Philippians – Page 5

Philippians 3:12-21 – Do You Have a Goal?

My oh my. Does this passage resonate with you like it does me?

We are all in our own season of life, and we have experiences that have brought us to this moment. No matter where you are in life, you should always have a goal. What is your goal?

I’m just coming off an intensive 3-day seminar for my home business, and one of our sessions talked about setting our dreams and goals. Personally, I have always tried to help others reach their goals without much thought of my own. The exercise awakened in me the importance of my own goals and how important it is to dream big. When we think with our future brains, we can accomplish so much more.

I especially liked Paul’s words here, reminding us that we need to forget the past and look ahead, “press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” There is no greater goal than this, don’t you agree? The day we meet Jesus face to face will be the ultimate. But are we ready? What if this happened tomorrow? Has our life mattered so far? What more do we want to accomplish before we “meet our Maker?”

Paul cautions us here about materialism, and I see this so rampant in our society today. It seems we are never happy with what we have. We are always wanting more of this or that to fulfill our need. When you think of what is on your dream board, what do you see? Are there material things or experiences to make memories? Maybe it’s an achievement or recognition? Or are your dreaming of a way of life to honor God?

I love how Paul concludes this section. We need to ground ourselves and be confident in our identity. Paul writes,”[b]ut we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

Our destiny is not here on earth. The things we aspire to on earth will pass away. We are living today for our tomorrow in heaven with Jesus. We will have bodies way better than we could ever imagine that will last for eternity. Let me ask again. What exactly is your goal? Is it big enough? Are you including God in your future?

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father you are mighty beyond all description. You have given me this beautiful life to live. May I be respectful of all that you have given me. May I live a life that is full of gratitude and praise. I look around and see heartache, confusion and greed. Help me to avoid those tendencies. You have brought me to this place, and I thank you for the progress I see in my life. I am so much closer to you than I was, and I yearn to grow closer every day. I eagerly await your return, yet I pray for those loved ones of mine who are not following you. I pray your grace will fall on them so that they will feel the time is right to fully trust you. Thank you for all of the blessings you bestow. You are an amazing God! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 3:1-11 – Do You Know Christ?

Read Philippians 3:1-11

Today’s reading is powerful. How well do you know Christ? I mean really know him? Think on that for a moment.

What do we mean when we say we know someone or something? Is it a casual acquaintance, such as we know a name, maybe a hometown, and ability to give a general description to a sketch artist. Or, do we know some deep dark secrets about that person, what makes them smile or cry, i.e. what makes them tick? How about Jesus?

None of us has met him face to face. Yet. What we know of his comes from what we’ve read in God’s word. We all have the same reference, but our frame of reference, or that which we have taken away from the same reference may be different. While I may see Jesus as a servant and resonate with that, you may see him as a healer and giver of second chances and resonate with that. Same guy, different perspective. Jesus is God and man, perfect in every way.

Our text today challenges us to rely on Jesus, this man we have never met. There are probably not many, if any at all, people we have never met that we trust more than we trust Jesus. If you are not yet trusting in him, we should probably talk because you are missing out on the greatest relationship of your life. Paul says it like this, “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus.”

Prior to his conversion, Paul thought he was holy by following the letter of the law. God’s law, yes, but distortions and misunderstandings had been made by men of God’s intention. There is the whole issue surrounding circumcision, for example. It was thought that to be acceptable to God one needed to be circumcised. Paul now realizes this is not the case. True Christians rely on what Jesus has done putting no confidence in human effort or action.

“God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” That is quite a cleansing thought. God has done the work and all we have to do is believe. God is working in us, how exciting is that? That thought alone really jazzes me! I long to know my Savior better. How about you? What are you doing to connect with Jesus Christ? Do others look and you and know without question that you are a follower of Christ?

Is your faith transparent? Are you living out your faith in a way that honors God? We might be thinking we’re doing pretty good. Then, look at Jesus’ example of devotion and if you’re like me, you’ll realize you’ve only begun the journey.

Our faith walk is a journey, but we do not walk alone. Our Savior is right there beside us, our biggest fan. He loves us despite of ourselves. It’s up to us to make him smile. Let’s make Jesus smile today.

Let’s pray. Lord, you are mighty and worthy, so worthy of my worship and praise. Thank you for the love you pour out on me, even when I am not lovable. Thank you that your grace is sufficient in my weakness. Create in me a new hunger to seek you and refresh my faith so that I will be visibly following you with my life. Show me the places in my life that need some adjustment. Help me help others in their struggles along the journey. I am honored to be yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 2:12-18 – New Responsibility

Read Philippians 2:12-18

There is so much wisdom to be had in the book of Philippians. Today’s reading goes on to show us how we should live with our new responsibility. We are to live Christ-like lives, be open and ready to share the good news with others. With this, comes responsibility.

I think of a story I heard, and you may have witnessed something like it yourself. We’ve all seen the ‘fish’ bumper decals that signify a Christian. This goes back to the time after Christ’s death when believers were fearful. The used this symbol as a way of identifying themselves with other believers. By drawing a fish in the sand, if someone knew what it meant, you were brothers in the faith, etc. If they looked at you funny, you knew they were not believers, etc. With that being said, the story goes that the driver of the “fish car” was acting cruel, yelling, having a road rage moment. Not too Christ-like. Yet, he was telling the world with his fish sticker that he was Christian. This is an example of not taking responsibility for the great gift we have. He was not reflecting the values we all possess as followers.

With this responsibility, the gift of salvation is ours. We are saved. We are free. How does all this work in your life? Not sure? Be assured of this, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” God has a plan for each one of us, it is our responsibility to live it. We are not all called to do the same thing, but what is the same is that we are working for God’s purpose.

The next section that talks about grumbling has always made me smile. We all know grumblers, don’t we? Sadly, I even know people that don’t seem happy unless they are grumbling. The reference here to grumbling and arguing is really meant (in the Greek) to be having an intellectual and moral battle with God, not each other. A good example of this happens in Exodus with the ungrateful Israelites grumble about what God is doing versus what they wish he was doing for them. Ungrateful. Sometimes we, too, can be ungrateful for the blessings God gives us.

Suffice it to say that if we are grumbling or arguing, we are not praising God. All of our energies are spent keeping us from God rather than connecting to him. That’s not what makes for a joyful life.

We need to be full of Jesus for the benefit of others. When we are, we are “shining like the stars.” Because of the joy we have, due to our healthy relationship with God, we yearn to live and serve others. How are you serving? Are you feeling the joy?

Let’s pray. Father God, I lift you up today. Forgive my grumbling and questioning mind. Wash me clean so that my joy will be full. Help me to reflect you in all I do. May there be no question “whose” I am, and that I am living for you. Thank you for the great sacrifice you made for me. I am so grateful for your Word and the promises you have for me. May be I wholly devoted to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 2:1-11 – Attitude Check

Read Philippians 2:1-11

Watch this video (taken from Message paraphrase) here.

You’ve probably been asked, “Are you in Christ?” If not that question, you’ve likely heard references to being “in Christ”. To put it simply, this means we belong to Christ, we are his. Chapter 2 starts out with this very phrase. Paul is asking us to think of the benefits we enjoy from belonging to Christ and being in him. There are many benefits, he has listed only a few. What are some of the benefits you have experienced?

Paul goes on to say, well then, okay, then show it! Have unity, not division. That’s not to say you have to agree on everything, but love each other and care for one another.

When that is hard for us, we need to look at our brothers and sisters and remember they, too, are abundantly loved by God. With that same heart, we will despise disunity. We will all bond together for the common goal – spread the gospel!

Paul gives us warning of what will mess up our attitudes — selfishness. Think on that for just a moment. It is human nature to be looking out for our own interests, right? If we don’t, who will? But selfishness goes beyond self-sufficiency and enters into a dark, sinful place of disregard for others. We should always be thinking how our words, our actions will be interpreted by others. Don’t let yourself get in the trap of projecting your own feelings and way of thinking on others. We are not the same. Being unselfish is difficult when done right.

Other translations have this as selfish ambition. Ambition is our desire to succeed, and we need to take care that our desires are in line with God’s will for us.

Our attitude check continues with humility. Are we humble? Or are we pumped up on our own self importance and pride? What are our motives when it comes to our actions? I love this quote from C.S. Lewis -“Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”

Finally, are we self-centered? Is it all about “me?” When we are little, it certainly is. As we grow and develop, we begin to see ourselves in a big world, and what is comfortable is when the focus is on us, and we are getting what we want. Think of a little toddler that you know. This kind of behavior works for a child, but as an adult, not so much. Martin Luther described fallen humanity as “man curved in on himself.” Malcom Muggeridge spoke of the “tiny dark dungeon of the ego.”

We are called to look to the interests of others and how we can use our gifts to help. That’s what Jesus modeled for us. He never avoided an opportunity to serve, heal, teach.

Today’s reading concludes with Paul painting a picture of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. This reminder should help us to fall in love with Jesus all over again. It truly puts in perspective the immensity of God’s love for us. Please join with me and other saints, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Let’s pray. Lord, help me get my attitude straightened out. Help me to be more in tune with the needs of others and how I might help them. Use me and my business to reach people that need a word from you. Wash away my fears and doubts that I am not good enough to deserve your love and provision. I stand on your promises and know that all my power comes from you. Help me to rely on that today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 1:27-30 – Citizens of Heaven

Read Philippians 1:27-30

Today’s reading struck a chord with me. Just as Paul is in the midst of his captivity and struggle, so to are people around the world. As I write this (and I realize you may be reading it now in real time or reading it in the future), our world is being pummeled with natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes. It sounds like end times in some ways, but frightening indeed for those in the midst of these storms.

Paul is telling us here to live as citizens of heaven while we are here on earth. What does this mean? Paul is using the analogy of citizenship to speak to the people of Philippi. There was a sense of being devoted to the country, the ruling nation, think of it as patriotism. Paul wanted them/us to think in terms of being devoted to your country, your citizenship, but then realize it is temporary. We are really meant for heaven, earth is where we gather in community with a colony of other believers.

We are called to build that colony with the destiny in mind. Heaven. We are to stand together with one purpose. Strengthen the colony and bring others into it. Share the news of Jesus and his forgiveness. People need to know they have a great inheritance. We can’t keep that for ourselves when it is meant for many.

There is power in numbers, so we need to stick together when struggles and challenges come. The evil one will bring tests, and we need to be strong to stand against them. Paul calls it a privilege to suffer on account of Christ. It is certainly a privilege and honor to call him Lord. I sometimes have a hard time with calling the other a privilege. But with all believers together, we are strong and eager support each other.

So for all of the horrible things people are experiencing these days, we pray peace. We know God is at work through his people to bring some good out of all of the bad. Some have suggested these disasters are our consequence for evil in the world – hatred, greed, lack of unity, etc. I will not enter into that debate. What I will say is — how we respond in these times of struggle and chaos is a reflection of who we are in Christ.

How are you responding to the crises we see around the world? Do you feel immune and separate yourself? Do you earnestly pray and seek God’s guidance for how you can help?

We all need to stand together in God’s army.

Let’s pray. Father God, the enemy is sending disaster to weaken your people. I thank you that you have them in your hands. Bring them peace and assurance. Things of this earth are temporary, but destiny with you in heaven is our great reward. Help me not to forget that. Help me to focus on the good you have done and your mighty power alive inside me. My energy is feeling depleted. Lord, renew me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.