Philippians 4:21-23
Greet and greetings are the two repeated words. Basically this contains a list of people who send greetings to the church in Philippi. I wonder if the greeting that they use is found in verse 23: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. This is a variation of the greeting that Paul puts at the beginning of his letters: grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. So much more meaningful than, "Hey. How's it goin?" Can you imagine how people would respond if we started greeting people that way? I think the modern variation that I like the best is simply "peace". This goes back to pronouncing blessings: rather than just a simple "God bless" (which is meaningful), Paul always found a way to specifically bless certain people.
The other phrase that captures my attention is "those who belong to Caesar's household". In a few short years, the message of the kingdom has spread from a handful of rough fishermen and tax collectors to the very halls of Caesar's palace. This reminds me of the parable that Jesus told about the yeast hidden in the bread dough - it works under the surface, almost subversively, but you never know where you are going to see the evidence of it and you can bet that it's influence is great than you could ever imagine.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
the secret
Philippians 4:10-20
No surprise - the word rejoice shows up in this passage. Paul is talking about the monetary gift that he received from the church in Philippi which also reminds him of their faithfulness in sending him financial support through out his ministry - sometimes they were the only ones to support him. The tone of this passage is peace (which ties to the previous verses), joy (which ties to the whole book) and contentment.
There is a book/movement out there called "The Secret" which basically says that the Universe responds to our desires and if we ask, believe, receive properly we will get whatever we want (oif course I'm simplifying their belief for the sake of brevity - I think I've captured the essence of it). Paul has a different take on the secret: instead of always wanting and demanding things of the universe or of God or of people, he's learned the secret of being content no matter what circumstances he finds himself in. This seems like a much better way to live - not tied to material things, not tied to unfulfilled desires but just peace and contentment no matter what the I have or don't have. Paul says that the secret to contenment is trusting the One who empowers us to do all things and aligning ourselves with His values, desires and goals for this world. He then reminds his audience that God will meet all our needs (not wants) in order to bring glory to himself.
Paul's desire has become: to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. This desire will be met because it is also God's desire. I pray that my heart will be transformed from seeking glory and things for myself to desiring only and simply the glory of God. That's the secret of contemtment - as long as God is glorified, I will be happy (may that be true).
No surprise - the word rejoice shows up in this passage. Paul is talking about the monetary gift that he received from the church in Philippi which also reminds him of their faithfulness in sending him financial support through out his ministry - sometimes they were the only ones to support him. The tone of this passage is peace (which ties to the previous verses), joy (which ties to the whole book) and contentment.
There is a book/movement out there called "The Secret" which basically says that the Universe responds to our desires and if we ask, believe, receive properly we will get whatever we want (oif course I'm simplifying their belief for the sake of brevity - I think I've captured the essence of it). Paul has a different take on the secret: instead of always wanting and demanding things of the universe or of God or of people, he's learned the secret of being content no matter what circumstances he finds himself in. This seems like a much better way to live - not tied to material things, not tied to unfulfilled desires but just peace and contentment no matter what the I have or don't have. Paul says that the secret to contenment is trusting the One who empowers us to do all things and aligning ourselves with His values, desires and goals for this world. He then reminds his audience that God will meet all our needs (not wants) in order to bring glory to himself.
Paul's desire has become: to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. This desire will be met because it is also God's desire. I pray that my heart will be transformed from seeking glory and things for myself to desiring only and simply the glory of God. That's the secret of contemtment - as long as God is glorified, I will be happy (may that be true).
Monday, April 28, 2008
the peace of God from the God of peace
Philippians 4:4-9
Key words: rejoice, peace (which is a recurring theme in these verses as well). This passage contains a list of things to think about: whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, etc.
Paul is saying that we should rejoice, no matter what the circumstances because we can present our requests and burdens to God. When we do that, the peace of God covers us which allows us not to focus on things that are discouraging but to think on things that are right, pure, etc. As we follow Paul's teaching and example, we will experience the presence of God. Paul started this letter by rejoicing that the gospel was being preached and ends by encouraging his readers (twice) to rejoice.
This passage reminds me that God is the God of peace and that the peace of God is something I need to experience in my life. I get so stressed, so anxious, so burdened with everything that I think I need to keep juggling and I wonder how I am going to keep all those balls in the air. The cure is simple: rejoice and pray. Rejoice that I have the God of peace as my Father and that he is near. Rejoice that the God of peace hears my prayers and will pour out his peace on me. Ask God for strength to carry the load that HE has placed on me and wisdom to know which parts I have placed on myself or allowed others to place on me. Then ask for discernment in how to off-load those things that aren't part of HIS calling. Peace be with you!
Key words: rejoice, peace (which is a recurring theme in these verses as well). This passage contains a list of things to think about: whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, etc.
Paul is saying that we should rejoice, no matter what the circumstances because we can present our requests and burdens to God. When we do that, the peace of God covers us which allows us not to focus on things that are discouraging but to think on things that are right, pure, etc. As we follow Paul's teaching and example, we will experience the presence of God. Paul started this letter by rejoicing that the gospel was being preached and ends by encouraging his readers (twice) to rejoice.
This passage reminds me that God is the God of peace and that the peace of God is something I need to experience in my life. I get so stressed, so anxious, so burdened with everything that I think I need to keep juggling and I wonder how I am going to keep all those balls in the air. The cure is simple: rejoice and pray. Rejoice that I have the God of peace as my Father and that he is near. Rejoice that the God of peace hears my prayers and will pour out his peace on me. Ask God for strength to carry the load that HE has placed on me and wisdom to know which parts I have placed on myself or allowed others to place on me. Then ask for discernment in how to off-load those things that aren't part of HIS calling. Peace be with you!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
"my true companion"
Philippians 4:1-3
Paul uses some pretty extreme language to describe how much he loves the church at Philippi: my joy, my crown, dear friends, those whom I love and long for. It's obvious that this church holds a very special place in his heart. That's why it must grieve him so much that Euodia (is that the Greek form of Yoda?) and Syntyche were causing divisions.
Paul gives three instructions: stand firm, be of the same mind in the Lord (Euodia and Syntyche especially), and to help these two women reach unity in mind. Unity was hugely important to Paul, possibly because any disunity would provide a crack for Satan to pick at to destroy a church and people's faith and possibly because, according to Ephesians, unity displays the wisdom of God to the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms.
These instructions could be given today: stand firm - don't give up, don't give in, don't stray from the truth and keep striving after righteousness and sanctification. I think that because we are a fast-food society, we're not willing to put much effort into anything - if we don't see instant results, we give up and move on. The problem is that our sanctification is going to take a long time and the results may be minimal (if noticeable at all) in the short term. We can't give up! We must stand firm.
The question I have is: who is Paul's "true companion"? The NIV text note says that it is probably a guy whose name is Syzgus (which means "companion"). But that seems a bit strange to me that Paul would introduce this loyal or true guy that we've never heard of before. Not impossible, but you'd think if he meant that much to Paul his name would appear elsewhere.
Paul uses some pretty extreme language to describe how much he loves the church at Philippi: my joy, my crown, dear friends, those whom I love and long for. It's obvious that this church holds a very special place in his heart. That's why it must grieve him so much that Euodia (is that the Greek form of Yoda?) and Syntyche were causing divisions.
Paul gives three instructions: stand firm, be of the same mind in the Lord (Euodia and Syntyche especially), and to help these two women reach unity in mind. Unity was hugely important to Paul, possibly because any disunity would provide a crack for Satan to pick at to destroy a church and people's faith and possibly because, according to Ephesians, unity displays the wisdom of God to the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms.
These instructions could be given today: stand firm - don't give up, don't give in, don't stray from the truth and keep striving after righteousness and sanctification. I think that because we are a fast-food society, we're not willing to put much effort into anything - if we don't see instant results, we give up and move on. The problem is that our sanctification is going to take a long time and the results may be minimal (if noticeable at all) in the short term. We can't give up! We must stand firm.
The question I have is: who is Paul's "true companion"? The NIV text note says that it is probably a guy whose name is Syzgus (which means "companion"). But that seems a bit strange to me that Paul would introduce this loyal or true guy that we've never heard of before. Not impossible, but you'd think if he meant that much to Paul his name would appear elsewhere.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Christian models
Philippians 3:17-21
Paul continues his thought from the previous paragraph: we should all forget what is behind and strain to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of us. Then Paul says that if the reader doesn't know how to do that to look at Paul's own example or the example of someone else who is living in that same way. The urgency of Paul's imperative is that by not living in this way, the reader risks being an enemy of the cross who is destined for destruction.
The characteristics of an enemy of the cross are that their god is their stomach - I think this means that they give in to their basic, animal instincts and have no self-control but indulge in glutony, sexual immorality, greed, etc. Their mantra is likely: if it feels good, do it. They have no thought for eternity but live completely in and for the moment. Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven and so we should have a point of view that extends beyond the present and live according to that.
There is no sense of Paul gloating about the destruction of the enemies of the cross. On the contrary, just the idea that there are those opposed to Christ and therefore destined for destruction causes tears to come to Paul's eyes. I know that I hdon't have that same heart-felt response. I think there are two reasons: I have allowed hell to be a theological belief and not allowed myself to really think about or comprehend what it means in reality and I have isolated myself relationally and emotionally from people who don't know Jesus which makes me callous to the fact that my neighbours are destined for destruction. As I think about it, there is a third reason: Paul's tears may come from the fact that he has a deep love for people but I believe that love for people is motivated by his love for God and his passionate desire for the glory of God. I think he has grasped the heart of God when it comes to enemies of the cross: it is sad because they are destined for destruction but also because they are minimizing the most beautiful expression of God's love for them.
My prayer? Simply that God would awaken my senses to the reality of the destruction that awaits those who live as if there is no eternity, that he would give me eyes to see people they way that he sees them and a heart to love them the way that he loves them, that he would remind me again of the glory of the cross and the deep insult that the enemies of the cross make when they live as if it never happened. I also pray that God would show me who is living like Paul in this regard so that I can model my life after them.
Paul continues his thought from the previous paragraph: we should all forget what is behind and strain to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of us. Then Paul says that if the reader doesn't know how to do that to look at Paul's own example or the example of someone else who is living in that same way. The urgency of Paul's imperative is that by not living in this way, the reader risks being an enemy of the cross who is destined for destruction.
The characteristics of an enemy of the cross are that their god is their stomach - I think this means that they give in to their basic, animal instincts and have no self-control but indulge in glutony, sexual immorality, greed, etc. Their mantra is likely: if it feels good, do it. They have no thought for eternity but live completely in and for the moment. Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven and so we should have a point of view that extends beyond the present and live according to that.
There is no sense of Paul gloating about the destruction of the enemies of the cross. On the contrary, just the idea that there are those opposed to Christ and therefore destined for destruction causes tears to come to Paul's eyes. I know that I hdon't have that same heart-felt response. I think there are two reasons: I have allowed hell to be a theological belief and not allowed myself to really think about or comprehend what it means in reality and I have isolated myself relationally and emotionally from people who don't know Jesus which makes me callous to the fact that my neighbours are destined for destruction. As I think about it, there is a third reason: Paul's tears may come from the fact that he has a deep love for people but I believe that love for people is motivated by his love for God and his passionate desire for the glory of God. I think he has grasped the heart of God when it comes to enemies of the cross: it is sad because they are destined for destruction but also because they are minimizing the most beautiful expression of God's love for them.
My prayer? Simply that God would awaken my senses to the reality of the destruction that awaits those who live as if there is no eternity, that he would give me eyes to see people they way that he sees them and a heart to love them the way that he loves them, that he would remind me again of the glory of the cross and the deep insult that the enemies of the cross make when they live as if it never happened. I also pray that God would show me who is living like Paul in this regard so that I can model my life after them.
Monday, April 21, 2008
don't look back...
Philipians 3:12-14
The key word is take hold or obtain: Paul has not yet taken hold of knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection and sharing in his sufferings (the previous paragraph). The key phrase is forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
This paragraph is a comfort to me because it would be easy to get discouraged if Paul had just stopped at the previous paragraph. He lays out the ideal: achieving the righteousness that comes by faith, knowing Christ, knowing the power of his resurrection (and I'm pretty sure that the word knowing here doesn't mean having information that would allow me to pass a test on Christian beliefs but that it means having first hand knowledge or experiencing) and sharing in his suffering. I know that I don't come anywhere close to the ideal but I am pressing on to take hold of it.
The phrase that captures my attention is "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of me." In other words, Christ's purpose for Paul's life is more than just being rescued from hell. Christ's purpose is that Paul would experience Christ, his resurrection, etc. Paul was not going to be satisfied until he took hold of that. I pray that I would have a holy disatisfaction with my present level of faith and experience and that I too would press on to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of me.
The key word is take hold or obtain: Paul has not yet taken hold of knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection and sharing in his sufferings (the previous paragraph). The key phrase is forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
This paragraph is a comfort to me because it would be easy to get discouraged if Paul had just stopped at the previous paragraph. He lays out the ideal: achieving the righteousness that comes by faith, knowing Christ, knowing the power of his resurrection (and I'm pretty sure that the word knowing here doesn't mean having information that would allow me to pass a test on Christian beliefs but that it means having first hand knowledge or experiencing) and sharing in his suffering. I know that I don't come anywhere close to the ideal but I am pressing on to take hold of it.
The phrase that captures my attention is "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of me." In other words, Christ's purpose for Paul's life is more than just being rescued from hell. Christ's purpose is that Paul would experience Christ, his resurrection, etc. Paul was not going to be satisfied until he took hold of that. I pray that I would have a holy disatisfaction with my present level of faith and experience and that I too would press on to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of me.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Washing Paul's mouth out with soap...
Philippians 3:1-11
This is an instance where the translators' sensibilities get in the way of what Paul was actually saying (although, to translate directly would have probably distracted from the overall message because people would have been shocked and/or offended - "good Christians don't say those words!).
So, trying not to get distracted by Paul's choice of words, what is the point? Paul starts by telling the congregation to rejoice in the Lord (one of the major themes of the letter - which he picks up on in 4:4) but then gets distracted with amazing anger and almost bitterness towards those legalistic Christians who are trying to pervert the message of Christ. Paul's point here is that obedience and service is the new circumcision. Then he lays out his own credentials as a legalist which are great, but, when compared to the greatness of knowing Christ are shit (or, to be nice liek the NIV, "garbage"). The point: nothing even comes close to knowing Christ, to having a righteousness granted by God through faith, to knowing the power of his resurrection and the privilege of sharing in his sufferings.
And that's where it gets me... Actually, this passage gets me on two points: first, I love credentials. I love earning gold stars and letting people know - in subtle ways so they don't realize that I'm boasting - just how great I am. If I had to choose between earning credentials and knowing Christ, I would have to think about it. Obviously I don't understand the greatness of knowing Jesus. Obviously I've become jaded to the wonder. God, renew me!
Secondly, I'm great with wanting to know the power of Christ's resurrection but I'm not so sure about sharing in his sufferings. I am not afraid to die but I am afraid of pain and humiliation and ridicule. I know that it is a privilege to share in Christ's sufferings and I know that I am not sharing in them because I am not capable of handling it. I am almost ashamed at how I have insulated myself from any suffering. Am I better than Christ? Then how can I defend the comfortable, safe life I am living?
This is an instance where the translators' sensibilities get in the way of what Paul was actually saying (although, to translate directly would have probably distracted from the overall message because people would have been shocked and/or offended - "good Christians don't say those words!).
So, trying not to get distracted by Paul's choice of words, what is the point? Paul starts by telling the congregation to rejoice in the Lord (one of the major themes of the letter - which he picks up on in 4:4) but then gets distracted with amazing anger and almost bitterness towards those legalistic Christians who are trying to pervert the message of Christ. Paul's point here is that obedience and service is the new circumcision. Then he lays out his own credentials as a legalist which are great, but, when compared to the greatness of knowing Christ are shit (or, to be nice liek the NIV, "garbage"). The point: nothing even comes close to knowing Christ, to having a righteousness granted by God through faith, to knowing the power of his resurrection and the privilege of sharing in his sufferings.
And that's where it gets me... Actually, this passage gets me on two points: first, I love credentials. I love earning gold stars and letting people know - in subtle ways so they don't realize that I'm boasting - just how great I am. If I had to choose between earning credentials and knowing Christ, I would have to think about it. Obviously I don't understand the greatness of knowing Jesus. Obviously I've become jaded to the wonder. God, renew me!
Secondly, I'm great with wanting to know the power of Christ's resurrection but I'm not so sure about sharing in his sufferings. I am not afraid to die but I am afraid of pain and humiliation and ridicule. I know that it is a privilege to share in Christ's sufferings and I know that I am not sharing in them because I am not capable of handling it. I am almost ashamed at how I have insulated myself from any suffering. Am I better than Christ? Then how can I defend the comfortable, safe life I am living?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
le premiere etoile...
Philippians 2:19-30
I don't think it's any coincidence that just after Paul talks about shining like stars he starts talking about Timothy and Epaphroditus. I'm not even sure that they even talked about people as being "stars" in that day and age but even so, as Paul encourages the Philippian church to stand out like stars in the universe and to work out their salvation, I am not surprised that he was reminded of these two. I mean, look at their accomplishments: genuinely concerned about the welfare of others, more concerned about the interests of Christ than his own, served with Paul in spreading the gospel, fellow soldier, risking his life for the sake of the gospel, so valuable to Paul that his death would cause Paul to experience sorrow squared.
What is my legacy? Is there anything it this list that could apply to me? If I was one of Paul's people, what would he say about me? Very challenging as I realize based on the criteria that Paul uses for Timothy and Epaphroditus that I probably wouldn't make his list of stars...
I don't think it's any coincidence that just after Paul talks about shining like stars he starts talking about Timothy and Epaphroditus. I'm not even sure that they even talked about people as being "stars" in that day and age but even so, as Paul encourages the Philippian church to stand out like stars in the universe and to work out their salvation, I am not surprised that he was reminded of these two. I mean, look at their accomplishments: genuinely concerned about the welfare of others, more concerned about the interests of Christ than his own, served with Paul in spreading the gospel, fellow soldier, risking his life for the sake of the gospel, so valuable to Paul that his death would cause Paul to experience sorrow squared.
What is my legacy? Is there anything it this list that could apply to me? If I was one of Paul's people, what would he say about me? Very challenging as I realize based on the criteria that Paul uses for Timothy and Epaphroditus that I probably wouldn't make his list of stars...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
fear and trembling
Philippians 2:12-18
The key words are: blameless, pure, without fault (all synonyms), glad and rejoice (one of the theme words for Philippians). This section connects to the previous: based on Christ's example of servanthood and humility we should work out our salvation in fear and trembling. This does not mean that we earn our salvation by works but that we continue to make the eternal reality that we are pure and holy a present reality. Paul is using the word salvation here in the sense of our sanctification: you have been saved but now we work or live that out in this life. This echoes what James says: faith without works is dead. Even this is not all up to me - the next verse says that I work out my salvation because God is working in me to fulfill his purpose (my salvation). When I seek to live my faith, I align myself with the purpose of God in my life.
So why the fear and trembling? I think that it's a recognition that if I have no desire to work out my salvation it probably indicates that God is not at work in my life (meaning that he is not saving or sanctifying me). If the purpose of God is my holiness or sanctification and I am not joining him in that purpose it puts me at rebellion against God. So I should be desperate to do whatever is necessary and not do anything that does not move me toward holiness.
However, this holiness is not just about me isolating myself from the world to work on my sanctification. Paul says that I need to be visible to the people around me - I need to be different (specifically Paul says that we stand out when we do not grumble or complain) but I also need to be seen to be different. I am not just supposed to shine for the other believers but against the backdrop of a warped and crooked generation.
I really like what Paul says at the end: if they do all this, then his efforts won't have been wasted and he'll be "proud" to point them out to others in heaven. This really applies to me as a youth pastor: sometimes I feel like I am wasting my efforts. I don't mind pouring myself out like a drink offering but I would much rather pour it out on thier service that comes from their faith. And I can't complain because I often do see God at work in their lives - that's when my work is pleasurable and it hardly seems like any effort at all.
The key words are: blameless, pure, without fault (all synonyms), glad and rejoice (one of the theme words for Philippians). This section connects to the previous: based on Christ's example of servanthood and humility we should work out our salvation in fear and trembling. This does not mean that we earn our salvation by works but that we continue to make the eternal reality that we are pure and holy a present reality. Paul is using the word salvation here in the sense of our sanctification: you have been saved but now we work or live that out in this life. This echoes what James says: faith without works is dead. Even this is not all up to me - the next verse says that I work out my salvation because God is working in me to fulfill his purpose (my salvation). When I seek to live my faith, I align myself with the purpose of God in my life.
So why the fear and trembling? I think that it's a recognition that if I have no desire to work out my salvation it probably indicates that God is not at work in my life (meaning that he is not saving or sanctifying me). If the purpose of God is my holiness or sanctification and I am not joining him in that purpose it puts me at rebellion against God. So I should be desperate to do whatever is necessary and not do anything that does not move me toward holiness.
However, this holiness is not just about me isolating myself from the world to work on my sanctification. Paul says that I need to be visible to the people around me - I need to be different (specifically Paul says that we stand out when we do not grumble or complain) but I also need to be seen to be different. I am not just supposed to shine for the other believers but against the backdrop of a warped and crooked generation.
I really like what Paul says at the end: if they do all this, then his efforts won't have been wasted and he'll be "proud" to point them out to others in heaven. This really applies to me as a youth pastor: sometimes I feel like I am wasting my efforts. I don't mind pouring myself out like a drink offering but I would much rather pour it out on thier service that comes from their faith. And I can't complain because I often do see God at work in their lives - that's when my work is pleasurable and it hardly seems like any effort at all.
Monday, April 14, 2008
what comes down will go up
Philippians 2:6-11
The genre changes for this section from prose to poetry. It is possible that Paul is including an early Christian hymn or creed. There are two parts: the willful humiliation of Jesus and the exaltation of Jesus by God. Paul uses Jesus as the example for those who are his disciples to follow: have the same attitude of mind - humble yourself to the lowest position and let God take care of lifting you up. This teaching is echoed all through the Bible: Jesus taught it (the last will be first, the first will be last; if you want to be great, you must become a servant of all), Paul teaches it and James teaches it as well (humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up).
There is so much in this passage that strikes me. It is a very simple, yet profound summary of the incarnation and exaltation of Jesus. It speaks so highly of the character of Jesus and could be studied in depth for a great amount of time without ever exhausting its richness.
I think the last line sums it all up: to the glory of God the Father. Jesus' humilation was to the glory of God. Jesus' exaltation is not ultimately for the glory of the Son but to the glory of the Father. I think if I am to have the same attitude of mind as Jesus that I have to seek God's glory over everything else. When I do that, I will not grasp onto my puny positions or seek to use them for my own advantage but will hold everything with an open hand because it is not about me - it's all about the glory of God.
God, please give me the same attitude of mind Jesus had.
The genre changes for this section from prose to poetry. It is possible that Paul is including an early Christian hymn or creed. There are two parts: the willful humiliation of Jesus and the exaltation of Jesus by God. Paul uses Jesus as the example for those who are his disciples to follow: have the same attitude of mind - humble yourself to the lowest position and let God take care of lifting you up. This teaching is echoed all through the Bible: Jesus taught it (the last will be first, the first will be last; if you want to be great, you must become a servant of all), Paul teaches it and James teaches it as well (humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up).
There is so much in this passage that strikes me. It is a very simple, yet profound summary of the incarnation and exaltation of Jesus. It speaks so highly of the character of Jesus and could be studied in depth for a great amount of time without ever exhausting its richness.
I think the last line sums it all up: to the glory of God the Father. Jesus' humilation was to the glory of God. Jesus' exaltation is not ultimately for the glory of the Son but to the glory of the Father. I think if I am to have the same attitude of mind as Jesus that I have to seek God's glory over everything else. When I do that, I will not grasp onto my puny positions or seek to use them for my own advantage but will hold everything with an open hand because it is not about me - it's all about the glory of God.
God, please give me the same attitude of mind Jesus had.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
the kingdom exists for the "other"
Philippians 2:1-5
Paul starts of with a list of "if's": if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion. These are all things that should characterize any community of Christian faith so it seems like Paul is reminding the church that they have all these things so they should also be unified with each other around one purpose.
Paul connects this argument (with the word "therefore") to his observation that the Philippian church has been granted the privilege of suffering for Christ. It is because of this suffering that the church needs to be united in one love and one purpose. This will make Paul's joy complete (joy being a theme of the book: so far Paul rejoices that the gospel is being proclaimed, that he will be delivered through the prayers of the saints and the work of the Spirit and that the church will be one in purpose).
The end of this section is what catches my attention: do nothing out of selfish ambition but value others above yourself. Don't look out for your own interests but for the interests of the others. This is what the kingdom of heaven is supposed to be all about: it exists for the "other". I know that I don't even come close to living this out. Everything I do is carefully calculated in terms of what it will mean to my reputation and how people will see me. I am a slave to my reputation and I can't even imagine how freeing it would be to escape that; to worry only about pleasing God and serving others no matter what it might cost me. That is what the kingdom is about and as a citizen of the kingdom, I ask God to transform my desires so that in my relationships with others I would have the same attitude of mind as Jesus.
Paul starts of with a list of "if's": if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion. These are all things that should characterize any community of Christian faith so it seems like Paul is reminding the church that they have all these things so they should also be unified with each other around one purpose.
Paul connects this argument (with the word "therefore") to his observation that the Philippian church has been granted the privilege of suffering for Christ. It is because of this suffering that the church needs to be united in one love and one purpose. This will make Paul's joy complete (joy being a theme of the book: so far Paul rejoices that the gospel is being proclaimed, that he will be delivered through the prayers of the saints and the work of the Spirit and that the church will be one in purpose).
The end of this section is what catches my attention: do nothing out of selfish ambition but value others above yourself. Don't look out for your own interests but for the interests of the others. This is what the kingdom of heaven is supposed to be all about: it exists for the "other". I know that I don't even come close to living this out. Everything I do is carefully calculated in terms of what it will mean to my reputation and how people will see me. I am a slave to my reputation and I can't even imagine how freeing it would be to escape that; to worry only about pleasing God and serving others no matter what it might cost me. That is what the kingdom is about and as a citizen of the kingdom, I ask God to transform my desires so that in my relationships with others I would have the same attitude of mind as Jesus.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
worthy of the gospel of Christ
Philippians 1:27-30
The key words in this passage are: gospel, suffer, one. Paul is connecting back to his previous statement about how he rejoices because the gospel is preached and now he is encouraging the Philippians to live in such a way that their lives (not just their words) reflect the gospel of Christ. They are to live this way inspite of the persecution they face because it will show their persecutors that they are confident about the end of the struggle (the persecutors will "lose") and because suffering for Christ is a privilege that is granted to only a few.
There are two phrases that jump out at me:
1) Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven, live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. No matter what opportunities come my way or opposition is raised up against I must evaluate my life with in the framework of the good news message of Jesus. This means that I must strive for holiness, justice, grace, mercy, compassion and righteousness and not allow myself to make excuses for when I miss that mark.
2) It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ...to suffer for him. In NA Christianity (and I think it is spreading to other parts of the world) we see suffering as a mark of spiritual faultiness. If someone suffers, they must be sinning somehow or have a lack of faith. According to Paul, suffering for the sake of Christ is a privilege that is granted by God on behalf of Jesus. Am I worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ? Based on the fact that I am not suffering, the answer must be "no". I know that I should desire to be worthy and I should pray that God would prepare me to be given the privilege of suffering for Christ but the truth is that I like to be comfortable and safe and I'm afraid of pain.
The key words in this passage are: gospel, suffer, one. Paul is connecting back to his previous statement about how he rejoices because the gospel is preached and now he is encouraging the Philippians to live in such a way that their lives (not just their words) reflect the gospel of Christ. They are to live this way inspite of the persecution they face because it will show their persecutors that they are confident about the end of the struggle (the persecutors will "lose") and because suffering for Christ is a privilege that is granted to only a few.
There are two phrases that jump out at me:
1) Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven, live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. No matter what opportunities come my way or opposition is raised up against I must evaluate my life with in the framework of the good news message of Jesus. This means that I must strive for holiness, justice, grace, mercy, compassion and righteousness and not allow myself to make excuses for when I miss that mark.
2) It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ...to suffer for him. In NA Christianity (and I think it is spreading to other parts of the world) we see suffering as a mark of spiritual faultiness. If someone suffers, they must be sinning somehow or have a lack of faith. According to Paul, suffering for the sake of Christ is a privilege that is granted by God on behalf of Jesus. Am I worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ? Based on the fact that I am not suffering, the answer must be "no". I know that I should desire to be worthy and I should pray that God would prepare me to be given the privilege of suffering for Christ but the truth is that I like to be comfortable and safe and I'm afraid of pain.
Monday, April 7, 2008
live is Christ, die is gain
Philippians 1:18-26
The key words are life, death and body. Continuing from the previous paragraph, Paul continues in his rejoicing - first that, because of his imprisonment, the gospel is being preached more and more and now because he is sure that through the prayers of the Philippians and by the power of the Spirit, he will be delivered. I think this means that he will be delivered from jail although in the context of the rest of the paragraph, this could be a word play: either I will be delivered from jail or I will be delivered from this world.
Paul is struggling with two desires: one, to depart this world and be with Christ or two, to stay and minister to the Philippians so that they will grow in the joy of their faith. I know that I don't desire heaven like Paul did. There are days when I long to be there but that longing is more in the form of escapism: there is so much to do here and I am tired (or there is something I need to do that I was hoping to avoid) and so I just want to escape and go to heaven.
I also know that my desire to stay on earth isn't so much for the benefit of others but because there are things that I really enjoy about my life. I know that it's not wrong to enjoy this life but I think there may be something wrong when I enjoy it, or anticipate future enjoyment, so much that I would hesitate to go to heaven if Christ came back.
From this passage, I see the need to change my desires: first, that I would long for heaven because it is my home and because it is there that I will experience for the first time the fullness of Christ's presence. Second, that while I am on earth I would remember that Christ has created me to do the good works which he has prepared in advance for me to do. I have a purpose and until that purpose is fulfilled, I need to be here.
The key words are life, death and body. Continuing from the previous paragraph, Paul continues in his rejoicing - first that, because of his imprisonment, the gospel is being preached more and more and now because he is sure that through the prayers of the Philippians and by the power of the Spirit, he will be delivered. I think this means that he will be delivered from jail although in the context of the rest of the paragraph, this could be a word play: either I will be delivered from jail or I will be delivered from this world.
Paul is struggling with two desires: one, to depart this world and be with Christ or two, to stay and minister to the Philippians so that they will grow in the joy of their faith. I know that I don't desire heaven like Paul did. There are days when I long to be there but that longing is more in the form of escapism: there is so much to do here and I am tired (or there is something I need to do that I was hoping to avoid) and so I just want to escape and go to heaven.
I also know that my desire to stay on earth isn't so much for the benefit of others but because there are things that I really enjoy about my life. I know that it's not wrong to enjoy this life but I think there may be something wrong when I enjoy it, or anticipate future enjoyment, so much that I would hesitate to go to heaven if Christ came back.
From this passage, I see the need to change my desires: first, that I would long for heaven because it is my home and because it is there that I will experience for the first time the fullness of Christ's presence. Second, that while I am on earth I would remember that Christ has created me to do the good works which he has prepared in advance for me to do. I have a purpose and until that purpose is fulfilled, I need to be here.
Friday, April 4, 2008
fear of the unknown
Philippians 1:12-18
The key words or ideas are: the gospel of Christ, chains or being imprisoned. There is a sense of joy in the words that Paul uses - perhaps my perception is coloured by him talking about how he rejoices in the faithfulness of the Philippian church in the previous paragraphs and how he rejoices that Christ is preached at the end of this section. However, it seems like he is full of joy despite his circumstance. The source of his joy is that his being in prison has actually served to further the cause of Christ (I have to admit that I would take some perverse delight that my persecutors efforts to stop the spread of the gospel have backfired).
It seems odd at first that Paul being in jail would actually embolden others to preach. I wonder if there was a bit of the fear of the unknown. As long as it was just the threat of persecution people were afraid to share Christ but when the saw the worst that the empire could do (throw you in prison and possibly kill you) and the fact that God was sovereign over the empire (despite their best efforts, the gospel continued to spread) it gave them courage.
What are we afraid of? Right now it is the vague shadow of persecution. What's the worst someone could do to us? Well, they could trash our reputation, refuse to associate with us, we could lose our friendship with them, they might think we were weird. I think that Satan uses the fear of possibly, potentially, maybe being persecuted to keep our mouths closed and our lights dim. I think it's going to take a Paul to lead us.
The key words or ideas are: the gospel of Christ, chains or being imprisoned. There is a sense of joy in the words that Paul uses - perhaps my perception is coloured by him talking about how he rejoices in the faithfulness of the Philippian church in the previous paragraphs and how he rejoices that Christ is preached at the end of this section. However, it seems like he is full of joy despite his circumstance. The source of his joy is that his being in prison has actually served to further the cause of Christ (I have to admit that I would take some perverse delight that my persecutors efforts to stop the spread of the gospel have backfired).
It seems odd at first that Paul being in jail would actually embolden others to preach. I wonder if there was a bit of the fear of the unknown. As long as it was just the threat of persecution people were afraid to share Christ but when the saw the worst that the empire could do (throw you in prison and possibly kill you) and the fact that God was sovereign over the empire (despite their best efforts, the gospel continued to spread) it gave them courage.
What are we afraid of? Right now it is the vague shadow of persecution. What's the worst someone could do to us? Well, they could trash our reputation, refuse to associate with us, we could lose our friendship with them, they might think we were weird. I think that Satan uses the fear of possibly, potentially, maybe being persecuted to keep our mouths closed and our lights dim. I think it's going to take a Paul to lead us.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
partners in the gospel
Philippians 1:1-9
This written from Paul and Timothy to the church at Philippi. Philippi is where Paul and Silas were thrown in jail for casting a demon out of a fortune teller. The beginning of the Philippian church was the prison warden and his household. At this time, Paul is back in jail.
Paul is thankful for the Philippians because of their partnership in the gospel. In fact, he says that he prays with joy whenever he thinks of them. I wonder who I am filling with joy whenever they think of me? Are there people who are compelled by God's grace in their lives to share the good news message of Jesus who are grateful for they way that I partner with them and help them see the message of Jesus shared with people who need to hear it?
The Philippian church obviously wasn't perfect (Paul says that the good work was just being started in them but God would bring it to perfection - v. 6) but they were such an important part of Paul's life that he longs for them with the affection of Christ.
I want to have that affect on the Paul's of this world - not to feel good about myself but because I want to support those who are sharing the good news message of Jesus.
This written from Paul and Timothy to the church at Philippi. Philippi is where Paul and Silas were thrown in jail for casting a demon out of a fortune teller. The beginning of the Philippian church was the prison warden and his household. At this time, Paul is back in jail.
Paul is thankful for the Philippians because of their partnership in the gospel. In fact, he says that he prays with joy whenever he thinks of them. I wonder who I am filling with joy whenever they think of me? Are there people who are compelled by God's grace in their lives to share the good news message of Jesus who are grateful for they way that I partner with them and help them see the message of Jesus shared with people who need to hear it?
The Philippian church obviously wasn't perfect (Paul says that the good work was just being started in them but God would bring it to perfection - v. 6) but they were such an important part of Paul's life that he longs for them with the affection of Christ.
I want to have that affect on the Paul's of this world - not to feel good about myself but because I want to support those who are sharing the good news message of Jesus.
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