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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Insights: Let’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. 

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.

Insights: The 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. 

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,

Insights: The 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. 

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. 

Learning How to Count

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

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. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Insights: The first verse in this section of Philippians is truly the key.  It indicates the way one ought to respond to all situations.  For the Christ-follower joy and peace are the underlying realities of their existence.  There may be external attacks from outside of the body and divisions from within the body, but our ability to know Jesus and thus experience His joy is unhindered.  This joy is not some self-made fabrication of happiness as a result of obtaining self-righteousness.  Rather it is the joy of being made righteous by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary and it is actualized by faith.  This joy then grows as one begins to mature in Jesus and specifically in the four areas we discussed yesterday.  What a joy it is to learn how to count properly.  To count all of our self-works as rubbish, but the work of Christ as all that matters is the only satisfying place for a Christ-follower to reside.  Beloved, by faith count Jesus and know His joy!

Questions:

1. Are you able to keep your focus on what really matters in the midst of external conflict?
2. Are you rejoicing in your knowledge of Jesus Christ?

Prayer: O Lord, the privilege to rejoice in knowing You is wonderful beyond description.  No matter what I face, I can enjoy the joy of knowing You.  Amen. 

Contentment from Within Present

Scripture: Philippians 3:10

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Insights: Yesterday we learned how to count properly and with the singular objective of knowing Christ Jesus.  In today’s verses Paul takes us further into what he meant by knowing Jesus.  First, Paul wanted to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection.  Think about it this way: in medical days gone by they used paddles to resuscitate patients whose hearts had stopped.  That procedure is an amazing use of power, but for every one of those patients that were resuscitated there still remained a fate for them.  They were still going to die.  Yet, when God brings One back from the dead, He will never die again.  Jesus is forever alive and so will those of us who are born again.  Second, Paul wanted to know the fellowship of Jesus’ sufferings.  Now most believers are really excited about the first part, but are less than thrilled with this second part, at least that is the case for me.  Yet, Paul had matured so much that he understood the value of suffering for Jesus.  I pray one day I will, like Paul, desire to truly learn obedience through suffering just as Jesus did.  Third, Paul wanted to be conformed to Jesus death.  In other words, Paul desired to leave this world and that was only going to happen in one of two ways.  One, he would have been resurrected in Jesus second coming.  Two, he would have had to die.  Too many of us are more in love with our life here on earth that we would rather not conform to Christ in His death.  This thought never entered Paul’s mind and why not?  The fourth way Paul desired to know Jesus is the answer.  Paul wanted to attain to the resurrection from the dead.  In other words, Paul wanted to go HOME!  If we have truly received salvation in Christ, then we ought to desire these same four things in terms of knowing Jesus.  Beloved, strive to know Christ Jesus and every aspect of who He is and you will find a great deal of contentment within yourself.  Let the peace of God reign in you from knowing Jesus fully.

Questions:

1. Are you experiencing the power of Christ’s resurrection in your life?
2. Do you desire to also know the fellowship of His suffering?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for only wanting the blessing of good from You and not the blessings of suffering.  Change my heart to desire Your will and Your will alone and my I rejoice in whatever situation You allow my pilgrimage to take.  Amen. 

Counting from a Worshipful Perspective

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-9

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

Insights: Yesterday we saw how Paul counted from a worldly perspective.  Today, we see the Spirit’s working on Paul’s heart.  Notice how quickly Paul wrote the word “but”.  He has just finished this self-expression like a braggart and was prompted by the Spirit to remember the truth.  That truth being his righteousness was worthless and ineffectual.  We also must come to that same kind of truth.  So many “Christians” attempt to live a righteous life from the perspective of rules.  Notice, however, Paul stated his righteousness came from God on the basis of faith.  True righteousness is imputed into the believer based on faith, not by personal works.  Jesus’ work during Easter is all the work needed to receive righteousness.   When the Father looks down on a Christ-follower and sees his/her righteousness, it is not the righteousness of that individual, but that of Christ Jesus.  It is because Paul understood this truth so well that he calls all of his previous work and sufferings as rubbish or garbage.  Paul knew what the prophet Isaiah knew regarding the best works of a human being.  Isaiah wrote, “all our righteous acts are like filth rags (64:6).”  Our very, very, very best that we can offer God in our own strength, power, might and wisdom is nothing more than vile clothing.  It is for this reason we can never earn our salvation.  Salvation is a free gift from God received solely by faith and when we have received that precious gift we are made righteous by that very same faith.  And if we live our lives from this perspective, then we, like Paul, will have learned how to count properly as well.  Before, Paul counted one good act, two good deeds, three right positions, etc.  Now, however, Paul counted one One—Christ alone!  All he wanted was to know Christ Jesus his Lord.  Tomorrow, we are going to learn more about what Paul wanted to know about Jesus.  Beloved, we also ought to want to know Jesus, as Paul knew Him.

Questions:

1. Have you begun to count properly?
2. Are you willing to give up personal prestige for Christ?

Prayer: Father, I so much desire to pray and live as Paul did.  Mold and shape my heart so I desire You and You alone.  Help me to count all things as nothing in comparison to You and Your great love. Amen. 

Counting from a Worldly Perspective

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-6

although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

Insights: Have you ever had a situation occur in your life where you began to have conversations with yourself in your mind?  Were you ever the villain in your conversation or did you find creative ways to justify why you were right and the other person was wrong?  In some ways, that was exactly what Paul was doing in today’s verses.  He was frustrated and mad at the outside attacks the church of Philippi was experiencing.  So, he began to justify his authority and right to speak to the church about the truth.  We are no different.  The problem is all of this self-aggrandizement does nothing to solve the issues at hand.  I have shared the following many times in my church, though I did not this past Sunday, but I think it is helpful in stopping these imaginary conversations.  The following is a summary of Avery Willis’ MasterLife material on the ACTION steps.  Acknowledge the emotion you are presently experiencing (in our case, at the time you begin to have these mental conversations).  Consider what the root cause of that emotion really is.  Thank God He is greater than the emotion and that He is able to solve the problem at hand.  Investigate as to what the Bible says about your situation and your emotional state.  Obey what the Holy Spirit tells you which is going to be in line with what you just learned from the Scriptures.  Nurture the appropriate fruit of the Spirit.  In other words, one or more of the following fruits is the appropriate emotional response to your situation.  Those fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  If you will pause for a moment when you recognize you are in one of those mental conversations and work through the ACTION steps, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel.  You will also be in a much healthier position to proceed in solving the problem or situation from God’s standpoint.  As a teaser for tomorrows Thoughts by Scott, even Paul realized how foolish it was for him to count out the reasons he was justified in his words against the Judaizers.

Questions:

1. Do you find yourself having self-justifying conversations in your head?
2. Are you willing to put a stop to them?

Prayer: Father, it is not productive or helpful to justify myself or my actions in mental conversations.  Help me to run to You immediately when life situations drive me to these unhealthy conversations.  You be my peace and rock, O Lord. Amen. 

Conflict from Without Present

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-3

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. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

Insights: As we enter into this third chapter I want to remind you this book of Philippians was actually a letter; a letter that would have been read in its entirety to the church at one setting.  Paul, like all of us, had some things about which he wanted to write to this church, but wrote some preliminary comments first.  It would be like the way we talk about sports, weather or the health of a family before we engage into the serious matter at hand.  That idea is what Paul has been doing in some ways.  Chapter one he writes about the theoretical concepts of joy.  Chapter two he writes about the practical examples of joyful living.  And why is Paul writing so much about joy, because this church is facing issues that potentially could be stealing their joy.  Knowing he is about to begin writing about what is really on his mind, he starts with verse one which is a reminder for them to live in joy.  What is the first real issue Paul has wanted to talk with them about?  The answer is religiously lost people, those on the outside of the body of Christ, who are attempting to muddy the waters for these new Christians in Philippi.  Three times Paul uses the word beware in regards to these people.  He calls them dogs, evil workers, and the false circumcision.  For a fuller explanation as to how these religiously lost Judaizers were persecuting the church, I recommend you read the book of Galatians.  Here is the point:  we may be living in a society where Christian persecution is not really dangerous.  There are countries in which one faces martyrdom for being a Christ-follower.  The unfortunate reality is that day of religious persecution is quickly coming our way.  After the election a few weeks back I quoted Kevin Castleberry and his thoughts regarding our country.  His words regarding our post-heritage American culture is a precursor to the religious persecution that will come as a result of this culture change in America.  Paul’s words for us to beware of such evil workers are just as true today.  Beware, as you live in joy!

Questions:

1. In what ways can you prepare for the external persecutions that will arise as the days of evil increase?
2. Are you already experiencing trials for your faith from external sources?

Prayer: Father, there is obviously a spiritual war going on around us.  Open my eyes and equip me to be steadfast and true to the battles I am presently facing and the battles to come. Amen. 

Epaphroditus was a Servant with No Regard for Himself

Scripture: Philippians 2:27-30

For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Insights: There was once a missionary speaking back in the states during his furlough and he said, “The problem in our churches is that we have too many spectators and not enough participants.”  That statement could not have been said of Epaphroditus.  He was not content simply to contribute to the offering taken up for Paul.  He gave himself to help carry the offering to Paul.  He risked his very life for the service of Christ Jesus.  We have crime in today’s society, but in many ways the risk of ambush and robbery during ones travels were much greater in the first century.  Epaphroditus was carrying a significant love offering with him on his treacherous journey to Rome.  That money represented Paul’s furtherance of the gospel in many ways.  Epaphroditus was willing to defend such a love offering.  Notice also that Epaphroditus also got gravely sick in his ministering to Paul.  It is highly probable that Epaphroditus got sick in the prison area in which Paul was being held.  Whether it was in the prison compounds, a house arrest situation, or just in the public arena does not really matter.  What is important is he got sick and almost died.  He gave and he gave and he gave until he had worked himself into sickness, possibly through exhaustion.  Beloved, we need to serve with total abandonment for God and the proclamation of the gospel.  Serve Him well!  Do not be a spectator, but rather be a participant like Epaphroditus.

Questions:

1. Does your personal safety and well-being come before your service to the Lord?
2. If so, what is holding you back from being a fully committed follower of Christ Jesus?

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I put myself first and do not obey You.  I pray my heart becomes more like Epaphroditus and I am willing to risk it all for You and Your glory. Amen. 

Epaphroditus was a Soldier with Responsibilities for His Church

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-26

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Insights: Notice the versatility of Epaphroditus in these couple of verses.  Paul calls him his brother, his fellow worker and his fellow soldier.  He names two specific areas in which Epaphroditus ministered.  He served as a messenger for the church of Philippi and he also assisted Paul by ministering to his needs.  The Holy Spirit is the provider of our spiritual giftedness.  Now these statements I am mentioning regarding the versatility of Epaphroditus is in no ways to insinuate that every believer has all of the spiritual gifts mentioned throughout the Bible.  It is to say, however, that believers are given a multiplicity of gifts and are responsible in nurturing them as they grow in their relationship with Jesus.  Here is one of the reasons we need to grow in many areas of our Christian faith.  I have known Christians who are so militant in their giftedness that they forget to be fellow brothers and socialize through fellowship with their brothers and sisters.  At the same time they have been so evangelistic in their pursuits that they fail to serve in the local church through ministries designed for the discipline of the brothers.  At the same time, I have known believers that are so inwardly focused with fellowship and body edification that they never share the gospel with anyone.  These examples are all poor illustrations of what it means to be a Christian.  We are to be like Epaphroditus and be a brother or sister to the rest of God’s children.  We are to serve the body of Christ in service at the local church.  We are also supposed to be light in a dark world.  We need to be well rounded in our faith like Epaphroditus.

Questions:

1. In what ways do you serve the Lord in the Body of Christ?
2. Are you versatile in your service?

Prayer: Father, I desire to honor You in all the ways in which You have called me to serve.  May You be please with my sacrifice.  Amen. 

Timothy was a Chosen Protégé

Scripture: Philippians 2:23-24

Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.

Insights: The short form of verses twenty-three and twenty-four is just as you read it.  Paul is sending Timothy to the church of Philippi as soon as he has confirmation that he himself will not be released.  Yet, Paul still holds hope in his eventual release and his desire to return to Philippi at that time.  I want to run a little different line with you today regarding these two verses.  I believe the implication I am proposing has been evident throughout verses twenty through twenty-four, but I wish to point them out now.  The reason Paul has confidence in sending Timothy to this church facing so many problems is because Timothy is Paul’s son in the faith.  We even mentioned that yesterday.  I think it appropriate to go a little further regarding that statement and idea.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul chose Timothy to be his protégé.  Paul invested and mentored Timothy and helped him grow into the spiritual leader he is at this point.  Twenty-four times Timothy is mentioned in Paul’s letters.  He was faithful in every assignment in which God placed him through Paul.  Timothy was not just thrown into this role of church revitalizer.  He was trained and disciplined along the way.  He was Paul’s disciple in the faith.  Beloved, this one point is possibly one of the greatest failings of the modern church.  If we go back to the great commission found in Matthew twenty eight.  We find Jesus telling us to make disciples of all nations, not just converts of all nations.  We ought to be about investing our lives into other people.  We need to grow them and mature them, even as we are growing a maturing.  Are we going to do it perfectly?  Absolutely not!  We are going to make mistakes with the individuals with whom God has entrusted us to mentor, but we are to mentor them none the less.  Are the individuals with whom we invest going to mess up and disappoint us?  Absolutely!  And in those moments we get the privilege of showing them the restorative grace in which the Lord frequently shows us.  Beloved, we must not falter at this point.  We must make disciples!  We must mentor people in the faith.  We must strengthen the Body of Christ as the Lord equips us to do so and if we are born again, we are called to make disciples.

Questions:

1. Who have been the men and women that have most influenced your spiritual pilgrimage?
2. In whose life are you investing?

Prayer: Father, thank You so much for the men and women You have placed in my life to grow and mature me.  May I also know the joy of investing in others’ lives.  Amen. 

Timothy was Convicted about Proclamation

Scripture: Philippians 2:22

But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.

Insights: Most sons can look back on their relationship with their father and can remember idolizing that man.  Even if the father was not the best father, most sons wanted to be like him.  The same can be said regarding mothers and daughters.  There is a natural desire within us to please our parents and to be like them, especially when one is a child.  Paul has called Timothy his son in the faith in other locations (1 Timothy 1:2 & 2 Timothy 1:2).  The point is Timothy, like a natural child, is trying to please his spiritual father in the faith.  What is Paul passionate about?  The answer is the proclamation of the gospel.  So, what is Timothy, Paul’s spiritual child, passionate about?  The answer is the proclamation of the gospel.  Paul even says that Timothy has proven his worth in regards to the furthering the gospel.  So, what does all of this information mean for us?  Let’s take the earthly spiritual father or mother picture and drop it for just a moment.  Let’s pick up the picture of whom our real spiritual Father is and that is God Himself.  What is God passionate about?  The answer is the saving of many lives.  It was God who loved us so much that He sent His Son to die a death to pay our penalty for sin.  His Son died for us while we were still enemies of God.  Yet, He desired for us to come to a saving relationship with Him.  So, we know that God’s passion is the saving of lost people.  If God’s passion is this reality, then ours, as His spiritual children, ought to be the same as well.  Our lives as believers ought to display our proven worth to the kingdom of God.  Our lives ought to be dedicated to the furtherance of the gospel.  We ought to serve with the hope of pleasing our real Father.  Beloved, if these statements are not true of your life, then repent and ask God to put a passion in your heart for the lost.  Pray that kind of prayer every day until the Lord answers.  He will answer such a prayer in the affirmative, because it is His nature to save the lost.  Proclaim the gospel, Beloved, and feel the convicting power of such a responsibility!

Questions:

1. Are intentional about sharing the gospel with the lost around you?
2. Does your life show your proven worth to the kingdom of God?

Prayer: Father, increase my heartbeat for evangelism.  May I desire to see the lost come to the saving relationship with Your Son as much as You desire it.  Amen. 

Timothy was Concerned about People

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-21

But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.

Insights: ABC has, or had, a television show titled, What Would You Do?  The show had hidden cameras and actors performing unethical deeds.  These actions were done in public and the show was capturing what ordinary people did in various situations.  For example, one episode, they had a blind man being mistreated and taken advantage of by a pastry employee.  Some people came to the blind man’s defense, while others did nothing.  In many ways this show is a modern day parable of the Good Samaritan.  I mention this show because of today’s verses.  The church of Philippi had lots of problems.  We have mentioned that they were being attacked from outside the church and there were divisions inside of the church.  Paul, unfortunately, is in jail in Rome and is unable to go visit them.  So, he inquires of the membership of First Church of Rome to see if any of them would be willing to take a missions trip to this struggling church at Philippi.  To Paul’s broken heart, he finds that none are willing to be a Good Samaritan to this struggling church.  Let’s relook at Paul’s words, “For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”  The entire church of Rome had only concerns about themselves.  I wonder how many churches today are like this Roman church.  Timothy, however, was Paul’s protégé and when Paul asked him to go, Timothy was willing.  Timothy had a concern for the people of Philippi and was willing to make the difficult journey and minister to them in Paul’s absence.  I wonder what we would do if we were asked a similar question.

Questions:

1. Are you willing to be a Good Samaritan to someone in need?
2. Do you seek after your own interests?

Prayer: Father, create in my heart a kindred spirit to Your Son’s.  May I serve His interests and not my own.  Lord, increase my concern for other people and open my eyes to see the needs around me.  Amen. 

Paul's Example FOR You

Scripture: Philippians 2:17-18

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.

Insights: In the Old Testament there were drink offerings presented to the Lord.  When they were poured out on the alter it made a pleasing aroma to the Lord.  When such an offering was given they would pour out every last drop because it was ALL to be given to the Lord.  So, when Paul writes, “…I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice…,” he is alluding to his death.  Paul is describing the way he lives his life for God.  He wants every last drop of his life to be used for the glory of God.  If that last drop means a martyrs death, then he is willing to give his life for such an end.  If it means preaching until he dies a natural death, then he will preach until he can breathe no more.  Paul lives this way because he desires for God to be glorified.  At the exact same time, Paul is not unaware of the personal benefit he receives from such a life.  In fact, he points to it four times in these two verses today.  He uses the word “rejoice” two times and the word “joy” two times.  Both of these words are indicating the same thing.  When one’s life is full of joy and that joy overflows, the result is rejoicing.  Joy is the internal aspect and points us back to verses twelve and thirteen which we looked at earlier this week.  Rejoicing is the external aspect and points us back to verse fourteen through sixteen which we also looked at earlier this week.  Now, in today’s verses, Paul is bringing it all together.  It is as if he were saying to us, “Now here is my example of letting God work IN me and OUT OF me and I want to live that way until I die because I know I will experience unimaginable joy all of my days.”  Beloved, live your life as one being poured out for Jesus.  No matter what happens, you will be glad you did!

Questions:

1. Can your life be described as being poured out as a drink offering?
2. Are you experiencing the joy of such a life?

Prayer: Father, my heart is so selfish at times.  Forgive me when I hold back and do not pour my life out for Your glory.  Continue Your work of grace in my life so I can identify with Paul’s words and be a drink offering for You.  Amen. 

The Work of God OUT OF You, Part 2

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Insights: I want you to know notice the world in which we live out the fivefold process leading to joy.  The world is crooked and perverse.  Sunday was the first Sunday since our presidential election on November sixth.  I shared with our church a lengthy quote from Kevin Castleberry, pastor of Celebration Baptist Church in Semmes, Alabama.  I think it is captures the idea in twenty-first century America of a crooked and perverse generation.  I share with you today Kevin’s words.  He wrote, “Today, we are officially in a ‘Post-Heritage’ America. The electoral landscape of our nation confirms that we have a new culture in our nation. It is a culture that is different from the heritage that many envision as the traditional makeup of America. While there remains a sizeable portion of the country that maintains the flavor of that founding patriotism with the values that have given birth and rise to our country, a new ethic has become the majority. This is a change that is here to stay. As with any change, there is a sense of loss, and that is what many are feeling today. It is the realization that the America of yesteryear will not be the America that our children and grandchildren experience. There is a real grief process that is being experienced, and we need to acknowledge that. At the same time, as Christians, we are called to influence and lead this culture through the love of Christ. We are Americans but our prime citizenship is in heaven. We are God's ambassadors to represent His interests. It is our mandate to live in this new culture without being this new culture. By doing so, we can love those who are far from God while leading them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Our country is not the same, but our call has not changed.  Pray ahead!”  As a Christian it is only going to get more difficult in the days ahead to represent Jesus, because the cultural landscape is crooked and perverse.  Yet as Kevin and Paul clearly announce, our mandate as lights in this world is still clear.  Proclaim Jesus!
 

Questions:

1. Are you experiencing the difficulties of life all around you?
2. Are you able, like Paul, to count them part of your joy you have in Christ?

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I complain and belly ache over the difficulties of this world.  Rather, help my heart to be in a right relationship with You and let Your joy and peace reign in me.  Amen. 

The Work of God OUT OF You, Part 1

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Insights: After God has done a work IN us, we are now able, in His power, to let God work OUT OF us in this world.  Paul starts off with some negative issues that were a part of the Philippian church.  They had a group of grumblers and disputers in their midst.  These individuals ran in vain seeking to have their own will and way.  So, Paul instructs us to not live that sort of life and proceeds to give us a fivefold method to live life out of joy.  Paul often times uses the technique found in these verses today.  He starts with the end product and leads us to the beginning point.  So, let me reverse the order and start where it begins and bring it to the proper conclusion.  Step one, hold fast to the world of life.  I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to this issue, but it is because the Bible itself is so dogmatic regarding it.  We absolutely must have time EVERY DAY in God’s Word.  If we don’t spend time in His Word, we are not able to do the rest of these four steps.  We need a hunger for God’s Word.  After we have received instruction from the Bible, we are able to do step two, live a life above reproach.  In other words, our actions, even when we are by ourselves match what we claim to believe.  Because we are living lives above reproach, we are then identified with the third step, which is our innocence.  We don’t have to experience sin first hand to know that something is sinful.  Because God’s Word tells us it is sinful and because we are living a life above reproach we can remain innocent of the sin by drawing near to God and refusing to sin.  When we do that we are living an innocent life, which leads to the fourth step, our blamelessness.  In other words, we are now, because of God’s work IN us, blameless before God.  From that standpoint we are now equipped to do the last step, living as lights in the world.

Questions:

1. Is your life characterized by the negative aspects of these verses?
2. Does your life follow the cyclical pattern Paul described that leads to joy?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times in which I am a grumbler, disputer and one running in vain for the pleasures of my heart.  May my life be characterized by Your attributes and let me know perfect joy.  Amen.