“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil 4.1-3).
There are many parallels between this passage and the one found in chapter 2.1-4. In chapter 2 Paul encourages them all to be of the same mind and spirit. He desires that they be in full accord. Chapter 4 may reveal why he emphasized these issues so much in the letter. Two women are at odds with one another, and their personal issues are affecting the work of the church.
Sometimes personal issues can influence our spiritual fellowship in Christ. Whatever disagreement these women had, it was causing them to not “agree in the Lord” as well. It is a terrible thing when we allow personal issues to influence things that are so much more important. When we follow Paul’s instructions in chapter 2 personal feelings and opinions will not become the center of disputes: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2.3-4). Rather than create problems over petty issues, we must save moments of contention for the times that really matter; for example, disagreements on the doctrine of Christ. Studying these issues will make us stronger. Fighting over opinions and feelings will devour us (Gal 5.13-15).
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Our Citizenship Is In Heaven
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Phil 3.20-21).
We are surrounded by political discussions on a daily basis. Friends at work, new reports, and signs all have something to say about what is happening in our country. These matters are important to a certain degree. We all enjoy the benefits and blessings that come from living in the United States. But this verse tells us there is something much more important than earthly things. Those who have no relationship with God put a lot of stock in this life. They want to be rich, live a luxurious lives, get plastic surgery to try to stay young and beautiful. This life is all they have, so it means a great deal to them.
On the other hand, God’s people are focused on “storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold on that which is truly life” (1Tim 6.19). God’s people realize this body is going to decay, but will one day, by faith, be transformed “to be like his glorious body.” The faithful know it is much more important to life a holy life, than a luxurious one. Although we may care about things in this world, because we live in this world, we understand that, ultimately, we belong up there, not down here.
We are surrounded by political discussions on a daily basis. Friends at work, new reports, and signs all have something to say about what is happening in our country. These matters are important to a certain degree. We all enjoy the benefits and blessings that come from living in the United States. But this verse tells us there is something much more important than earthly things. Those who have no relationship with God put a lot of stock in this life. They want to be rich, live a luxurious lives, get plastic surgery to try to stay young and beautiful. This life is all they have, so it means a great deal to them.
On the other hand, God’s people are focused on “storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold on that which is truly life” (1Tim 6.19). God’s people realize this body is going to decay, but will one day, by faith, be transformed “to be like his glorious body.” The faithful know it is much more important to life a holy life, than a luxurious one. Although we may care about things in this world, because we live in this world, we understand that, ultimately, we belong up there, not down here.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
That I May Gain Christ
“...That I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Phil 3.8-11)
Paul packed so much power into one sentence that it is hard to know where to begin, or how to explain the totality of his thoughts. But we will consider at least some of what he said in context with verse 8. He discussed counting all things as loss that he may gain Christ. Gaining Christ was not contingent upon keeping Moses’ law, or the traditions of his fathers. Paul explained this as being “a righteousness of my own that comes from law.” Declaring ourselves righteous or justified has little value. Imagine the defendant who stands up to leave the court room upon declaring himself innocent to the court. We know that is ridiculous. He is only deemed righteous when the judge proclaims it so. This is the idea of “the righteousness from God that comes by faith.” Upon receiving the blood of Christ, God declares us innocent of all charges. It has nothing to do with God transferring his righteousness to us, or any such thing. These concepts are not found in scripture. Being righteous before God has to do with our status before him. We are not considered guilty, because God proclaims us blameless through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul continued his thought by relating his desire to become one with Christ. He wanted his life to be in complete harmony with Christ’s: He yearned to know Christ, to fully grasp the implications of resurrection, to share in the reproach and shame --even death-- that Christ faced due to his obedience to God, and ultimately to experience the joy of resurrection by the glory of the Father. What he faced in this life was of no concern as long as he gained Christ. We must pray for that same attitude.
Paul packed so much power into one sentence that it is hard to know where to begin, or how to explain the totality of his thoughts. But we will consider at least some of what he said in context with verse 8. He discussed counting all things as loss that he may gain Christ. Gaining Christ was not contingent upon keeping Moses’ law, or the traditions of his fathers. Paul explained this as being “a righteousness of my own that comes from law.” Declaring ourselves righteous or justified has little value. Imagine the defendant who stands up to leave the court room upon declaring himself innocent to the court. We know that is ridiculous. He is only deemed righteous when the judge proclaims it so. This is the idea of “the righteousness from God that comes by faith.” Upon receiving the blood of Christ, God declares us innocent of all charges. It has nothing to do with God transferring his righteousness to us, or any such thing. These concepts are not found in scripture. Being righteous before God has to do with our status before him. We are not considered guilty, because God proclaims us blameless through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul continued his thought by relating his desire to become one with Christ. He wanted his life to be in complete harmony with Christ’s: He yearned to know Christ, to fully grasp the implications of resurrection, to share in the reproach and shame --even death-- that Christ faced due to his obedience to God, and ultimately to experience the joy of resurrection by the glory of the Father. What he faced in this life was of no concern as long as he gained Christ. We must pray for that same attitude.
I Count Everything As Loss
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ...” (Phil 3.7-8).
After his experience on the road to Damascus, Paul gladly gave up all the benefits and privileges that came from being who he was. King Manasseh may be the only other biblical figure who turned his life around as completely as Paul; however, there is no doubt that Paul had a much greater influence. If you feel like you are too far gone to receive God's grace, remember Manasseh and Paul.
Greek scholars like to point out the vulgarity of the word translated “rubbish” in our text. Paul uses a word most of us would not dare say in our own language (it has been tamed in translation for that very reason) to describe how worthless his past life was compared to the life he found in Christ. Whatever it is we think we are gaining in the world, it is not worth sacrificing “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” Many earthly endeavors are fine, and do not stand in the way of service to God. But those that do must be “counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” There are some things we just need to count as "rubbish" if we want to gain Christ.
After his experience on the road to Damascus, Paul gladly gave up all the benefits and privileges that came from being who he was. King Manasseh may be the only other biblical figure who turned his life around as completely as Paul; however, there is no doubt that Paul had a much greater influence. If you feel like you are too far gone to receive God's grace, remember Manasseh and Paul.
Greek scholars like to point out the vulgarity of the word translated “rubbish” in our text. Paul uses a word most of us would not dare say in our own language (it has been tamed in translation for that very reason) to describe how worthless his past life was compared to the life he found in Christ. Whatever it is we think we are gaining in the world, it is not worth sacrificing “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” Many earthly endeavors are fine, and do not stand in the way of service to God. But those that do must be “counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” There are some things we just need to count as "rubbish" if we want to gain Christ.
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