BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV

Paul was not one to make demands or have expectations of others to meet his needs. There are two statements of Paul’s in this final chapter of Philippians that caught my attention. In recognizing the concern for the Christians for him he comments, “…you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need...” (Philippians 4:10,11 NIV)

As he thanks the church for their support he observes, “…for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts...” (Philippians 4:16,17 NIV)

Paul was grateful for the support he received, but he did not make demands or manipulate people. He knew that his source was Christ. Time and time again he saw how the Lord had met his needs. He saw how the Lord rescued him from death and gave him grace to endure persecution and suffering. It is from that experience he wrote the well-known words of encouragement, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

Paul wanted believers to look the Lord for their provision while they functioned effectively in commitment and love toward one another. In Paul’s life the Lord had met his needs and he wanted others to know the Lord would do the same for them. Paul had experienced times when he had plenty and when he was in want. But regardless of the situations or circumstance he found himself in, he discovered a source of contentment and strength.

What was it? It was the confidence that, “I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul said the Lord gives me strength “to do” plenty, and not set my heart on what I have. He had confidence the Lord gave him strength “to do” poverty or suffering or hardships.

Strength to endure. Strength to be content, regardless of the circumstance is something that we don’t always consider. We tend to look at the Lord’s intervention as the proverbial “calvary” coming to the rescue. We can view it as the “trump” card the insulates more than enables us to endure what we need to, when we are faced with the ebb and flow of life’s circumstances.

The Lord at times enables us to triumph over our trials and at other times He enables us to triumph in our trials. Regardless of which it is, we can be confident of the sufficiency of His strength working in our lives.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for the strength You provide for whatever confronts us. When we are confident of that resource from Your gracious hand, we learn the key to contentment. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10,11 NIV

In Philippians 2, Paul brings into focus the humble obedience of Christ. This allowed him to surrender his status and equality with God and die on the cross, but was resurrected and given a name above all names. Paul’s use of Christ’s example is not only to encourage the focus on others, but to confront those who would cling to their status and obedience to the law as a form of righteousness.

Paul’s response is to say, “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more…” (Philippians 3:4 NIV) After listing all of his human achievements and spiritual credentials he concludes, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Philippians 3:7,8 NIV)

For Paul, human achievement was “garbage” – knowing Christ was everything. His desire, his focus was to know Christ in all of His fullness to share in His sufferings, to be “like him in his death” and to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul realized that death precedes resurrection. The great hope and faith of those who trust in Christ is “resurrection.” Paul wrote about the resurrection of believers when he wrote to the Thessalonians, “With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 CEV) To the Corinthians he said,  “….we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.” (2 Corinthians 4:14 NIV) “But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life.” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV)

Paul also realized that death to self, preceded living a resurrected life and fully knowing Christ. Paul’s singular focus was expressed in his desire, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13,14 NIV)

Resurrection is an important part of our faith in Christ. But it is not only a future hope, we are called to live a “resurrected life” as we fervently obey and follow Christ’s example.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the hope and reality of resurrection. May our desire and focus be that of Paul’s whose earnest desire was to know you in Your fullness. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage…” Philippians 2:6 NIV

Paul is admonishing followers of Christ about their attitudes and conduct, especially toward each other. He calls them to an “others-centered” life. That is opposite of the self-centered existence that is natural for all of us. He puts forth the example of Christ.

He begins by Christ’s status. He in His very nature is God. It is difficult to be much higher than that. We see scripture declares Christ as creator and the eternal “Son of God.”

Paul points to Christ’s attitude. Some translations say Christ, “did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped.” The verse above says, “…something to be used to his own advantage.” Again, that is opposite human nature. The status we have or attain, we cling to and we often use it to our own advantage.

Then we see Christ’s actions. “…he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) Jesus was totally submitted to the will and nature of God the Father. God’s love compelled Him to “send” – Christ’s love compelled him to “go.” He humbled himself. That again is a very unnatural human action. Peter and James both wrote the command, “humble yourself……” (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10)

Christ humbled Himself under to God’s plan to become a man and as a man He humbled Himself yet again, “…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8 NIV) Humbling yourself under God’s hand is wisdom, humbling yourself below your fellow man is a struggle.

Finally we see Christ’s reward. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11 NIV)

Christ’s willingness, obedience and sacrifice resulted in resurrection and exaltation. In letting go, He didn’t lose. In surrendering and through humility, He triumphed and was given “the” name which down to our day creates a reaction, because it calls for all to acknowledge who He is and “bend the knee.”

That’s what happened to Christ Jesus. What about us? We are have the assurance that when we yield our lives to Christ and follow His example of humility and service, that we are not forgotten by God. Human attainment comes from “looking out for ourselves.” It comes from using “our” influence to gain, to move ahead, to find status. That which comes from God is more satisfying and the reward is greater.

That is why Paul’s admonition is, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3,4 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your example. Give us the strength and the faith to just do what you have commanded, especially when it goes so much against our human nature. Let’s us live by Your Spirit and not our own desires.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Philippians 1:12,13 NIV

Paul wrote to the Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) So it is interesting that as he sits in a Roman prison that he is able to say, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel…” 

Paul was one to encourage others with words that he himself found true in his life. You put the great apostle in prison to silence his voice and find out that the gospel that you are trying to silence is actually being advanced. One of those ways was those in the Emperor’s palace were becoming aware of the fact Paul was in prison for his belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

I’m sure that presented some interesting conversations. Prisoners together exchanging the charges against them and why they are in chains. One confesses to murder, another insurrection, another admits to his stealing. They look at Paul and ask why he is there? He says, because I preached that Jesus who was crucified is raised from the dead! The response would be either laughter or wonderment or both. “Tell us about this Jesus.” That kind of inquiry apparently even intrigued the palace guards.

Two things to remember. One is that if Paul can discover the good in the midst of prison and all that he endured for the cause of Christ, so can we. Then we need to remember the spread of the gospel is not a privilege of those who live in a “free” nation; it is the duty of those who follow Christ and declare the “good news” whether it is accepted or rejected; whether it is supported or fought against.

Paul writes to the Philippians and says, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Why does he say that? Because he had and was experiencing it in his life. In the midst of obstacles, suspicions, conflicts from the Jews and division among believers, Paul was committed to “pressing on toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

We can have confidence in the admonitions and encouragement of scripture, because as Paul wrote his encouragement came from his own experience.

Prayer for today… Lord help us to look at scripture not as pious theory, but that which truly applies to our lives.  Behind the admonitions and encouragement we find men and women who knew the reality of which they spoke.

This morning we watched a Mason and Carter play basketball. Their team is coached by their father and they won, with Mason scoring half of the team’s points. We then enjoyed connecting with our friends Billy and Carol Roberts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV

When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he penned several of his apostolic letters. One of those was the letter to the believers at Ephesus. At the end of the letter we find an admonition to the church and his prayer request from the church.

Being in prison would shape Paul’s perspective as he writes to those whom he has great affection and concern. We see that coming across in his final words. He know what has happened to him is not unique and being in prison for the sake of the gospel will not end with him.

So, he admonishes believers to stand firm, be strong and be prepared. He wants them to know that even in a hostile political and religious environment that there is more than just human activity. “…or our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

Spiritual battles are won with spiritual armor. So Paul writes about the virtues and commitments that provide the believer the protection and weapons that are needed in the present battles.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith…Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV)

He then urges Holy Spirit guided and empowered prayer. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…. always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

As Paul asks for prayer for himself, it serves as a request and a charge to God’s people. Paul asks for prayer to fearlessly declare the gospel. He doesn’t ask for grace from government. He doesn’t ask for a miracle release from even “house arrest.” He asks that for whatever freedom he has and whatever opportunity arises, that he would be bold and courageous in declaring the truth of God’s Word.

If I were in prison and suffering for my faith, I can think of a host of things to pray for, and the fearless proclamation of the gospel, would not have been at the top of my list. But it was for Paul and he wanted it to be the practice of God’s people as they faced their spiritual enemy with the full complement of armor that is needed for success in the fight.

I believe as we view this passage about the “armor of God” we need to remember some of the final and all important commands. Prayer and fearless proclamation of the gospel need to be viewed as what we do when fully equipped. Otherwise we are just tin soldiers, who look like soldiers but don’t engage in the battle.

Prayer for today… Lord enable us to be fully equipped and prepared to do Your work. As we are, compel us forward in the task before us of “fearless” proclamation of Your gospel.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 NIV

In his letter to the Ephesians Paul compares life in Christ as the difference between darkness and light, death and life.

He wrote earlier, “…you were dead in your transgressions and sins…But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:1,4-5 NIV) Now he says those in Christ have moved from darkness, to light. The simple, yet high calling, is to “live as children of the light.”

In the following verses, he says living as the “children of the light” is reflected in our character:

“…for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,righteousness and truth…” (Ephesians 5:9 NIV) Our character is to reflect the life of Christ within us.

Living as “children of the light” is reflected in our lifestyle:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 NIV) The deeds and choices that were “natural” in the darkness, now are viewed for what they are, “fruitless” and void of any value. Paul’s focus in Ephesians is on the newness of life in Christ and its impact on our lifestyle. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…” (Ephesians 4:23 NIV)

Living as “children of the light” is reflected in our priorities:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV) Our orientation in life changes. We “redeem the time.” In other words, our focus, our priority is to replace a fruitless, foolish life style that speaks of the darkness, with the intentional and purposeful living of those in the light.

Living as “children of the light” is reflected in source of strength and enjoyment: 

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18 NIV) Drunkenness and the deeds of darkness drags an individual and others down. The life of the Spirit elevates and enhances our life and the life of others and exalts the Lord.

“…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ (Ephesians 5:19,20 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for bringing us from death to life and from darkness to light. Transform our focus and purpose in a way that reflects the One who has given His all for us so we can live a new life a “Children of the Light.”

This morning Debbie and I traveled to Cleveland, TN the home of Lee University. It was or first visit to the city since our children graduated from there a little over 10 years ago. It was good to hear about the local economy and to see the development of the University campus. The campus includes the “Helen DeVoss Education Building.” Helen is the mother-in-law to Trump’s pick for the Education Department, Betsy DeVoss.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

As Paul writes to the believers at Ephesus, he addresses the importance of their conduct towards each other. He admonishes them about the importance of their words. He tells them to “put away lying”,  to speak the truth in love and “don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of you mouths” among other actions and attitudes.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body….Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen…” (Ephesians 4:25,29 NIV)

Paul addresses issues of anger and other issues that impact solid and mutually beneficial relationships. “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry...Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:26-27,31 NIV)

As he comes to the end the final verse of this chapter is one that summarizes the conduct that is pleasing to Christ and “covers a multitude of sins.” Just as the “golden rule” tells us we are to “treat others was we would want to be treat” Paul’s summary is in a similar spirit.

He says that our relationships are to be guided by, kindness, compassion and forgiveness. These virtues challenge us in our general demeanor and how we view the difficulties of others and how we respond when we are wronged. It is as he is saying, “be kind and compassionate and when someone is not that way toward you forgive them.”

So we don’t treat others as they “deserve” or based on how they treat us, but we go the “extra mile.” We become extenders of grace. What is our motivation? Because that is how Christ has treated us.

We could summarize “Paul’s golden rule” as “treat others the way Christ has treated you.” That goes a step beyond looking at ourselves and what we would desire to looking to Christ and how we have already been treated by Him.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for your love, compassion, kindness and grace that we have richly received, even though undeserving. Enable us to reflect those same qualities in our relationships with others, especially those in the “family of God.”