In Chapter 3 we quickly see a profound warning.
The warning is for those that place trust in the flesh, and their accomplishments. Paul, with his upbringing could be the first to boast about his distinguished heritage. Yet Paul compares all the accomplishments to garbage in comparison to knowing Christ.
Philippians 3:3-8 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Paul then declares that no matter what he faced or will face he will continue with persistence and determination to stay his course.
Philippians 3:12-14 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Phil 2
Chapter 2
What an incredible challenge right out of the gate in chapter 2… We should have the same attitude as Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
In chapter 2 as we continue reading we see Paul lay forth another challenge to shine. He tells them to do this without bickering or whining, if they do so they will confirm that they belong to God in the midst of residing in a fallen world.
Philippians2:14-17Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.
He transitions to writing plans that involve Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy will be launched shortly so Paul can be updated on their condition, YET Epaphroditus will depart urgently to them, he was once ill and by God’s mercy has been made whole again.
Philippians 2:19-24
If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon. Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you.
What an incredible challenge right out of the gate in chapter 2… We should have the same attitude as Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
In chapter 2 as we continue reading we see Paul lay forth another challenge to shine. He tells them to do this without bickering or whining, if they do so they will confirm that they belong to God in the midst of residing in a fallen world.
Philippians2:14-17Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.
He transitions to writing plans that involve Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy will be launched shortly so Paul can be updated on their condition, YET Epaphroditus will depart urgently to them, he was once ill and by God’s mercy has been made whole again.
Philippians 2:19-24
If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon. Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you.
Chapter 1 Phil
Chapter 1
In Chapter 1 of Philippians Paul expresses his joy to the church at Philippi as a result of their partnership in proclaiming the gospel. Paul is confident that God won’t abandon them, but will finish the work He has begun in them. Paul specifically prays that they will continue.
Phil 1:3-6 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Paul then experiences a sense of being torn, he greatly desires to be with Christ, yet he recognizes he is still needed greatly among humanity.
Phil 1:20-25 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
In Chapter 1 of Philippians Paul expresses his joy to the church at Philippi as a result of their partnership in proclaiming the gospel. Paul is confident that God won’t abandon them, but will finish the work He has begun in them. Paul specifically prays that they will continue.
Phil 1:3-6 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Paul then experiences a sense of being torn, he greatly desires to be with Christ, yet he recognizes he is still needed greatly among humanity.
Phil 1:20-25 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Catch up
I am incredibly far behind in not my reading, but my posting due to me being out of town so much last couple of weeks, and even this week. I returned last night late from speaking out of town, and will be heading out of town again this afternoon. So let’s play a quick game of catch up.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Chapter of one life completed.
Just a couple of moments ago at 2:54am my grandfather departed from this earth. I can't thank you enough for your prayers for my grandfather and my family. A couple of days ago my grandfather asked Jesus Christ into his heart, as a result of that I am able to celebrate. My grandfather was a true American hero.
Live 2 Love.
C
Live 2 Love.
C
Friday, October 1, 2010
Silver Star Recipent
Moving through an intense concentration of automatic weapons, mortar and artillery fire, he carried his machine gun to an exposed vantage point and covered a route of withdrawal with a heavy volume of devastating fire. Leading his comrades through the hostile lines, he repeatedly exposed himself to disperse enemy blocking attempts and to provide covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded. Private MITCHELL”S exemplary courage, aggressive spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the American soldier. Entered the military service from Texas.
Answered Prayer
Yesterday early afternoon I got word that my grandfather took a turn for the worse. After packing as fast as we could with an infant we hurried to Odessa. My prayer the entire trip was that my grandfather would be alert enough to see lil Sadie. My prayer was answered, he got to see his great grandaughter Sadie for the first time and Lexie was able to tell her great grandfather that she loved him. We left his house last night around 1:30am, during the night his health changed even more. Today his breathing is shallow, his alertness has almost diminished completely. Yesterday he said he was ready to die, what a great place to be when your time to depart from this world is rapidly approaching. I'll share a few stories about my grandfather soon, he is truly an American hero.
Live 2 Love,
C
Live 2 Love,
C
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