In Whatever State – Content Philippians 4:11

As Paul the apostle continued his letter to the Philippians, he wrote to them concerning times of worry, peace that passes understanding, things to think upon, following his example, and commendation for their care for him. In chapter four and verse eleven of his letter, Paul shares how he has learned to be content where we read:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

The verse begins, “Not that I speak in respect of want:” As a supplement to Paul's commendation for the Philippian church members' care for him, Paul insures they know he is not speaking “in respect of want” which means “because he wanting or impoverished”. In other words, Paul is not begging from them because he is in great need.

The verse goes on to say, “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” The reason Paul is not “in respect of want” is because he had “learned” which means to be “apprised, increased in knowledge, and informed” “in whatsoever state I am”, no matter whether he had abundance or penury, “therewith to be content” or “sufficient for one's self, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support, independent of external circumstances, or satisfied with one's lot”. Paul knew that his circumstances and situations would alter from time to time in his life, and he “learned to be content” no matter what came his way.

When we consider Paul's concern for letting the Philippians know that he wasn't begging from them, we once again see him considering the church members before himself. We will see in future verses why it was important that they know this, and still because of his words we are challenged to examine our own lives to determine whether we are “content” or not. Would we be determined “content” if we were examined? Are we “content” whether we have abundance or penury? We must keep in mind Paul's maturity in Christ Jesus as we read his words, and realize that he too “learned” to be “content” which means he didn't always know this state of satisfaction. While we ponder this idea, let us join together in prayer for ourselves and one another that we too will learn even as Paul “learned to be content” with whatsoever our lot may be.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians about his varying degrees to contentedness, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Your Care of Me Philippians 4:10

As Paul the apostle continued his letter to the Philippians, he included instructions for the church members concerning anxiousness, cognitive thoughts, and following his example in their Christian walk. In Philippians chapter four and verse ten Paul begins to share his gratefulness to the church members for their care of him where we read:

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.

The verse begins, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again;” Paul “rejoiced in the Lord greatly” as he wrote to the Philippians concerning their following his example because the church members ministered to him. We can almost picture the joy that came over Paul's face as he received the items sent to him. We recall from an earlier teaching that the reason for Paul's writing was because their pastor Epaphroditus came to visit Paul while he was in the Roman prison, and evidently he brought with him some gifts from the church. Paul said, “your care of me has flourished again” which means “to shoot up, sprout again, and grow green again”, and like a perpetual crop of abundant fruit, the church members of Philippi were learning to care for others.

The verse goes on to say, “wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.” Paul points out that the church members “were also careful” which is the Greek phrase “phroneō kai phroneō” and means “to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, and to strive for”, and although they desired to care for Paul, they “lacked opportunity” to do so. Oh what a wonderful example of a church caring for their minister is demonstrated by the church of Philippi.

As we think about Paul's commendation to the Philippians for their care for him, we can be inspired by two things. First, Paul “rejoiced in the Lord greatly” that they did so. Paul knew the Philippians' response toward him was as a result of their understanding and growth in their relationship with the Lord. Without their intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul would not have been high on the church members' priority list. Secondly, we can think about what the Philippians did. They cared for Paul in such a manner that he noted it, and he called attention to it by saying it “flourished again” which meant this was not the first time they ministered to him. This perpetual care of him was not only indicative of their care for Paul, but it also indicated their growth in their relationship with God.

Perhaps we will examine our own lives and determine how we care for our ministers. Would our ministers “rejoice in the Lord greatly” over our care for them? Would they say our care for them has “flourished again”, or would they have a difficult time discovering when we have blessed them? Maybe we have “lacked opportunity” to minister to them and will be inspired by the Philippians' actions, or perhaps we will learn that ministering to others is a direct reflection of just how much we have grown in our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Whichever the case, may the Lord Jesus be blessed by our purposing to care for others in His name.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians how he has learned to be content, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Do As You have Seen Me Do Philippians 4:9

As a continuation of the instructions for the church located in Philippi, Paul the apostle directed their attention towards times when they were anxious, and he told them the things about which to think such as things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. In chapter four and verse nine of his letter to the Philippian church, Paul tells the church members to consider all the aspects which he had given, shown and lived before them, and he challenged them to do the same. We read:

Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

The verse begins, “Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:” Four items of consideration are presented to the Philippians. First, the things “which you have both learned” which are things “to be apprised, to be increased in knowledge, to hear, and be informed”. Second, things they “received” or “to receive something transmitted or to receive with the mind”. Third, things they “heard” which means “to attend to, consider what is or has been said, to understand, perceive the sense of what is said” and Fourth, things which they had “seen in me” which means “to perceive with the eyes, to perceive by any of the senses, to perceive, notice, discern, discover”. Then after presenting this list of four, Paul simplifies what their response should be which is to “do”. The word “do” in the Greek language is “prasso” which means “to exercise, practice, to be busy with, carry on, to undertake, to accomplish, perform, to commit, perpetrate”. In other words after seeing and being a part of such a great example as Paul was, the Philippians were to do the same things.

The verse continues, “and the God of peace shall be with you.” As a promise to the Philippians for their obedience to “do” the thing they learned, received, heard and seen, Paul tells them “the God of peace shall be with you”. We remember that this is the same God who will give “peace that passes all understanding” as mentioned in verse seven of this chapter. This “peace of God” is given as a result of following the example which Paul set before them, not only in his teaching, but also in his very life.

We are told in the book of James in chapter one and verse twenty-two,

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

The same idea has been conveyed by Paul to the Philippians in this verse. If we are to ever demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ to others , it will be because we “do” the things which we have “learned, received, heard and seen” not only in the word of God, but also in the lives of others who live as examples before us. As we consider Paul's words, perhaps we should examine ourselves in two areas: First, do we “do” the things we have learned, received, heard and seen”? And Secondly, “Do others learn, receive, hear and see” the life of the Christian in our lives? May the Lord help us to “do” the things set before us, and live our lives as examples before those who come behind us in this life.

Next time Paul tells how the Philippians took care of him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Think on These Things Philippians 4:8

After giving the Philippian church members instructions pertaining to times when they worry, Paul the apostle moved the attention of the Philippians toward the things they think upon. In chapter four and verse eight Paul gives them a list of good thoughts they should be thinking. We read:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The verse begins, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,...” As a beginning thought to this verse, Paul wrote “Finally” which is the same word he used in chapter three and verse one, however, since the fourth chapter is the final chapter of this letter, this is the last “finally” that he employed. He then begins his list of good things to think upon with “whatsoever things are true” which is “loving the truth, speaking the truth, or truthful”. These are things that are “unconcealed and not hidden”. Next he moves to “whatsoever things are honest” which are “august, venerable, reverend or honorable” things. Paul then tells them “whatsoever things are just” or “righteous, observing divine laws and rendering to each his due”.

The verse continues, “whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;...” Paul continued his list with “whatsoever things are pure” which means “exciting reverence, venerable, sacred, pure from carnality, chaste, modest, pure from every fault, immaculate and clean”. Next Paul adds, “whatsoever things are lovely” or “acceptable and pleasing”, and he included “whatsoever things are of good report” which means “sounding well, uttering words of good omen, and speaking auspiciously”. These are things which are “spoken in a kindly spirit with good will toward others”. No doubt Paul had great interest in things which were pure, lovely, and of good report, and he desired that the Philippians think about these things as well.

Finally the verse says, “if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Paul once again employs the tiny conditional word “if” which allows for the possibility of obedience or disobedience, however in this case it implies “whoever or whatever” and refers to ones who would pay attention to what he just declared. He then adds two conditions. First, “if there be any virtue” which means “a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action,moral goodness, any particular moral excellence, as modesty, and purity”, and Secondly “if there be any praise” which is “approbation or commendation”. Paul knew that “if” there was going to be any moral excellence and purity among the Philippians, and “if” there was going to be any approbation or commendation at all among them, it would be because they “think on these things”. Therefore, Paul charged the church members with such.

Do the things we think about align with Paul's list for the Philippians? Are our thoughts on things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report? Would our lives be considered of moral excellence and worthy of commendation if people were to read our thoughts? Hopefully this verse has challenged us to examine our thinking, and when we think in the manner Paul instructed, we do well, however, where we go astray in our thoughts, let this verse be a reminder of where our thinking should be, and may the Lord help us to keep our thoughts as He instructed through His servant Paul.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians to do as they have seen him do, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Peace Passing All Understanding Philippians 4:7

As Paul the apostle wrote to the church located in Philippi, he gave them several instructions concerning their daily living. One of them pertained to when they would be “careful” or anxious about circumstances or situations. When times of worry came, they were to pray, make supplication, be thankful, and let their requests be made known unto God, and in chapter four and verse seven of his letter, Paul shares about the peace of God that comes as a result of following his words. He wrote:

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The verse begins, “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding,...” As a continuum to his guidance for worry, Paul tells the Philippians “the peace of God”is the result of praying, making supplication, being thankful and letting Him know their request . The “peace of God” is “a state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war, peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity, and felicity”, and in this case it refers to the inward state of an individual. This “peace” “passes all understanding” which means “rises above, stands beyond, or distances itself from” “the mind, judging, determining, the intellectual faculty, and thinking”. Where most people are troubled within because of their situations, the person who receives the “peace of God” is quiet and calm inside.

The verse continues, “... shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When a person receives the “peace of God”, Paul says it will “keep your hearts” which means “will guard the middle or central or inmost part of anything”. The heart essentially refers to the seat of emotions within a person, and when the “peace of God” is there, there is calm. Paul adds, “and minds” which is “mental perception, that which thinks, the mind, thoughts or purposes”. Even the very thoughts of a person who pours out his or her heart toward God when they are anxious have access “Through Christ Jesus” to have “peace” within their lives.

As we ponder Paul's words, let us notice that he says, “peace of God” which is quite different from “peace with God”. When we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we enjoy “peace with God”. Until then, we are in effect not at peace with the Almighty, and our lives are not in alignment with Him. As soon as we accept God's provision of salvation through His Son Jesus, we are no longer at enmity against Him, but have made “peace” with Him. However, this is different than having the “peace of God”. We may have “peace with God” because we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose from the dead the third day, and has provided eternal life through His sacrifice, and yet still be worried, anxious, and full of care within. In other words, there is no peace in our emotions or thinking. We might be troubled on every side. If we follow Paul's “prescription” for when we have times of doubt and worry, the promise to the Philippians and to us is that the “peace of God” will come in. Our lack of worry may even be interpreted by others as lack of care because our “peace” “passes all understanding”. God desires for us to rely upon His abilities to handle situations and circumstances that are beyond our capacity to change or repair, and when we “cast our cares upon Him”, His peace invades our souls and penetrates our thinking. If we want to be “at rest” within, let us learn daily to rely upon Him, and may the “peace of God” fill our “hearts and minds”.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians what to think upon, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Prescription for Worry Philippians 4:6

Paul the apostle gave the Philippian church members instructions concerning their day to day living in his letter to them. He told them how to work with the women in the church and to rejoice in the Lord and let their moderation be known unto all men. The Lord's return was near, and their lives were to be a witness of the salvation that is offered through Jesus' name. In chapter four and verse six Paul gives the Philippians a prescription for when they worry where we read:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

The verse begins, “Be careful for nothing;” The idea behind the phrase “be careful” is “to be full of care, anxious or worried”, and Paul's instruction was to “be careful for nothing”. There should be nothing in the church members' lives of which they are overly concerned. In the gospel of Matthew in chapter six and verses twenty-five through thirty-four Jesus shared concerning not taking “anxious thought” about such things as clothing, food, and drink, and Paul repeats this idea with the Philippians.

The verse goes on to say, “but in every thing by prayer and supplication”. Paul did not leave the church members with only the idea of not taking “anxious thought” about things, but he provided this solution or prescription for worry. He said, “but in every thing”, and by the way, when we see “everything” we know it means “every-thing”, “by prayer” which is “talking to and sharing with God” and “supplication” which is “need, indigence, want, privation, penury, a seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God or to man” we are to go to God with our worries. Basically “prayer” is talking to God about our worries, and “supplication” is intensive, pleading prayer for our concerns.

The verse continues, “ with thanksgiving”. Let us note as well that Paul encourages the Philippians to include in their prayers and supplications this attitude - “with thanksgiving” which means “thankfulness or giving of thanks”. Not only were the Philippians to make their pleas, but they were to do so with grateful and thankful hearts and minds.

Finally the verse says, “let your requests be made known unto God.” Paul wrote that the Philippian church members should “let” which again means “allow, permit, or to make known” their “requests” or “petition, request, or what is required”, and they were to make these “requests” “known unto God”. It was not as though God did not already know what they would petition, but rather by an act of obedience they were to submit these desires to God Almighty.

As we think about Paul's words in this verse, perhaps we have areas in which we worry. We might even surmise that the reason God saw it appropriate to put this verse in the Bible is because he knew we would be prone to be anxious. Because we feel that we cannot handle certain situations or are inadequate for some circumstances, we worry about them and think things like this, “What if this happens? Or What if that happens? What will we do if...? and on and on it goes. Paul has given us God's solution when we worry. First, hear Him say, “Be care-full for nothing”. Second, “in every-thing pray” and make “supplication”. Third, be thankful. Sometimes in the midst of worry it is good to sit down and make a list of all the things we have rather than focusing on what we do not have. Finally, “let your request be made known unto God”. In other words, we should tell the Lord what we desire. The answer He provides may or may not be as we desire, but at least we will have put our requests before Him. If we follow this prescription when we worry, anxious thoughts will fade, however, there is a wonderful promise that is given in the next verse that we will have to wait until next time to see.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians the result of their following the prescription for worry, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Moderation Philippians 4:5

Paul told the Philippian church to “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice” after instructing them to care for the women who were in their church. He began a series of these instructions which would be visible to those who were outside of the church as a witness of their relationship with Jesus Christ. In chapter four and verse five Paul tells the Philippians another way their lives would have an affect upon people around them where he wrote:

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

The verse begins, “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” When we see the word “let” we can think “allow, permit, learn to know or understand”, and in this case Paul desires for the church members' allowance to be toward “moderation” which means “equitable, fair, forbearance, mild or gentle” to “be known unto all men”. In other words they were to live their lives in such a gentle and equitable manner that others would notice them.

The verse goes on to say, “The Lord is at hand.” Paul gives the Philippians the reason they should live their lives in “moderation” - “The Lord is at hand” which means the return of Jesus Christ could be at any moment. Although Paul wrote this almost two thousand years ago, there was the expectancy that Jesus' return was imminent. There was no greater reason in which “moderation” living should be exemplified before others.

The premise behind Paul's words is to consider others as we live our lives. We become a witness of whom or what we believe by whether we live in “moderation” or not. As we think about the imminent return of the Lord, perhaps it will help us to examine our lives to discover whether this idea of “moderation” is prevalent in our lives. If it is, let us continue, and if it is not, may the Lord bring to our minds what it means to be moderate toward Him and toward others He places within our paths.

Next time Paul writes about what to do when we worry, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Rejoice in the Lord Always Philippians 4:4

After Paul the apostle gave instructions to the church members of Philippi concerning two women who were disputing in the church, “Clement”, his “true yoke-fellow” and his “fellow-laborers whose names are written in the book of life”, in chapter four and verse four Paul tells them the status in which their countenances in life should be. We read:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

The verse begins, “Rejoice in the Lord alway:” The word “Rejoice” means “be glad, to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, and thrive”, and notice within what they were to “rejoice” - “in the Lord”. Though their circumstances may have dictated a different response, the church members were to exhibit joy toward the Lord “always” no matter what they endured.

The verse continues, “and again I say, Rejoice.” As though one time of instruction was not enough, Paul tells the Philippians “and again I say, Rejoice”. We have previously seen Paul emphasize a point with the church members in Philippi by repeating it, and in the case of rejoicing, there is no exception.

It is interesting that Paul inserts this directive immediately after giving instructions concerning helping women in the church and following his directive to Euodias and Synthche to “be of the same mind”. Like a mother who gathers her disputing children together to have them live peaceably with one another, Paul brings the church members together and tells them to “rejoice in the Lord”. With their focus upon the Lord in every circumstance they face, there will be less time for disagreement, disputing, and focusing upon difficulties. Perhaps as we ponder Paul's directive to “rejoice” we too will be inspired to keep our focus upon the Lord rather than our situations, and when we do, the world will be given a witness of the power and glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ within our lives.

Next time Paul writes about moderation and the reason for it, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Yoke-fellows and Fellow-laborers Philippians 4:3

A couple of the women within the church at Philippi were having a dispute to which Paul exhorted them to “be of the same mind in the Lord”. In chapter four and verse three of his letter to the Philippians, Paul “entreats” those who were “yoke-fellows” and “fellow-laborers” with him. We read:

And I entreat you also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

The verse begins, “And I entreat you also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel,...” The idea behind the word “entreat” is “ask or beg“, and Paul uses “entreat” to address his “true yoke-fellow” which is a “consort, comrade, colleague, partner“. We are unclear as to whom this person is, but he or she is to “help those women which labored” with him “in the gospel”. As we can easily see there were women within the church in Philippi who were profitable toward the sharing of the “good news” of Jesus Christ. Though Euodias and Syntyche were disputing, there were other women who were to be helped in their efforts within the church.

The verse continues, “...with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.” Paul names “Clement” which means “mild and merciful“ “with other my fellow-laborers” or “companions in work or fellow workers“ to add to those who might help him. Paul knew these “fellow workers” in the church would assist him, and he identifies them as those “whose names are written in the book of life”. The “book of life” is mentioned in the book of Revelation over and over again. The following verses in Revelation include writings about it: 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 20:15, 21:27, and 22:19. There is obviously an advantage eternally for their names to be written in this wonderful book.

Do we have those in our lives to whom we would refer to as “yoke-fellows” or “fellow-laborers” in the gospel? Do we know their names are written in the “book of life”? Would we be considered by others as a “consort, comrade, colleague or partner” in the gospel? As we think about Paul's words, perhaps our attention should be drawn toward aligning ourselves with others who are in the faith for the help and promotion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was a great concern for Paul the apostle as he wrote to the Philippians, and as with the Philippians we have no better exhorter in the Lord than he.

Next time Paul tells the yoke-fellows and fellow-laborers what he wants them to do, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Be of the Same Mind Philippians 4:2

The letter to the Philippian church is filled with commendations, exhortations and instructions from Paul the apostle. After bringing the church members to the idea of standing “fast in the Lord”, Paul moves on to deal with certain particular issues within the church. One of them was a dispute between two women who were part of the church. We read in Philippians chapter four and verse two:

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

The verse begins, “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche,...” As Paul begins to work with this issue within the church, he twice employed the word “parakaleō” which means “to call to one's side, call for, summon, to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, to admonish, and exhort”, and then he named the two women who were having difficulties. The first was “Euodias” which means “fragrant” and the second was “Syntyche” which means “with fate”.

The verse goes on to say, “...that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” Undoubtedly “Euodias” and “Syntyche” were having a dispute because Paul calls for them to “be of the same mind” which is the Greek phrase “phroneo autos phroneo” and means “to have understanding or be wise”. Let us note also how they were to be wise, “in the Lord”. The idea was their lives represented Jesus Christ, and their disputing should be put away because of the superiority of their relationships with the Him.

We are not sure what this dispute between “Euodias” and “Syntyche” concerned. We only know they were in disagreement, and for Paul to name them, it must have been quite the display. Sometimes people have arguments and disputes within churches, and they need to be “called to one side, addressed, exhorted or entreated”. As we think about this situation, perhaps there are people who are currently in a dispute within a church we attend. If so, let us hear Paul's beckoning words to “be of the same mind in the Lord”, and let us continue to represent Jesus in a manner that is pleasing unto God. May the Lord help us to continue in peace before Him.

Next time Paul gives instruction concerning the women and fellow-laborers within the church, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Stand Fast in the Lord Philippians 4:1

Although we completed the third chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians with the idea of Jesus changing our “vile body” to be fashioned as his body some day, in chapter four and verse one of Philippians Paul completes his thought concerning how we should respond to such a wonderful promise. He wrote:

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

The verse begins, “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,...” When we see the word “therefore” in the Bible, we should always discover why the “therefore” is there for. “Therefore” is a conclusion word which means because of what was just said the following conclusion should be drawn. Paul names the Philippians “my brethren dearly beloved and longed for” as a affectionate phrase which notes Paul's closeness to them as brothers, his beloved, esteemed, dear, favorite, people worthy of love, and his deeply desired church members. He calls them his “joy and crown” which means “gladness and the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ: the crown (wreath) which is the reward of the righteousness”. Paul's relationship was so close to the Philippians that they were as family, and since he was the one who brought them the gospel in the first place, they were also to be the agents by which Paul would receive a crown of righteousness some day.

The verse continues, “ so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” After his affectionate terms for the Philippians, Paul gives them his conclusion-like charge - “stand fast” which means “to stand firm, to persevere, to persist, to keep one's standing” “in the Lord”. Because the promise is from the Lord that He will not only change their bodies and bring them to heaven with Him, there is no greater place upon which the Philippians could stand than “in the Lord”, and as though one phrase of affection was not enough, Paul calls the Philippians “my dearly beloved” one more time. Paul not only cared for the church members in Philippi deeply, but he desired that they put their full standing upon Jesus Christ because of His promises.

Where do we “stand fast”? Is it upon the Lord Jesus who is the strongest of foundations and gives hope of eternal life? Do we waver in our trust, faith and belief in Him? Oh “my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for” who read this blog regularly, there is no one greater in whom we may “stand fast”. It is Jesus who is the sure foundation, and it is Jesus who provides for us great and precious promises of not only the changing of our “vile body” but also giving us the ability to live with Him in Heaven forever. “Therefore” let all who read these words “stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved”, and may the Lord teach us how to love others in the same deep manner that Paul loved the Philippian church members “my dearly beloved”.

Next time we will see how Paul deals with two church members who are disputing, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A New Body Philippians 3:21

In contrast to the enemies of the cross of Christ's attributes, Paul the apostle told the church members in Philippi that their manner of living and destination was pointed toward heaven. In chapter three and verse twenty-one of his letter to them, Paul gives additional information by telling the Philippians what happens to the body of the Christian when he or she dies. We read:

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

The verse begins, “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body,...” Paul said Jesus “shall change” which means “change the figure of or transform” “our vile body” or “lowness or low estate” earthly “body” so “that it may be fashioned like” or “having the same form as another, similar, conformed to” “unto his glorious body” which means “a most glorious condition, most exalted state”. The body of the Christian will be made like unto Jesus', and therein we shall be in heaven with Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” In addition to his words concerning changing our “vile” bodies, Paul said Jesus will perform this “according to the working” which is the Greek word “energeia” and means “efficiency”. In other words, it is “superhuman” power by which Jesus works. Not only is He able to change our bodies, but “he is able even to subdue all things unto himself”. Though there are those who are in rebellion and live as enemies against Him, Jesus will “subdue” or “to arrange under, put in subjection, subordinate, make to obey or yield, and make subject” “all things”. Nothing and no one in the world will be able to resist His power.

When we think about Paul's words concerning Jesus' power to “subdue all things”, it should give us great hope concerning changing our “vile” bodies some day. The wonder as to why Jesus would do such a wonderful thing for believers in Him may be a mystery that we never unfold, however, through Paul's words to the Philippians we can know that this is His intention and purpose for all who trust in, rely upon, and cling to Him. Though there are enemies to the cross of Christ and their destiny is destruction, those who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord will not only have their “vile” bodies changed, but will observe when Jesus subdues all things unto Himself. May all who read these words not only understand but receive the promises within them.

Next time we begin the last chapter of the book of Philippians and see how Paul tells the church members in Philippi to stand, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Conversation in Heaven Philippians 3:20

The Philippian church members were told by Paul the apostle that there were “enemies of the cross of Christ”. These enemies had an end that was “destruction”, their God was “their belly”, their “glory” was “their shame”, and they minded “earthly things”. In chapter three and verse twenty of Paul's letter to the church, Paul contrasted the fate of the church with those who were it's enemies where he wrote:

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

The verse begins, “For our conversation is in heaven;” As Paul began his contrast for the believer's fate verses the enemies of the cross of Christ he used the word “for” which means “because or on account of”, and then he employed “conversation” or “the administration of civil affairs or of a commonwealth or manner of living” to describe their state. The manner of living of the saints of God “is in heaven”, and rather than having their attention focused mainly on “earthly things”, Christians have their focus on things above.

The verse goes on to say, “...from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” Paul goes on to add that the lovers of the cross “look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. When Jesus departed from the earth, the angels promised that He would return again. We read in the book of Acts in chapter one and verses nine through eleven:

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.

Therefore, in addition to being “heavenly minded”, the lover of the cross of Christ is looking for Jesus to return as He said.

As we think about Paul's words, would we consider ourselves “earthly minded” or “heavenly minded”? Do we find ourselves mostly thinking temporary thoughts or eternal thoughts? How long has it been since we have thought about Jesus' return, and are we looking for Him daily as Paul declared? Perhaps this verse will inspire us to consider our thoughts and ways, and may the Lord Jesus help us as we adjust our “manner of living” toward heaven, and our thoughts toward seeing Him who is the Lord of all.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians what Jesus will do for those who believe in Him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.