|
Philippians 3:4-9 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
RULES help you know what is right to do as they guide you to a good life. But be careful rules aren’t the source of your life. What do I mean by that? Look at Paul’s list of the ways he followed rules. He followed all the Hebrew laws as closely as he could. Some of those rules were from God. Some rules the Jews added to God’s law. It didn’t matter to Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. Rules formed his life. Then Paul learned one day he needed to enter into Jesus’ rule of love. In the power of Jesus, Paul’s mind was made new. He realized the old rules had kept him too focused on rules, and he could not see the true God. What forms your life? Are you a rule follower, “doing church” because it fits the rules? Or are you engaged with Jesus, “being the church” because the Lord of the church rules your heart? Do you say, “I’m supposed to do this at church and in my life.” Or do you say, “I get to do this with Jesus to serve him and my neighbors.” Yes, a Christian has rules to follow. Those rules are Jesus’ commands that point to loving God and loving others as yourself. To live in Jesus’ rule, love God. Love what God calls you to do. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Joy Link: Love the Lord, and you will love his rule on your life. Philippians 3:1-3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.
KING David prayed in Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Out of deep sin, David spoke a beautiful prayer of humility, submission and love to receive and live God’s truth. This is a prayer of faith to trust God’s redeeming power to wash us clean of temptation. Stop for a moment and pray this for yourself. We all need this confession and trust in our hearts. Based on Paul’s words to the Philippians, I believe Paul often prayed that kind of prayer for himself. With Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! Paul recognized God’s power to redeem, protect and renew. The church then and now needs to often be reminded God’s power to save. As Paul encouraged them, “It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again.” he demonstrated a steadfast spirit to repeatedly teach the gospel. He did so joyfully because the gospel is about cleaning our hearts and renewing our spirit forevermore. Foremost in Paul’s mind is not drudgery of ministry but joy in ministering. Even amid many challenges against the gospel, we all must constantly learn, know and speak the Bible’s truth with such joyful confidence. For the Jews, one significant change from the Old Testament to the New Testament was baptism replacing circumcision as an outward sign of faith in God. Paul tells the Philippians to ignore those who insisted on circumcision. It was no longer a covenant mark but a mutilator of flesh. Jesus had declared his mutilated body was the final example of flesh to be sacrificed in faith. Faith in Jesus is the New Testament. How does the church repel false teachings? Of course, it must be steadfast to continue teaching the truth. Paul knows the truth. He is joyful to steadfastly repeat it, so the church will remain firm for the gospel. Defending the truth can be wearisome. Perhaps your children or friends reject Jesus’ faith ways. Perhaps you are tired of speaking the gospel to those who continually deny Jesus. Be faithful, and be joyful in Jesus. Stand with confidence and peace. Know the Lord’s power. His reign is sure. Trust the Lord will clean hearts and renew spirits to his righteousness. Joy Link: Be consistent and persistent to speak of Jesus. Philippians 2:25-30 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
PAUL has just affirmed Timothy’s work. Now he speaks of another servant to the Lord named Epaphroditus. This is Scripture’s only reference to Epaphroditus. Still, in one long phrase (a trait of Paul’s writing style), we learn a good deal about him. He was Paul’s brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier in Jesus Christ. Epaphroditus was also Philippi’s messenger the church sent to take care of (Paul’s) needs. These are good things to know of someone, aren’t they? What better legacy can a man leave to his family and his church than to be listed with these godly characteristics? Let’s consider how Epaphroditus came to this place in his life. First, Jesus proclaimed the gospel. Then the Holy Spirit transformed lives to be born again in Christ. The Spirit also empowered the church to believe and preach the good news. The good news came to Paul to change him into a passionate apostle. Paul obeyed Jesus’ command to make new disciples. Paul went to Philippi, and God arranged for Lydia to meet the apostle one Sabbath day. The Spirit moved in Lydia to receive Christ. A church began in her home. And one day a new person seeking God came into that church. Or perhaps members of the church were evangelizing the gospel in Philippi. In the Lord’s plan, the Good News reached Epaphroditus’ ears and changed his heart. He became a disciple and grew in faith to love the Lord Jesus. Epaphroditus learned that loving God means serving him, even leaving your home sometimes to care for others. The church sent this messenger to care for Paul’s needs. In essence, Epaphroditus traveled to Rome to minister to Paul. He fulfilled his mission well. Paul and Epaphroditus grew to a close unity in Jesus. They became brothers in Christ, fellow workers and fellow soldiers in Christ. This work came at a cost to Epaphroditus. He became sick and almost died. But the Lord spared him. Now it is time to return to Philippi. Epaphroditus’ work goes on as he continues his role as messenger to take Paul’s letter to Philippi. Certainly, Epaphroditus will continue to serve the church as God directs and empowers him to serve. In this short scripture is a view of the church in action. God has moved. He forms a church. One member is highlighted. All the church is involved. The gospel is preached and lived through faithful disciples. We all are to be as Epaphroditus – a brother/sister in Christ, a fellow worker with others and a soldier to battle sin. In our gifts we are to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. What would change in your church if you looked at each other with this unified view? Joy Link: Fellow workers serving one another in Christ. Philippians 2:19-24 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. COULD you faithfully substitute your name for “Timothy” in this Scripture? Could your closest friend or someone you attend church with say, “There is no one else like (your name), who takes a genuine interest in others’ welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that (your name) has proved himself/herself, because as a child with his/her father, he/she has served with me in the work of the gospel.” Paul describes in Timothy a faithful partner who diligently submits his life to Jesus. Timothy seems to fulfill Paul’s teachings on humility and service because he looks after Jesus’ interest. You can insert your name into this Scripture if your mind is set to follow Jesus in his commands. You are Jesus’ partner as you look beyond personal limitations to realize “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26c) When you live especially for Jesus, you are a special person. In humility you recognize God’s favor is on you to serve Him. In response to your salvation, you help others know the gospel. Your life is a testimony of true teaching and faithful work to minister with your gifts. Yes, stop and think about this. God doesn’t need you to save people. You are surely not the one who saves. But is it not of surpassing joy to know that God would use you as His instrument of salvation? You are a tool in the hand of the Master Carpenter. God continually shapes His Kingdom one person at a time. In God’s favor, you have the opportunity to be a special kingdom builder! This is kingdom living. Yes, you can do it. Paul and Timothy were listed as workers on the Master’s active building list. This is the Christians’ call. Receive it and work in joy for your Lord. Joy Link: Kingdom builders work with the King. Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
WHO is the person whose name you honor, the one whose name causes you to think, “Oh, yes! He/She is the one I hope to be as someday.” Do you ever answer, “Jesus Christ”? Why is the name Jesus so worthy of honor? There are many people in the world named Jesus. Why would we worship the name? In effect, Paul is not calling us to worship the name “Jesus” as it stands alone. We are, instead, to worship the name of Jesus when we confess Jesus is the Savior, who came to earth. As Paul wrote of Jesus’ humility in the previous verses, “Jesus” points to the humble, servant Lord God, who lived and died on earth to redeem sin. Paul then concludes, Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. “Jesus” means Savior, and he is most worthy of worship. There is more. “Jesus” also points to God as the end-time judge. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. When we hear “Jesus”, then, we must bow to our majestic, holy God. He is eternal. He is Life. Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth…7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. How do you respond to “Jesus”? Do you hear the Savior’s name and think, “I’ll get to Him later.” Do you pray to Jesus, and wonder, “Does He care?” Are you hearing Jesus’ commands and asking, “Is He talking to me?” Do you look at Jesus on the cross and say, “Must have been awful.” Paul’s words are a sharp reminder to us to worship the Lord of Heaven. There is no other name in Heaven and earth greater than the name of Jesus, who is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Bow to him and live in peace. Joy Link: Jesus is your eternal Lord. Philippians 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
WHEN someone teaches you, especially regarding certain rules of behavior, what is a really good way for you to learn? It helps, doesn’t it, when you have a real-life example to follow. You know how to be a good teacher as you remember the good teachers in your life. A good worker helps you learn to work. A loving parent points you to the ways of love. Someone’s good way of life gives you a good lifeway to travel, doesn’t it? In our faith walk, Jesus, of course, is our ultimate life example. He came to earth as a man to personally demonstrate who God is to His creation. As Paul urged the church at Philippi to have a mind of humility, he pointed to the most true, life-giving humility in the costly sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. With absolute conviction, Paul writes, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Oh yes, Jesus died on a cross for you! You’ve heard that haven’t you? Then know in your heart, the Son of God even separated himself from God’s eternal nature to die for you. Jesus let go of eternity to bring you into eternity. Such wonder! Such love! God did this work, even though we do not deserve such magnificent, unrelenting love. Does Jesus’ humility humble you? What’s your response when a friend, a spouse or a stranger does something nice for you? I hope you don’t assume you deserve such treatment. I hope you are grateful and see it as God’s gift to you. I hope you are willing to repeat that kindness to others. Be as Jesus. Live in his humility. Know the Christ is your example. Joy Link: Jesus’ humility is your life’s pattern. Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
“COMPLETE my joy,” Paul wrote. When you consider the circumstances in which Paul wrote these words, this is a very Jesus-centered sentence. Joy could easily have been the last thing on Paul’s mind. He was imprisoned in a house in Rome, chained to a Roman guard 24/7. It had been nearly five years since he had been free! How could Paul say, “Complete my joy.” from prison? Paul could express his joy and anticipate more joy because he has said, “Yes.” to Jesus’ joy invitation recorded in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” Lovingly and joyfully Paul encouraged the Philippians to Jesus-centered, Spirit-powered lives as they “in humility count others more significant than (themselves).” You know about humility, don’t you? Humility shows up when you make room for others’ opinions. You’ll find humility when you put others’ needs before yours. Humility really comes into the open, too, when you put Jesus above and before you. Humility brings people together in a common purpose, and humility is a central value to live in love for one another in Jesus’ love. Be humble. Center your life on Jesus’ words and his humble life. Doing so will make your joy more complete within you. Joy Link: Centering on Jesus takes you off center stage. Philippians 1:29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
THERE’S this lie in the Christian culture that says, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” I don’t know where that thought began. Or wait! I do know it’s origin. Because of sin, we have this dim view of God. We cannot possibly acutely see that a loving God would desire we would suffer for Him. “Certainly,” people say, “God doesn’t give you suffering and disappointments! They are more than you can handle.” But that’s not true. These false teachings come because we do not believe God directs suffering and trials to the purpose of His will. But think of this. How is it possible Jesus has saved you? Do you remember how Jesus suffered horribly for you? 1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. Your spiritual eyes must see that Jesu’ suffering is to accomplish God’s will is done on earth. God certainly does take us into trials to his glory. Read the testimonies of Christians who have suffered horribly for Jesus, and you will hear the evidence of God’s magnificent love. Faithfully entering into circumstances we can’t handle on our own opens our souls to more deeply know God. Consider, also, Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Jesus clearly said His followers would get more than they could handle daily. Discipleship is cross work! It’s serving, suffering and even dying as the Lord will call. And more, Jesus gives you these cross-bearing words in Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Christ-following requires you get more than you can handle. Yes, He gives you more and more and more until you know the Holy Spirit is your strength. 1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Joy Link: Get Jesus, and get a handle on joy. Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
ONE reason Jesus established his church was to form a confident body of determined, faithful people who would strive together to learn, to live and to preach the gospel. The church’s main purposes include worship and discipleship, growing the kingdom of God throughout the earth. Jesus certainly knew that a church united in their faith in HIm would be a powerful, world-changing force. That meant in Paul’s time and throughout the centuries the church would need to stand firm against constant opposition. Mankind’s sinful nature would attempt to destroy the church just as people attempted to destroy Jesus. Are we, the church, standing firm or feeble? The fact that there is a church today expanding across the globe tells us many of God’s people are firmly with Jesus. From generation upon generation, across the globe, countless attacks have threatened the church. But in God’s power, Jesus’ passionate and purposeful disciples have firmly stood against these persecutions. The church worships and disciples God’s people to the nations. Sadly, though, there have been and are too many circumstances where churches have become feeble against the opposition. Or worse, threats from within the church have been very destructive. When Jesus is no longer at the center of his church, mankind’s ways, the church has declined and even disappeared. What happens? In short, Jesus is put aside. Too often, it seems, there is too little expectation and desire to experience God’s power in our daily lives. We spend very little time understanding the Bible. Short study time – if any – and short sermons are preferred. “Let’s get it done and go on.” is a mindset that limits our lives to disregard much of what we read and hear. We find ourselves focused on too many things that take us away from Jesus’ pathway. One cannot stand firm when he walks on sandy ground. Matthew 7:26-27 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Standing firm, then, begins with taking time to know an receive the Bible’s teachings. Knowledge of God leads to faith in God. Faith in God in all circumstances – even severe persecution – leads to strong stands for the Lord God Almighty. Stand firm. Boldly live and declare Jesus’ gospel to defeat sin. Pray that your church is firm for Jesus. Pray that you are firm and will faithfully live for your Lord. Joy Link: Firm begins with faith. Philippians 1:25-26 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
POWER comes from Paul’s words. He is a man on a mission. The apostle in prison is confident of this. He knows he shall remain. Paul will continue with all for (their) progress and joy of faith. These words would be easy if one were the leader of a country or given authority to do as he pleased. But Paul is at the mercy of a pagan government. He has just expressed a spiritual challenge. Some doubts of his purpose seemed to surface as he languished under Roman guard. A passionate man such as Paul, who purposefully pursues Jesus, could live in despair of his restrictions. But Paul moved past the despair to be confident in his Lord. He remembered his call to the gospel was God’s hand upon him. His physical circumstance was a limited prison house. But his spiritual reality was unlimited faith in Christ Jesus. Centered on Jesus, he saw beyond the prison house to joyfully focus on the work God purposed for him. Joy will fill your life, too, when you understand your purpose as Jesus’ disciple. Joy generates new passion. Look beyond your limitations. We all have them. Then grasp the Lord’s ever-expanding love for you. Your mind will open to realize it his power, not yours, that moves you forward. Despair and uncertainty disappear when you are grateful for opportunities to minister God’s grace. Remember, Jesus said in John 15:10-11 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. This is what Paul was doing. He was remaining in Jesus’ love. He was obeying Jesus’ commands. He was living in complete joy. Joy Link: Remain in your joyful Lord. |
AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed