The Control of a Soldier: The Enemies Tactics do not Surprise Us

Scripture: Philippians 1:28

in no way alarmed by your opponents-- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.

Insights: Paul starts this verse off by telling us to not be alarmed by the attacks of our opponents.  It is vital at this point to remind us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 6:12).”  Our opponents or enemies are in fact Satan and his minions.  There are many tactics he uses, but I will only mention a few.  First, Satan desires to rob believers of their faith.  This theft is what verse twenty-seven was all about: defend the faith.  We need to defend the faith because Satan is going to attack ours.  Warren Wiersbe writes, “What we believe determines how we behave, and wrong belief ultimately means a wrong life.”  Second, Satan attacks young people.  Every local church is only one generation short of potential extinction.  If Satan can trip up teenagers and young adults from their faith, he can potentially cripple the church.  Satan has a lot of tools at his disposal regarding young people in the twenty-first century.  Third, Satan uses the all too familiar divide-and-conquer technique within the church.  Even in this letter, whose theme is joy, there are two ladies who are feuding.  As a result, the church is taking up sides and division is starting to creep into the church.  This division is one of the reasons Paul wrote this letter.  He desires to stop the fight before it gets out of hand.  Earlier this week I mentioned that Paul wrote sixteen times in this short letter about unity in the body of Christ.  This one tactic of Satan has destroyed far too many churches in history.  With all three of these examples, however, we ought not to be surprised.  These are part of Satan’s arsenal and we must stand firm and strive together for the defense of the faith.  One last thing regarding this verse, our salvation from God is a sign of Satan’s destruction.  In other words, because we are born again, we are living testimonies of Christ Jesus’ victorious work on the cross of Calvary.  Satan is defeated and we are symbols of his loss and eternal destruction.  Beloved, praise the Lord and let your life be filled with joy because you have been redeemed by our gracious Savior, Jesus Christ!

Questions:

1. Have you recently been caught off guard by the tactics of the enemy?
2. Are you born again; and thus, serving as a sign of destruction for Satan and his minions?

Prayer: Father, protect me from the enemy’s tactics.  Keep me grounded in my faith and steadfastly fixed on You.  Let my life in Christ serve as a sign of Satan’s demise and bring glory to You my Savior.  Amen. 

The Conduct of a Soldier: Striving Together for the Faith in ONE Mind

Scripture: Philippians 1:27

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Insights: The Greek word for striving found here in verse twenty-seven is athleho from which we get our English word athlete.  Just as there are many different skill sets on an athletic team the same is true of a military analogy.  And considering I am writing this week about us being good soldiers defending the faith I will use that analogy.  In the military you have mechanics, cooks, administrators, commanding officers, soldiers and the list goes on and on.  The point is this: the Holy Spirit is the One who determines what your spiritual giftedness is.  It is for this reason we stand firm in ONE Spirit.  He dispenses the gifts as He sees fit.  At the same time, the entire military unit has one objective: win the war.  That purpose is where this second aspect of striving together for the faith comes into play.  Notice with what we use for our striving together: ONE mind.  Again, Paul is pointing to the unity needed in the body of Christ.  Secondly, he is telling us where this standard for the unity is learned when he writes about the mind.  As we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word we are growing in our faith and in our ability to strive together for the defense of the faith.  So, we must commit to having daily quiet times with the Lord.  Every believer knows they are supposed to spend time every day in the Bible, but the reality is very few actually do spend time in God’s Word.  It is for this reason I think we see the church in such a divided state.  We don’t actually know what God has to say to us because we don’t actually spend time with Him in His Word.  Notice as well, Paul says striving together.  This denotes the corporate aspect of growing in God’s Word.  This points to our attending Sunday School classes, sermons, Bible studies (whether that be Home Group, Wednesday night or some other time with a group of believers studying the Bible).  Returning to the athletic analogy for just a moment, we can’t know how we are going to get the ball down the field until we know the play book.  The Bible is our play book for life.  We must study It and know It and pass It on to new believers.

Questions:

1. Are you spending time daily with God in His Word?
2. Are you entrusting, making new disciples, the Word to other people?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Scriptures.  They are words of life and point me to You.  May I grow in Your grace regarding the Word and may it come alive in my life.  Amen. 

The Conduct of a Soldier: Standing Firm in ONE Spirit

Scripture: Philippians 1:27

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Insights: Battle Stations!  We have been enjoying a nice leisurely trip the last couple of weeks on this spiritual journey.  But this week we trade in our spiritual car for a spiritual tank and we are going to see we have been called to be soldiers defending the faith of the gospel.  In today’s verses we see we are supposed to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of a soldier in Christ’s army.  This word for conduct has a political nuance to it which gives the feel of being a representative.  Just as our United States military are representative of us when they are on foreign soil, so are we representatives of God’s kingdom while we are here on earth.  Are conduct ought to be one of consistency.  There ought to be true distinction between the way we live our lives and the way lost people live theirs.  In this verse Paul gives us two ways we soldiers are to conduct ourselves.  The first is our standing firm in one spirit.  It is vital we understand our weapons of warfare are not of the flesh (2 Cor. 10:4).  Our weapons are the Word of God and prayer (Eph. 6:11-18).  It is from these two offensive weapons we fight and stand firm for the faith.  Even the imagery of one standing firm helps us understand our need for a solid foundation.  If we are on unsteady ground, then our ability to stand firm is not going to be very effective.  I believe the foundation is found in the last word of this particular phrase.  We are to stand firm in one spirit.  I believe this word is pointing us to the Holy Spirit.  In other words, if we attempt to stand firm in our own strength, we are going to falter and fail.  If, however, we are trusting in the Lord and His presence in us through His Spirit, then we have a firm foundation on which to stand.  There is one last area in which I desire to share regarding this first part of the verse.  Notice the two references to the word ONE.  There was a movie released in 2001 titled Band of Brothers and it was about the comradeship of easy company during WWII.  What made this unit extraordinary was their unity.  Sixteen times in this little book Paul refers to unity in one way or another.  We are to be a band of brothers in Christ!

Questions:

1. On what foundation are you standing?
2. Are you a part of a band of brothers?

Prayer: Father, You have given me a great gift in the church.  May we stand firm together as we defend the faith.  Amen. 

Pioneers Wanted

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

Insights: You will recall from Monday that the phrase in verse twelve, “greater progress” literally means “pioneer advance.”  The journey we began last week in this book of Philippians is about restoration of our joy in the Lord and growth during such an adventure with Him.  Life is difficult and there are crazy curves and many detours along the way, but if we will commit ourselves to being pioneers for Jesus our journey will be joyfully exciting as we enter the rough roads of life.  Just to be clear, when I am saying Jesus desires for us to be pioneers, what I am saying is we need to be sharing the gospel with new people on a regular basis.  If we do, joy in Christ, as He works in us, will overflow.  Blaze new trails, Beloved!

Questions:

1. What kind of pioneer are you?
2. Do you experience the all-pervasive joy of sharing Jesus?

Prayer: Father, be glorified in my life and let my joy overflow on account of You.  Amen. 

Hope Presses Us on to Our Joyful Reunion with Christ

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

Insights: Paul has such an amazing outlook on life.  His view of life being fruitful labor and his death being greater glory is wonderful.  In recent days I have read Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven.  I have also reacquainted myself with C. S. Lewis’ imagery of heaven from many of his books (including his fictional works like The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle).  The point being I am starting to understand Paul’s language more and more.  It may be because of crossing the forty barrier, I am not certain, but I am beginning, at a very rudimentary level, to understand my longing for my true home.  At the very same time, I am becoming more focused and convinced of my mission here on this side of eternity.  I am convinced, like Paul, I must continue on for the progress and joy of the faith with those the Lord has placed in my path.  And like Paul, I am beginning to understand the importance of such labor.  Even as I review what I have written so far, the conflict within me is very evident.  Yet, there is great peace in this position.  I believe verse twenty-one gives us the only way to express such peace in the midst of such pressing from both sides.  It reads, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Though it is not explicitly stated, the glory of Christ is the central theme of Paul’s conflict.  His life is like binoculars or a telescope.  In this crude illustration, Paul is taking Jesus (who for the illustration is far from the lost Paul is attempting to reach) and letting the lost look through his life as he makes Jesus appear larger and clearer.  Paul’s life is magnifying the presence of Christ before all who observe him.  Our lives, in this conflicted state of peace, are to do the very same thing.  Beloved, may you, like Paul, bring glory to God as you point people to Jesus.

Questions:

1. Are you longing for your ultimate reunion with Christ?
2. Does such a thought regarding your reunion bring you great joy?

Prayer: Father, thank You for my eternal home.  May I grow in my walk with You and have greater longing for our face to face encounter.  Amen. 

Hope is the Result of Joy

Scripture: Philippians 1:18f-20

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Insights: What do you do with a guy like Paul?  He was of such a singular mind that every thought and action he took was pointing him to that singular purpose in his life.  Such an intense focus brought about great joy in Paul’s life.  As a way of review, the singular objective of Paul’s life was the exaltation of Christ Jesus as he proclaimed the gospel to a lost world.  The result of such great joy was hope in Christ’s magnification and his future well-being.  At this point, we return to my first sentence.  What do you do with a guy like Paul?  Here is what I mean by such a question: Paul had great hope in his deliverance from his present imprisonment.  He viewed his deliverance in two ways.  One, he would be physically released because he would be vindicated when he stood before Caesar.  Two, he would be spiritually released because he would be condemned when he stood before Caesar and his life would be taken from him.  Either way, he was going to be delivered and either way he was going to exalt Christ Jesus.  Paul’s only prayer through either option was that he would in no way be put to shame for his faith in His Lord and Savior, Jesus.  He did not want any word or action from him to put a negative light on Jesus.  He desired to be faithful no matter what and to be a vessel of exaltation for Jesus.  For the third time I ask, what do you do with a guy like Paul?  If he is set free, he exalts Jesus!  If he is sentenced to death, he exalts Jesus!  If he remains in prison, he exalts Jesus!  In other occasions, he had been beaten, stoned, insulted and the list goes on and on, but he exalts Jesus!  What do you do with a guy with that kind of singular mind and focus?  Beloved, you emulate him.  Set your heart and life to such a purpose that all you care about is the glorification of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Live out of joy because you are sharing Jesus.  Know the hope of your future is secure in Christ.

Questions:

1. Do you have a hopeful outlook on your future?
2. Does your hope produce exaltation for your Lord?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the overflowing joy I have in my life.  Because of You and Your presence my joy produces great hope for my future.  May I exalt You in every endeavor You place before me.  Amen. 

Joy is the Result of Proclamation

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18e

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

Insights: The church of Rome, like so many churches today, was a church in division.  Paul knew the solution to such controversy was the proclamation of the gospel.  The following is a lengthy quote from Warren Wiersbe regarding the verses today and the conflict Paul experienced at this time in his life.  Wiersbe wrote, “Some preached Christ sincerely, wanting to see people saved.  Some preached Christ insincerely, wanting to make the situation more difficult for Paul.  The latter group was using the Gospel to further their own selfish purposes....  Paul uses an interesting word in [Philippians 1:17—selfish ambition].  It means ‘to canvass for office, to get people to support you.’  Paul’s aim was to glorify Christ and get people to follow Him; his critic’s aim was to promote themselves and win a following of their own.  Instead of asking, ‘Have you trusted Christ?’ they asked, ‘Whose side are you on—ours or Paul’s?’  Unfortunately, this kind of ‘religious politics’ is still seen today.  And the people who practice it need to realize that they are only hurting themselves….  When you have a single mind, you look on your critics as another opportunity for the furtherance of the Gospel.  Like a faithful soldier, Paul was ‘set [appointed] for the defense of the Gospel (vs 16).’  He was able to rejoice, not in the selfishness of his critics, but in the fact that Christ was being preached!  There was no envy in Paul’s heart.  It mattered not that some were for him and some were against him.  All that mattered was the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!…  Criticism is usually very hard to take, particularly when we are in difficult circumstances, as Paul was.  How was he able to rejoice even in the face of such diverse criticism?  He possessed a single mind.”  The single mind for the advancement of the gospel is the secret we learned about yesterday.  Beloved, my prayer is we all have that singular mind as we journey on this side of eternity.  May our lives bring glory to God!

Questions:

1. Are you able to rejoice in the advancement of the gospel, no matter what?
2. Are your motives pure in regards to your activity in regards to the gospel?

Prayer: Father, search my heart and tell me if there is any wicked way in me.  Let my motives be pure and genuine as I strive for the advancement of the gospel.  Let my heart rejoice in Your kingdom’s expansion..  Amen. 

Difficult Times Refine Us for Better Proclamation

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Insights: Paul did not view his imprisonment as a confinement, but rather as an opportunity for new advancement of the gospel.  Paul could have viewed his circumstance as this horribly wrong and unjust limiting of his personal freedoms.  Instead, however, he viewed his situation as God redeeming all of his events for His glory.  Four times a day Paul was given a new guard with which to be chained.  He had a captivated audience to share the love of Jesus.  Paul is in this particular prison because he appealed for his case to be taken before Caesar.  As a result he also had contact with officials in Caesar’s court.  If Paul had not been in this prison, he would have never had the opportunity to witness to these particular people.  He would never have had access to them.  God’s love for those guards and royal courtiers was so great He allowed Paul to go through this difficult time.  God was refining Paul and making him an even better evangelist for the sake of the gospel.  Paul’s imprisonment also encouraged other believers to spread the gospel more courageously and fearlessly.  What a testimony Paul had in the midst of this trying time in his life.  Warren Wiersbe writes in his commentary on Philippians the secret to such a dynamic life.  These are his words, “The secret is this: when you have the single mind, you look on circumstances as God-given opportunities for the furtherance of the Gospel; and you rejoice at what God is going to do instead of complaining about what God did not do.”  Do you see the difference in focus?  One is a woe is me mentality regarding the difficulties of life.  The other focus is, God what are You going to do to wow me today?  When we view life from this latter view point, opportunities for the advancement of the gospel come into play.  Beloved, live with the same single minded purpose as Paul did.  Advance the gospel no matter what circumstance you might be facing.  Let your life bring glory to God.

Questions:

1. What opportunities has God given you for the advancement of the gospel?
2. Are you allowing God to refine you in order to be a better proclaimer of the gospel?

Prayer: Father, I do not enjoy the difficult times you allow me to walk through, but I am thankful for them.  You mold and shape me in the crucible of life.  May I be transformed more into the image of Jesus as a result and proclaim You more boldly.  Amen. 

How to Increase Your Joy!

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,  so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of right

Insights: This entire week we have looked at the four elements that comprise this first road sign back to the journey of life in Christ and the joy He offers.  Today I will express what is actually happening when we do the four things we have discussed this week.  In other words, if we recognize our family and we pray for our family and we work with our family and we mature with our family, then our focus gets taken off of ourselves and placed back on Jesus and others.  You may recall last week me sharing with you about Mike Megginson’s sermons during our revival meetings.  One of the things Mike shared was regarding the formula of joy.  The formula goes like this: when we focus on these things, the four items we have looked at this week, it helps us to live the formula of joy out in our lives Jesus, Others, You.  All too often we get cluttered with ourselves.  In other words, we want it our way and we want our expectations to be met.  What ends up happening at that moment is focus shifts from a vertical position with God to a horizontal position of others.  When that shift happens, we begun to fuss and fight because our direction has gotten out of balance.  When we repent and allow God to restore our direction, joy is restored.

Questions:

1. Are you getting back on the road to joy in Christ Jesus?
2. Are you willing to share the gospel and watch your joy meter rise?

Prayer: Father, thank You again for the family You have given to me.  May our journey of life in Christ and the joy He offers be full.  Amen. 

Mature with Your Family

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Insights: The fourth aspect to this particular sign post to restore your joy is to mature with your family.  Paul desires for these Philippians to mature in love and specifically in two ways.  Paul wants their love to grow in real knowledge.  The only way we are going to grow in real knowledge is to spend time with God in His Word, the Bible.  It is vital for our health as believers to spend time every day with God in His Word.  It is from this meaningful time in the Scriptures that the second area in which Paul desired for these Philippians to mature is developed.  The second area Paul wanted their love to grow was in discernment.  Discernment is our ability to recognize the things of God verse the things of this world.  There are a lot of good things we do as believers, but they are often not the best or excellent things.  These good things sometimes distract us from the true things God desires of us.  When we are growing in these areas, knowledge and discernment, we will then be sincere and blameless before Christ.  The word for sincere here is illustrative of two types of tests.  One test is standing under light to expose everything clearly.  The second test is that of winnowing chaff from the wheat.  Being sincere means one has been tested by Jesus and been found blameless.  Paul is quick, however, to point us back to the true reason we are found blameless and it is because we are full of the fruit of righteousness.  This righteousness Paul informs us is not of our own doing but that of Jesus Christ.  Jesus’ righteousness in imputed into us and that is the reason we pass the test and are blameless.  Did you catch the two-fold process of this sincere and blameless life?  We mature in the Bible and discern the things of God.  The reason we mature in the Bible is because Christ imputes His grace in us.  It all happens because of God’s love for us.  Paul concludes this maturing process is all done for His glory.

Questions:

1. Are you maturing in Christ?
2. Are you passing the tests of your character and remaining blameless before God?

Prayer: Father, thank You again for the family You have given to me.  May we truly mature in our love so that we might have knowledge and the ability to discern what is of You, O Lord, and what is of this world.  Grow us to be sincere and blameless before You.  And may You be glorified as a result.  Amen. 

Work with Your Family

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Insights: The third aspect to this particular sign post to restore your joy is to work with your family.  There are two specific kinds of work being described in today’s verses, as well as, the motivating influence behind them both.  The first work is that of Jesus our Brother.  Jesus is working with us to perfect us for our eternal dwelling with Him.  In the sixth verse He promises to complete the work He has begun in us.  This perfecting is a three step process.  One, Jesus justifies us before God at the moment of our new birth.  Two, and this step is what Paul is referring to here in this sixth verse, Jesus sanctifies us throughout our remaining life here on earth.  Three, Jesus glorifies us the moment we enter into eternity with Him.  This final step is the ultimate completion of the good work He has begun in us.  The second work in which we find ourselves is that of being co-laborers with our brothers and sisters.  This work consists of spreading the gospel.  Paul expressed his feelings of love toward his siblings as he was imprisoned for the defense and confirmation of the gospel.  He continues the thought by telling these Philippian brothers and sisters that they are partakers of God grace with him.  He knows they themselves are out there in the battle field defending and confirming the gospel just like he is.  And because of this work Paul’s heart is overwhelmed with joy because of their labor in the gospel.  The motivator for these works with our family is found in the eighth verse.  What motivates this sanctification process and this evangelistic zeal is LOVE!  Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Christian love is not something we work up; it is something that God does in us and through us.  Paul longed for his friends, ‘in the love of Jesus Christ.’  It was not Paul’s love channeled through Christ; it was Christ’s love channeled through Paul.”  Beloved, let us love one another!

Questions:

1. Is Christ working His sanctifying work in your life?
2. Are you working with your brothers and sisters for the advancement of the gospel?

Prayer: Father, thank You again for the family You have given to me.  You are the One who purges my life of sin and produces righteousness in Christ Jesus.  May that perfecting work be experienced throughout my family and may we then serve You well as we spread the gospel.  Amen. 

Pray for Your Family

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-5

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.

Insights: The second aspect to this particular sign post to restore your joy is to pray for your family.  Remember, at this point I am still talking about your spiritual family, those who have received the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  The first part of this truth regarding prayer is to thank God for your family.  To get a better grasp of this thanksgiving in all of Paul’s remembrances, one ought to go to Acts chapter sixteen and read about Paul’s encounter at Philippi.  They were not all pleasant, but God has transformed them in Paul’s mind so he can rightly say he is thankful for them all.  The second part of this truth regarding prayer is to pray for the joy of the family to be full.  Friction has a way of destroying the joy of the family.  Friction is caused in one of two ways.  If one member of the family refuses to move (in essence says, “I have done my job, now it is time for someone else to step up,”) and at the same time the rest of the body is attempting to move toward a specific direction God has ordained, then friction is caused.  The second way friction is caused is if one family member says, “I don’t think that is the way we ought to be going,” and actively resists the direction of the rest of the body, then friction is caused.  The only way to restore joy and have no friction is for the entire body to be moving in the same direction.  This movement only happens when we are totally surrendered to the Lord.  The final part of this truth regarding prayer is to pray for clarity regarding your participation in the work of the family.  Paul tells us directly in the fifth verse that his family at Philippi was participants in the gospel.  We are also called to spread the gospel.  It is for this reason I challenge you to write down five names of those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and begin praying for them.  Pray also for the Lord to give you opportunity to share the gospel with them.  Pray for God to give you courage to do this very thing.  You will be amazed at how quickly your joy will be restored.

Questions:

1. Do you have some experiences with your family that are less than desirable?
2. Are you, like Paul, willing through prayer to change those memories into those of joy?

Prayer: Father, thank You again for the family You have given to me.  May You bring joy and direction of purpose to us in order for the gospel to advance and You to be glorified.  Amen. 

Recognize Your Family

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Insights: The book of Philippians has a predominant theme of one finding joy in the Lord.  Over the next many weeks we are going to explore this subject of joy.  The reason I believe the Lord would have us examine such a topic is because on this side of eternity we face all kinds of situations.  Indulge me for a moment as I attempt to write an illustration.  Our lives resemble road signs.  Some of us are traveling through the dangerous curves of life.  Others are experiencing construction zones.  Still others are facing detours in their lives.  And some have a green light and are traveling seventy miles an hour down the road.  When we are in the midst of these different areas of life it is important for us to remember and recognize from where our joy comes.  The book of Philippians is like a spiritual road map to get us back on the right road to experience this journey in Christ and the joy that permeates such a life.  So, let’s buckle up and start merging back on to this spiritual road and ask the Lord to restore to us the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12).  The very first place we must start in this spiritual car is to crank the engine and that is done by receiving the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.  There is unspeakable joy knowing one is a member of the family of God.  In today’s verses Paul starts off with a typical greeting of his in which he acknowledges those who are his brothers and sisters.  So, one of the first things that helps restore joy in our lives is to recognize our family, our true family in God.  Our true home, for those born again, is heaven.  Our true family, again for those born again, is this spiritual family.  If you have lost biological family members, then those who are spiritual family members are more your real family than those whose relation is bond by blood.  Paul wants us to know this most important starting point in this journey in Christ and pursuit of joy.

Questions:

1. Have you received Jesus as Your Lord and Savior?
2. Are you enjoying the grace of the family of God?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the family You have given to me.  May more enter this family by the grace You provide.  Amen. 

The Results of Revival, Part 2

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 32:1

After these acts of faithfulness Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and besieged the fortified cities, and thought to break into them for himself.

Insights: The final results of true revival about which we learned from Brother Mike was Satan is real, demons are real, evil is real and this life we live is in war!  There is no fairy tale ending waiting for us on this side of eternity.  So, how do we defend ourselves and fight back in this war?  Mike gave us four ways we respond to the battles in our lives.  The first way to respond to the battle around you is to be prepared.  This preparation depends on two things.  One, you must be aware of what is going on around you.  Two, you must be equipped to handle what is going on around you.  This equipping issue is why we need to know our Bible.  The second way to respond to the battle around you is to encourage others.  Encouragement is not dependent upon titles.  All those who are called by Christ Jesus are to be encouragers of others.  The reason is because there are going to be times we need encouragement ourselves.  The third way to respond to the battle around you is to remember who it is that fights for you.  We are called only to resist the devil, not fight him.  The Lord God is the One who does the fighting for us.  We live by faith and believe He is always victorious.  The final way to respond to the battle around you is to pray.  Desperate times call for desperate prayers.  Beloved, let us pray for God’s victories!

Questions:

1. What battles are you presently facing?
2. Will you follow the four-fold pattern for combating the wars of this world?

Prayer: Father, there are times I am afraid of the battles before me.  But I know perfect love cast out fear and You are that perfect love.  Give me the courage and strength to resist the devil and run to You because You are the only One who can do any real fighting for me.  I trust You Lord for the victory You will bring.  Amen. 

The Results of Revival, Part 1

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 30:26

So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.

Insights: Tuesday night we learned about three results of true biblical revival.  The first result of revival is JOY!  There is a visible expression of life change that results in joy being displayed before a watching world.  Mike reminded us of Nehemiah 8:10 which declares, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Where there is joy, there is strength.  One of the best ways to experience this joy is to remind yourself of all Jesus has done for you (This kind of sounds like a hymn – Count Your Many Blessings).  When we focus on these things it helps us to live the formula of joy out in our lives Jesus, Others, You.  The second result of revival is HOLINESS!  There is a visible expression for the things of God.  We will make drastic changes in our lives in order to be set apart for the things of God.  We will have a repulsive response to the sin in our lives.  We take steps to safeguard ourselves from sin that so easily entangles us.  One aspect of this holy life-change is our understanding that we are commanded to be holy.  It is not optional for a Believer.  The final result of revival is GENEROSITY!  There is a visible expression for giving to the expansion of God’s kingdom through His ministries.  Mike shared with us that nothing says more about our relationship with God more than our money.  Does your checkbook reflect a dynamic walk with the Living Lord?

Questions:

1. Does your life reflect joy, holiness and generosity?
2. Do you have a hatred toward sin as you strive for holiness?

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the life change You bring when I encounter You.  You fill me with joy and holiness and an overflow of generosity.  May my life bring You glory.  Amen. 

What Revival Restores, Part 2

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 30:6

The couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes, even according to the command of the king, saying, "O sons of Israel, return to the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that He may return to those of you who escaped and are left from the hand of the kings of Assyria.

Insights: The northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah spent just over two hundred years in division.  Related by birth centuries earlier, they were now allowing separation to exist in their relationships.  This portion of history comes to an abrupt halt when Israel is taken into captivity by the Assyrians.  There are a few Jews that still live in the former northern kingdom and it is to them we observe an olive branch of reconciliation being extended.  The third thing king Hezekiah did after the revival began was to restore relationships with his brothers of old.  Some of them accepted the offer and headed south to Jerusalem to worship God.  Others laughed and mocked Hezekiah’s offer and remained in an irreconcilable relationship with Judah.  Mike shared with us that this historical picture of restoration is what is being offered to us as well.  Real revival restores broken relationships with God.  He, God, is standing at our heart’s door knocking and seeking a restored relationship with His children.  Real revival also restores broken relationships with other people.  God calls us to obediently strive for reconciliation.  The two keys God gives us for restoration are the keys of humility and obedience.  We must humble ourselves and risk the rejection and pain.  And we must be in constant prayer for the Lord to change our prideful hearts as we obediently reopen the doors to broken relationships.

Questions:

1. Is there relationship you have that needs to be reconciled?
2. Are you willing to follow the two keys of humility and obedience in order to bring about restoration?

Prayer: Father, it is Your heart desire for Your children to be one as You are One with the Son and Holy Spirit.  May You bring unity to the Body of Christ and may genuine reconciliation occur.  Amen. 

What Revival Restores, Part 1

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:28

The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed.

Insights: Sunday night we were shown what real biblical revival restores – WORSHIP!  We can’t have real revival if we don’t have real worship.  Worship must be at the absolute center of everything we do.  Mike shared with us the two reasons for this truth.  First, God deserves our worship.  He IS God and we are not.  He displays His greatness throughout all creation.  He is the One who purchased our redemption.  His IS God!  Second, God designed us for worship.  Isaiah 43:7 reminds us, “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”  We were created for worship.  Every culture worships something and for most of them it is not the One true God.  They worship, however, because they were created for it.  The One who must be at the center of our worship is JESUS!  In the passage Mike preached yesterday evening, it was full of sacrifices being made to God.  Mike shared with us that all the animal sacrifices of the O.T. serve to point us to the one, final, complete, perfect, sacrifice that we now have in Jesus.  These O.T. sacrifices and Jesus’ sacrifice reveal to us that our sin leads to death and a sacrifice must be made in order to restore our worship of God.  Jesus paid such a price and we ought to worship Him unashamedly!

Questions:

1. Is there anything hindering your worship of God?
2. Have you come to the saving knowledge of Jesus in order for you to worship properly?

Prayer: Father, my heart desire is to have pure and undefiled worship for You.  Search my heart and reveal to me any wicked way that may hinder my worship of You.  Remove such iniquity and receive my worship and be glorified.  Amen. 

Where Revival Begins

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:5

Then he said to them, "Listen to me, O Levites. Consecrate yourselves now, and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers, and carry the uncleanness out from the holy place.

Insights: Little River Baptist Church is holding our revival meetings and praying that true revival will be brought down from our Father.  We have the joy and pleasure of having Mike Megginson, missions pastor at The Church on the Eastern Shore and former pastor of LRBC, preaching our services.  We also have Glenn Eubanks, minister of music at FBC Monroeville and former member of the group Truth, leading us in worship.  All this week we are going to examine the revival under king Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles.  To get the full scope of what pastor Mike shared I would encourage you to read 2 Chronicles 28 through 29:19 for today’s Thought by Scott.  It was king Hezekiah’s father, king Ahaz, that got Judah into the state of problem they found themselves.  He was a godless man who continually lead these Israelites into the deep waters of sin.  Fortunately, however, God brought revival through this wicked kings son, Hezekiah and in the start of chapter 29 we begin to learn the following four truths regarding revival.  Firstly, we learned that revival can begin with anyone at any time.  Some could have argued that Hezekiah was not the right man for the job, but revival never depends on having the right person.  It depends on us being the right person.  Secondly, revival begins with opening what has been shut.  In other words, if we have shut the giving door, the relationship door, the obedience door, etc., then it means we have opened the door to other dangerous things.  We need to reopen the former doors and ask for God to restore them.  Thirdly, revival begins with leadership.  Hezekiah called on the priests and Levites to return to their work.  Godly leadership is crucial for the vitality of the local church.  Finally, revival begins with cleaning house.  Do you have sin in your life that is making your spiritual house filthy?  Then you need to practice 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Questions:

1. Have you shut a door that the Lord desires you to reopen?
2. Are you willing to remove the filth from your spiritual house?

Prayer: Father, forgive me, for closing doors and allowing the putrid filth of sin to clutter my house.  Hear the specifics of my confession and cleanse me of sin, I beg.  Let real revival fall fresh on me.  Amen. 

The Solution to the Problem of the American Church

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1

Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence

Insights: Let me again thank James MacDonald for his influence for this week’s Thoughts by Scott.  If you would like more information regarding this solution being discussed today, let me recommend James’ book Vertical Church to you.  Today’s verse is the answer to the churches problem we have been diagnosing all week.  The “oh” of the verse is a declaration of passion.  Isaiah understands that if the next part does not happen, then there is no hope for Israel.  He is completely sold out to this ONE truth.  Everything about him is being moved in this direction.  What is that direction?  Being in the presence of God!  Isaiah prays, “that You [God] would rend the heavens and come down.”  Something is blocking us and heaven and Isaiah knows God is the only One capable of doing anything about it.  This week’s thoughts have been pointing to the thing hindering God’s presence—our self-centered sinfulness.  Isaiah is desperately crying out for God to remove this sin from our lives and come down and dwell in our midst.  Why is Isaiah so passionate about this One thing, because he (as well as you and I) have mountains in our lives.  Mountains make us feel small.  Mountains also make us feel like they have been here for a long time and will continue being here for a long time.  Isaiah knows all too well Who the mountain mover is and it is not him.  These mountains move at God’s presence.  So, what mountain is in your life presently?  Is it a health issue?  A decision that needs to be made?  An emotional situation?  A spiritual crisis?  The mountain can be anything, but the only hope we have to move this mountain is God.  So, what is required of us in order to be in the presence of God?  You are now back to the first word, “oh”.  You must have a singular passion for a relationship with this living God who sent His Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the World.  You need to grow in this relationship with Jesus by the Spirit He fills you with after you have received His gift of salvation.  You must repent of all your sins which hinder the growth of your relationship and finally you have to submit to His Lordship.  He rules, we do not!  His way, or no way!  This is the answer to the churches problem in America.

Questions:

1. Do you have a passion for the things of God?
2. What in your life needs to be rent by the Father in order for Him to come down?

Prayer: Father, forgive me, for allowing the daily pressures of life to push You to the side.  Stir within me a passion for You and Your glory.  Increase my hope in the reality that You are my mountain mover today.  Amen. 

Self-love is being Propagated

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:30-31

"An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?

Insights: The final problem which occurred in Jeremiah’s day was the people loved the false prophets and the earthly rule.  I have stated throughout this week that I believe the same problem exists today in the American Church.  I believe this is the only explanation for 6,000 churches every year closing their doors and 3, 500 people walking away from the church every day and only one out of ten ministers making it to “retirement” years.  How often throughout these Thoughts by Scott have I referenced James 4:4, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?  Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”  The sad reality is the church has become so infiltrated by the world system that we are choosing friendship with the world.  It is for this reason that Jeremiah said in that thirtieth verse, “An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land.”  Today’s thought is much shorter than normal because this final point is in many ways a recap of the previous three days.  I will say this, however, to leave you with some hope.  Just because I believe this is an accurate assessment of the average American Church, does not mean I believe there is no hope.  In fact I think there is a great deal of hope and that is what I am going to write about tomorrow.  Tomorrow I will give you what I believe the answer is to the problem of the American Church.

Questions:

1. Do you love the things of this world more than the Father?
2. If your life was on trial for your love of God, would you be convicted?

Prayer: Father, forgive me, for I so often fall prey to the trappings of this world.  Keep my heart at rest in You.  Amen. 

Personal Authority is being Practiced, Part 2

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:30-31

"An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?

Insights: Yesterday we started this conversation regarding us ruling on our own authority and how it has crept into almost every area of the American church.  As a way of illustration we began discussing the worship wars which have gone on for so long.  Let’s break down some of the components with which God Himself has already spoken regarding this issue.  God of the New Testament is the same God of the Old Testament.  If He declares a thing in the Old Testament, it is still valid in the New Testament unless He specifically addresses the matter.  The Psalms are the Bibles hymnal.  If we want to know about worship, that is the place to start.  First thing we learn about God’s desires regarding worship is He likes lots of instruments.  Ps. 150:3-5 reads, “Praise Him with the trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre.  Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.  Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals.”  Second, God likes it LOUD.  Psalm 95:1-2, “O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving.  Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”  One of my favorite stories regarding prayer is found in 2 Chronicles 20 and at the point the people trust God you find this verse, “The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel, with a VERY LOUD VOICE (vs 19).”  Even in Psalm 150, which we have already looked, God tells us to use LOUD cymbals.  We have come to assume that loud and lots of instruments are irreverent before God, really?  When God has called us to be loud and use them, then is it really irreverent?  Reverence is a heart issue not an ambience issue.  You, like me, may not prefer it loud, but we don’t have a voice.  God has spoken on the matter.  One last point regarding worship: God desires a new song.  We get caught up in singing the same songs every so many weeks and then we start over.  God declares in Psalm 33:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9, and 149:1, “Sing to the Lord a new song.”  He has spoken and His rule is all that matters.

Questions:

1. Do you desire to give God the type of worship He likes?
2. Is your life characterized as one of worship?

Prayer: Father, forgive me, when I offer You only what I like.  Help me grow into a worshipper that desires to please You and only You.  Let my worship be to an audience of One.  Amen. 

Personal Authority is being Practiced, Part 1

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:30-31

"An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?

Insights: In so many ways, the state of America mirrors the history of Judah before they were taken into captivity by Babylon.  Yesterday we looked at the mirror between prophets giving false prophecies to preachers preaching false doctrines.  As horrific as the first problem was, this second problem is even worse.  Jeremiah said the priests rule on their OWN AUTHORITY!  God forgive us for our arrogance.  Church leaders today often rule on their own authority as well.  One of the pathetic jokes about us Baptist is the Holy Spirit could leave the average Baptist church and no one would know it for fifty years because we are so efficient at governing ourselves.  We have allowed modern American business protocols to infiltrate the church to such an extent that we default to these comfortable ways of doing things rather than surrender to the Lordship of God Himself.  This faulty managerial approach treats the church like an organization rather than the organism it truly is.  Along the way we have come to believe the church is a democracy when it is reality a Theocracy.  There is only One who has the right to rule the church and it is NOT us.  Our authority and wishes have no business in the governance of the church.  For the remainder of today and tomorrow I am going to use the worship wars which have been going on for over 25 years, and sadly are still going on in some places, as an illustration of our own authority verses God’s authority.  I write this in an exaggerated way, but hopefully you will get the point.  We have churches that refuse to use instruments at all.  We have churches that use a full orchestra.  We have churches that only allow a piano or organ.  We have some churches unwilling to sing any song written before the electric guitar was invented.  And at the same time we have churches that sing song only written by John or Charles Wesley and Fanny Crosby.  I hope you get the point: who is making the decisions in each of these churches regarding worship styles?  Is God making the decisions or is man and his rule by his own authority making the decisions?  Sadly, man.  Beloved, it ought to be God.

Questions:

1. Does the Scripture stand as the authority by which you make decisions?
2. Are you one who hear the words of the Bible, but choose to make your own decisions?

Prayer: Father, forgive me, when I act as if I know better than You.  My personal pride so often hinders my walk with You.  May Your word truly be the authority by which I live my life and may it bring honor and glory to You.  Amen. 

False Doctrine is being Preached

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:30-31

"An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?

Insights: Before I begin, I owe a debt of gratitude to James MacDonald and his Vertical Church tour for revealing these truths to me.  6000 churches close their doors every year.  3500 people leave the church every day.  Only 1 out of 10 preachers will survive the ministry to “retirement” years.  Why is the church of America hemorrhaging so?  Verse thirty tells us there is an appalling and horrible thing happening and it is true for us today.  The first problem is false doctrine is being preached.  In the day of Jeremiah the prophets stopped saying, “Thus says the Lord!” and started saying whatever made people happy.  There is a pathetic story of king Ahab in 1 Kings 22 that I would recommend you to read, but in cliff note form, Ahab was about to go to war.  Jehoshaphat asked him if he had inquired of a prophet and Ahab responds, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, because he does not prophecy good concerning me, but evil.”  We in America are doing the same thing with its preachers.  We don’t like to hear sound biblical doctrine preached.  We want desserts only and no real substance in our preaching.  You may argue this is not true, then why is Joel Olsten’s “church,” I use that term loosely, the largest church in America right now?  The answer is because people just want to feel good and receive platitudes instead of the truth of the Bible.  What ends up happening is a church hires a preacher, and they don’t like what he has to say, so they run him off.  The hire a second thinking he will be better, but he is not, so they run him off.  Third time is a charm, but it is not.  At this point the church has lost so many members because every time they run someone off they lose bodies in the church.  Then they have this debt they cannot pay and finally the doors have to be closed.  And the preachers, after being run off several times, say, “I don’t have to put up with this kind of treatment,” and they quit the ministry.  This pattern is the reason for MacDonald’s statistics he provided.  Beloved, we must return to sound biblical preaching.

Questions:

1. Are you attending a Bible believing and doctrinally sound church?
2. Do you just receive sugar and sweets in your spiritual diet?

Prayer: Father, forgive us, the believers of a nation, for our desire of fluff and comfort.  As a result we have grown cold to the hard truths of Your word and become ineffectual at the proclamation of Your grace.  Soften and convict our hearts oh Lord.  Amen.