Daily Writing

Wednesday, 28 December 2016

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, Philippians 2:1

This verse is necessarily tied to the upcoming verse. He makes four statements preparing us for a heartfelt petition. He begins with “Therefore” in order to show that his thoughts now are dependent on the words of the previous chapter, especially verses 27-29. Based on those things (therefore), he first says, “If there is any consolation in Christ.” The word is paráklēsis, and it indicates “a call (urging), done by someone ‘close beside,’ i.e. a personal exhortation that delivers the ‘evidence that stands up in God’s court’” (HELPS Word Studies). One can almost feel Paul’s intent. There is the Spirit of Christ, right there beside us, exhorting us and encouraging us.

Next, he says, “…if any comfort of love.” This is the comfort of love which is found in Christ. We are to understand the significance of His cross, and we are to feel surrounded by the love which it imparts to us. This in turn is then passed on between believers in Christ who, hopefully, will have the same love towards one another because of Christ’s love which sets the example.

After that comes, “…if any fellowship of the Spirit.” This is speaking of the intimate bond between the Spirit and us. It is the comfort we have knowing of His presence. It is the rejoicing in Him for Christ’s deeds on our behalf, and the anticipation of eternal intimacy because of what He has done. It is the reconnection to God which was lost at the fall, and which says that we are once again sons of God through adoption. These things, and so much more, are realized through the work of Christ, and the Spirit testifies to them.

And he then states, “…if any affection and mercy.” These are traits that are to be found among believers. Christ showed these to us, and we are to turn and have them in us now as well.

Each of these clauses is given in order for Paul to next make his heartfelt petition to them. In like manner, we are to use this same thought process as we encounter similar circumstances in our own Christian lives.

Life application: Paul asked “if” in each of these cases, implying that it is the way it should be with us. We are not to be devoid of the things he has asked about, but rather we are to have them as a part of who we are in Christ.

Lord God, You are more than glorious! It is beyond imagination that You stepped out of Your infinite realm and united with flesh in order to redeem us. And it was in the most remarkable way of all. Instead of forcing Your will upon us, You came to serve and offer first. Help us to share this marvelous message that You love us enough to come in such a humble and caring way. Thank You, Lord God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 27 December 2016

…having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. Philippians 1:30

The likely construction of Paul’s words is that this completes the thought of verse 27, and thus verses 28 and 29 are parenthetical. If we leave out 28 and 29, it would read –

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, … ³⁰ having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”

In his words “having the same conflict which you saw in me,” he refers to a conflict which they were aware of, and one which they had personally seen. This then is what is recorded in Acts 16, having occurred at Philippi. After noting this, he continues with “and now hear is in me.” He is showing them that, once again, he is having a conflict. This is the reason for their need to “stand fast” and to continue “striving together.” The ordeals were sure to come, and they were likely to be continuous. This is what they could expect because of their faith in Christ.

The word he uses which is translated as “conflict” is introduced here. It is used by Paul five times, and once in Hebrews. It is the Greek word agon, and it is the source of our word “agony” or to “agonize.” It indicates an arduous conflict and comes from the idea of the athletic contests of ancient Greece. These were so grueling that even the toughest of the competitors were known to weaken and crumble.

Paul’s choice of wording here shows the true nature of what it can mean to be a Christian. He didn’t simply snap his fingers and claim his way out of his trials. Instead, he suffered these agonizing ordeals for the sake of Christ and His gospel message. He notes that those in Philippi were having the same type of conflict as well.

Life application: If we are in dire straits and are facing crushing troubles because we are Christians, we can actually find encouragement from knowing that we were not the first. Further, we can know that we will be saved through them. This is the great value of reading and remembering the words of Scripture. Let us endeavor to keep such things in mind just in case we too face such immense trials. Let us stand fast and strive together with others in our pursuit of Christ.

Lord God, when we face big trials, it is such a comfort to go to Your word and see that our situation is not unique. Your faithful servant David suffered greatly, but You got him through it. Jeremiah was treated shamefully by his own people, but You were there with him. Paul went through countless physical tortures, but he persevered because he knew You were there, saving him each time. Your word shows us that we are not alone in this great struggle of faith, and that You will get us through it, just as You did for them. Thank You for this reassurance. Amen.

Monday, 26 December 2016

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, Philippians 1:29

Paul’s words, though written to the people at Philippi in this instance, are doctrine for the church age. With this in mind, it would be ultra-mega-hyper-fantabulous for Christians to stop tearing verses out of their intended context in order to justify a “prosperity gospel,” and to keep Paul’s writings as the main guide of their church-age doctrine. This is especially so with verses like the one we now come to. How marvelous it would be if professing Christians would set aside the goofy, put away the self-centered, and assimilate truths which are intended to help us through times of trial, not claim our way out of them.

Within the past few days before analyzing this verse, a “prosperity gospel” church in Nigeria collapsed and destroyed 160 lives. They were not able to “claim” their way out of that mess, and they will all stand before God and give an account of what they believed and what doctrine they adhered to.

Paul, speaking to those at Philippi (and thus to us!) says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ…” The verb is in the aorist indicative passive. It has been given since first belief, and it is a simple statement of fact. And what has been granted is “on behalf of Christ.” In other words, because of the cause of Christ, and/or in a view towards honoring Christ, this has been granted to us as believers. It is not something unexpected or unfavorable. Instead, what he will state is something we are both to expect, and something that we are to feel honored to have occur.

Continuing on, he says, “…not only to believe in Him…” This is a reference to the fact that belief in Christ is a gift and a privilege. God orchestrated the time and circumstances of our lives to give us a chance to believe. He granted this honor to us so that we might in fact believe. When we demonstrate faith in Christ, we are saved. But this is not the end of the honors that we can expect. Paul will next tell us of another great honor and privilege that we are granted on behalf of Christ. Let us try to guess what it is!

Johnny: Is it that we will always be happy and have our path filled with scented flowers?
Susan: Is it that we will be free from troubles and fill out our days in health just as Heretic Hinn implies when he is asking for donations?
Matthew: Is it that we will be rich, just like Pastor Promise told us last Sunday?
Ralph: Is it that we will have power over demons, devils, and physical afflictions so that we can claim healing? This is what Minister Marvelous said at Bible class last week *Oh boy!*

Nice try, but none of these are what Paul will tell us. Rather, he tells us that we are “also to suffer for His sake.” *Sound of crickets chirping*

Paul’s word here are consistent with other passages in the New Testament. Unlike the false teachings described above by our confused class of Christians, none of which are to be found in a proper evaluation of Scripture, Paul tells us directly and – without ambiguity or vagueness – that it is an honor and a privilege to suffer for the name of Christ. In Acts 5, the apostles who were beaten by order of the leading council in Jerusalem left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. In Colossians 1:24, Paul states –

“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church…”

Peter tells his audience –

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13

Elsewhere as well, we are shown that to suffer for Christ and as a Christian is an honorable thing. Not all of these are prescriptive verses, but they are given to highlight that our life in Christ is not to be one which expects wealth, health, prosperity, fancy things, or any such nonsense. Instead, we have been given the high honor of emulating the Lord in His sufferings. Let us take this to heart and remove our ears from the false whisperings of teachers who would promise that the blessings of heaven will open up on us if we simply pass money to them.

Life application: As a Christian, you can expect suffering.

Lord God, Your word directly and without ambiguity promises that believers in Christ have been granted the privilege of suffering for Him. There are no promises of wealth, health, prosperity, or physical healing handed to us as guarantees. But we are guaranteed that we will suffer for His sake. And what a high honor that is. Help us to put away false teachings and to be ready for the times of trial when they come. Help us never to try to claim our way out of (or into) certain circumstances – certainly that is presumptuous and sinful. Instead, grant us wisdom to work hard for that which we want, and strength to endure well through those things which are difficult to face. To the glory of Christ alone may we act in this life that You have granted to us. Amen.

Sunday, 25 December 2016

…and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. Philippians 1:28

Paul just spoke of their need to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” He now adds to this by saying, “and not in any way terrified by your adversaries.” The word translated as “terrified” is found only here in the Bible. It means to be terrified as if a horse when frightened. It is then a mind of terror and confusion.

We are not to be startled and terrified in such a way when facing our adversaries. For those in Philippi, they had both the Judaizers and the pagans as their enemies. These people came at them in hopes of terrifying them, probably to undermine their faith so that they would then follow them, as a horse is eventually subdued and led away. But he has already told them to “stand fast” and to be “striving together.” In so doing, they will not be susceptible to being so terrified.

Their ability to not be terrified in this way was to be “to them a proof of perdition.” Their enemies were on the wrong path, and in their inability to shake the resolve of the faithful, it was to demonstrate that fact. This would leave them with two choices: 1) They could repent of their ways and turn to the truth of Christ, or 2) they could continue down the path to perdition, meaning condemnation and an eternal swim in the Lake of Fire.

And not only was this a proof of their perdition, but it was also a proof of the believer’s state concerning salvation. If one stands fast, there must be something that they are standing fast on. If they were “striving together for the sake of the gospel,” it means that they were aware of the gospel, they understood its meaning and ramifications, and they were able to keep it faithfully.

These two things, the fear of perdition for those opposed to the gospel, and the hope of salvation for those who were saved by the gospel, are tokens “from God.” The one will stand as a witness against the lost when they stand before Him, and the other will stand as a witness for the saved when they come before Him. The gospel is the token of condemnation for some and of salvation for others. It is like the pillar of cloud described by Moses –

“Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.” Exodus 14:20

Life application: Don’t be led astray by universalist teachings which say that everyone eventually goes to heaven. That is proven false here, and in numerous other verses of Scripture. It is a heretical lie. Stand fast on the gospel which says that only those who come to Christ will be saved.

Glorious God Almighty, it is a comfort to know the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to understand that it means salvation for mankind, if we will but receive the Gift and accept it. The message itself is a witness against those who reject it, and it is a token of salvation to those who receive it. Thank You for the surety we possess through this marvelous message of peace and reconciliation with You! Thank You for Jesus who has made all things new. Amen.

Saturday, 24 December 2016

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27

Paul has just penned his certainty that he will remain in his earthly body and continue with those at Philippi “for progress and joy of faith.” After this, he noted that this rejoicing would abound “in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.” Having said that, he now gives words of exhortation for them to consider.

He begins with “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The word he uses for “your conduct” is politeuomai. It specifically means, “to live as a citizen.” Most translations make this word to indicate “conduct” or “manner of life,” but Paul was probably thinking more on the idea of citizenship itself. Thus, the NLT translates this verse as –

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” NLT

The word is only used elsewhere in Acts 23:1 where Paul was thinking on the same terms. He was a citizen of Rome and had exercised his citizenship as a Roman to make an appeal for his case directly to Caesar. Therefore, he was living his citizenship in Rome, as well as his citizenship in heaven, in order to meet the goals of the gospel. This is  certainly what he is thinking now, because he uses a variant of this word again in verse 3:20 where he says, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…”

In this letter to Philippi, he is writing to a location mostly inhabited by Roman citizens. This is because Philippi was a Roman colony. He had even declared his own Roman citizenship there in Acts 16 –

“But Paul said to them, ‘They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.’” Acts 16:37

Understanding this, we can see that in his words to this group, he was reminding them that even if some of them were Roman citizens, they had a higher citizenship by which they should conduct their lives. He then explains the reason for this – “…so that whether I come and see you or am absent, that you stand fast in one spirit.” There was to be no division among them based on their earthly status.

Those who were citizens of Rome were to be in the same spirit with those who were slaves. The principle passes down to us today. We are to be united without regard to social status, fame, or any other lesser division. Rather, we are to be “in one spirit.” The spirit is the higher connection to God which comes through faith in Christ. A person who is not in Christ is “dead” in his spirit, but through Christ, the spirit is quickened to life and the connection to God is repaired to the state it was originally intended to be. In this spiritual connection, believers are to be united as one.

Further, he notes that they are to be “with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” The word translated as “mind” here is psuché. It refers specifically to the “soul.” As the spirit is the higher connection to God, the soul is the human connection to one another. In essence, we could think of Paul’s intent here as – “Let your spiritual connection to God be as one, and let your earthly lives strive together for the faith of the gospel.” There was to be a uniting of their spiritual and earthly efforts for harmony among one another, and for that harmony to be employed in their earthly conduct in order to build one another up in the faith.

Life application: There is nothing wrong with living out our earthly lives as citizens of the country in which we live, as long as we realize that our true citizenship is in heaven. The earthly citizenship should never be conducted without considering the heavenly. And this goes for personal conduct as well as interactions with other believers.

Lord God, though we live in this world and are citizens of various nations, in Christ we are one and we are to direct our lives first and foremost in regards to our heavenly citizenship. Help us to live out our personal lives in this way, and help us to conduct our personal interactions with other believers in this manner as well. Let us not divide our allegiance to You in ways which are not glorifying of You or which are not helpful to our fellows in Christ. Amen.