Our Summer Study Of Philippians

phil. 4:19

2006-07-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

"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

2006-07-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

"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

2006-06-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-30T00:47:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

"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.

Philippians 2:8-11

2006-06-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm a bit confused by the discrepancy between the schedule Mike gave us back in May, and the one in the email, but I think I've got it figured out. Sorry if I'm posting on the wrong one, though.

So assuming I'm right, this is today's Scripture passage.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the
point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and
bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every
tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:8-11)

In the very first sentence we can see references to the miracle of the Incarnation, as well as the crucifixion. Next, the Apostle goes on to allude to Christ's resurrection. The word "therefore" indicates that God has bestowed the name above all names on Christ because Christ has merited it. Whereas we receive our salvation by grace, it would appear that Christ himself obtained his supremacy by merit. As the Prophet Isaiah says about Christ,

He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. (Isaiah 59:16)

Paul goes further to discuss the reign of Christ, that everyone, believer or otherwise, will acknowledge Christ as King. Elsewhere he says,

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last
enemy to be destroyed is death. For "God has put all things in subjection under
his feet." But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain
that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things
are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put
all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians
15:25-28)

Not only will Christ reign, but he will also destroy his enemies, including death itself. Yet both Christ's friends and his enemies will declare that he is Lord. And such a declaration will bring glory to God, whether it comes from friend or enemy.

Philippians 2:4-6

2006-06-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,"

Oh what a difficult thing for some of us Christians to do, myself being one of the biggest strugglers. It is so easy for us to think solely of ourselves yet it is so important to do just the opposite. Verses 5 & 6 give us the reason why it is so important. They say to think of the interests of others, because that is what our savior did for us. Not the simple "you can go ahead of me in line" way, but giving up his life for a people who were (and are) entirely undeserving. God's only son, gave up his equality with his father for us. A magnificent priceless tapestry, willingly taken down from the wall where it hung with its equal, made into a doormat to be stepped on and destroyed.

If our savior made the ultimate sacrifice to save such an unworthy people, how can we not strive to treat others in a similar way with love and sacrifice, thinking and acting not only for ourselves, but for others, to show god's love to believers and non.

Philippians 2:1-3

2006-06-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

To begin, Paul seems to be building off of what he left off in the first chapter by exhorting Christian virtues/traits. He says "to complete my joy" we must be of the same mind, love, and be in accord. To do this, it seems we must look to Christ for all things. In order to think the same about various ideas, to have the same love for each other, and to be in the same accord (be of one soul/spirit), we must be "communicating together" somehow, and in this case, looking to God for all things. And, as Paul says, this will bring joy.
Paul continues to exhort as he says "do nothing from rivalry or conceit". Clearly, when we do ALL things we should do them in the right mindset - not to put down others or to only build ourselves up. Additionally, Paul asserts we should do all things in humility, counting others as more important than ourselves. Applying this to today's work can be so difficult. Living in a country where so much is based on competition this can be hard to do. However, if we were all of the same mindset (mentioned in verse 2:2), we wouldn't have this problem of competition as everyone would look at each other equally. This seems to point to the idea that these conflicts of arrogance or rivalry come from the fact that not everyone looks to Christ for all things. However, if we did do this, true joy could be experienced through Christ.

Philippians 1:30

2006-06-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

"engaged in teh same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have."

What is this same conflict? Paul is getting to the application verse after laying foundations and principles regarding suffering. So what is common conflict that Paul faced when he first started the church in Philippi and now faces? I think this same conflict is the advancement of the Gospel. It is the suffering that comes about as you take the Gospel to unbelievers.

To conclude all of this suffering talk, we must take it in context. Suffering in and of itself is stupid because it most likely is being done for our own glory, which is not smart. BUT, if suffering is done for Jesus Christ, then the suffering is a means to glorify Jesus and in effect brings joy (maybe not in this lifetime, but in eternal life). When done for Jesus' glory it proves that our faith is real (as Brian alluded to in the previous verse). So suffering should exist when it is being done to advance the Gospel and/or make much of Jesus. It is a good attitude and mindset to have so that we always are cautious about who is getting the glory.... us or Jesus?

Philippians 1:28

2006-06-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

"And not frightened in anything by your opponents; this is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God."

The life "worthy" of the Gospel of Christ includes the previous verse of being united with your brothers and sisters. In this unity we come to this verse about not being frightened. This un-fearfullness is part of the "worthy" life because it is trusting in God and not in yourself. By trusting in Him we can stand against opponents and take on persecution because we trust in something bigger and better than ourselves; we trust in a Sovereign that is above all things.

And when we stand against opponents and "love our enemies" by not cutting off their ear or fighting back, we show clearly that we are different, and that is we are children of God; saved sinners because the world does not operate that way. The world wants to make a name for themselves and tehrefeore will fight opponents to prove their strength. But by not being frightened by your opponents you prove their destruction but your salvation AND THAT FROM GOD. It is from God. The worthy life knows that it is all God and not us.

This idea that Paul lays out is directly linked to suffering. This often occurs in suffering because it is in suffering when truth comes forth. And when we are not frightened by our opponents in suffering, it is a clear sign to them of their destruction but of your salvation.

2006-06-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

A cute picture to accompany my 'suffering' post, by Sadaf.

1:29

2006-06-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

Philip. 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

This verse is interesting in that it parallels BELIEVING with SUFFERING in the same calling in Christ. I would naturally think that beleiving is all that is needed, and everyting else will just follow. However, this verse seems to exhort us to two on-par duties. Perhaps we as Christians should rethink the degree of emphasis we put on suffering. A cursory review of the NT on suffering surfaces the following verses:

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
1 Cor. 4:12
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1 Tim. 4:10
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
2 Tim. 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:19
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

A few thing we can summarize from the above passages:
1. It is a priveledge to suffer for Christ.
2. It is a necessity in God's plan that we suffer for Christ's name.
3. It is a duty to suffer and not retaliate when persecuted.
4. Trust in God produces an automatic compelling to suffer.
5. It is promised that we will suffer if we are living godly.
6. It is God's will that we suffer as we offer our souls to him in trust.

Suffering is a big thing. It's an important doctrine.

As verse 1:29 says, suffering and believing go hand in hand. If you only believe, but are not willing to suffer, it shows that perhaps you were never really exercising genuine faith as those people in Luke that loved the gospel but did not endure the suffering of resisting temptation (Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away).

Lord I pray that you teach us more about suffering. Truly show us that we are bought with a price, and enduring suffering will allow your gospel to advance and your name to receive more glory.

Philippians 1:30

2006-06-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today's verse is Philippians 1:30. Here it is in context:

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:29-30)

Immediately we should ask: what was Paul's conflict? Most likely it is Paul's preaching of the Gospel while imprisoned (1:13-14). It is easy to deduce that at this point in time, Paul hadbeen imprisoned in Rome for awhile and that he continuedto preach the Gospel. Paul's ministry at Rome could rightly be called a conflict because some envious persons are preaching Christ merely to rival him (1:16), and that his life is at some level of risk here (1:21-23). Note that Paul refers to a conflict which the Philippians saw that he had. Many commentators cite Acts 16:19-40 when discussing Phlippians 1:30. This text from Acts describes a case in which Paul and Silas were mistreated and jailed for preaching the Gospel (specifically, for exorcizing a spirit of divination from a servant girl).

In Philippians, Paul once more was in prison, and he used this circumstance as a teaching tool. In verse 29, Paul wrote that we are granted with the right to suffer for Christ's sake, just as Paul suffered. Not only is suffering for Christ a responsibility of the Christian, but it is our pleasure, which we perform with joy. To be imprisoned for the preaching of the Gospel is something that we may experience by the grace of God.

Here in America, being imprisoned for Christ's sake isn't a likely possibility. And it would not be accurate to draw an analogy between the minor riducule that American Christians face, and the very real persecution faced by many of our brothers elsewhere in the world. But there are still ways in which we can suffer for Christ. One way is to serve our brothers, even when that service is difficult. For example, at the church I go to here in Rochester, the pastor mentioned that when a certain member needed to go up to Minneapolis for a medical test, someone else drove him, and waited for eight hours for the results. Another way is for us to "associate with the lowly" (Romans 12:16). In these and many other ways, we can "fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body" (Colossians 1:24).

Philippians 1:25-26

2006-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."

So what is Paul saying here? Just before these verses he threw out two options, that he live, or that he would die. He was torn between which would happen and which one he would rather have. But now he is saying that he is sure that he will stay alive. He says though that he will keep on because of the Philippians, so that he can help them. So that they may have joy, that they may progress, and that they may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus.

There are two things I want to say I guess. While in jail he is probably thinking, 'if God wanted to take me He would have by now' so therefore he concludes that he still has some ministry left to do. As long as he is on the earth he has a ministry. (Do you?) And second, I want to point out that he lives for others not himself, he says that he is convinced he will live and come to them again, not so he can enjoy life (it is) but that he can help the Philippians, and I think generally he meant all churches as well.

So the application to this would be to have a ministry that you can give your life away too. Paul wanted to get out of prison so he could spend time with people.

Philip. 1:27

2006-06-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Philip. 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Some thoughts on each of the phrases composing this verse:

1. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ -
If becoming Christian was the final duty of humans, then there would be no point for Christ to leave us on this earth after getting saved. But we are still here, and our purpose.... to share the gospel with others that need saving. Every action and conversation, as pieces in our everyday lives, therefore should easily be able to complement the backdrop of the great painting our person is striving for until the end of our lives - the great commission. Our conversations should have a purpose, namely working to the bringing of Christ into them at some point.

2. that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs -
As brethren in a commitment to seeing each other grow, we are striving for accountability and encouragement not only on Sundays or Thursdays, but in presence and absence.

3. that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together -
If we don't share with each other, how then can we pray for each other in one mind? If we don't know what others are going through, how can we strive together to push onward? Let us stand fast and firm for each other, in Christ's spirit.

4. for the faith of the gospel -
Our standing is not in vain, for it is for the gospel that is strong. This should be an encouragment for us. The vicotry is already recorded - we just need to walk in it.

I pray Lord that you can help me strive in your gospel more. Show me what is important in life, in every conversation and activity I engage in. Help me walk in your ways, in one mind with you and otehr brothers. Amen.

Philippians 1:23-24

2006-06-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

"I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account."

Here Paul continues to flesh out what verse 21 "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" means and why he can say it. Verse 23 is the explanation for the 2nd half of verse 21, while verse 22 and 24 provide Paul's explanation for the first half. Continued life on earth for Paul means fruitful labor in the advance of the Gospel. Death to him means the gain of Christ which he says is far better and more desirable for him than anything else.

What stood out to me when studying these verses and what I want to highlight as an important application hinge upon the words "My desire". In these two words I think we can know whether or not our faith is genuine. In the greek word desire there is an indication of passion. The believer who has tasted and seen that the Lord is good has deep-rooted affections for His Savior. Without cultivating and seeking Christ daily we will lose our affections and will be living in hypocrisy.

It is my prayer that we would all love Christ more and seek him every morning as we rise and every evening as we lay down for sleep, and every opportunity in between. In the life of Paul we can see clearly that it is this very thing, his passionate desire for Chirst that enables him to live for Christ; to work with all his might for the Glory of God. When we likewise have such desires for Christ we will find ministry a joyful burden upon our souls. We will naturally seek to bring others into this same joy and also stir others believers to love him more.

Philippians 1:14-17

2006-06-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

I thought I would jump in here and post on the (4) verses that no one has posted on yet.

OBSERVATIONS:

To start - We need to figure out who is who. Who is Paul talking about? Who are the "good" guys and who are the "bad" guys?

"Most of the brothers" - This implies that there is a group of brothers that Paul is talking about. I think he is referring to the Philippians and also prisonmates/guards who have come to faith in Christ. I think that this group of "brothers" also includes those who are in Paul's circles but are not happy with Paul. So, "most" are those who are in favor of Paul and are on the same page as Paul. They are saying "Amen" to what Paul is doing in prison and they are also encouraged by the lifestyle that Paul is leading (i.e.-getting thrown into prison).

What was the effect of Paul's imprisonment on these brothers? They were encouraged by it. They look at Paul's imprisonment through the lens of teh Gospel and they say, "Isn't Christ powerful" and their faith grows. They look on at Paul and see Christ at work. They see that Christ overcomes all obstacles and hindrances to advance His kingdom and when these brothers look on they become very confident in JESUS. Verse 16 confirms the hearts of these brothers. They see Paul in prison and they see what Christ is doing with him there and they preach Christ out of faith. They preach out of love for Paul. This love I think encaptulates the idea that they preach Christ being on the same page as Paul. They understand why Paul is in prison (for Christ). They know his reasons. Love takes into consideration where Paul is coming from and listens to him. They then, understanding him, preach Christ boldly.

On the other hand, there are brothers who do not love Paul and do not like what he is doing. These brothers are indeed preaching a correct Gospel. If they were not preaching a correct Gospel Paul would have mentioned that very quickly. But why do they have a problem with Paul? I think verse 14 targets the issue: most of the brothers are confident in the Lord BY MY IMPRISONMENT implying that few brothers are not confident by his imprisonment. Therefore, I think the issue is that some brothers are not happy that Paul has gotten himself thrown into prison. They probably think that he should be more cautious and not binding himself up in chains. As a result, they preach the Gospel (correct Gospel) in a way to afflict Paul. They do so by taking "dirty digs" at him as they preach. They preach with bad motives.

INTERPRETATION:

There are two ways to preach Christ. Good motives and bad motives. You can preach Christ for personal gain or personal reasons or personal agenda. On the other hand you can preach Christ by preaching on the basis of making much of Jesus and advancing His kingdom. Essentially, by preaching this way, you look at all things in the world and you do all things by viewing it through the lens of the Gospel.

APPLICATION:

Check yourself. What are the motives of your actions? Do you even preach Christ? When you do, why do you do it? What fuels you? Personal gain? Or out of faith and love in Jesus Christ?

Philippians 1:22

2006-06-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

I begin by going further in the text where Paul says, "But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again" (vv 24-26).
I believe this is Paul's meaning of "fruitful labor." I take this passage to mean, and this is very implicit, as long as Christ has ordained that we, each of us individually, should live another moment, he still has purpose in our lives, and that purpose is to glorify Him.
Why do we have to suffer the misery of living here on earth, still in our sin, separated from our God? Paul says it plainly, "My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (v 23). We are still here because there are still unbelievers. Therefore God's glory must be displayed here on earth for all to see so that all would believe. God uses believers to make believers! Isn't that a wonderful thing? God could have just appeared to all who He wanted to save and save them Himself, but He chose to reveal himself through his disciples so that we get to share in the joy of his glory. That is why it is fruitful labor. Fruit tastes good! Being used by God to save sinners tastes good!

Philippians 1:18-19

2006-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,"

Sorry it is late. Been having internet problems

The biggest thing i see in the first verse is that it doesnt matter what we do, god's will will prevail. Verse 18 combined with 17 gives us hope that, no matter how much we screw up, or go against gods plan, he will still fulfill his will. It reminds me of the story of jacob and esau. No matter how sinful jacob and his mothers intentions were to steal blessings and birthrights, god still worked through that to make isreal a great nation and ultimately bring jesus christ to the world to save us.

Verse 19 i think goes back to paul encouraging the philippians that his time in prison will turn out for the best according to gods plan. He shows them that he has not lost faith by being in prison and he can still rejoice despite his situation. I like how he doesnt say, if you pray god will let me out of prison. He just says, it will turn out for my deliverance. Paul knows that god's will prevails over mans and that he doesnt know what gods will is, and he does not give the philippians the idea that being delivered means bustin out of prison.

again, sorry so late

Philippians 1:20-21

2006-06-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's today's text:

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but
that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether
by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
(Philippians 1:20-21)

We can see right away that Paul wrote about life and death. At this time, he was in prison at Rome on account of the Gospel. Paul was imprisoned in Rome twice. Most scholars believe that Paul wrote Philippians during his first imprisonment. As we're told in Acts 28:30-31, Paul lived in Rome (under the guard of the Romans), and boldly preached the Gospel.

Two questions come to my mind, here. First, why does Paul rejoice and believe that he will not be ashamed? As we saw in verse 1:13, the entire imperial guard knew that Paul was not a common criminal, but that he was in prison because he had preached the word of God. As Peter would later say,

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit
of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or
a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian,
let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 4:14-16)

And this was precisely the case with Paul. The people of Judea sent him to a Roman jail for preaching Christ, and in his imprisonment he continues to preach Christ. Thus in all circumstances, the name of Christ is being proclaimed to everyone. This is why he said in verse 12, "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." So certainly Paul has cause to rejoice. He knows he will not be ashamed, "
For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'" (Romans 10:11)

Secondly, why did the Apostle say that the Gospel would be advanced either by his life or by his death. Part of the answer is found in verse 22. If Paul lived, he would be able to continue preaching the Gospel. Now, in verse 23, he said that to die would mean fellowship with Christ, which is far better. But how can the Gospel be advanced by his death? It says, "Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." We don't often talk about martyrdom in America, because it is extremely uncommon for someone here to die for being a Christian. But since it is discussed in the Bible, we too should think about this. There have been times in history when the Gospel was a capital offense. And even today, this is still the case in some places. We must understand that in the Apostles' time, to be a Christian meant that one may have to literally lay down his life for the cause of Christ. And in this way, believers could honor God by their deaths. As it says, "the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22)

Philippians 1:12-13

2006-06-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

I want you to know brothers that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

OBSERVATIONS:
1. This seems to be a transition between Paul talking about the Philippians and Paul talking about his ministry.
2. Paul's ministry at the moment is a prison ministry.
3. By Paul saying "I want you to know brothers" he is making it clear that what he has to say next is of high significance.
4. The significant event is that while Paul is in prison, the Gospel is advancing! Why is this big news? Probably because the Philippians thought he was dead or suffering at the least, but now they hear from him that his ministry while in prison is growing and advancing the Gospel.
5. Paul is sharing not only with inmates, but also with guards, and most likely anyone who comes into contanct with him.
6. "Imprisonment is for Christ" - Paul views everything in his life looking through the Gospel lens. Every event, every interaction, everything is viewed with respect to Jesus.

INTERPRETATION:
1. Paul's appeal to his readers with "I want you to know" displays the seriousness and imprtance of Jesus' work on the cross and teh grace that Jesus is shwoing Paul while he is in prison for Jesus' glory. I think we could fill in our name to really feel the impact... "I want you to know Michael"
2. "Advance" - Refers to something moving forward in the midst of obstacles, dangers, and distractions. The Gospel is going forth in the midst of Paul's imprisonment (obstacle), potential martydom (danger), and Paul's sufferings (distractions) - Isn't Jesus powerful? Trust Him to advance the Gospel using you in your broken state.

APPLICATION:
1. Jesus will win this battle and His Gospel WILL go forth no matter what the obstacles, dangers, or distractions are. Let Him use you in this. Go out on the limb and take a step of faith to let Him use you. Speak boldly the Gospel. I know I am convicted of this.
2. See Christ in this story and make sure to look through the Gospel lens when you look at life. Look at all your interactions with the Gosel running through your mind.

Overflow of Philippians 1:9

2006-06-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ok this is an overflowing from Kyle's post on love, I tried to post a comment and it didn't seem to work so I am going this route, so sorry if it is on both. I just copied and pasted below, good thing I did too I almost lost it all.

-------------------------------------------------

Amen. A few things come to mind when I read this, and also a thought that fits right in with this that I had in the car today.

God is Love. He is the model, just like Pete said. He is the manifestation of Love, he is the definition. His redeeming work for us, His perfect life, His obedience, His sacrifice is what Love is. He emptied Himself from the Heavens, came to earth lived a perfectly obedient life, and gave Himself up for us, FOR US. He gave everything so that we may know the Father. Let that sink in, we had no opportunity, no chance, no hope. And he completely selflessly gave Himself for us in His perfect Love for us. That is how much Jesus loves us. Before time began, He picked us out and knew He was going to suffer for us, for our eternal joy. No matter what we do, He has redeemed us, covered us with His blood, we turn from Jesus everyday, we turn our backs on Him for lesser things, but He calls us back to Him because He Loves us. So with what Kyle said this is how we should love, this is our model, this is 1 Corinthians 13. We must always remember what our source of Love is as well, Jesus.

Great now that I went off on that I forgot my other points. Oh yes, and from Ephesians 3:19 (I love this prayer) Paul prays for the Ephesians that they would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and that they would be filled with all the fullness of God. Just the part that says the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, this just makes me think that no amount of knowledge, no amount of scripture memorization or understanding is comparable to the love of Christ. Bask in this and we will overflow with His knowledge. I was thinking tonight, "I am so weak, I do not know anything that is contained in the Bible, I can't say the right things when I am 'at the plate'". And this came to mind, and it is just a great reminder of "Yes you are weak, but Christ is infinite and can do all things. He works within us. If we focus our Bible study and all of our time on the love of Christ, then this surpasses all knowledge. The love of Christ is what matters.

And finally just that Jesus Himself says that the whole law can be summed up into two laws. Love God above all else, and love your neighbor. Common theme, love. So a multitude of the law can be summed up into one word, love. This is exactly what Kyle said.
To Him be the Glory!

Philippians 1:10-11

2006-06-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

"so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Here Paul, more or less, is giving us a hint as to why he is writing the Philippian church. We already have learned that Paul holds the Philippians near to his heart and loves them dearly. In verse 9 he is making it clear that his desire for them is that they would grow in this love which "hopes all things".

The end result Paul prays, is that God would be praised and glorified. This is why I ultimately think Paul wrote his letters; that the saints of God be perfected in Christ-likeness (love) and God be thus glorified by his chosen ones.

Verse 10 I believe is what we should strive, and thus pray for as we seek to glorify God. We should strive to be blameless, exactly like Christ. This occurs of course as we take part in the grace that Paul was talking about in verse 7. The specific grace that I believe we should pray for is that we would have hearts and minds of true knowledge and discernment that is rooted in the Word of God.

Practically I am challenged by these verses to look at my faith as a fight. It is God's will that we be pure and blameless before him. How am I fighting, am I fighting? I think Brian said that he needs to be stirred up and challenged in his previous post. Amen! I think that the fight we are engaged in is not meant to be fought soley on an individual basis. We need to be in each others lives and challenging one another to memorize scripture, be constant in prayer, give more, fast more frequently, be diligent in our time in the word. There are so many things that we all need to grow in. Personally I am discouraged at times when I see the poor decisions I make in regards to what is good for my faith. Do I even take 10 seconds to ask myself whether or not this decision is good for my faith, and more importantly honoring to God.

Philippians 1:9

2006-06-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment"

So we have come to know in verses 3 & 4 that Paul is thanking God and praying for the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi. And we find out specifically what Paul is praying in verse 9 as he puts it bluntly, "And this I pray." His prayer is that their "love may abound still more and more." This brings up the obvious, yet often forgotten question; what is love? Well, weigh it agains Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, and you'll see that Paul is really praying that they would be patient and kind, not envy or boast, not be arrogant or rude, not insist on their own way, not be irritable or resentful, not rejoice at wrongdoing but with truth, and that they would bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things. Further, Paul claims in his letter to the Romans that "love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." I think the weight of the word "love" is completely overlooked as people mindlessly use it to describe their relationship with their girlfriends, sports, music, or favorite television programs. Not so with Paul. Certainly he realised the full weight of the word and chose to use it in his prayer for the Phillippians.
So Paul is praying that their love may abound, not that God would bless them with things or keep them from trials. Paul cuts right through the means and prays for the important stuff. Imagine a world where everyone loved with a 1 Corinthians 13 love, or how about just a country. Heck, if one congregation loved that way imagine how quickly the Church would spread. Yes, Paul is setting an example here. We, as brothers in Christ, should all pray that eachother's love would abound because love is the only true evidence of Christ. And the only loving thing you can do is show someone Christ's love and pray that their love would abound. Therefore, it is my prayer...that you (Mike, Rick, Arun, Pete, Jake, Pat, Aaron, and Brian) or anyone who reads this...that your love may abound in a 1 Corinthians 13 way!
But Paul didn't want empty, thoughtless "love" ("Love" that wasn't grounded in scripture and didn't point the recipient to the true source, namely Jesus Christ). In fact, I would argue that this isn't love at all. Love must have "knowledge and all discernment." Which means this love must know 1 Corinthians 13, and know it well and practice it. And it must discern the will of God not the will of man so that it leads a man to "approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless" as we will see in verse 10.

Philippians 1:8

2006-06-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today we're covering the following verse,

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ
Jesus. (Philippians 1:8)

My first observation is that the Apostle calls God as his witness. Perhaps this is because the affection of Christ Jesus for us is too deep for words or human comprehension. Indeed it is so deep that it can only be fully expressed in the cross. Now, the cross represents suffering, and Paul has already indicated in verse 7 that he is currently suffering in prison. Obviously neither Paul nor anyone else can fully duplicate the sacrifice of Christ. Nonetheless, we can see that Paul is imitating his Lord by suffering on behalf of the church.

Secondly, I observe that Paul yearns for his Christian brothers. It seems that pastors and other church leaders ought to yearn for their brethren. We can see this same desire for the church even when Paul severely rebuked the Corinthian church for serving false apostles. He said,

I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present
you as a pure virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2)

So it would appear that in both good circumstances and bad, it is right for church leaders to regard the brothers and sisters under their authority as a husband regards his wife. And this we discussed in our Spring study on Ephesians, how the husband should love his wife as Christ loved the church and died for her. It appears that Paul (and ideally all church leaders) felt this way about the church. From his letters to the Philippians and the Corinthians, we can see that when the church is faithful to Christ, the leaders feel a yearning for her, and when the church is disobedient to Christ, the leaders feel a divine jealousy for her.

With this analogy in mind, we can now be even more motivated to serve Christ faithfully. By so doing, we will experience an unsurpassing joy in Christ, at the time when he returns. And even in the present time, we can experience the same joy that Paul wrote about in verse 4.

Philippians 1:3

2006-06-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

What is up everyone. I am here, it has been a while since I posted last or made any changes to the blog, my bad. But with Philippians starting lets get this thing cracking, it has been encouraging so far to see everyone involved. Keep it up. No one really posted on 1:3 yet so I thought I would throw it in there quick. So far there has not been a ton said about certain verses, and it is hard to have a ton to say about a greeting, they seem so "simple", but just for the future (I am not saying this happens, just some help) it will be nice to have studied the verses around it as well, so try to study each verse of Philippians so we can get a lot of good info from each other. And then try to apply it. Piper said in his daily radio broadcast this morning, that the how questions that we get from scripture are not merely application but they are Christianity, so lets try to ask how do we do these things.

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,"

Well obviously Paul is telling the Philippians that he is thankful for them. But usually when we are thankful for someone we say thanks to that person. But here he says he thanks God for them. So this implies that God is the one who is at work within the Philippians. Also it sure seems that he loves the Philippians very much, since every time he remembers them he thanks God for them, just imagine that. Can I say to anyone that every time I think of them I am thankful? No I can't, even to the closest person to me I would not be able to say that I have a spirit of thankfulness for them. So why is he so thankful for them. Because they share in the Gospel together. Because they both have salvation in Christ and they are both running together for the prize. Paul helps the Philippians and the Philippians help Paul. Last night on my run I was thinking about the race that we are running in our faith. And I thought that as brothers and sisters we need to help those who are hurt and cannot make it on their own. And I thought "Do we pick them up and carry them?" I would have to say no. What good would that do for them, it would bring them further in the race but they would not get any better for when you put them down. So we need to encourage and push each other to get 'better' in the faith, to get stronger, but not find a quick solution and patch the problem for now, it will just get worse down the road, and most importantly to pray to God that He would make them stronger. Anyways that got off topic. Conclusion, we do have a responsibility and we do need to help each other, but instead of doing something for them, we need to pull alongside our brothers and sisters and run with them.

Back to 1:3. How can I be thankful, every time I think of you? Mike, Aaron, Brian, Pete, Pat, Jake, Arun, Kyle, among many many more (Paul was thankful for a whole church, so how can I be thankful for all of Bethlehem Baptist?). Well I think it once again goes back to the Gospel, because of our partnership in it, we are brothers we are helping each other whether we see it or not, and we are stepping into a war everyday together. So how do we do this? I think of you with the lens of the Gospel, I think about what you are doing for the Gospel and about your Salvation and how Christ is moving in your life. I think about the circumstances that brought us together, and ALL the grace God is showing in your and my life. Well there are more ways I am sure, but these are just a few, with the Gospel being the center, hey it is why Paul is thankful, so it should be pretty big in our thankfulness.

Just imagine what our prayer lives for each other would look like if we had this mindset, imagine how our time together would be if we were constantly thankful. I think with a thankfulness comes humility, how much more could we serve each other if we were thankful every time we thought of each other. Wow. I pray that each one of us would be able to say that we are truly thankful for everyone who is in the Body of Christ, every time we think of them. It will definitely be hard, heck it is impossible, but with Christ all things are possible, with His power we can do it. So be Gospel centered in your thoughts, toward everyone and everything around us.

Philippians 1:7

2006-05-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

"It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. "

It seems to me that paul is trying to convince the philippians that what is happening to him is okay, and that it is definately not a good reason to lose faith. I could see the conversation unfolding where the philippians would say "why should you you be joyful, or thankful with what you are going through?" According to a commentary i was reading, pauls time in prison didnt seem to yield much fruit, so it would be understandable that he would expect the philippians to feel this way. I think this is a good verse for us to look at for our own lives and realize, not everything will go "our way" all the time. It will go gods way, and we need to go along and we can be joyful along the way. Despite whatever hardships are happening, we can take joy in the fact that god is in control, that we dont need to be. In doing so, we can be witnesses to those around us.

Philippians 1:6

2006-05-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Well, this verse just really hits me hard every time I read it. I've heard and read it so many times, yet it always seems to carry so much with it.

The main concept that I get from this verse is assurance or perseverance of the saints(coming from the TULIP analogy). In the verse it seems clear that Paul completely understands what he is talking about as he says "And I am sure of this." To further explain what "this" is he expalins how once Christ has entered someone's life, he will bring it to completion. Beyond giving us assurance it shows us that the work was begun and completed by God, not by us.

I really don't know what else to say about this verse except for the fact that it has given and continues to give me confidence that Christ will completele the work he has done in believers. When Paul states this with such confidence we should have no need to worry. Of course, this may seem hard at times, but how amazing it is to know with complete assurance that Christ will complete the lives of all who believe.

Phil. 1:5

2006-05-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Philip. 1:3-6 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Paul is thankful, particularly for the fellowship that he has received from the brethren in Christ. After they professed Christ as Saviour fellowship seems to be one of the greatest attributes Paul gives the Philippians - and so should we strive to be the same.

There is necessity for this fellowhip:
1. To stay strong in the Lord in resistance to sin - accountability - Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
2. To encourage one another - examples, help, prayer, etc. - Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
3. Many other reasons.

Fellowship does not always have to be pleasant either (of course in the long-run we will see that it is and was, but if fellowship is to help guard against sin it will be at times uncomfortably provoking, probing, and correcting), so we have to make all the more effort to open ourselves up to others and give of ourselves when we don't think we have the time or strength. It will at times take effort, but the reward will be great.

I encourage you all to initiate deep fellowhip and relationship with each other, at least weekly. Please give me a call and provoke me to deeper fellowship as well. I need it.

Philippians 1:4

2006-05-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

v. 3 - I thank my God in all my remembrance of you
v. 4 - always in every prayer of mine; for you all making my prayer with joy
v. 5 - because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.

The feelings Paul has for the Philippians are all positive. Paul is very fond of them. The effect of this shows itself in the fact that Paul prays for the Philippians always. By definition, always means there is never a moment without. "In every prayer" - Paul prays for these guys often and a lot.

Just like ours, Paul's prayer life has a wide range of emotions. We know Paul cried out for help when a thorn was stuck in his flesh. Here we see that Paul is expressing joy and thankfulness. Why is Paul so joyful? It is not because of the material things that the Philippians sent him. His joy is not based on things, but rather, his joy is based on the Gospel.... on their partnership with him in the Gospel.

I also think that Paul is joyful based on the evidence of the Philippian's faith. These people are fighting with Paul to advance the Gospel; they are fulfilling 2 Cor 8:4 "begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints." They also show marks of a true Christian - Rom 12:13 "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Since the Philippians display these fruits, Paul is filled with joy. When we hold up Scripture, all of this makes sense and few people would argue with what I am saying. Of course Paul is joyful, everything is going according to God's Word. How are we doing in our lives? Do we have our ultimate joy when we see our fellow brethren growing in their faith? Is our joy tied to material things or rather the communion of saints? I think that when we read this and see that Paul had great joy to see his fellow brethren in Philippi showing fruits and evidence fo faith we skim over it. I want in my life to be like Paul. I want to be so Gospel focused that my joy, that which makes my tick, comes from the Gospel and people tied to the Gospel.

This is spilling over into Philippians 1:5 (I feel led to ask it) but a question to ask yourself is: If I am to have joy from partners in the Gospel, who currently are my partners in the Gospel and how do I get joy by being partners with them?

Application:
1. Determine who your partners are in the Gospel
2. Figure out new ways to get time around them
3. Start to spend time with them
4. Start to experience the JOY that comes from seeing your fellow partners in the Gospel grow in their faith.

My life - I have shared this with you in the past but I will again - When Ricky (one of my partners in the Gospel) was struggling in his walk with God this past winter, I struggled through it with him and it was INCREDIBLY hard for me (Emily can attest). But now, as I see Ricky growing in his faith, I have great JOY. BUT, that joy would have never came about if I wouldn't have struggled through it with him. If you don't get out there and fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ you won't experience the joy that Paul is talking about. And, as you spend time with your partners in the Gospel, you will intrinsically (by God's design - He is Sovereign) pray for them. You will not be able to help yourself think about them and pray for them always and often, just like Paul.

Philippians 1:2

2006-05-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some variation of this verse occurs in every one of Paul's letters (Rom 1:7, 1Co 1:3, 2Co 1:2, Gal 1:3, Eph 1:2, Phi 1:2, Col 1:2, 1Th 1:1, 2Th 1:2, 1Ti 1:2, 2Ti 1:2, Tit 1:4, Phm 1:3). Honestly I don't know how to expound upon this verse other than to say we should all follow Paul's example and truely wish grace and peace upon all other people knowing that both come only from God.

Philippians 1:1

2006-05-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

It looks as though I start us off with the first verse.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus
who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons. (Philippians 1:1)

At first glance, I was tempted to say that this is no different than the first verse of the letter to the Ephesians from our Spring study, which says,

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in
Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1)

But in fact there is a difference. Whereas Paul addresses himself to the Ephesians as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, with all of the authority that accompanies that title, here he humbles himself and Timothy by using the title of servant. In Koine Greek, the word douloi (which is used here) does not distinguish between paid servants and slaves. This should thus give us an understanding of how low Paul makes himself and Timothy before Christ Jesus. The same man who is a mighty Apostle of God is also a slave for Christ.

Given this, I think it is important to ask what it means to be a servant of Christ Jesus. Last Spring, Pete and I heard Ajith Fernando when he spoke for Pete's Perspectives class at Bethlehem. In his discussion on serving victims of the tsunami that hit Sri Lanka, he spoke on the Biblical understanding of servanthood. In fact, he mentioned this verse from the letter to the Philippians,

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he
was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the
likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

He mentioned that in the Bible, when a person is spoke of as being a servant, his former status is often described. Though Christ had equality with his Father, and was sovereign with him over everything, Christ made himself into nothing in order to serve us. When considering this, a passage from Hebrews also came to my mind. We can see that Moses humbled himself by making himself a servant in spite of his exalted status,

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's
daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy
the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater
wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. (Hebrews
11:24-26)

Ajith had also mentioned a second passage, from the Gospel,

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:3-5)

So we can see that at the time that Christ chose to do the most lowly servant's work, he first contemplated his majesty and sovereignty. Likewise, we can see that Paul, who had an Apostolic authority that comes from God, was quick to consider himself the humble servant of God. So as we go to serve our brothers and those outside the church, we should remember that we are children of the King. But as John Piper says, "the King himself is stripped for battle." When God divested himself of all his glory, this makes it difficult for us to hold onto even whatever glory we have.

The Lordship of Christ

2006-05-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Going off of what Brian said about the Lordship of Christ...

Philippians 1:27 "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ"

As we've been going through Chapter one of Philippians for the past few months at ANCF the Lord has been teaching more and more I believe what it looks like for a Christian to put his entire life under subjection to the Gospel and authority of Christ as Lord. Ephesians 5:15-17 were verses that I took away from our study of Ephesians and encourage me in walking worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

Paul writes, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is."

How will we know the will of the Lord? How will we pursue Christ this summer with all our might and show Christ as our treasure? My prayer is that God would use Philippians this summer to show us.

Updates

2006-05-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hey did anyone get an email when Brian posted? Or when I commented. I didn't and it sure would be nice if that worked, otherwise we may have to go back to just checking it.

matthew 5:17; romans 10:4

2006-05-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Matt. 5:17-20
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Christ came not just to bring a new covenant, he came to fulfill the old. No one was able to accomplish what was required in the old covenant, so Christ came and satisfied all requirements, as it says in Col. 2:14 : "14by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

Romans 10:1-4
1Brothers,[a] my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.[b]

If someone wants to fulfill all the requirements of the law and obtain righteousness, they have two paths to go:
1. Work hard to try and establish a perfect record in light of the law on his own accord.
2. Submit to Jesus' record, which is flawless according to the law, and adopt his work are your own.

Following path (1) will be futile, for no man will succeed. Following path (2), a person is sure to succeed, however there are conditions. It is incumbent upon that person to submit not only to Jesus record of righteousness, but also to his lordship over their lives in every area. You can't take the car and not be willing to pay for insurance or be willing to submit to requirements of the road.

Updates

2006-05-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ok I tried implementing a new 'feature' or whatever, if you would like to receive an email to notify you when something new is posted, comment anywhere and I will try to get you set up.

What is this place?

2006-04-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

This blog is used by a group of college aged students located near Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is used for us to post our thoughts on the book we are studying for the summer, Philippians. Since some of us will not be in the immediate area this is an opportunity to continue our fellowship over our studies. We also pray that this site will be seen by the whole world, and that it would encourage those of you to trust in Jesus Christ for your complete joy. Overall the aim of this blog is to bring more Glory to God our Father.