gain. Yesterday I was reviewing the Bible verses my son had memorized in Wee College. One of them dealt with the reality that Christ has gone to prepare a place for us and will bring us to him. We talked of heaven, and I told him that should I die, I would be waiting in heaven for him, and should he die, he would be waiting for me...I'm sure that as a 5 year old, he can't quite grasp the significance of the conversation, but he was stoked about the idea of heaven. Lord, make my attitude so...I love You Lord.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Well, here I am sitting in the airport in Calgary Alberta heading off to Winnipeg Manitoba...pretty cool to be able to do blevo's with my community from pretty much anywhere. I am blessed.
Well, here goes Paul again with his superlatives...Do everything without complaining or arguing??? Can you imagine what we would look like as a community in our world, our crooked and depraved world, if we functioned like this? Seriously, no complaining or arguing? There are few things that bother me more in my relationship with my son than whining...however, when I reflect on myself, in those brief moments of self-awareness, I wonder how much I bother my heavenly Father??? And how significant it would be if we were to pursue such a lifestyle...it would both purify us and be a sign of purification. Can you imagine if we were in a situation like Paul (in prison for no good reason) and we would choose not to complain or argue, what other people might think of that? Truly we could shine in our world. How is this possible? May I suggest again, only if Christ is more valuable to us than anything. Again, this must be the case for Paul because he is telling the Philippians to not feel sorry for him, but rather rejoice with him if he should be sacrificed...Why? Because according to Paul in the first chapter, to live is Christ but to die is gain. Yesterday I was reviewing the Bible verses my son had memorized in Wee College. One of them dealt with the reality that Christ has gone to prepare a place for us and will bring us to him. We talked of heaven, and I told him that should I die, I would be waiting in heaven for him, and should he die, he would be waiting for me...I'm sure that as a 5 year old, he can't quite grasp the significance of the conversation, but he was stoked about the idea of heaven. Lord, make my attitude so...I love You Lord.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
We work, because He is working Philippians 2:12-13
Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore my dear friends as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
There are a few things that stand out to me in these two verses…
Paul is writing to people whom he loves and who are pursuing Christ well by all accounts. However, this does not keep Paul from continuing to exhort them. “…continue to work out”, we need to keep going. There is no room for “resting” or “taking a shift off” (to use a hockey illustration) from this journey that we are on. Sometimes, I think especially after mountain top experiences, I feel like I can coast for a bit. This is not an option. This is a war that we are involved in here. Lord, keep me focused I pray. May I do what You would have me to do.
Work out your salvation…
We have work to do, this is not simply stand back and watch God work in the sense that we are not to engage the process. WE ARE TO ENGAGE!! And my guess is that it may be hard (why else would Paul say work…and why else would he call us to discipline ourselves for godliness?). According to James, this willingness to work would be a sign of salvation having taken place.
do it with fear and trembling
I think that sometimes we have so emphasized God’s incarnation in Christ, that we forget that we serve the King of Kings…and eternity is at stake. There must be a reverence, a deep respect for the one we serve. Lord, forgive me for when I forget. It seems that C.S. Lewis had a good picture of the balance when he created the creature Aslan, a combination of fearful and inviting.
God is at work
While we are to work, we can only do so because God is at work, granting desires and enabling action. While we must work, we must remember that any work is an act of God’s grace. This should keep us humble and submitted.
His good purpose
I must remember that whatever is going on, we are pursuing God’s purpose (not mine, and it is good. I so quickly forget that God’s purpose is good…until I observe our world. I am saddened by the unnecessary pain that so many go through, endure. Lives are literally destroyed because we choose to not submit to our good and loving creator.
Father, this is beautiful. Renew my passion to pursue you in all things. Lord, may I work with all Your might, for Your glory and for my joy. I love You Lord.
“Therefore my dear friends as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
There are a few things that stand out to me in these two verses…
Paul is writing to people whom he loves and who are pursuing Christ well by all accounts. However, this does not keep Paul from continuing to exhort them. “…continue to work out”, we need to keep going. There is no room for “resting” or “taking a shift off” (to use a hockey illustration) from this journey that we are on. Sometimes, I think especially after mountain top experiences, I feel like I can coast for a bit. This is not an option. This is a war that we are involved in here. Lord, keep me focused I pray. May I do what You would have me to do.
Work out your salvation…
We have work to do, this is not simply stand back and watch God work in the sense that we are not to engage the process. WE ARE TO ENGAGE!! And my guess is that it may be hard (why else would Paul say work…and why else would he call us to discipline ourselves for godliness?). According to James, this willingness to work would be a sign of salvation having taken place.
do it with fear and trembling
I think that sometimes we have so emphasized God’s incarnation in Christ, that we forget that we serve the King of Kings…and eternity is at stake. There must be a reverence, a deep respect for the one we serve. Lord, forgive me for when I forget. It seems that C.S. Lewis had a good picture of the balance when he created the creature Aslan, a combination of fearful and inviting.
God is at work
While we are to work, we can only do so because God is at work, granting desires and enabling action. While we must work, we must remember that any work is an act of God’s grace. This should keep us humble and submitted.
His good purpose
I must remember that whatever is going on, we are pursuing God’s purpose (not mine, and it is good. I so quickly forget that God’s purpose is good…until I observe our world. I am saddened by the unnecessary pain that so many go through, endure. Lives are literally destroyed because we choose to not submit to our good and loving creator.
Father, this is beautiful. Renew my passion to pursue you in all things. Lord, may I work with all Your might, for Your glory and for my joy. I love You Lord.
Humble Supremacy Philippians 2:9-11
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God exalted hims to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Christ's humility brought about eternal glory...As I look at the results of Christ's death, there are a cople of thiughts that come to mind.
1. Christ's death on the cross and resurrection is what set Him apart. This is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. This is the one we should worship (He is worthy) and this is the one we will worship (He is all powerfull...notice verse 11). We must humble ourselves before such an awesome God.
2. Christ is our example for not only our action in suffering, but also our motive and attitude in suffering. Hebrews 12 vs. 2 says that it was for the joy set before Him (the joy seen in Phil 2) that Christ endured the cross, and we are to consider Him as we too suffer.
Pilippians 2 is a beautiful picture of bith Christ's humility and supremacy. This is our God!!!!!
9 Therefore God exalted hims to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Christ's humility brought about eternal glory...As I look at the results of Christ's death, there are a cople of thiughts that come to mind.
1. Christ's death on the cross and resurrection is what set Him apart. This is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. This is the one we should worship (He is worthy) and this is the one we will worship (He is all powerfull...notice verse 11). We must humble ourselves before such an awesome God.
2. Christ is our example for not only our action in suffering, but also our motive and attitude in suffering. Hebrews 12 vs. 2 says that it was for the joy set before Him (the joy seen in Phil 2) that Christ endured the cross, and we are to consider Him as we too suffer.
Pilippians 2 is a beautiful picture of bith Christ's humility and supremacy. This is our God!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
