phil. 4:19

Philip. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Typically this verse has been used by Charismatics to comfort those who are going through hard times...Amen. Yet their emphasis on it seems to bring more harm than comfort. It goes like this: God doesn't want you to be without a job and money, he wants you to be prosperous; God doesn't want you to be sick, he wants you to be whole and healthy; God doesn't like when you are emotionally stressed out, he wants to bring you peace; therefore, we know that God is on your side and has to answer your prayers for this nice job, to get rid of this cancer, and to give you a smooth week without struggles - because God has promised that he will supply ALL YOUR need.

Even though these sayings are true to an extent, we have to realize that this verse is not about you, it's about Christ. It's not about "ALL YOUR need", but rather "all your NEED ACCORDING to...CHRIST". Let us place the emphasis where it should be. It's not about what you want or think you need, it's about what Christ knows you really need. Doing a quick survey of the Bible, it is clear that God doesn't think you need:
-A nice job.
-Totally healthy body.
-Wealthy sustenance.
-Struggle-less life.
-etc.
Let's open our eyes! Paul is writing from prison. Paul talks about Christians dying in the cause of Christ, suffering. Does this mean that God DID NOT meet their needs. No. It means that God's definition for need is radically different from ours.

Let us find comfort in knowing that God is looking out for our best (Rom. 8:28) even in sickness, suffering, pain, and need (Phil. 4), as well as abundance, peace, and health. It is a lot more comforting to know that in EVERYTHING we go through, Christ is working it out according to the need he sees we have with respect to our purpose in Him. Let us keep our eyes on Christ.

Philippians 4:2-3

Although Mike has cut me loose, I decided to post on these verses anyway.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)

According to my commentary, Euodia and Syntyche were possibly two deaconesses in the local church. Apparently there was a point of doctrine on which the two women disagreed. Paul said "I entreat" twice, so as to address each woman individually. Here's an interesting comment by John Wesley:

And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow - St. Paul had many fellowlabourers,
but not many yokefellows. In this number was Barnabas first, and then Silas,
whom he probably addresses here; for Silas had been his yokefellow at the very
place, Acts 16:19. Help those women who laboured together with me - Literally,
who wrestled. The Greek word doth not imply preaching, or anything of that kind;
but danger and toil endured for the sake of the gospel, which was also endured
at the same time, probably at Philippi, by Clement and my other fellowlabourers
- This is a different word from the former, and does properly imply
fellowpreachers.

So it would appear that perhaps Euodia and Syntyche travelled with Paul and the other Apostles from Antioch. Whatever the case, he said that their names were written in the Book of Life, indicating that despite their difference on doctrine, they were genuine sisters in Christ. It would thus appear that we are to have a certain tolerance for differing doctrine. That said, this text shouldn't be taken as a free license to abandon all standards of doctrine. After all, elsewhere the Bible teaches that we should adhere to the standards taught by Scripture (2 Thessalonians 2:15, for example). So we must be careful to not sway from Biblical truth by teaching or believing false doctrines. Nonetheless, there are small points on which Christians, even from the same church, may disagree. Even among our small group, we aren't all at the same place on the Calvinist/Arminian scale. We don't all have precisely the same view on Covenant Theology. We don't all vote the same way, or eat the same food, or listen to the same music. But as the Bible says, our names are all written in the same Book of Life, and we are entreated to agree in the Lord. We have our differences of opinion, and the text does not say that that this is wrong. These differences do not need to affect our fellowship in Christ.

Of course there are doctrines that are worth contending for. I remember this last year in Sunday school, Batty (or maybe it was Chris) asked us to name a few issues that should be considered essential. Things like the deity of Christ, the Trinity, salvation by grace through faith, exclusive salvation through Christ apart from other religions, and the infallibility of Scripture came up. These are all issues for which we should be on the same page. And when someone isn't there, it would be helpful for another brother to lovingly and gently help to bring him to the knowledge of the truth. So implicitly, this text challenges us to separate essential doctrines from non-essential doctrines.

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

By beginning chapter four with the word "Therefore" it seems clear that Paul is furthering his current thought. At the end of chapter three, Paul is discussing "enemies of the cross of Christ" or people who did truly walk with Christ as their minds were ulitmately set on earthly things. Paul also explains that their end is "destruction" or that they will go to hell. Now, at the beginnnig of chapter four Paul is telling his brothers, the followers of Christ to not live this way, and to stand firm in the Lord. By saying "whom I love and long for" Pual seems to be showing that he truly cares for his fellow followers of Christ.

Despite the fact that this part of the versed seem fairly clear, I did not really understand why he called them his "joy and crown". After thinking over it some it seems to me he called them his joy because he found joy in the fact they were also followers of God and were growing in their walk with Christ. It seems as thought Paul finds great joy in knowing that people he has ministered to are growing in their relationship with Christ. As far as "crown" goes the only idea I had was that Paul found it like a high honor to have helped the church at Philippi grow. To make some type of analogy (although perhaps not the best), Paul seemed to look at the church at Philippi the same way a King (or some other royal figure) looks at his crown. I'd like to hear what others think on this forsure though as I'm still not exactly getting the whole crown thing.

All in all, it seems this first verse of chapter four is a conclusion of the last chapter and a beginning to the next as Paul is exhorting them to walk with the Lord, unlike others who were seeking earthly things.

Philippians 3:18-21

I'mmmmmmmmmmm baaaaaaaaaacccccckkkk.

No but really, I haven't spent much time on here blogging lately. Sorry for that, to be honest my time in the Word hasn't been the greatest either. But that is why we have this, right, so that we can see if someone is struggling with their time. Trust me, Mike has been noticing my lack of attendance on here and has asked me about it. Thanks, that is what a brother does, even if it isn't the easiest thing to bring up. So hopefully you all will read this, and try to post something and get in the Word so we know how you are doing.

Onto my verses.

"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:18-21

Wow, I think this should be split up for a few different people so go ahead and share what you think.

First he says that he is telling them that many walk as enemies of the Lord, he does this with tears, he is saddened by the fact that many will die and go to Hell for an eternity. There is some serious weight with this issue. Also Jesus says that if someone is not for Him, then they are against Him, enemies of Christ.

Think about what it means when he says that our citizenship is in heaven. We do not live here permanently, we were made for heaven, we are in an alien land here on earth. We get to go home soon. While we are away we wait for a Savior, who will bring our earthly bodies to heaven and bring them to be like his holy body.

And at the end he says this is done by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself. Jesus has the power to do all that He wishes, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.

These verses are packed with Christ's supremacy and how great He is. They are a great way to worship before God, they bring me to praise God.

Also it is interesting that Paul says that there are those who are enemies of Christ, and then at the end he says that Christ has the power to subject all to Himself. So why doesn't He make everyone be a Christian? Well here is the topic of limited atonement, and predestination. Bottom line here, Christ can do that, He can do anything He wants, He has the power to make a person be a Christian, but He doesn't. Again that just makes me understand and feel His love for me even more.

Philippians 3:15-17

Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to an example you have in us.

If I could sum up these verses into one statement Iwould say "Faith in Future Grace."

Paul is showing us by example how we are to interact with other believers and especially those who may be younger in their faith. The example he shows is a humble Christian. Paul is obviously very mature in his faith; he is an Apostle. And yet, he is very humble. He humbles himself by trusting in God. Paul looks on the cross and knows that he does not deserve anything except Hell. He sees Christ dieing for his sins and the result is that Paul has no pride; no boastfulness in himself; the result: Paul trusts God and meets the younger believers where they are at and softly says, "if you have any other convictions other than those that I have just said, God will reveal those to you." Paul doesn't hold his maturity in the faith as a status, but rather he is humble. Paul also says in Romans that anything that does not proceed from faith is sin. Therefore, Paul does not want the Philippians to follow him for the sake of following him. It must be done out of faith, otherwise it is sin.

How can Paul be so content, so calm, so relaxed when these young believers aren't living a life of stronger faith or more boldness? He is content in Christ. He trusts God, not himself. He has faith in future grace.

Does Paul stop there? Does he simply say, God will do it, let's go home? No! He takes a step of faith and challenges the Philippians by saying, "Imitate me!" But what about the context? I think the context points to the idea that this is not about Paul. It is about fellowship. Paul wants the young believers to be around strong believers because Paul knows that you will become more like those who you hang out with.

My question for the group: Do you catch yourself thinking your faith is stronger or better or you are "further along" or have "gone through that" or think that others are prideful? If you do (we are all guilty of this - it's our nature) then you are not trusting enough. It is a lack of faith in God that we look on others and puff ourselves up. I am talking specifically about how we view ourselves in relation to others. You know what? That is simple a works based salvation attitude - we are measuring ourselves one to another. Paul's example - he trusts God and not himself and the result is a humble attitude and the effect it has on life is that he loves people. He is contenet in Christ and loves people. he has no pride; he just wants to see these young Christians grow and at all times he gives God the glory. How are we doing?

Philippians 3:12-14

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."


The first question that I had when studying these verses is what is it that Paul is seeking to obtain. In verse 11 Paul is seeking to obtain the resurrection from the dead. Earlier in verse 8 it is no less Christ. Ultimately I believe that Paul merely sees the resurrection from the dead and salvation, glorification, etc as a means of attaining Christ. The Christians ultimate pursuit is to gain Christ. We do not strive to be justified; in God's eyes we are already clothed in the righteousness of Christ. It is with fear and trembling that we should work out our salvation for their is no greater nor beautiful a prize that at stake. In John 14 Jesus tells us the way to heaven is himself. The prize, Jesus, is the way to obtain the prize "I am the way and the truth and the life".

The second question I had was what practical things should I be doing to press on in a way that honors God.

a few things that I believe God commends us to scripture...

1) Make the best use of the time God has given every day (Eph 5:16). How much time am I wasting in front of my computer, listening to music, joking around with my roommate, etc.

2) Imitate Godly men in our lives and in history (Philippians 3:17), and even better, be mentored by one.

3) Exercise self-control in all things (1 Corin 9:25). Yes, get the sleep and exercise that your body needs, yet beat your body into submission for the purposes of Christ when it does not want to. It is good to spend entire nights in prayer, to fast, to wake early even if it would not seem the best thing for your body.

4) Put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Salvation is entirely of God, we can not gain it by our own merit. We must look to Christ at all times; especially when we receive praise from man.

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" -Jude 1:24-25

Philippians 3:9-11

Sorry I didn't post yesterday (I was gone all day). I'm not sure if I'm supposed to post verses 3:9-11 now, or let the Friday person do it. So I guess I'll just run the risk. Sorry if I stole someone else's passage. Anyway, here's the text for today:

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:8-11)

First let us examine the context of this text. Verses 4 through 6 contained Paul's intentionally fruitless "boast" about his good works. Among all the Jews, the Pharisees were most likely the most obedient to the Law of Moses. And yet it is of them that Christ said,

Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. (Matthew 23:32-36)

So then we can see that Paul has seen the fruitlessness of his legal obedience. Indeed, it is quite a feat to say that one has been faithful to the Law, and yet it says here that the worth of knowing Christ Jesus far surpasses it. As it says in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7, we have the treasure of "the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Yet we have this treasure "in jars of clay" so as to know "that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." That the power belongs to God and not us is perhaps the central subject of this passage from Philippians. Whereas the righteousness condemned by Christ comes from obedience to the Law (and ultimately, from us), the righteousness of Christ comes from God. In this way, man is robbed of his glory, and the power comes only from God.

And what is the advantage of the righteousness of Christ over the righteousness that comes from the Law? The Law is the "ministry of death, carved in letters on stone." (2 Corinthians 3:7). But the Gospel is the "ministry of the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:8), by which God has written his laws on our hearts and on our minds (Hebrews 10:16). By the Gospel, we know Christ and the power of his resurrection. We suffer with him, become like him through his death (his death for our sins, not our death for our own sins), and we ultimately attain the resurrection from the dead through him. This is the means by which God grants us eternal life in Christ Jesus, as he promised when he said, "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:40).

Philippians 3:7-8

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ"

Paul gave us a great example of giving up all to gain Christ. If he had so chosen, he could have been in very high standing with the world (vs.4-6) yet he didn't. Why Not? Paul had found something so much greater than anything the world could give, and that is to know Christ. Paul encourages to not only give up the worldly status, possessions, pleasure, but "count them as rubbish". We need to realize that being Christians is not about giving up fun stuff for god, but rather, realizing that the stuff we once called fun or good is really junk. There is joy infinitely more fulfilling in Christ than in anything the world can offer.

An important thing I noticed is that Paul doesn't say, you can give it up to get Christ, but you must. He lost all his things, IN ORDER to gain Christ. I take this as a warning, that we cannot experience Christ fully without completely abandoning the importance we place on insignificant worldly things.

Philippians 3:1-4

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh - though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more

Upon first reading of this text, I thought it would be a good passage to write about, but now I'm not so sure it is as relavent for us (though still important) as to whom it was written. The dogs, evildoers, and mutilators of the flesh are the jews and particularly those that were overly concerned about the importance of circumcision. Paul contrasts this with, "we are the real circumcision" who are the Christians or the circumcise of heart (see Rom. 2:25-29). The important thing is not the outward act of circumcision but the inward act of transforming the heart of stone to a heart of flesh - circumcision of the heart - for those of you who don't read the bible, we're talking about Christian love here. It is the most important thing (see 1 Cor. 13). And then Paul goes on to say that he has more reason to be confident in the flesh. I don't think that he is boasting or even saying that he really does have a good reason to boast in his flesh, but rather that if it really were outward acts of the flesh that mattered, Paul would have more reason to boast about them than any. I think the reasoning behind the point is that if Paul had less reason to boast in his flesh, this passage would just sound like he's trying to even the playing field (just like when someone is losing in a game of 1 on 1 basketball, so he says "next point wins"), Paul is showing the he really means it. The reason I say that this passage is not as relavent is because (and I may be wrong in saying this) I don't think anybody really struggles with this these days. Whether or not circumcision is of any value is no question in my mind: I know it isn't. Also, as far as I know, this really isn't a church-dividing issue.

Philippians 2:25-30

Here is today's text:

(25) I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and
fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,
(26) for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you
heard that he was ill. (27) Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy
on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon
sorrow. (28) I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at
seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. (29) So receive him in the
Lord with all joy, and honor such men, (30) for he nearly died for the work of
Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
(Philippians 2:25-30)

Paul's servant Epaphroditus is the subject of this paragraph. Verse 25 says that Epaphroditus was a minister to Paul's needs. Apparently the Philippians had supplied the Apostle with his needs through this man. As John Wesley's commentary points out, "
The Philippians had sent him to St. Paul with their liberal contribution." It's likely that Epaphroditus was a resident of Philippi. We can see that Epaphroditus was distressed because the Philippians had heard of his illness, but he knew that they would still be concerned about him because they had not yet heard of his recovery. But Paul used the occasion to inform the Philippian church of their friend's recovery, and to inform them by his Apostolic authority that his healing was by the direct intervention of God. God further used Epaphroditus' healing to prevent Paul from being burdened with a friend's death while already facing the sorrow of his own imprisonment. Paul was eager to send his fellow worker back home so that his friends would rejoice at his coming. As the ESV renders the verse, the latter half says, "and that I may be less anxious." But from comparing this to other translations, and consulting a Greek dictionary, I believe that it should read "and that I may be less sorrowful." This indeed would be more plausible, since Paul's sorrow would surely be abated by the rejoicing of the Philippians.

The Apostle concludes by encouraging the Philippians to rejoice. They ought not to feel any sorrow that Epaphroditus is leaving Paul in his time of imprisonment, but they ought to feel joy from his coming, and honor all men who return home from serving the Lord. The reason is provided in the final verse: these people lay down their lives in the service of Christ, and so it is proper to honor them. These words of Christ find their fulfillment in Philippians 2:30,

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will
keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)

Though Epaphroditus could very well have died in serving Christ, he has gained eternal life. It seems to me that this verse speaks to how we who are not called to be missionaries can still be active in missions. Though Epaphroditus did not spend as much time as Paul did in his Roman mission, God nonetheless honored the work that he did. Likewise, the fact that we are not missionaries should not cause us to be disinterested in missionary work. To visit and encourage missionaries, and to contribute to their needs, is just as important a task as the evangelism itself. God has not called all of us to be missionaries like Paul. On the contrary, he has called many of us to be like Epaphroditus. So whether we travel abroad to preach the Gospel, or stay at home and serve the church, we still have an important missionary role to play.

Philippians 2:19-24

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the Gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

Drawing out observations from this section has been very fruitful for me. I have had this section memorized for over (2) years, but it was this time through it that God used it to encourage me.

1. Preceding section - Paul ends it by talking about how he wants his disciples to grow so that he may boast in Christ for his works and specifically he talks about his dying as not being in vain because it will be poured out on the spriritual growth of his disciples.

2. This section provides us with an example. Paul talks about his beloved disciple Timothy. As Paul is thinking about his disciples and what he wants them to do and be like and act like, it seems that he thinks about Timothy and starts talking about hime. To me, that is the flow in this epsitle. It seems that Timothy is living out much of the life that Paul lays out in his epistles. Timothy is an example of someone who is growing and being sanctified and is a man of Christ.

3. First, Paul hopes in Jesus - not Timothy - not himself nor anyone except Jesus Christ. Paul is hoping in Christ for rather small things. Here he hopes that Timothy will go somewhere. Granted, this was a pretty big deal to be moving Timothy a rather far distance and shifting him in his ministry role, but yet Paul trusts and hopes in God to do it.

4. What is he hoping for? To send Timothy to the Philippians. Why? First, his own joy. But this is not selfish for Paul to do this because Paul's joy is linked to Timothy helping the Philippians and being genuinely concerned for their welfare. Is it selfish to love? No. Well Paul's joy comes when he is loving others and looking out for them and encouraging them. Paul will be cheered by news of the Philippians when he sends Timothy to them. To key off of Paul's joy, it appears that his joy is linked to relationships. He will be full of joy when Timothy goes to the Philippians. He will be full of joy when Epaphroditus goes and encourages the Philippians by his being alive. Paul's joy is linked into relationships and people.

5. Paul has his go-to guy in Timothy. What type of person is Paul looking for (oh let us listen to the Apostle as to what type of person he is looking for)? First, sincere heart - being genuinely concerned for the welfare of the brethren - tender and compassionate. Second, Paul wants a person who does "nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility counts others more significant than yourself and looks not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." Third, they look at the interests of Jesus Christ and the first interest is always the Gospel - look out for the interest of the Gospel (Chapter 1).

6. Paul does not want his go-to guy looking out for his own interest but rather looking away from himself to Jesus Christ, the founder and perfector of their faith and then while beholding Jesus they love others and serve them and minister. Paul does not simply want a "good humanitarian" but rather a person who is looking to Christ's interest.

7. Paul's go-to guy has proven himself over time and how he has spent his time. Paul's go-to guy is one who looks at all things through the lens of the Gospel and serves to advance the Gospel and lays down their life and does this consistantly and is consistantly growing. He serves in the Gospel. Time is a great measure of one's faith. Over time, do we see growth and maturity and evidences of faith? Over time.... years. If any of you are challenged by this, I suggest this: get with one of us guys and talk. Commit yourselves to one another. Be around your d-group guys! For those who are far away this summer, be excited and anxious (like Paul) to get back to the d-group brothers this fall. Put in time around each other so that we can help each other grow. I hope in God that we may come together.

Phil 3:17 "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who wlak according to an example you have in us."

May we be encouraged and challenged to be like Timothy!

Philippians 2:16-18

holding fast to the Word of life so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

We are dependent on the word of life, namely the Bible. We depend on the Bible. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." We are dependet on Jesus Christ, the solid rock. The actions listed in the previous verses only occur as we hold to the Bible and trust it and depend on it.

"In the day of Christ" - There is a future reward, a future joy, a delayed gratification for those in Christ Jesus. Those who believe in Jesus and have lived lives displaying evidences of faith will have joy in that day. We will boast in Christ on that day and be proud that all of our work and effort and longing has not been in vain, but rather, we will receive that crown of righteousness; not of our own righteousness but the righteousness of Christ that depends on faith.

Drink offering: I think Paul is saying that he rejoices if he leaves this world and gets persecuted while his disciples are growing in their faith and trusting Jesus more and more as the Gospel advances. Paul delights as his fruit is not in vain but rather the fruit of his work is lived out in the next generation.

Phil. 2:3-4

3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

I was also reading over this passage many times over the past week and a half. It really made an impact on me even though I've read it many dozens of times before. Basically this verse is saying to look outward, and view your walk on earth as not focussing on yourself, but on the well-being of others. It seems I've violated this command in every area of my life.

Because I'm so involved in myself I place my homework higher than the smooth communication of a close relationship. When I get stressed at school and at work, it inevitably overflows and creates some rapids in my personal life with whoever interacts with me. When I get in an argument it seems to take me longer to see my sin and then get the courage to repent openly. Basically it boils down to pride. Please pray for me for humility and keeping priorities in their right perspective in my dailly life. I need to make the health of relationships have a higher place than before.

Philippians 2:14-15

14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [KJV]

ESV- no grumbling or questioning
NASB- no grumbling or disputing
Amplified- no grumbling, faultfinding, complaining, questioning and doubting
Message- no bickering, no second-guessing allowed

Obviously the Message Bible has the most accurate and detailed interpretation. :) But with almost any translation, I think this verse 14 is very clear to us. It says do ALL THINGS without these accompaniments. Or in another way, DO NOTHING with grumbling. This passage hit home hard again. We as Christians have a goal or purpose in our lives - or at least we are supposed to. If we believe that all things we do are a small piece to get to that goal, then why should there ever by any doubting or bad feelings about not doing it.

Colossians tells us to do ALL things unto God (3:23 -And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;). James tells us to ask always in faith, not in doubt (1:6,7 - But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.). And then Romans says every ACTION not of faith is wrong (14:23 - And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.).

We are to have a clear conviction about our daily activities in life. Let us seeks God's will daily for what job to be at (then we would be sure not to grumble at that job knowing that God wants us there), what school to go to (homework would not discourage us either), how we spend our time and with what people we hang out with (fights and conflicts would not harm our drive, knowing that God placed them in our lives either to influence or be influenced by), etc. Knowing God's role and will in any activity each day would give us so much more look forward to in accomplishing it. As we rely on God, we will be as the verse says, "Lights of the world" shining and bringing the glory of God to more places on this earth.

Philippians 2:12-13

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

In these verses Paul is calling us to work towards being more like Christ. The essence of sanctification is becoming more like the humble servant who came to be mocked and crucified.

Implied in the the context of these verses is that we are to work out our salvation in the community of the local church. By no means is Paul saying that Christianity is mainly something that happens solo. The word work in the Greek has the meanings of completeness and conclusion; we are called, striving side by side, to bring our salvation and our brothers to conclusion. This is not a light matter; we are to bring our salvation to completeness with fear and trembling.

By worldly wisdom it sounds foolish that we are called to work out our salvation when it is in fact God who wills it and does it himself. This however is the very nature of the Gospel. Worldly thought and understanding are brought to nothing. Yes, it is beyond my understanding how God sanctifies me yet calls me to work towards this sancitification. No, I will never understand how God made me alive in Christ when I was yet dead in my sins. Our Savior says "Whatever you ask me in my name this I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Son". Jesus, I pray for more grace, grace that not only awakens the dead but also produces your likeness in your people.