Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

Philippians 1:19-30 

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. Philippians 1:27-28

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 1:19-30 where Paul shares how he is torn whether to die and go to Heaven to be with Christ, or live and serve others in his ministry.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V19: The Holy Spirit is our helper - see John 14:26 - and seals/guarantees our salvation or deliverance from the sting of sin and death as Christ has already won this battle.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V19 - prayers of others are effective to aid us in our time of need - see also James 5:16b. V20: We exist to glorify God and to bring Him all praise, honor and glory. Vv20-21: We should be courageous and live boldly for Him because whether we live or die, we can never be separated from His love and He is saving a place for us in Heaven. Vv22-26: Knowledge of God, prayers, and the Holy Spirit will renew our mind (see also Romans 12:2) and convict our hearts with His will for our lives as Paul expresses confidence that "[he] know[s] that [he] will remain and continue with [the church of Philippi], for [their] progress and joy in the faith, so that in [him] [they] may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of [his] coming to [them] again."  Vv27-28: Believers are called to be "worthy of the gospel of Christ,"  implying that we must deliver value or bear fruit.  Examples provided by Paul of bearing fruit include church unity and loving God and others (being a light) despite persecution or disagreements inside the church.  Whatever suffering we experience is for His sake so that Christ can be seen in us as we gain His strength in our weakness - see also 2 Corinthians 12:9.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that with suffering God's grace is sufficient and that His power is made perfect in our weakness.  Follow the example of Paul who embraced His imprisonment and suffering to advance the gospel.  Know and trust God to have Him renew your mind to understand His will for your life when torn about what to do as Paul was. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You demonstrating Your power in my weakness and for renewing my mind to better understand Your will for my life.  You are knowledge and wisdom and truth.  Thank You also for the assurance of my salvation, and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Philippians 1:12-18 

Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Philippians 1:18

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 1:12-18 where Paul describes how his imprisonment has advanced the gospel while warning against using the gospel for "selfish ambition." Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V18: Regardless of whether the Word is preached for His glory or for selfish ambition, God is at work and He is in control.  There is a mystery here but we can rest in how He reigns.  This is not the only circumstance where God uses broken sinful and broken people to advance His plan as part of the broad arc of His redemption story.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv12-13: God uses all of our circumstances for good and His glory - see also Romans 8:28.  In this case, Paul describes how his imprisonment has not stopped efforts to proclaim the gospel.  V14: Paul's bold efforts to share the gospel while imprisoned encourage and motivate other believers to to be bold in their efforts to proclaim the gospel "without fear."  Vv15-17: While some believers use Paul's imprisonment for good and out of love, some do it "from envy and rivalry" and for "selfish ambition..."thinking to afflict" Paul.  Believers should be aware, teachers in particular, that their role is to preach the Word for His good and glory - not for any personal gain, although one is blessed using God-given gifts for His glory.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid using selfish ambition to proclaim the gospel.  Claim the promise that God is at work in all circumstances - including our own suffering and trials.  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You always working in my life, even in suffering, trials, and difficulties.  I know that I can never be separated from Your love!  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:1-11 

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 1:1-11 where Paul shares his gratitude for the church in Philippi and he describes how they remain in his prayers. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God designed the local church and knit its members together for a purpose, it is a blessing to its members, and we should be thankful as Paul is (v3) for the local churches where we have built relationships and experienced blessings because of these relationships as they have provided (out of love) support, encouragement, sharpening, etc. God is at work in all believers (v6) and this work (sanctification) will continue until glorification when we are called Home to Heaven and will meet Jesus face to face.  Vv9-11 describes how Christ and the Holy Spirit fills us, renews us, and we bear fruit for His glory. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The relationship we have with other believers is a stronger bond than we have even with family members as we all share rebirth through our Heavenly Father and this is the most important relationship in all our lives. Through this common bond, believers share (v7) grace, sufferings, and "defense and confirmation of the gospel."  The implication here is that we proclaim the gospel that we are defending and confirming.  Paul prays (v9) that the church in Philippi grows in its love both of Christ and of others - the latter of which is an overflow of love of God.  As we grow the prayer is not just of love but as we know God more, He will renew our minds and give us greater alignment and discernment of His will for our lives (vv9-11) - see also Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23.        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that God is at work in your heart and life and progressively making you more like Him until you meet Him face to face when He brings You home. Follow the example of Paul and express gratitude for the local church, and pray, support, and encourage one another.  Know God, be renewed, and bear fruit for His glory.  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the local church and how You made divine appointments with my brothers and sisters in Christ to support, encourage, pray for, etc. one another - what a blessing!  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:10-20 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 6:10-20 where Paul describes believers are to equip and defend themselves against spiritual warfare.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not leave us unprotected in spiritual warfare - He equips us and we also have the assurance that the battle is already won.  We are armed just as Jesus was armed during His time with His earthly ministry.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv10-12: It is only through God that we can defend against "the schemes of the devil" and "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  We are to be strong "in the strength of his might" - not in our own strength.  Vv13-18: Describes how God equips how believers are given "the whole armor of God" to be equipped for spiritual warfare - we are able to "withstand" and "stand firm."  The belt of truth - based on His Word - helps us defend in the same way Jesus defended Himself in the wilderness - see also Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13. The breastplate of righteousness is imputed righteousness through the doctrine of justification.  Believers are righteous in God's eyes and not condemned to death which is "the wages of sin" (Romans 6:23).  We have the peace of God, a peace that surpasses understanding which "guard[s] [our] hearts and...minds in Christ Jesus" - see Philippians 4:7. We have the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation - faith gives us the assurance that God is always at work and that regardless of what is thrown at us God will never leave or forsake us.  Our salvation is sealed and guaranteed. We also have the Holy Spirit in us, His Word, and we have prayer.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid thinking you can defeat Satan in your own strength.  Claim the promise that God equips us and the battle is already won.  Follow the example of Jesus who relied on the same defenses that God gives us to defeat sin and death.  We are to be alert, and to put on the "whole armor of God," including prayer not just for ourselves but for all the saints....that we boldly "proclaim the mystery of the gospel."

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for equipping me to defeat sin and death.  I know that You will never leave or forsake me and that my salvation is sealed and guaranteed.  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[A]s bondservants of Christ [do] the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Ephesians 6:5-9 

[A]s bondservants of Christ [do] the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,  knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Ephesians 6:6b-8

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 6:5-9 where Paul describes the Godly employer-employee relationship.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V9: Both the employee and the employer are to acknowledge that both serve the Lord as all of creation exists for His glory.  Christ is the Master and reigns over all - He does not care your position or status is and that of His commands apply to everyone equally.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Both the employee and employer are to view their relationship as serving the Lord - serving Him "with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart...and as bondservants of Christ."   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Employees are to avoid seeking to please man and employers are to avoid threatening behavior and harshness towards the employee.  Both the employee and employer are to claim the promise that "whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord." See also Colossians 3:23. Follow the example of Christ who was perfectly obedient to the will of the Father.  Love and serve God and love and serve others.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my job and for providing for me and for my family.  Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 6:1-4 where Paul describes the Godly family, including roles for parents and for children .  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: All discipline and instruction is from the Lord - He has a specific design and intent.  Broadly speaking God seeks disciples who love, serve and please Him as we exist for His glory.  We are also all given a mission in the Great Commission to "go out and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Children are given two commands, one to obey their parents, and two to honor their parents.  The text for the second command includes a reference to the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), specifically the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) where there is not just a command but a promise if the command is followed: "that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."  Believers must keep in mind that this promise is a general principle vs an absolute guarantee (such as salvation).  For more on this, see this interview with John Piper from DesiringGod.com.  Fathers are commanded to not provoke their children to anger, but to raise them up according to God's discipline and instruction.  We are to teach and model Christ and spiritual disciplines.  We are also to discipline children - see also this resource for more details on Biblical discipline.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid provoking children to anger (keeping in mind they are often likely to see Godly discipline as wrong and be angry).  Children can claim the promise of a stable and blessed live based on honoring of their mother and father.  Follow the example of Christ who modeled Godly obedience as both the Son and the Father with His believers as children of God. Love God and love others as the most important commandments and be obedient to God's commands for children and parents.  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for modeling Godly parenting as both the Son and the Father.  Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way[.]

Psalm 37:23 and Proverbs 3:5-6 

 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way[.] Psalm 37:23

I pause my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon - to examine text used by my Friday morning men's group: Psalm 37:23 and Proverbs 3:5-6 - text that describes how our lives' direction (both short and long term) should be based on His guidance.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Psalm 37:23 shares that the literal and figurative steps of a man are "established by the Lord," meaning God brought the steps into existence.  It also means that the steps, movement and arc of our lives are all under the sovereign direction of God.  Indeed all of humanity is God's creation and He reigns over all the details of our lives - there is no happenstance and God's plans cannot be thwarted (see also Job 42:2, Proverbs 19:21).  Proverbs 3:5-6 describe how God makes our paths straight IF we acknowledge Him.  This acknowledgement must include a surrender to Him as our Lord (He reigns and we exist for His glory) and Savior. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Key to Psalm 37:23 is the back end of the text "when he delights in his way."  This refers to how God directs our steps based on our delight of Him.  Man (including believers who are tempted and fall into temptation) can delight in Satan's ways.  This is a very deep topic worthy of further exploration and the debate is over the extent to which people truly have free will and what is the extent of human responsibility.  See this resource on this debate.  While there is some mystery on this question one thing IS clear - that God's ways and thoughts are not our own (Isaiah 55:8) BUT God will renew our minds to align with His thoughts and ways if we delight in Him and seek Him through daily study and meditation on His Word (see Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22–24).        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid seeking our own glory and avoid planning outside of God's wisdom and direction. Claim the promise that God will renew our minds so that we can align with His desires. Seek, love and trust Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that reveals Himself to me and renews my mind to align with Your thoughts, ways, and desires so that I can more like You and please You.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings and also for my salvation. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.