#Philippians4 - For Servants, Not Athletes

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Almost every verse or small group of verses in this chapter could be on a plaque or wall hanging. Probably the most well known of these verses is Philippians 4:13, which says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." The older translations say,"I can do ALL things through him…" This is a great verse, but I have heard it used mostly in the context of personal accomplishment. People have a difficult test, a big game, or a heavy workload, and out comes this motivational quote from the Bible to give us strength. Although that's nice, that is not what this verse is about. Paul talks about his work for the Lord, and how he can endure all things for the sake of Christ. This verse is not a message for us all to do well and be productive. This message is about living out our faith everyday and being content in any circumstance. As we love and serve others, we can trust and obey God for our needs, and we CAN get through anything. 

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Rejoice is a pretty big topic in this chapter, and really the whole Bible. Paul introduced it again in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, "rejoice always!" Mary rejoiced when the angel came. This is a good reminder for me. It's always a good time to praise the Lord!

3: What does this mean for my life?

I think I would do well to follow Paul's advice about making my thoughts focused on good things from verses 8-9. It's a good filter for me and my thoughts. 

4. Do I have any questions about this passage?

Normally I don't let myself settle for a "No" answer, but I don't really have questions about this one. 

God bless. 

In Christ,

Dan

#Philippians3 - Paul says "Poop" in the Bible

Philippians 3:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

It's true, if you look closely enough. In verse 8 Paul says, "I consider them garbage" (other translations read rubbish, filth, refuse). I did a little research and the Greek work here is skybalon, which means...you guessed it...poop. Blue Letter Bible defines it this way, "Any refuse, as the excrement of animals, offscourings, rubbish, dregs - OR - of things worthless and detestable." Now, it's not just the fact that Paul says "poop" in the Bible that was interesting to me. It's that he is using in a comparison. You see, after listing all of his credentials, all of his bragging rights, all of his trophies and awards and accomplishments as they relate to obedience in the law, Paul says that these things are like poop compared to "the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." To Paul there was nothing greater, or even close, to knowing that our identity could be found in Christ and that we could be made righteous through faith in him. Pretty cool.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In verses 12-14, Paul uses the example of a race to describe the Christian life. He says that we should press on, and strain towards what is ahead, toward the goal to win the prize. (Note that this language does not imply that we have to earn our salvation as a competition, but that living the Christian life requires perseverance and focus.) Another great passage that uses this race analogy comes from the book of Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 1-3. It says, "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus...so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." A lot of the same language.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

It is interesting to me that Paul shares the fullness of knowing Christ includes becoming like him in his death and participation in his sufferings. Jesus served others, and he did so even at the cost of his life. If I want to become like Christ, it is going to mean serving and sacrificing for others even at my own cost. Maybe I won't be called to physically die for someone, but it almost certainly will cost me the life that I might desire from a worldly perspective.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

When Paul says in verse 19, "We eagerly await a Savior from there [heavan]..." when was he expecting Jesus to return? I would love to travel in time and find out from the apostles when they expected Jesus to come back in glory. They almost all write as if it could be any day, and now it's been 2000 years. But I know that God is not slow as we understand it, and his ways are higher than mine. So without understanding, I'll just trust and be ready.

Tomorrow, we'll wrap up the book of Philippians with chapter 4. After that we'll do Colossians and be done with that on the 24th. Feel free to leave any comments you might have.

In Christ,
Dan

#Philippians2 - Shining Like Stars

Philippians 2:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

The whole first section, verses 1-11 are a great lesson in humility. I think what is even more interesting than just the description of humility Paul presents, is that he uses Jesus as the example. While Jesus was alive on earth (and even after he ascended), Paul was rejecting him and persecuting his followers. Now he not only believes in Jesus, but he is holding him up as the ultimate example of humility. If I had to paraphrase some of this text it would be something like this. "Jesus was God himself, but he always submitted to the Father's will. He served others rather than expecting others to serve him. He gave his entire life to service. Because of this, God raised him up to life and to the highest position and authority above heaven and earth. In one way or another, every person in heaven and earth will bow down before him."

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Verses 12-18 talk about how when we live humbly in this way, and do not complain or argue about our circumstances, we are going to stand out. That is not how the world lives. It uses the language of shining like stars in the universe? Have you ever been outside late at night when there are no clouds and every hint of sunlight is gone? Especially when there is no moon, the stars are beautiful like Christmas lights standing out in the night. This passage reminds me of two others that talk about how Christians who live lives for Christ will stand out in the world. One is from Matthew 5:14-16 in which Jesus publicly tells the disciples, "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before all men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." The other is from John 13:35 when Jesus is talking privately with the disciples and says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you show love to one another."

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I am just going to take the whole section entitled "Do Everything Without Grumbling" as a personal challenge for the day. It's easy to complain about circumstances. It's easy to complain about workload. It's easy to complain about the weather. IT'S JUST PLAIN EASY TO COMPLAIN. The challenge to be like Christ is to do things without complaining. That's going to be my goal today. If it goes well today (or not) it will be my goal to do it again tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that. :) I can think of a few people I know well who I have almost never heard complain, and it really does stand out in a good way.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I was just curious about Timothy and Epaphroditus, who were apparently traveling companions of Paul. When did they join him, and when did Ephaphroditus almost die? What were the circumstances. Was it on the shipwreck, or a totally different experience?

Those are my thoughts for today. Tomorrow will be Philippians 3, which contains my #1 very favorite Bible passage. So I'm pretty excited. God bless.

In Christ,
Dan

#Philippians 1 - A Matter Of Life And Death

Philippians 1: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Two words appeared a couple times, and though they seemed to be contrasting each other, Paul encourages us that both are part of living the Christian life. The two words? Rejoice and suffer. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Philippi from jail in Rome. He has already been on his missionary journeys, and he knows about suffering and being rejected. Regardless of the suffering he has endured, and the Philippians may endure for the sake of Christ being preached, he says, "..because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." I wouldn't necessarily think about rejoicing in my sufferings, but Paul does. That stood out to me.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

The first book I tackled with this blog was the book of Acts. It was the account of Paul's journeys on his missions. His long trial and imprisonment in Rome took place in Acts 21-28. It gives a little background to his statement in this chapter about being "in chains" for the sake of Christ. But there is another key verse that talks about rejoicing in suffering from the book of James. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

3. So what does this mean for my life?

The number 2 fear people have in the world (right behind Public Speaking, which is number 1) is dying. I think for many there is so much doubt about what comes next, or fear of judgment, that they are afraid to die. Paul gives us insight into his own approach to this in verses 20-26 by saying that in life, he can have fruitful ministry and advance the gospel message in the world. On the other hand, he even says that he desires "to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." Paul is not afraid to die, rather he is looking forward to it. However he does not rush death. Instead he has a really healthy desire to make the most of every opportunity he has here on earth to share the gospel, with a confidence that if death should find him early he will rejoice in the presence of Jesus forever. This verse has really helped shaped my own view on life and death.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

Paul was saying that some were preaching Christ out of selfish ambition. What would have motivated them to preach Christ other than advancing the gospel? Money? Fame? Paul says they were trying to stir up trouble for him, but I don't know how that would happen through their preaching of Christ.

Well, that's it. Tomorrow we get a lesson in humility from Jesus himself in Philippians chapter 2.

In Christ,
Dan