Monthly Archives: May 2025

Bible, Joy, Rejoicing, Sacrifice, Scripture

SHARE YOUR JOY

PHILIPPIANS 2:18

“You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”

Can you recall the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? Many of us would say it was that hole-in-one we shot at the golf course or maybe catching that ten pound bass. Ladies, it might be your wedding day or the birth of a child. I have had a lot of exciting events in my life, but I can still recall the moment I received Jesus as my Savior. I remember where I was standing in the choir loft of First Baptist Church of Pelham, GA. So, what do you do with the event? You tell everyone about it.

Paul had just said in verse 17 that he wanted to share his joy with the Philippians. Now, he asks them to share their joy with him. The phrase “share your joy” is one Greek word, sugchairó. This word is used in Luke 1:58 when Elizabeth’s neighbors rejoiced with her at the birth of John. It is used in Luke 15:6 in the parable of the lost sheep when the owner said to his friends, “‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’” And then used three verses later by the woman when she found her lost coin.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes shares this story which explains what Paul meant:

“A brave Athenian returned from the battle of Marathon, bleeding with wounds and exhausted, and rushed into the presence of the magistrates, and uttered only these two words – χαιρετε (chairete), χαιρομεν (chairomen) – ‘rejoice, we rejoice,’ and immediately expired. So Paul felt that there was occasion for him, and for all whom he loved, to rejoice, if he was permitted to die in the cause of others, and in such a manner that his death would benefit the world.”

I hope you have such joy. Death for a follower of Christ is cause for joy, not sorrow. Sure, we will be missed by our loved ones. But heaven holds such promise for us who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Paul knew that, so he told the Philippians to rejoice in his suffering, his potential sacrifice. He wanted to hear from them also how they were rejoicing in their own suffering.

Back to the exciting event in your life. I hope you can join me in agreeing that the most exciting event in our lives should be our salvation and our daily walk with Him. What? You’re not excited? You haven’t told anyone about it? Join with me in my joy and share your joy with others.

I agree with David when he said, “Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.” Let me share my joy with others.

And to all you mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

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Bible, Gospel, Offering, Sacrifice, Scripture

BEING POURED OUT

PHILIPPIANS 2:17

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

There have been many stories told of soldiers, airmen, sailors, or Marines who have given their lives for the sake of others. A soldier sees a live grenade thrown near his fellow soldiers and dives on it to protect them. A Marine charges a machine gun to defend his buddies. These are examples of someone sacrificing themselves for others. They literally poured out their lives for them. (Look up the story of PFC Kenneth J. David for a great example.)

In today’s verse, Paul uses a Greek word that is only used one other time in the New Testament (also by Paul). The word is spendó, and it means to be poured out in total surrender. You are holding nothing back. You are giving it all. Here in Philippians, we know Paul was incarcerated under house arrest in Rome. He was ready to die for the sake of the Gospel. He was doing this as an example to the Philippian church and others. He was not afraid to give up his life for Christ. He was eventually released but was arrested again.

APPLICATION

We see the second use of spendó in 2 Timothy 4:6. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” Paul was in a Roman prison again, but this time he would not leave. Paul was martyred not long after writing this letter to his beloved disciple. He was ready. As they say, “He left it all on the field.” Paul poured himself out for others.

Many scholars believe Paul was thinking about the Old Testament practice of pouring wine out for the sacrifices to Jehovah. In Numbers 15:5, we read, “and you shall prepare wine for the drink offering, a fourth of a hin, with the burnt offering or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.” See also Numbers 28:7, 14. This would have been common knowledge for a Pharisee, which Paul had been before his conversion. Of course, he could see the parallel of his “sacrifice” and the Old Testament sacrifices.

Paul was not implying his “pouring out” held any spiritual significance for others. His death would not save them. Only Christ could do that. But his “pouring out” was meant to show others his willingness to die for Jesus, to give everything for the sake of the Gospel. How about you? Are you willing to be poured out for Jesus?

O Lord, I give my life as a libation for You. Use me as You see best.

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Bible, Holding, Obedience, Scripture

HOLDING FIRMLY

PHILIPPIANS 2:16

“holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.”

Whenever you use tools, you need to maintain a good grip. Handling tools loosely or haphazardly can be dangerous. For instance, my dad taught me how to properly hold and use a hammer. Simple enough, right? But there is a right way and wrong way to use a hammer. Once you learn how to use it properly, the job is usually a lot easier and is done quicker.

“Holding firmly” in our verse today is epechówhich only occurs four other times in the New Testament. “The Greek verb ἐπέχω appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the importance of attention and steadfastness. It is used to describe the act of focusing one’s mind or attention on a particular subject or truth. For example, in Philippians 2:16, the Apostle Paul uses ἐπέχω to encourage believers to “hold firmly to the word of life,” highlighting the necessity of steadfastness in faith and doctrine. This usage underscores the importance of maintaining a firm grip on the teachings of the Gospel amidst challenges and distractions.” (Topical Lexicon) Now, do you see the importance of “holding firmly”?

APPLICATION

In Acts 3:5 epechóis used when the lame man “gave…his attention” to Peter and John hoping for a gift. His focus was on them. In the same way, we should have our focus on the Word and not stop looking at it until we receive something. I always pray for God to give me a “nugget of truth” each time I read a verse or a passage. There are hidden gems present if we will just hold on and focus.

Paul uses this word again in his first letter to Timothy. We read in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” The phrase “pay close attention to” is epechó. Examine the Word, pay close attention to it.

Do you see a pattern here in this word? Hold firmly! Give attention to! Pay close attention! God has given us His Word to guide us daily, but we must do these three things. God won’t twist your arm and make you do it. You have to choose to do it on your own. But oh, the joy that comes from obeying.

Father, I want to hold firmly to every word You speak.

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Bible, Darkness, Light, Scripture, Shining

KEEP SHINING YOUR LIGHT

PHILIPPIANS 2:15

“so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”

Have you ever had to prepare for encroaching storms at night? What is one of the first things you get together? Light! You may gather flashlights or lanterns. You may have some candles for such occasions. You don’t want to be caught in the dark in the middle of a storm. You need light to show you the way if you need to escape. You need light to keep your children from being scared.

We are “lights in the world” according to today’s verse. The first part of the verse tells you why. We are “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” That’s dark. That can be scary – unless you have the light. We have The Light – Jesus Christ. So, we have the responsibility to shine the light of Christ wherever we go and whatever situation we face.

APPLICATION

If you haven’t figured out that this verse applies to you as a follower of Christ, just stop reading now. Just kidding. But you should see how important this is. Let me show you something in the verse that I think needs explaining a bit. In this translation (NASB), it reads, “you appear.” The original Greek is the word phaino which includes the idea of shining, to shed light.

The best thing to know about the darkness is that it cannot put out light. Light pierces the darkness and sends it running. In Matthew 24:27 this word phaino is used to describe lightning as it flashes across the sky. Do you think you and I could appear that way? Could we flash the light of Jesus? Could we brighten our world with the light which lives inside us?

Maybe you are in a dark place right now. Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. You may feel you are deep in a pit. There is no pit so deep or dark where the light of Christ can’t shine. As a follower of Christ, you have that light within you. Stop relying on your own light, your own duracells. Rely on His inexhaustible light. Rely on the Giver of Light!

O Lord, I need Your light to brighten the world around me. Use me as Your lantern to show others the way.

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Arguing, Arguments, Bible, Complaining, Harmony, Scripture

STOP YOUR WHIINING!

PHILIPPIANS 2:14

“Do all things without complaining or arguments;”

Oh me, oh my! This verse hits home, doesn’t it. How many times have you complained about something in the past month? For me, it’s traffic. For the life of me I will never understand why people can’t just drive and let people merge without slamming on their brakes. It drives me crazy! Look, there I go! Complaining!

Paul would not have written this to the Philippians if they had not needed to hear it. I don’t care how spiritual you are, we are all prone to complain or argue at some point. Paul says, “Do all things…” The Greek word for “all” means (Are you ready? Can you handle this?) ALL. It means the whole picture, each and every piece which make up the whole. In other words, EVERYTHING!!

APPLICATION

I really don’t think we need to spend any more time on the word “all.” I think you understand that. But what about those other two words in this verse – “complaining” and “arguments”? Let’s look at them, beginning with “complaining.” That’s the Greek word goggusmos, which can be translated as murmuring, grumbling or muttering. The word is only used three other times in the New Testament (John 7:12; Acts 6:1 and 1 Peter 4:9). In the 1 Peter verse, it reads, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” That’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

The other word Paul uses is dialogismos, which means futile thinking or reasoning. The Topical Lexicon describes it this way. “Here, the term is associated with disputes and arguments that can arise from selfish ambition or vain conceit, contrasting with the humility and unity that should characterize the Christian community.” How are you doing with that one?

I really like the Amplified Bible’s translation of this verse. “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],” You see, that is what we are doing when we complain, grumble, argue, whine, etc. We are questioning God’s providence. We are questioning God’s sovereignty. Trust Him (Are you listening to yourself, Carl?). We can all make some changes on these today, can’t we?

Father, allow me to trust You in all things and not complain or argue.

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Bible, God's Will, Pleasing, Pleasure, Scripture

HIS GOOD PLEASURE

PHILIPPIANS 2:13

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.”

Some people are people pleasers. They will do just about anything to make people happy. That may seem like a great character trait, but it isn’t. You can’t make anyone happy. You can offer them things or do things in which they can choose to be happy. But you don’t have the power to make them happy. Only they can choose that.

Why do I bring that up? Because God is NOT a people pleaser. Look at today’s verse. Paul plainly says that God does the things He does in our lives for His good pleasure, not ours. He makes Himself happy. Have you ever thought of that? Our job is to do the things that we know will give Him pleasure, things that are according to His will. The Greek word for “good pleasure” is eudokia which “underscores the idea that God’s actions towards humanity are motivated by His benevolent will. It reflects the notion that God’s purposes are inherently good and aimed at the well-being of His creation. This term also highlights the relationship between divine favor and human response, as believers are called to live in a manner that aligns with God’s good pleasure.” (Topical Lexicon)

APPLICATION

We see this same word used in Ephesians 1:5 which reads, “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” And then just a few verses later, Paul says this in Ephesians 1:9, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him,” You see, God does what He does for His good pleasure. It pleases Him to show us mercy. It pleases Him to adopt us as His children. Why wouldn’t we want to please Him?

Jesus recognized this also. In Matthew 11:25-26, He says, “…‘25 I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight.’” God does what He does according to His own desires and delights. And everything He does has our best interest in mind. Hallelujah!

Today, as you go about your business, do what you do to please the Lord who always has your best in mind. It pleases Him to bless us. We, therefore, should seek to please Him with holy living and pure hearts. Amen?

Lord, I want to please You because I know You are always seeking to satisfy Your desire to bless me. Thank You, Father.  

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Bible, Faith, Journey, Obedience, Scripture

WORK IT OUT

PHILIPPIANS 2:12

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”

You may have heard the joke about the person who was caught in rising waters from a flood. As the waters rose, a guy came by in a 4×4 truck and offered to rescue him, but he said he would trust God to rescue him. The waters continued to rise and now a man came by in a boat. Still the man said he would trust in God. Finally, as he was perched on his rooftop, a helicopter came by and lowered a rope, but the man was adamant that he would trust God for his rescue. Unfortunately, the man died. When he gets to heaven he asked the Lord, “Why didn’t you rescue me?” The Lord replied, “I sent you a truck, a boat and a helicopter. You just had to get in.”

Today’s verse is like that. God has sent us the means of salvation – Jesus Christ. But we still have to “get in.” We have to choose to accept this free gift and to do our part in growing in our new faith. God will not spoon feed you. He expects you to go to the Word and feed yourself. That doesn’t mean you will have all the answers. But you have to make the effort to grow. The Topical Lexicon says, “believers are exhorted to ‘work out’ their salvation with fear and trembling. This usage highlights the responsibility of Christians to actively engage in their spiritual growth and maturity, relying on God’s enabling power.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated “work out” is katergazomai which is also used in Ephesians 6:13 where it says, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Here it is translated “having done.” This verb is a Middle Voice verb which means you do this. It is not done to you. You must “work out” or do this.

The same word is used in James 1:3 where James says your “faith produces endurance.” There’s an action to it. You’re not like that man in the flood just waiting. Our faith requires action. James said it best when he said that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). As you “work out” your faith, your faith grows. God gives you more and more faith as you partner with Him in your spiritual growth.

Too many Christians come to Christ for fire insurance. They just want a “get out of hell free card.” That is not what the Christian life is about. It’s a journey. It’s a process. It doesn’t start and end with your conversion. That is just the beginning. I have been a believer for almost 48 years now and I am still growing. I will not “arrive” until I breath my last. Are you working out today?

Thank You, Father, for giving me the tools to spur my growth and teach me more and more about You.

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Bible, Confession, God's Will, Praise, Prayer, Scripture

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

PHILIPPIANS 2:11

“and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

They say confession is good for the soul. What do you think? I try to stay “confessed up” about my sins. Every morning as I begin my prayer time I confess any known sins in my life. I confess any wrong words or deeds. I confess any wrong or impure thought. I ask forgiveness for anything I may have done that is not pleasing to the Lord. Only then do I begin my prayers for others. I want the slate clean.

The Greek word used by Paul for “confess” is a compound word. It’s “eksomologéō (from ek, ‘wholly out from,’ intensifying homologéō, ‘say the same thing about’) – properly, fully agree and to acknowledge that agreement openly (whole-heartedly); hence, to confess (“openly declare”), without reservation (no holding back).” (HELPS Word Studies). Did you catch that? It means to FULLY agree with God.

APPLICATION

Interestingly, this word can also be translated as “praise.” It is used that way in Luke 10:21 when Jesus is talking to His Father and says, “‘I praise You, O Father.’” Jesus always agreed fully with His Father. He said as much when He said that He only spoke the words His Father gave Him. John 12:49-50 says, “49 ‘For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’”

Wouldn’t it be wise for us to do the same? Our sins are known to the Father. He knows all and sees all. So, just agree with Him about your sins and confess them. Agreeing with God is not so hard. It does take humility and recognizing that He is God and you’re not. Right?

The same word is used in James 5:16 where we are told to “confess your sins to one another.” Now, that is hard. Be careful to whom you confess, though. They should be a trusted brother or sister in Christ and have your best interest at heart. Confession to another is an act of accountability and we all need that. So, today get all “confessed up.”

I confess to You today, O Lord, all my sins and transgressions against You and others. Please forgive me.

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Allegiance, Bible, Bowing, Jesus, Kneeling, Scripture, Worship

KNEELING

PHILIPPIANS 2:10

“so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,”

I’m at the age now when I kneel down to get something, I pause to see if I need to do anything else while I’m down there. Lol. Can you relate? Kneeling gets harder with age. Our bones crack and moan more. Our backs strain getting back up. Now, I’m not in awful shape physically, but I definitely feel my age more these days. Maybe helping watch my ten-month-old grandson has something to do with it. You think?

Paul makes a declaration in today’s verse which is directly from the mouth of God. He says that one day, “every knee will bow.” And when he says “every” he means EVERY. He covers them all – in heaven, on earth and under the earth. Everyone will bow before the only true and holy Savior, Jesus Christ. He is Lord! John says something similar in his vision statement in Revelation 5:13. “And I heard every created thing which is in heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, or on the sea, and all the things in them, saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever.’”

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated as “will bow” is kamptó which “primarily means to bend or bow, often used in the context of bowing the knee as an act of submission, worship, or reverence. It conveys the physical act of bending as well as the metaphorical act of showing humility or deference.” (Strong’s Lexicon). It is only used three other times (Romans 11:4. 14:11; Ephesians 3:14).

In Romans 11:4 Paul writes about the story of Elijah when he was complaining to God and was told by God that He had kept 7,000 men in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. In other words, their allegiance was to Jehovah and bowed only to Him. Later in Romans 14:11 Paul is quoting God from Isaiah 45:23 which says, “‘I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.’”

Finally, as Paul begins his prayer in Ephesians 3:14, he writes, “For this reason I bend my knees before the Father,” You see, Paul knew there was only one God and to Him only would he bow. Paul would bow to no man. Kind of reminds you of three youth who got thrown into a furnace for refusing to bow to an earthly king, doesn’t it?  Today, bow your knee, bow your heart, kneel and pray and lift up the name of Jesus.

O Lord, I will bow before You and praise Your holy name.

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Bible, Jesus, Names, Prayer, Scripture

NAME ABOVE ALL

PHILIPPIANS 2:9

For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

Some people think they are something just because of their name. There are a lot of famous people who are known by name worldwide. There’s Gandhi, Hitler, Trump, just to name a few. They are so famous only one name is required. I don’t want to be that famous. It would spoil my trips to Waffle House, lol.

There is one other name, however, that is known worldwide – Jesus. This name transcends cultures, ages and even languages. Paul says it was God who bestowed or gave this name to Him. In Luke 1:31 we read what the angel told Mary, “‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.’”

APPLICATION

Now, Jesus is known by many names – Christ, Lord, Immanuel, Lamb of God, Son of God, Son of Man, The Word, Savior, Redeemer, Light of the world. It doesn’t really matter which name you choose; He will answer to them all. He listens as you call on one of His many names. So, don’t hesitate to call Him by name.

To call someone by name means you know that person and that you have some kind of relationship. When I was working with children, I made it a point to learn the children’s names. I would often get down on my knees when I talked to them to be on their level. I wanted to look them in the eyes when I called their name (which I would try to repeat a few times to get it nailed down). We need to look Jesus squarely in the eyes when we call His name.

There is something intimate about using a person’s name. It’s much better than saying, “Hey, you” or “Hey, bud.” So, today when you pray, use the name above all names – Jesus. Look Him in the eyes (spiritually) and talk to Him. He is always listening, but I believe when we call His name, He turns His head towards us and listens intently. He is our Great Intercessor!

Father, You are so good to us and give us that name on which to call. And I thank You that You know my name intimately.

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