Colossians 1:9-10 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
It's interesting that Paul mentions that he is praying that the church 1) might be filled with the knowledge of God's will and also 2) that they would increase in the knowledge of God. There's a lot of words being thrown around such as knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Let's take a look at these and try to find out what Paul really has in mind.
Knowledge of His Will: precise and correct knowledge (of things ethical and divine) of what God wishes and determines to be done.
Wisdom: the varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summed up in maxims and proverbs.
Spiritual Understanding: a running together, a flowing together with, as in when things "come together" in your mind. Knowledge of this kind relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ.
Knowledge of His Will: precise and correct knowledge (of things ethical and divine) of God Himself, His person.
Lesson for the day - there is much to be learned. When was the last time you felt like you were still learning things about God? As Christians, we often get comfortable with our understanding of Who God is. Challenge that today, search deeper.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Vast Riches
Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
This is a promise that every believer can hold on to. It's almost something we take for granted in that this amazing verse hardly even phases us when we hear it. Of course God will take care of our needs, right?
But take a minute and think about the true implications of that. He will supply all your need, 'your' meaning you and your church, and the church in the next city over, and the believers scattered throughout this world, and every believer past, present, and future...Now do you start to see the wonder in this short little verse?
It's not just that God can take care of YOU, though He can and He will. It's that His power and riches in glory by Christ Jesus are so vast, so limitless, so unimaginably infinite, that He has been taking care of His children throughout history, He is taking care of His children today, and He will for all the rest of eternity.
Praise God.
This is a promise that every believer can hold on to. It's almost something we take for granted in that this amazing verse hardly even phases us when we hear it. Of course God will take care of our needs, right?
But take a minute and think about the true implications of that. He will supply all your need, 'your' meaning you and your church, and the church in the next city over, and the believers scattered throughout this world, and every believer past, present, and future...Now do you start to see the wonder in this short little verse?
It's not just that God can take care of YOU, though He can and He will. It's that His power and riches in glory by Christ Jesus are so vast, so limitless, so unimaginably infinite, that He has been taking care of His children throughout history, He is taking care of His children today, and He will for all the rest of eternity.
Praise God.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Careful
Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
The word 'careful' here doesn't imply that we should never watch where we are going or drive safely. It would be easier to understand if we broke the word apart - 'care' and 'full', or 'full of care'. 'Careful' in this instance means: "to be anxious, to be troubled with cares..."
The definition continues: "to care for, look out for (a thing), to seek to promote one's interests, caring or providing for." While I believe the first part of the definition is probably the most accurate for this particular verse, I think it is interesting how interconnected be anxious and troubled is with promoting one's interests. It makes sense, however, when all we can think about is ourselves and our interests, anything that is going on around us, anything with an unknown ending, will cause worry and anxiousness.
This kind of anxiousness and worry should not be present in a Christian's life. Instead our focus should be on promoting the Kingdom of God, serving Him and others. Worry fades away when we know that our prayers are heard by the Creator God!
The word 'careful' here doesn't imply that we should never watch where we are going or drive safely. It would be easier to understand if we broke the word apart - 'care' and 'full', or 'full of care'. 'Careful' in this instance means: "to be anxious, to be troubled with cares..."
The definition continues: "to care for, look out for (a thing), to seek to promote one's interests, caring or providing for." While I believe the first part of the definition is probably the most accurate for this particular verse, I think it is interesting how interconnected be anxious and troubled is with promoting one's interests. It makes sense, however, when all we can think about is ourselves and our interests, anything that is going on around us, anything with an unknown ending, will cause worry and anxiousness.
This kind of anxiousness and worry should not be present in a Christian's life. Instead our focus should be on promoting the Kingdom of God, serving Him and others. Worry fades away when we know that our prayers are heard by the Creator God!
Monday, July 23, 2018
Conversation = Citizenship, Community
Philippians 3:20 "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
Sometimes, the translation of words can totally throw you off as to the meaning of a verse. When you look it up, you find that the word 'conversation' does not mean the words that you say to other people, but rather: "a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively)."
Therefore, we can read "For our community, our citizenship is in heaven..." This is exciting stuff! Not only is heaven where we hold citizenship (and therefore the rights of citizens), but it's also our community, heaven is where we can find that like-minded group of people, our tribe, our fellows. Imagine complete and total unity and it is all centered around our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here on earth, we are supposed to have a small taste of this community through the church, Christ's body on this earth. Am I experiencing that kind of unity and purpose in church? Or is it just some songs, a sermon, and some handshakes every Sunday?
Sometimes, the translation of words can totally throw you off as to the meaning of a verse. When you look it up, you find that the word 'conversation' does not mean the words that you say to other people, but rather: "a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively)."
Therefore, we can read "For our community, our citizenship is in heaven..." This is exciting stuff! Not only is heaven where we hold citizenship (and therefore the rights of citizens), but it's also our community, heaven is where we can find that like-minded group of people, our tribe, our fellows. Imagine complete and total unity and it is all centered around our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here on earth, we are supposed to have a small taste of this community through the church, Christ's body on this earth. Am I experiencing that kind of unity and purpose in church? Or is it just some songs, a sermon, and some handshakes every Sunday?
Friday, July 20, 2018
Excellency of the Knowledge
Philippians 3:8 "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"
I think a lot of times the emphasis of this verse is placed on the fact that Paul is dumping everything that the world values (and even some Christians value), and proclaiming it all to be a loss, complete and utter garbage, dung. And while this is a big statement, and something all of us should strive to be able to echo, if you shift focus a bit, I think you'll see the focus of the verse is in a different place.
The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. This is Paul's focus in this verse, in his life. All that other stuff was gone and forgotten. The one and only thing that mattered was the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord.
What does that mean? Many people know of Jesus, many people claim to know Him, but only a true Christ follower knows the excellency of that knowledge. In the Greek, excellency is actually a verb meaning "to excel, to be superior, better than, to surpass." In other words, the knowledge of Jesus Christ as your individual Lord is actively better than anything else. It surpasses all those meaningless things Paul counted as loss and forgot about.
If you merely have knowledge of Jesus Christ, you are missing out. However, if you have knowledge of Him as your Lord, meaning you are surrendered to Him as King of your life, then you know exactly how superior that knowledge is to anything else.
I think a lot of times the emphasis of this verse is placed on the fact that Paul is dumping everything that the world values (and even some Christians value), and proclaiming it all to be a loss, complete and utter garbage, dung. And while this is a big statement, and something all of us should strive to be able to echo, if you shift focus a bit, I think you'll see the focus of the verse is in a different place.
The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. This is Paul's focus in this verse, in his life. All that other stuff was gone and forgotten. The one and only thing that mattered was the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord.
What does that mean? Many people know of Jesus, many people claim to know Him, but only a true Christ follower knows the excellency of that knowledge. In the Greek, excellency is actually a verb meaning "to excel, to be superior, better than, to surpass." In other words, the knowledge of Jesus Christ as your individual Lord is actively better than anything else. It surpasses all those meaningless things Paul counted as loss and forgot about.
If you merely have knowledge of Jesus Christ, you are missing out. However, if you have knowledge of Him as your Lord, meaning you are surrendered to Him as King of your life, then you know exactly how superior that knowledge is to anything else.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Active Worship
Philippians 3:3 "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."
The word 'worship' has an etymology that goes back to its root 'worthy'. It means the "condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, renown." Therefore, worship is usually thought of as acknowledging God's worthiness, glorifying Him.
However, the word translated 'worship' here has the base meaning of "to serve, or minister to". Now, acknowledging God's worthiness is definitely a part of our service to Him. But this definition helps us look at worship in a different way. Worship is not only some mental practice or words we say, although those certainly can be part of it. More than that, worship quite literally the actions we take in service to God.
I don't know about you, but I've rarely been as satisfied and happy, rejoicing in my Savior, than when I've been actively serving God by serving and loving others. Those moments when you're out on a limb and you have no choice but to trust God, where you are unable to have any confidence in the flesh, that is a form of worship that you will never forget!
When was the last time you worshiped God in this way?
The word 'worship' has an etymology that goes back to its root 'worthy'. It means the "condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, renown." Therefore, worship is usually thought of as acknowledging God's worthiness, glorifying Him.
However, the word translated 'worship' here has the base meaning of "to serve, or minister to". Now, acknowledging God's worthiness is definitely a part of our service to Him. But this definition helps us look at worship in a different way. Worship is not only some mental practice or words we say, although those certainly can be part of it. More than that, worship quite literally the actions we take in service to God.
I don't know about you, but I've rarely been as satisfied and happy, rejoicing in my Savior, than when I've been actively serving God by serving and loving others. Those moments when you're out on a limb and you have no choice but to trust God, where you are unable to have any confidence in the flesh, that is a form of worship that you will never forget!
When was the last time you worshiped God in this way?
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Humility & Obedience
Philippians 2:8-9 "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:"
"Wherefore" is always an important word. It implies that the preceding statement is the reason for what is about to be said. Therefore understanding the preceding statement is vital to understanding what is about to be said.
The glory and exaltation which Jesus received came at a cost. The perfect Son of God, the King of kings, humbled Himself and became a helpless baby. And not only did He humble Himself, he was obedient in everything, all the way up to dying a horrible death on the cross, bearing our sins, and enduring the separation from His Father.
WHEREFORE...as a result of Jesus' actions and attitude, God has highly exalted Jesus. WHEREFORE...because of what I just said, God has given Him a name above every name.
As a Christian, I am called to walk in Christ's footsteps. Humility and obedience. How am I doing so far today?
"Wherefore" is always an important word. It implies that the preceding statement is the reason for what is about to be said. Therefore understanding the preceding statement is vital to understanding what is about to be said.
The glory and exaltation which Jesus received came at a cost. The perfect Son of God, the King of kings, humbled Himself and became a helpless baby. And not only did He humble Himself, he was obedient in everything, all the way up to dying a horrible death on the cross, bearing our sins, and enduring the separation from His Father.
WHEREFORE...as a result of Jesus' actions and attitude, God has highly exalted Jesus. WHEREFORE...because of what I just said, God has given Him a name above every name.
As a Christian, I am called to walk in Christ's footsteps. Humility and obedience. How am I doing so far today?
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
But Also To Suffer
Philippians 1:29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
While there are many religions that have suffered persecution, as far as I know, Christianity is the only one that makes an outright promise that suffering will come.
2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
1 Thessalonians 3:4 "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know."
1 Peter 3:14 "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;"
Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
Shall suffer, should suffer, but and if ye suffer, when you are persecuted...Pete, Paul, and Jesus Himself made it clear - suffering and persecution were going to be part of the Christian's life. It is not something to run from or shun. Rather, it should be cause for rejoicing. As they say, the devil will only attack a Christian if that Christian is threatening his evil work.
When was the last time you suffered persecution? What was your response? What are you doing in your life today that is preventing you from potentially facing suffering?
While there are many religions that have suffered persecution, as far as I know, Christianity is the only one that makes an outright promise that suffering will come.
2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
1 Thessalonians 3:4 "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know."
1 Peter 3:14 "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;"
Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
Shall suffer, should suffer, but and if ye suffer, when you are persecuted...Pete, Paul, and Jesus Himself made it clear - suffering and persecution were going to be part of the Christian's life. It is not something to run from or shun. Rather, it should be cause for rejoicing. As they say, the devil will only attack a Christian if that Christian is threatening his evil work.
When was the last time you suffered persecution? What was your response? What are you doing in your life today that is preventing you from potentially facing suffering?
Monday, July 16, 2018
Knowledge & Judgement
Philippians 1:9 "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;"
In today's culture, love is usually a quality people try to possess and exercise by itself. If it is paired with other qualities, it is usually peace or something along those lines. And there's nothing the matter with that necessarily. However, Paul makes a point here that many would balk at today.
His prayer for the Philippians was that their love would grow and overflow more and more in knowledge and judgment. Knowledge and judgement are not usually associated with love. But here you have it. Many would argue that you don't need to know anything to love and many more would argue vehemently that judgement and love are nearly complete opposites.
As Christians though, we know that love without truth is not love at all. That is why knowledge of things ethical and divine and judgement (of moral discernment in ethical matters) is required for our love for others to grow.
Are knowledge and judgement included in the way that I love God and others? What would it look like if they were? If they weren't?
In today's culture, love is usually a quality people try to possess and exercise by itself. If it is paired with other qualities, it is usually peace or something along those lines. And there's nothing the matter with that necessarily. However, Paul makes a point here that many would balk at today.
His prayer for the Philippians was that their love would grow and overflow more and more in knowledge and judgment. Knowledge and judgement are not usually associated with love. But here you have it. Many would argue that you don't need to know anything to love and many more would argue vehemently that judgement and love are nearly complete opposites.
As Christians though, we know that love without truth is not love at all. That is why knowledge of things ethical and divine and judgement (of moral discernment in ethical matters) is required for our love for others to grow.
Are knowledge and judgement included in the way that I love God and others? What would it look like if they were? If they weren't?
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Walk in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
Walk: "to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities. Hebrew for: to live, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life."
Walking in the Spirit is an all-encompassing thing. Paul is not just talking about going to church and reading your Bible. Walking in the Spirit means that our life is spent walking in the Spirit. That is what we do with our time both actively and passively.
So what does that look like? Well obviously walking (living and conducting ourselves) in the Spirit looks like not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh as listed further in the passage. It also looks like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance naturally flow from our actions. The Bible says these things are fruit of the Spirit, meaning that they naturally grow out of walking in the Spirit. You cannot force fruit to grow through will power. All it takes is the right seed and the right cultivation, and the fruit naturally comes.
Am I walking in the Spirit today? What fruit do I see coming from my life?
Walk: "to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities. Hebrew for: to live, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life."
Walking in the Spirit is an all-encompassing thing. Paul is not just talking about going to church and reading your Bible. Walking in the Spirit means that our life is spent walking in the Spirit. That is what we do with our time both actively and passively.
So what does that look like? Well obviously walking (living and conducting ourselves) in the Spirit looks like not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh as listed further in the passage. It also looks like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance naturally flow from our actions. The Bible says these things are fruit of the Spirit, meaning that they naturally grow out of walking in the Spirit. You cannot force fruit to grow through will power. All it takes is the right seed and the right cultivation, and the fruit naturally comes.
Am I walking in the Spirit today? What fruit do I see coming from my life?
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Liberty of Christ
Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
The fact that Paul has to command us to stand fast in the liberty of Christ tells us that we have opposite tendencies. The Bible does not waste space. All Scripture is there for our betterment. Therefore, the fact that this command is necessary says that we will be pulled in the opposite direction toward bondage of the law.
It's important to note that Paul does not just say "stand fast in freedom." He specifies exactly what freedom he is talking about - the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. This is not lawlessness and licentiousness. This is freedom from the bondage of the law, sin and self. Freedom to live a life pleasing to God that is also the most beneficial to us.
Do you feel that pull away from the liberty of Christ? What is it that moves you that way? Can you stop right now and make it your goal to stand fast in His freedom today?
The fact that Paul has to command us to stand fast in the liberty of Christ tells us that we have opposite tendencies. The Bible does not waste space. All Scripture is there for our betterment. Therefore, the fact that this command is necessary says that we will be pulled in the opposite direction toward bondage of the law.
It's important to note that Paul does not just say "stand fast in freedom." He specifies exactly what freedom he is talking about - the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. This is not lawlessness and licentiousness. This is freedom from the bondage of the law, sin and self. Freedom to live a life pleasing to God that is also the most beneficial to us.
Do you feel that pull away from the liberty of Christ? What is it that moves you that way? Can you stop right now and make it your goal to stand fast in His freedom today?
Monday, July 9, 2018
Son & Heir
Galatians 4:6-7 "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
Sons of God. Heirs of the Creator. No longer servants under bondage. But freed children of God possessing the Spirit of His Son!
These are incredible, encouraging thoughts. Until, maybe, we look in the mirror and see all our faults. Until we have a bad day, lose our temper, or face a grave disappointment. In those moments, are position as children of God may not seem as real. But it is in those moments of hardship and temptation that we are to cry out, "Abba, Father!"
Just that simple cry ought to remind us of our position, of our station in Christ. Not just sons and daughters of the King of kings, but heirs to His Kingdom. This heirship gives new meaning to our command to pray that God's Kingdom comes. As heirs, suddenly we have a personal interest in that prayer, a personal stake. What a privilege to be God's child and heir!
Sons of God. Heirs of the Creator. No longer servants under bondage. But freed children of God possessing the Spirit of His Son!
These are incredible, encouraging thoughts. Until, maybe, we look in the mirror and see all our faults. Until we have a bad day, lose our temper, or face a grave disappointment. In those moments, are position as children of God may not seem as real. But it is in those moments of hardship and temptation that we are to cry out, "Abba, Father!"
Just that simple cry ought to remind us of our position, of our station in Christ. Not just sons and daughters of the King of kings, but heirs to His Kingdom. This heirship gives new meaning to our command to pray that God's Kingdom comes. As heirs, suddenly we have a personal interest in that prayer, a personal stake. What a privilege to be God's child and heir!
Friday, July 6, 2018
The Curse of the Law
Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:"
While He was on this earth, Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. Yet because He loves us, He allowed Himself to be made a curse for us. It is hard to take in this thought.
The law had brought the curse of death and judgement on all who failed to live up to its standard of perfection. We were incapable of meeting those standards. And that is why Jesus had to come. The price was too high for us to pay, so He came to redeem us.
Think of something that you know is right, and yet is hard to do. How does it compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made?
While He was on this earth, Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. Yet because He loves us, He allowed Himself to be made a curse for us. It is hard to take in this thought.
The law had brought the curse of death and judgement on all who failed to live up to its standard of perfection. We were incapable of meeting those standards. And that is why Jesus had to come. The price was too high for us to pay, so He came to redeem us.
Think of something that you know is right, and yet is hard to do. How does it compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made?
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