Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Deliverance, Prayer, Scripture, Trust

THE EFFECT OF PRAYER

PHILIPPIANS 1:19

“for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

We have probably all heard testimonies about how someone prayed for something, and God answered their prayer. We have also heard from people who said God never answers their prayers. Which is it? Does God always answer our prayers? Is He really listening? Psalm 5:3 answers that pretty clearly. “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”

Paul is stating a fact in today’s verse, not just dreaming about what he wishes would happen. He said, “I know.” The Greek verb there, oida, is in the Perfect tense. That is important because it meant this was a past event that has lasting results. Paul knew from his past knowledge of prayer that this would end exactly the way God intended. He believed he would be delivered or rescued from his present circumstances. Why? Because of the Philippians’ prayers for him.

APPLICATION

I could give you dozens of examples of answered prayers in my life. That does not make me more spiritual. It just means I have learned to look for the answer when I pray. Does God always answer my prayers? Yes. Sometimes it is a yes. Other times it is a no, and most of the time He says, “Not now.” But God has always answered my sincere attempts to hear from Him. I am a slow learner, though. He often has to repeat His answer several times for me to hear it.

These prayers that were being offered up were specific prayers. The Greek word there is deésis. This word “is used to describe prayers that are specific and fervent, often in the context of seeking divine intervention or assistance.” (Strong’s Lexicon). Don’t pray flippant and non-specific prayers. Pray exactly. Pray intently. Pray fervently.

Your prayers can change things. Does it change God’s mind? No, it is meant to change our hearts to see things God’s way. Our prayers for others are meant to draw us closer to Him. As we beseech God for someone’s salvation or healing, we are coming before the One who has the power to answer. Pray and trust. Read Psalm 5:3 again. Practice this daily.

O Lord, I know You are listening and are intent on meeting my deepest needs.

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Bible, Gospel, Motive, Rejoicing, Scripture, Truth

REJOICE IN CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 1:18

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But not only that, I also will rejoice,”

Sometimes people’s motives for doing something is outweighed by the result they have. Case in point – today’s verse. We’ll get there in a second or two. “The end justifies the means” is NOT what Paul is saying here. That is an unbiblical statement. We can’t do anything we want any way we want as long as we point to God. I could name examples I know about, but I shall refrain from doing so. That in itself would do exactly what I am saying we should not do.

Many scholars say this about what Paul says here. “Of course, this rejoicing does not refer to the impure intention of the preachers, but to the objective result.” These Jewish believers in question were preaching Jesus but were holding the Gentiles to the Mosaic Laws regarding festivals and ordinances. They were attempting to “steal away” Paul’s followers and build their own. BUT they were preaching Jesus as the Messiah Who had come to save all mankind. For that, Paul is rejoicing.

APPLICATION

Matthew, Mark and Luke all use the word for “pretense” when they quoted Jesus as He taught against the Pharisees and Scribes. Luke 20:46-47 says, “46 ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation.’” (See also Matthew 23:14 and Mark 12:38-40)

Notice Jesus wasn’t condemning their prayers. He was condemning their motives for the prayers. Perhaps there were those in the synagogues who were moved by their prayers, the mentioning of the name of Yahweh or the recitation of God’s Word in their prayers. Jesus didn’t say they shouldn’t pray. He warned of their motives.

How can we apply this to our lives? Don’t judge the eternal results of someone’s ministry. That’s for God to decide. We should be careful whom we support to ensure they are not teaching false doctrine or anything that would lead someone away from Christ. We have way too many Christian denominations with way too many traditions and teachings. Not all line up with the Word. But if someone of another denomination leads someone to Jesus, let’s celebrate that. Let’s rejoice in Christ as Paul did.

Father, help me ensure that I focus on the eternal results of anything I teach about Jesus.

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Affliction, Bible, Distress, Scripture, Tribulations

CAUSING ME DISTRESS

PHILIPPIANS 1:17

“the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.”

Have you ever been “between a rock and a hard place”? Do you know what I mean? There seems to be pressure mounting from every side. There is no escape. I have experienced that a few times in my life. Let me just say – I did not enjoy it! Lol. People were clamoring for things to be done. I had family responsibilities. One thing after another was demanding my time, and I had no help. (or so I thought)

Why am I talking about that? Because Paul uses a word today that could be described in that fashion. The word “distress” is the Greek word thlipsis, which Strong’s Lexicon describes this way. It “is used in the New Testament to describe a state of severe distress or suffering, often due to external pressures or persecution. It conveys the idea of being under pressure or in a state of affliction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.” Paul had the pressure of imprisonment and these “no-gooders” were trying to take advantage of the situation, hoping to hurt Paul even more.

APPLICATION

Thlipsis is used in Mark 4:17 to describe the afflictions that come upon the seed sown in the rocky soil. We know what happened there, don’t we? The seed could not survive. Neither can you if you remain there. We need nourishment. We need watering. I am planting a couple of new shrubs in our yard right now. The soil is not the most favorable. It’s hard and clay like. I had to dig a larger than necessary hole to make sure there was enough room for the roots of that plant to survive. I had to go deep. Hmmm, that might just apply to us, don’t you think?

In Romans 5:3-4, Paul gives us an interesting take on this word, thlipsis. “3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” Paul actually has the nerve to say tribulations (thlipsis) can produce something good. How dare he! Lol.

I know in my life, that has been true. It takes a lot of pressure and time to produce a diamond, doesn’t it? God allows this distress, these tribulations in our lives to make us into His diamonds, His precious gems. He loves you enough to allow that. When we learn to embrace it, like Paul, we will begin to see the benefits.

O Lord, it’s hard to say “Thank You” for the tribulations of life, but I trust You know how best to make me into what You want me to be.

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Bible, Defense, Love, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

OUT OF LOVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:16

“the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;”

Why do we do the things we do for others? I have been helping my wife care for our 9 month old grandson these past several months. Let me say first and foremost what a privilege that is. I believe grandparents have a higher calling for this. My wife and I know that we are not just babysitting. We are investing in a brand new life who is part of our legacy. Along with his parents and other grandparents we are pouring our lives into him to help make him into a godly man, husband, father, etc.

Paul continues his line of reasoning, tying this verse back to the last phrase in the previous verse, “but some also from good will.” There’s a little Greek word that does not appear in this translation. It’s men which can be translated as “indeed” or “on the other hand.” It’s a word written to draw a contrast to another statement. In this case, Paul was contrasting those who were preaching for ill reasons against those who did it out of love, God’s agape love, benevolent love, what is good for others.

APPLICATION

What have you done out of love for others? Now, before you answer that, let me clarify. What have you done out of love for others knowing you will receive nothing in return? Hmmm, that puts a different slant on it, doesn’t it? It is easy to love when we know that love will be reciprocated. These Philippian believers who were preaching out of love were doing this to aid Paul’s ministry and further the Gospel, knowing that 1) their lives were endangered by doing so and 2) they may never see the fruit of their labors.

They were doing this because of what they saw Paul doing – defending the Gospel. The Greek word for “defense” is apologia where we get our word apologetics. Strong’s Lexicon says this word “refers to a formal defense or justification of one’s beliefs, actions, or position. It is often used in the context of defending the Christian faith against accusations or misunderstandings.”

It was really out of love for Jesus that Paul did this and now why the Philippian believers were doing this. They stood tall and proud to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to whomever would listen. Are we as bold? Do we do it out of love? Do your own self-assessment. I’ve done mine and I know I have room for improvement.

O Lord, give me a heart full of the love of Jesus that just overflows on others.

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Bible, Envy, Gospel, Motive, Scripture, Strife

THE RIGHT MOTIVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:15

“Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill;”

If you turn on the television, especially on Sundays, you can find some preachers who are, to say it politely, a little questionable. One may ask themselves what their motive is for preaching the Gospel. My paternal grandmother was hooked by a televangelist back in the 80’s. After she passed my dad found where she had sent him a good bit of money, hoping for some miracle. That has always made me check my ego at the door when I share the Word.

This issue isn’t anything new. Today’s verse has Paul discussing this very thing. While some were stepping up and preaching the Word boldly while Paul was imprisoned, others were taking advantage of that void in the early Christian world. They were pursuing all the wrong things in their preaching. Paul says they were “preaching Christ even from envy and strife.” That’s pretty bold, don’t you think? Some things never change.

APPLICATION

Our application today is pretty clear – check your motive. When you share the Gospel, when you witness to someone, check your motive. Make sure you are doing these “kingdom works” for His glory and not your own. Remember 1 Corinthians 3:12-13? “12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.”

Many scholars believe these people in question were the Judaizers who were always opposing Paul. They taught that you had to keep the Mosaic Law even after receiving Christ. They even tried to force the Gentile believers to embrace this. They were all about building themselves up in front of the people, not Christ.

Now, your methodology may not be envious or strifeful, but if the motive is not purely to glorify Christ, you’ve got the wrong motive. Ask yourself If I receive no credit for this, would I still do it? Ask the Lord if your motive is pure. He will definitely tell you. Preach the Word. Share the Gospel. But do it for Jesus and no one else.

O Lord, keep my motives pure as I share the Gospel with others.

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Bible, Encouragement, Prison, Scripture, Suffering, Testimony

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH SUFFERING

PHILIPPIANS 1:14

“and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

have mentioned several times about my two stem cell transplants I underwent for my Amyloidosis treatment. Both involved a considerable amount of suffering that I had rather not endure again. But both of these experiences served to encourage others in their own walk of faith. I can’t begin to tell you the number of people who were praying for me worldwide and the cards and letters I received from friends and family. Many even sent money to help with our expenses. These people experienced my suffering by praying and supporting us.

Paul is in prison, but he is still encouraging these believers. How can that be? How can one man’s suffering encourage others? Paul uses a Greek word here to describe what these Philippian Christians were doing. The verb “have…courage” is tolmaó, and it means “to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (putting it all on the line); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word Studies)

APPLICATION

So, how do we do that? By doing exactly what the Philippians believers did. Here is what Albert Barnes said about their courage to speak forth about Jesus without fear. “This might have been either: (1) that from the very fact that so distinguished a champion of the truth had been imprisoned, they were excited to do all they could in the cause of the gospel. Or, (2) they were aroused by the fact that the cause of his imprisonment had become generally understood, and that there was a strong current of popular favor setting toward Christianity in consequence of it. Or, (3) they had had contact with Paul in his own ‘hired house,’ and had been incited and encouraged by him to put forth great efforts in the cause. Or, (4) it would seem that some had been emboldened to promulgate their views, and set themselves up as preachers, who would have been restrained if Paul had been at liberty.”

Any of those speculations could have been the truth. The bottom line – they were encouraged by Paul’s suffering. When you see others suffering, what is your response? I pray it is not just to have pity on them. No! We should immediately begin to pray for them. By doing so, God builds our own faith. We can see Him work through difficult situations. We can experience a deeper faith by trusting in His divine will.

In Mark 15:43 when Jospeh of Arimathea went up to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body, this same word is used. It says, “…he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate…” That took courage. That was daring. Pilate had just crucified Jesus. But Joseph’s faith in Jesus as the Messiah had been strengthened by Jesus’ suffering and death. Thus, we have the empty tomb which was provided by Joseph.

How can you encourage others in your suffering? How can you be encouraged by someone else’s suffering? Think about that.

O God, no one likes to suffer or see suffering but use it to strengthen our faith or the faith of others.

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Bible, Faith, Influence, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

UNEXPECTED INFLUENCE

PHILIPPIANS 1:13

“so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else,” 

Has anyone ever come up to you and said, “You probably don’t remember me, but you made such an impact on my life when…”? That’s happened to me a couple of times. I am always humbled and usually surprised. My favorite story is of a teen I had in a church in South Georgia while I was home from college one summer. He rarely came and often sat in the back of the group. To my surprise, God called that young man to the ministry. I had an unexpected influence in that man’s life that summer.

So, here is Paul in prison in Rome surrounded by Roman soldiers. But God gives him influence in their lives through the knowledge of why he was imprisoned and his attitude while he was there. We know from history that there were many Christian Roman soldiers. Perhaps Paul was the initial influencer of that while he was in prison. It’s just a reminder that God can use you no matter where you are – in prison or not.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used by Paul here for “well known” is phaneros, which comes from phaino (to shine). This reminds me of Matthew 5:16 where we see Christ saying, “‘Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’” Paul was letting his light shine there in that Roman prison as he testified to why he was there and what Christ had done.

Now, don’t think this Roman praetorian guard was easy pickings. They were a tough bunch. These men were often used as the personal bodyguards of the emperor. They had more privileges than the normal Romans soldier, served fewer years and received a higher pay. These were an elite fighting force and the only ones allowed to carry a sword in the presence of the emperor. So, don’t think God will only give you easy audiences with whom to share your faith.

Paul was willing to be imprisoned for his faith and then looked for ways to continue sharing it, even if it meant sharing it with those who imprisoned him. Do you remember when the Philippian church was established? Paul was in a Philippian jail and led the jailer and his family to Christ. I bet the church got a real kick out of reading how God was using Paul now in a Roman prison. You just never know who God will allow you to influence.

Father, place unexpected people in my path so that You can influence them through me.

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Bible, Circumstances, Gospel, Prison, Progress, Scripture

IS THIS AN APRIL FOOL’S JOKE?

PHILIPPIANS 1:12

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,”

Today is April Fool’s Day, a day when people try to pull pranks on others. Sometimes they are funny. Other times – not so much. I have been the perpetrator of pranks and the victim too. Being a jokester myself, I kind of like this day. If you pull a prank today, make sure it is harmless and demeaning. Just saying!

Paul was NOT pulling a prank when he wrote this verse to Philippians. He wrote this epistle from prison, so how could his “circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel”? That just doesn’t make sense to me. But Paul knew something about his circumstances. God would use them to spread the message of Jesus far and wide. He was sure of that.

APPLICATION

Today we have a very interesting word that is used by Paul. We translate it “progress.” You have to see what HELPS Word Studies says about this word. “Prokopḗ (from pró, ‘in front of’ and kóptō, ‘cut, chop down’) – properly, advance (progress) – literally, ‘advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress’; furtherance. For the believer, this means going forward in sanctification, cutting through obstacles by the Lord’s power. [This root (prokop-) is also used in antiquity of pioneers and armies – clearing away (chopping down) forests in order to reach their destination.]”

Prokopḗ is only used two other times in the New Testament. Later in Philippians 1:25 we read, ”Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,” And in 1 Timothy 4:15, Paul tells Timothy, “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.”

To borrow the definition we saw in HELPS, are you chopping and clearing a path with the Gospel? We have been given the Sword of the Spirit, God’s Holy Word, to do just that. Memorize, meditate and apply His Word today in all your interactions with others. Look for ways to say as Paul did that you see a greater progress of the Gospel.

Father God, use me today to be Your instrument to share Your Word with others.

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Bible, Filled, Fruit, Righteousness, Scripture

THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

PHILIPPIANS 1:11

“having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.”

When I read this verse, I wondered what Paul meant by “fruit of righteousness.” I know from the Word that any righteousness I have comes from Jesus. This verse shows us what is expected of that righteousness once we have it. We produce fruit. I am getting ready to plant some vegetables to harvest later. I will expect fruit to come from those plants since I will water and fertilize and weed them. Hmmm, does that apply to this verse? Let’s see.

Paul uses the Greek word pléroó which means to fill or make complete. The important part about this word is this. That -oo ending means the result of the action of the word is more important than just the action. In this case, the fruit is more important than the filling. Do you follow me? If you just get filled and it stays there, what good is that? The filling causes fruit which you then can share.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes describes this “fruit of righteousness” this way. “That which righteousness in the heart produces. The fruits, or results, will be seen in the life; and those fruits are – honesty, truth, charity, kindness, meekness, goodness. The wish of the apostle is, that they might show abundantly by their lives that they were truly righteous. He does not refer to liberality merely, but to everything which true piety in the heart is fitted to produce in the life.”

In the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), we find this in Proverbs 11:30. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and one who is wise gains souls.” In Proverbs 13:2 we read, “From the fruit of a person’s mouth he enjoys good, but the desire of the treacherous is violence.” So, we see that this concept of fruit and righteousness is not something Paul just dreamed up. It comes from the very heart of God in all His Word.

James referred to this “fruit of righteousness” in James 3:18. “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James, the half-brother of Christ, saw this lived out in Jesus. He watched Him exhibit this fruit to others. He saw the peaceful manner in which He dealt with others, even His enemies. James wanted that for himself and others.

Today, live out some of that fruit to others. Start with the ones Barnes referenced – honesty, truth, charity, kindness, meekness and goodness. That should keep you busy all day.

Lord, help me live out this fruit of righteousness to others I encounter today.

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Bible, Blameless, Love, Scripture, Sincerity

SINCERE AND BLAMELESS

PHILIPPIANS 1:10

“so that you may discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ;” 

I hate to admit it, but I don’t think I would have been described as “sincere” and “blameless” when I was growing up. I wasn’t a big liar but would definitely lie if I felt a need to do so. And I wasn’t blameless in anything. Bottom line – sin ruled my life. I lived to please my own desires and didn’t really think about how that might affect someone else.

Paul is still in his opening remarks to the Philippian believers. In fact, in verses 3-11, he is telling them how he is praying for them and how much he loves them. Today’s verse is near the end of that introduction. He continues the thought from verse 9 (read yesterday’s blog) and tells them why he is praying for their love to be overflowing. We are going to look at two reasons Paul listed.

APPLICATION

First, Paul says “that you may be sincere…” The Greek word is eilikrinés which “describes something that is genuine, without hidden motives or deceit. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a purity of heart and intention that is transparent and unblemished when exposed to the light of truth.” (Strong’s Lexicon) It is only used one other time in Scripture. In 2 Peter 3:1 we read, “Beloved, this is now the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of a reminder,”. 

Then Paul says in today’s verse, “and blameless.” “Blameless” is the Greek word apropos. It “is used in the New Testament to describe a state of being free from blame or offense, particularly in the context of one’s conduct and interactions with others. It implies a life lived in such a way that does not cause others to stumble in their faith or moral walk. This word emphasizes the importance of integrity and moral uprightness in the life of a believer.” (Strong’s Lexicon)

It is used only two other times in the New Testament. First in Acts 24:16 it says, “In view of this I also do my best to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always.” And then over in 1 Corinthians 10:32 Paul uses it again. “Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God;”

So, ask yourself if you are living in such a way that your life could be describe as sincere and blameless. Could that be written on your gravestone when you die? Would those words be used to describe you in your eulogy? Oh, what a legacy to leave – a sincere and blameless life.

Father, help me live sincere and blameless this day.

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