Monday, December 31, 2012

What Steals the Lost's Contentment


Scripture: Philippians 4:10-12
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Insights: Before we move into the portions of the text on which I really want to focus, let me mention the theme of the book again.  In verse ten Paul tells these believers in Philippi one more time to have joy.  Notice with me, Paul wrote, “I rejoiced in the Lord.” Paul found their assistance a cause for joyous celebration in the Lord.  I am going to make this next point from the opposite side from Paul’s.  Paul wrote that he had learned to be content whether he was in poverty or prosperity.  I contend that the lost world, which is consumed with either poverty or prosperity, is incapable of experiencing contentment.  Let me give a couple of definitions to support my conclusion.  The Holmon Bible Dictionary defines contentment as the “Internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances.”  The Easton Bible Dictionary defines contentment as “A state of mind in which one’s desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be.  It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude of benignity of divine providence.”  Both of these definitions point to the internal satisfaction or disposition.  I state now this internal source which causes contentment is Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.  It is for this reason that the lost world, those who have not received the free gift of eternal life in Jesus, cannot know contentment.  Humanities depraved nature fixates on things.  If one is poor enough all they can think about is from where their next meal is coming.  Paul himself had been in such situations in his life, but because of Christ Jesus, Paul was content.  Probably worse than poverty is prosperity, because these people think they have it all already.  But if you were to ask them how much more do they need to be satisfied, they would always tell you a little bit more.  There is no contentment in their wealth.  Paul had also experience great prosperity and he remained content.  It was because of the Lord Jesus who dwelt within Paul that he knew such contentment.  The lost just don’t have that attribute.

Questions:
  1. Have you entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?
  2. Is your life characterized as one of contentment?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the contentment You give to me.  Help my heart to continue to learn the joy of being content in You.  Amen. 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

And Turn Your Thoughts to the Things Above and Experience Peace, Part 2


Scripture: Philippians 4:7-9
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Insights: I mentioned throughout this week the need for reading Scripture contextually.  As I have stated there is nothing wrong with expressing peace that is beyond understanding because that is a true biblical axiom.  In this context, however, this incomprehensible peace is a result of God doing a miraculous work in the midst of conflict.  Also when conflict occurs our hearts become vulnerable.  Verse seven informs us that Christ Jesus Himself is going to guard our hearts and minds as He gives to us peace.  Paul has told us previously to follow his example.  Here, again, in verse nine, Paul stated again to practice the things they have observed him doing.  Remember, Paul did not have such a fun time while he was in Philippi.  He and Silas were arrested, stripped naked, beaten and thrown into jail.  If anyone had a reason to hold a grudge regarding conflict, it was Paul.  Yet, Paul, chose to dwell on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, whatever is excellence and anything worthy of praise.  Because Paul thought on those things, he was able to experience the peace of God.  Beloved, when we live our lives in this same fashion we also will experience peace.  So, this week’s Thoughts by Scott’s titles make a sentence.  It reads: Conflicts and disagreements WILL occur in the church, therefore, rejoice in them because they will provide opportunity for the advancement of the gospel and turn your thoughts to the things above and experience peace.  One last thought.  When we receive peace from God, guess what else we will experience?  To answer that question we have to go back to verse one which mentions the theme of the book of Philippians.  The theme and the answer to the question are one and the same—JOY!  Beloved, when we receive the peace of Jesus we also receive His joy.  Strive for reconciliation and harmony with those with whom you are in conflict and you will experience peace and joy by God’s grace.

Questions:
  1. Are you experiencing peace with God?
  2. Are you experiencing peace with other people?
Prayer: Father, You are my peace.  May You grant peace to my relationships and as You bring that about may it be a witness to the lost world around me that needs You.  Amen. 

And Turn Your Thoughts to the Things Above and Experience Peace, Part 1


Scripture: Philippians 4:7-9
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Insights: I will write about verses seven and nine tomorrow.  Today, I want to focus on verse eight.  Once again the verses above are often taken out of context.  In regards to our verse today people will quote this verse in terms of thinking positively about situations and things in life and yes that axiom is a valid point.  Context, however, tells us these verses are still dealing with the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche.  In that context, Paul is telling us to think about whatever is true about the person with whom we are in conflict.  Specifically, relating to these two ladies, the truth we know is they are both born again because their names are written in the book of life.  What is honorable about the person with whom you are in conflict?  In regards to these two ladies we know they are both actively involved in the advancement of the gospel.  I personally think that is a pretty honorable task.  The next task in this list is often a hard one to perform.  When there is conflict, often times, both parties have points that are right.  Because of our defense mechanisms and desire for justification, we often dismiss the right points of the other person.  Contextually, what is the person with whom you are in conflict saying to you that is right?  Is there same action or attitude you need to be changing or altering because the person is correct?  I think you are getting the point of this exercise in regards to purity, loveliness, good reputation, and excellence.  Let me; therefore, address the last subject in this list: anything praise worthy.  It may be possible, doubtful, but possible for you not to think of one positive thing in the previously mentioned list regarding the person with whom you are in conflict.  Is there, however, anything praise worthy about that person?  If there is, and there always is, then Paul’s point is you are not beyond the possibility for reconciliation.  Beloved, start there and be reconciled.

Questions:
  1. What is one good thing about the person with whom you are in conflict?
  2. Are you willing to start there and begin working on reconciliation?
Prayer: Father, every creation is valuable for the mere fact that You created them.  Help me to see with Your eyes the worth of those with whom I am having conflict.  Change my heart to see as You see them and begin to have peace in the relationship.  Amen. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Therefore, Rejoice in Them because They will Provide Opportunity for the Advancement of the Gospel, Part 2


Scripture: Philippians 4:4-6
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Insights: Yesterday we learned that our conflicts within the church can have an evangelistic outcome if handled correctly.  Now, please, do not take this last sentence to mean that we as the body of Christ should seek to have conflicts in order to be evangelistic.  Rather, a harmonious church is far greater at evangelism than a conflicted church.  What I meant by the evangelistic possibility is that if we in the church strive and seek after restoration and healing, then the lost world will see how we handled the conflict and realize their need for what we Christ-followers already have—A relationship with Jesus.  Well, what tool did God provide us with regarding this harmonious restoration?  The answer is prayer.  Verse six tells us to not worry about the conflict.  The reality is if we are not seeking the Lord, we have private conversations with the “villains” in our life.  These conflicts affect our sleep patterns.  They affect the way we work and relate to our family.  Yet, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote for us not to worry about anything.  Rather, we are to take our concerns to the Father in prayer and supplications with thanksgiving in our heart.  The prayer is for God to do a redemptive work in our hearts and change our love for the person with which we are in conflict.  The supplication is for that person to have a change of heart regarding us.  The thanksgiving part is the act of faith in regards to God’s answering of our prayers.  In other words, we are thankful because we trust the Lord to work the situation out for His glory.  Beloved, if we are willing to pray for those with which we are in conflict, guess whose heart changes first?  That is right, our own heart changes first.  So, Beloved, begin now, right this minute, praying for the person with whom you are in conflict.  Ask for God to be glorified in the restoration of the relationship.  Seek His will and allow that gentle spirit from verse five to permeate your life; and then, let’s watch the lost world be amazed at our heart change for one another.  And may God then take those astonished lost people and bring them into His family.

Questions:
  1. Are you praying for the person with whom you are in conflict?
  2. Are you allowing the Lord to soften your heart towards that person?
Prayer: Father, I pray You bring about restoration and harmony between those with whom I am presently in conflict.  I am dependent on Your grace and mercy to change my heart and their heart to be one with You and each other.  Amen. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Therefore, Rejoice in Them because They will Provide Opportunity for the Advancement of the Gospel, Part 1


Scripture: Philippians 4:4-6
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Insights: Verse four and six are taken out of context more than most verses in the Bible.  We sing songs about rejoicing in the Lord straight from this verse and there is nothing theologically wrong with rejoicing in the Lord.  We also pray about all kinds of situations and tell others we ought not to worry but to present our requests to God.  Again, there is nothing wrong theologically with that statement.  The reason I am overstating these concepts is because when we read the Bible, we need to do so in the context of the passage.  We can’t just take verses out of there context and make them apply to whatever whim or fancy we have.  Verse four through six come right after the verses we looked at yesterday regarding the conflict in the church of Philippi.  Paul told these Believers to rejoice in the Lord always.  In other words, even in the midst of conflict.  Verse five gives us the answer as to why Paul would have told these Believers such a truth.  The answer is because the way we handle conflict can be evangelistic in nature.  As we learned yesterday, conflict and disagreements are going to happen in the church.  We, however, do not deal with our conflicts in the same way the lost world does.  This past week we saw the deplorably tragic murdering of elementary school children and that picture is the way the lost world deals with conflict.  All one has to do is turn on the news and every other story is about some kind of violence.  Yet, Paul told these Believers to let their gentle spirit be known to ALL men.  Here is what ought to happen: The lost world is going to know about the churches struggles and difficulties because people talk.  It is just human nature and lost people are going to find out when there is a problem.  If the Believers are, by God’s grace, able to reconcile and be brought back to that harmonious relationship with which Paul wrote about in verse one through three, then the lost world says, “Hey, I need whatever it is they have!  Because my fights don’t end up like that.”  Our conflicts and disagreements become evangelistic if we will surrender ourselves to Jesus.  If we do, then we have reason to rejoice!

Questions:
  1. Are you able to rejoice in the Lord during times of conflict?
  2. Are you displaying the gentle spirit of the Lord in your life during the conflict?
Prayer: Father, the lost world is watching Your children.  May we display that gentle spirit and proclaim the gospel of Jesus to those who are observing the way we handle our disputes.  Amen. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Conflicts and Disagreements WILL Occur in the Church


Scripture: Philippians 4:1-3
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Insights: Remember that the theme of the book of Philippians is JOY.  In chapter one we got the theoretical applications for joy.  In chapter two we got the application examples of joy found in Jesus, Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus.  In chapter three we observed the religiously lost Judaizers trying to steal the joy from these believers at Philippi.  As we turn to this fourth and final chapter we once again observe Paul reiterating the theme of this book in the first verse.  He was in prison in Rome and desired to be with these dear believers.  He was the one who first shared the gospel with them and he called them his joy and crown.  This statement was a reminder to these believers of the importance of joyful relationships found within the body of Christ.  Verses two and three tell us the reason for this reminder.  Eudia and Syntyche, two ladies in leadership, were at odds with each other and as a result the church was becoming divided.  Some of the believers were supporting Eudia and others were supporting Syntyche.  This internal conflict had the possible effect of stealing the joy of these dear Christians at Philippi.  Paul was dead set against this possible outcome.  So, he urged these ladies to live in harmony with each other, but notice the way Paul worded it.  He literally wrote, “live in harmony in the Lord.”  Paul knew that the only way for restoration and harmony to exist between these two ladies was because of the healing work of Jesus Christ.  Paul also encouraged the other believers to help these ladies work on reconciliation.  Beloved these statements are true today as well.  Satan hates the church and he will do whatever he can to cause conflict and disagreements to rise up within the church.  This reality has been true from the very first and will remain true until we reach eternity.  Yet, Beloved, we ought to seek harmony in the Lord just as Paul encouraged these two ladies.  Beloved, seek peace!

Questions:
  1. Are you presently in conflict with anyone?
  2. Are you willing to work on reconciliation and harmonious living with this individual?
Prayer: Lord, as a flawed individual there is no way for me to bring about restoration in damaged relationships.  You, however, are able to heal the broken hearted and by Your grace bring joyful reunion to the body of Christ.  Do such a work in my life and those in my life with whom conflict is evident.  Amen. 

Friday, December 14, 2012

A Review of Where We Have Been

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Insights: These verses are in many ways a review of all Paul has previously written.  It also functions like a verbal pause before he enters into the very serious information with which he is about to write the church of Philippi.  Paul is writing a review of things, but there are times in which it is helpful for us to review our life choices and make certain we are still walking a path that leads toward Christ Jesus.  Paul knew how easily it was for people to get tripped up in their pursuit of Christ.  It was why he gave this review in the first place.  He was helping the Philippians to stay focused on their citizenship and not get caught up in the things of this world.  Beloved, I would encourage you to take some time, especially during this Christmas season, when life is so busy, and reflect on your relationship with the Savior, Jesus.  Ask Him whether your life is bringing glory to His name or if your life is hindering others from coming to His saving grace.  Pray David’s prayer, “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24).”  After praying this prayer, obey the Spirit in whatever answer He gives to you.  Then, hopefully, we can say with Paul, follow my example to others and help bring glory, honor and praise to our Lord!

Questions:
  1. How often do you review or reflect on where God is leading you?
  2. Are there any course corrections you need to make in order to press on toward call of God on your life?
Prayer: Lord, Paul told us to forget what lies behind so that it would not distract us from our destination.  Healthy reviews, however, that help aid us in that forward progress are good.  May my review this day of my life choices help stir me in the proper pursuit of Your glory.  Amen. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Liberty in Eternal Life


Scripture: Philippians 3:21
who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Insights: Today’s verse is a review of verses nine through eleven from the second chapter.  They read, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  To start, we see Paul telling us we will receive a transformed body of our humble state.  The literal Greek phraseology we translate humble state means vile.  Our old sinful body, gripped with decay because of being born into a sinful world, is vile in comparison to the body in which we are going to be transformed.  We do not know all of what our glorified body will be, but we are told it will be like that of Jesus.  He ate and drank.  He appeared in a room when the doors were locked.  He ascended into heaven and His disciples saw Him in the air.  We know that are glorified bodies do not get sick and will never die.  I believe that is a whole lot better than or present vile bodies.  The second aspect of the verse today is what really is being reviewed with the verses in chapter two.  This second part deals with Jesus authority.  The phrase “even to subject all things to Himself” is in the Greek language communicating the idea of putting things in a proper arrangement.  That subjecting is making all things fit in their proper arrangement before a holy God.  It is for this reason that everything and everyone bows before Jesus’ perfect authority.  God has exalted Jesus to such a position of authority.  Let’s conclude with Warren Wiersbe’s words as he explains this proper alignment of things in our lives, “Our values are twisted.  Consequently, our vigor is wasted on useless activities, and our vision is clouded so that the return of Christ is not a real motivating power in our lives.  Living in the future tense means letting Christ arrange the ‘things’ in life according to the proper rank.  It means living ‘with eternity’s values in view,’ and daring to believe God’s promise that ‘he that doeth the will of God abideth forever’ (1 John 2:17).”

Questions:
  1. Are you surrendered to the authority of Christ Jesus?
  2. Are you gripped with joy when contemplating your future liberty in which your glorified body will present to you.?
Prayer: Lord, You and You alone have all authority and I bow to Your will.  Let my heart be fully Yours and living from the vantage point of future hope as I obey Your will here on earth. Amen. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Look with Eager Longing


Scripture: Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Insights: Today’s verse is a review of verses eleven and fourteen from this same chapter.  They read, “in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” and “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  All of these verses pertain to our citizenship and future home in heaven.  Historically speaking, when a person purchased, or was set free to become, or was born into citizenship of Rome, their names were written down and registered on the legal records.  We also, as children of God, when we became born again, we had our names written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life and our citizenship became heaven.  As citizens of heaven we get to experience all of its privileges.  Now, I do want to emphasize a major difference between earth-bond Roman citizenship and heaven-bond citizenship in Christ.  Heaven’s citizenship is not something one can purchase, earn or deserve.  Heaven’s citizenship is also not passed on from one generation to the next.  In other words, just because your parents were born again Christ-followers, does not mean you are a born again Christ-follower.  Each individual must receive the free gift of salvation that Christ Jesus offers.  There is no other name by which one must be born again.  Yesterday, I mentioned Judaizers and traditional followers.  Let me make an observation between their view on life and a Christian’s view on life.  Judaizers and traditional followers are looking to the past for their hope, but we are told in this verse to look ahead and eagerly wait for our Savior Jesus Christ to return.  Warren Wiersbe does a great job in his commentary to help us understand this future hope.  He wrote, “There is tremendous energy in the present power of a future hope.  Because Abraham looked for a city, he was content to live in a tent (Heb. 11:13-16).  Because Moses looked for the rewards of heaven, he was willing to forsake the treasures of earth (Heb. 11:24-26).  Because of the ‘joy that was set before Him’ (Heb. 12:2), Jesus was willing to endure the cross.  The fact that Jesus Christ is returning is a powerful motive for dedicated living and devoted service today.”  Beloved, because of our redeemed state, let us live boldly in the present as we eagerly look forward to our future.  What a great joy we will experience when we enter into our eternal home.  Glory to God in the highest!

Questions:
  1. Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?
  2. Do you live each day with the eager anticipation of Christ Jesus’ return?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me and giving to me eternal life.  I look forward with great joy at Your return for Your Bride and the restoration of all creation.  Come quickly Lord Jesus, Amen. 

Loath the Enemy's Lies


Scripture: Philippians 3:18-19
For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

Insights: Today’s verses are a review of verse two from this same chapter.  It reads, “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.”  When I wrote about verse two I mentioned these we Judaizers who were religiously lost.  They were lost individuals in need of the Savior, but they were also very religious in nature.  I stated the proof of their being lost was the word dogs, because it was often used of those outside of God’s chosen people.  Well, when we get to today’s verses we see some expounding being done by Paul which gives us proof these individuals were indeed Judaizers and they are heading toward a sinner’s hell.  For in today’s verse Paul wrote, “whose end is destructions” and just before that, “are enemies of the cross of Christ.”  Let’s see if we can unwrap these phrases quickly.  The reason they are enemies of the cross of Christ is because they are adding the Law of Moses to the requirements for salvation.  It is Jesus plus the Law for salvation to be obtained.  This thought is obviously false.  Salvation is found in Jesus alone, period!  Their obedience to the Old Testaments dietary laws would have made a “god” out of their bellies.  This phrase is not saying they were obese, but rather that they were still bound by the Law of Moses.  The next phrase is regarding circumcision itself.  These Judaizers were finding their glory in their circumcision and Paul was stating this in fact ought to have been their shame.  Because these Judaizers were so dogmatic about Jesus plus the Law, they were bound to their earthly mind which is what the last phrase states.  Beloved, we today have religiously lost individuals in the church as well.  Now they are not going around trying to circumcise people or make them follow the dietary laws of Moses, but they do hold to earthly traditions of men to such an extent that the vibrant and living relationship found in Christ is not present.  These verses today are a warning to us to make certain we have an abiding relationship with Jesus and not merely with traditions.

Questions:
  1. Are you adding anything to your “salvation”?
  2. Have your traditions become more important to you than your true Savior?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You and You alone are my salvation.  May I not place traditions of men above You in anyway.  Protect my heart from the trappings that so easily entangle us mortals of flesh.  May my views and attitude toward sin be the same as Yours and may I walk holy as You are holy.  Lord, be pleased with my life.  Amen. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Live an Exemplar Life


Scripture: Philippians 3:17
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

Insights: Whenever you are attempting to get to the root issue of a problem with an individual the first answer they give is normally not the real issue at hand.  In fact, often times the next two or three answers are not the real issue.  That same principle also applies when one needs to confront another individual as well.  This truth is present in this letter to the church of Philippi.  From the outset Paul has wanted to address the issue we will find in chapter four, but he started with the joy the church is struggling to experience and then gave examples of what that joy looks like in other people.  He then began to hit the edges of the real issue when he discussed those outside of the body of Christ that are trying to steal the faith of the believers and persecute them as well.  The verses this week are in many ways the equivalent to a verbal pause (uhh), because Paul gave us a review of where we have been in this journey.  Today’s verse is a review of chapter two, verses seventeen and eighteen which read, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”  These are the verses that truly express the example Paul lived before the people.  He again was telling the church of Philippi to follow his example and even the example of others like Timothy and Epaphroditus.  In reference to Paul himself, his example was that of a drink offering being poured out.  In other words, he spent every aspect of his life for the proclamation of the gospel and the praise and glory being bestowed on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Beloved, we need to not only follow Paul’s example, but we must also become examples ourselves for others to observe.

Questions:
  1. Is your life an exemplar life?
  2. Are you being poured out as a drink offering in whatever way the Lord desires?
Prayer: Lord, as we have traversed through this book of Philippians I have often been confronted with my inadequacies and failures.  Forgive me Lord, when I have not been the appropriate example before others and transform me to be such a person for You.  Amen. 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Let's Win the Race!


Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Insights: This week we have been looking at these verses and the analogy of the race it portrays.  It is vital as we review this week; however, to remember the entire context for which we find these verses.  Paul started verse one of this chapter with, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.”  The theme of the book and the context for this week’s verses is joy.  Paul knows that because of the persecution this church was facing from religiously lost Judaizers that some of those in the body might stop running the race and forsake their joy.  It is for this reason that Paul told them all one really needed to retain his/her joy is Jesus.  At the same time, however, Paul knew this one thing was not an easy thing to do.  In fact, it was as difficult as an Olympic runner winning the prize.  Only one of the competitors was going to receive the laurel crown.  So, Paul knowing the difficulty these believers faced used this illustration to help them understand the need to press on in the face of opposition and difficulty.  Beloved, we need to have that same kind of steadfast stick-to-itiveness.  Whatever has happened in our past is irrelevant in comparison to what lies in front of us in Christ Jesus.  As a result, we need cling to the joy we have in the Lord and look with grateful and anticipatory hope at His returning and taking His children home.  What a day of rejoicing that will be!  If we live life like that, we will experience great joy no matter what may come our way.

Questions:
  1. Is your pursuit for knowing Christ Jesus fully so fixed that you intend on winning the race?
  2. Is such a pursuit resulting in the joy promised by Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, so often I stumble in this race for the prize.  But, by Your grace and strength, I keep getting up and pressing on toward the prize.  Lord, I pray as You look on me, my life pleases You.  Be glorified O Lord in me.  Amen. 

Let's Win the Race with the Right Perception


Scripture: Philippians 3:15-16
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

InsightsLet’s use this athletic theme to make this final point.  Think of the “attitude” that Paul wrote about in today’s verse as the right perception of the rules by which we run this race.  In other words, just as a runner who breaks the rules is disqualified, so we, if we run with the wrong attitude are disqualified from the prize.  Now, I am not talking about one losing his/her salvation—that is impossible.  I am, however, referencing yesterday’s Thoughts by Scott discussion of the Bema seat judgment.  In this judgment if we have dead works, or if we don’t follow the rules, then they are works burned up like wood, hay and straw.  In WarrenWiersbe’s commentary he writes the following to help us understand this thought better, “Bible history is filled with people who began the race with great success but failed at the end because they disregarded God’s rules.  They did not lose their salvation, but they did lose their rewards.  It happened to Lot, Samson, Saul, and Ananias and Sapphira.  And it can happen to us!  It is an exciting experience to run the race daily.  It will be even more exciting when we experience that ‘upward calling’ and Jesus returns to take us to heaven!  Then we will stand before the bema to receive our rewards!  It was this future prospect that motivated Paul, and it can also motivate us.”  Notice one last thought regarding these verses with me.  Paul wrote, “… and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you…”  Paul knew the rules and he was charged with teaching and preaching the truth regarding spiritual conduct.  At the same time, however, he knew it was not his responsibility to convict the hearts of other people.  God does that through His Holy Spirit and Paul had faith that the Father would change a person in due time to the right perception regarding the rules which were to be followed.  Beloved, we must first make certain we are following the rules and that happens only as we spend time with God and through reading His Scriptures.  We then must pray for others to grow in God’s grace and have faith God will bring about His work in their lives.

Questions:
  1. Are you following the rules God has given us through Scripture?
  2. If you are not, are you willing to repent and turn back to our Father for restoration?
Prayer: Father, I do not follow the rules of the race perfectly.  I ask for Your grace to be shown to me when I fail and to be strengthened and encouraged to press on toward that perfect life I have in Christ.  Amen. 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Let's Win the Race for the Royal Prize


Scripture: Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

InsightsThe word press found here in today’s verse is taken from a Greek picture of a hunter pursuing his prey.  The hunter is unrelenting in his pursuit of his quarry and will track the beast until it breaths its last breathe at his hands.  Paul was telling us this attitude is the attitude in which he ran this spiritual race.  It did not matter what obstacles confronted him, he was going to go over it, around, under it or even through it if he had to.  Nothing, absolutely nothing, was going to prevent Paul from finishing this race well and receiving the prize.  I often wonder what the church would look like if those attending lived their lives in the fashion Paul described in this one word, press.  Let’s turn our attention to the second part of this verse, the goal for the prize.  This prize Paul was writing about is not to be confused with salvation.  If it were salvation Paul was describing, then it would be a works based salvation and we know that salvation is a free gift from God.  Salvation cannot be earned or deserved.  But this prize is something we can press on towards.  This prize takes us back to 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.  This passage is the picture of the Bema seat judgment of Christians.  If we are truly born again and have been redeemed by God’s grace because we have received Christ Jesus’ work of salvation by faith, then we are going to spend eternity with Him.  Because we have been saved, we face the Bema seat judgment instead of the Great White Throne judgment reserved for those who have not received the gift of Jesus, otherwise known as the lost.  If our running of the race is full of dead works (Hebrews 4), then it is wood, hay and straw and it will be burned up in the fire of judgment at the Bema seat.  This truth is what Paul was talking about in verse fifteen of first Corinthians three.  If, however, our running of the race is full of works of faith, then we will receive the prize.  This truth is what Paul was talking about in verse fourteen of first Corinthians three.  Beloved, I do not know what that reward or prize is, but what I do know is it was a major motivator of the first century Apostles.  Beloved, run for the prize and bring honor, glory and praise to the Lord.
Questions:
  1. Does your eternal reward help motivate you to run a better race?
  2. Are you unrelenting, like a hunter pursuing his prey, in your obedience to the Lord?
Prayer: Father, I hear Your upward call in Your Son Jesus.  I pray for strength as I run this race.  Empower me to finish well and to bring You honor, glory and praise.  Amen. 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Let's Win the Race by the Rigorous Preparations


Scripture: Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

InsightsThe phrase “one thing” is very important in the Bible.  For example, Jesus said to the self-righteous rich young ruler, “One thing you lack. . . .”  To Martha when she criticized her sister Mary Jesus said, “One thing is needful. . . .”  The blind man who received his sight from Jesus said to the religious leaders, “One thing I know!”  David cried out in his psalm, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after!”  James did not use those two words, but he expressed the heart behind them when he wrote, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (1:8).”  We are called to be of a singular mind and that focus is to be on the Lord.  Too often we allow our past successes or failures to get in our present and it hinders our progress in the race we are running.  As a result, Paul was telling us he was not going to allow anything to hinder his reaching forward to what lies ahead of him.  Like the athlete who is training for a physical race, so Paul was going to train for the race and after he had finished that training, he was going to train some more.  Then, when race day came, he was going to win.  In the physical world, the athlete is going to train by eating right, lifting weights, studying the sport, visualizing the victory, running long distances, running sprints, and actually practicing the event for which they have been chosen to run.  In our Christian walk we call those training exercises spiritual disciplines.  These are the things we often do alone when no one is around.  These disciplines are preparing us for our spiritual race we live every day in our public life.  These disciplines consist of, but are not limited to, our quiet times with the Lord, prayer, fasting, private worship in song, tithing and giving of offerings, spiritual retreats, and journaling.  These disciplines prepare us for the race which is more public in nature.  The race consists of our corporate worship and Bible study, evangelism, ministry to the needy, mission opportunities and on and on this list goes.  Beloved, we need to not let our past or anything else hinder our training for the race.  Rather, we need to press on and run for the victory knowing our rigorous preparations have paid off.
Questions:
  1. Do you have that singular mind to run the race?
  2. Are you allowing your past to hinder your ability to win the race?
Prayer: Father, my past is full of successes and failures.  It is so easy to get caught up in both of those dynamics.  Set my heart clearly on You and let me pursue you with a more invigorating zeal.  Amen. 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Let's Win the Race for the Righteous Presenter


Scripture: Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Insights: Let’s put today’s verse into context of the entire book.  Paul had been writing about the joy we ought to have as Christ-followers and in many ways that subject was a precursor to about what he really wanted to write to them.  He knew there was persecution from outside the body of Christ that they were facing.  He knew such opposition might steal their joy.  So, in this third chapter he turned the corner and laid down the very root issue for retaining joy in the midst of external discouragement.  That issue was, of course, knowing Jesus fully.  Literally as soon as he wrote about the desire to know Jesus he wrote today’s verse and it is the start of a sports analogy.  That analogy is that of a race.  Two things were required to run a race in Roman times.  One, the runner had to be a citizen of Rome.  Two, they had to have a sponsor for the race.  In the same way, we need a “Sponsor” to run in the Christian race.  Our Sponsor is Jesus.  When we have received His free gift of eternal life and declare Him our Lord and Savior by faith, then we are cleansed by His blood and made citizens of His kingdom.  Now that we have a Sponsor and are citizens we can run the race.  Paul declared he wanted to run this race in order to lay hold of that for which he also had been laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  In other words, he wanted to lay hold of the love of Jesus.  We are now back to Paul’s desire to know Jesus, and as he wrote, he had not obtained that knowledge perfectly as of yet.  Because he did not know Jesus and His love perfectly, he was going to press on in this race for knowing Jesus.  Warren Wiersbe called this attitude of Paul’s “a sanctified dissatisfaction.”  Wiersbe went on to explain this further when he wrote, “Many Christians are self-satisfied because they compare their ‘running’ with that of other Christians, usually those who are not making much progress.  Had Paul compared himself with others, he would have been tempted to be proud and perhaps to let up a bit.”  Beloved, let us not become self-satisfied, but let us retain that “sanctified dissatisfaction” and run this race for our Righteous Presenter, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is worthy of our running the best race possible.

Questions:
  1. Does your life reflect “a sanctified dissatisfaction”?
  2. How well are you running the race for Jesus?
Prayer: O Lord, I so desire to live a life pleasing to You.  Help me to understand I am really running this race for You and allow me the “sanctified dissatisfaction” to run better.  Amen.