Category Archives: Allies

Allies, Bible, Family, Included, Scripture

INCLUDING

PHILIPPIANS 1:1

“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:” 

Everyone likes to be included, right? Sadly, the world has pushed the issue of “inclusiveness” to the point of absurdity saying that we should be inclusive of everyone, no matter what they believe or how they live their lives. No one wants to be excluded, but there are certainly moral grounds for that. I don’t need to name any of those, do I? As believers, we should know what those are since Scripture is pretty clear about them.

As we begin a new study in the letter to the Philippian church from Paul, we see Paul also offering a bit of inclusiveness to a group. He addresses the letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi,” but he extends a special message to “the overseers and deacons.” Why? Because they are the ones who are supposed to lead that body of Christ. He wants them to pay close attention to what he is about to write.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated as “including” is really just the little preposition sun, which means together with or companionship. It’s the Greek “with” that implies a bond so close it can’t be separated. It’s the preposition used over and over to describe our union with Christ.

Who is included in your own spiritual journey? Do you have allies who walk beside you to encourage you? We all need each other in this walk of faith. We are not meant to do this alone. Just as Paul is calling on the overseers and deacons, we should be calling on others to join us. Some people call this having an accountability partner. I prefer to call them allies, those who are with me to encourage me, not just to hold me accountable to certain actions.

If you don’t have someone you would call an ally, ask the Lord to send someone to you. Maybe someone else is praying for an ally and God wants you to step up. Just think of all the allies Paul had in his ministry. He couldn’t get enough of them. Nor should we. Include others in your walk today.

God, make me an ally for someone today. Put others in my life to serve as my ally also.

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Allies, Bible, Partakers, Partner, Scripture

THE RIGHT PARTNER

EPHESIANS 5:7

“Therefore do not become partners with them;”

You’ve probably heard the expression “Partners in Crime.” It’s meant to portray people who tend to stick together. Now, this can be a good thing or a bad thing. I have some friends who I can stick with through anything. I used to have some friends in my “before Christ” days who could have been classified in the negative way. We just looked for things to get in trouble. You may have people like that in your life. Perhaps this verse is for you today.

Paul warns the Ephesians again in today’s verse to stay away from those who practice all the negative things he has just written about. Their goal is to bring them down. Paul uses the same Greek word back in Ephesians 3:6 which is translated as “partners” here. These are the only two times this word is used in the New Testament. Interestingly enough, back in 3:6 it is used in a positive sense whereas here in today’s verse it is used negatively. You can be partakers or partners with a lot of people. You just have to guard against joining yourself to the wrong crowd.

APPLICATION

I love spy movies. Often in those movies someone will innocently get involved with a bad spy. Before they know it, they are wrapped up in their schemes and are doing things they never thought they would do. The same is true of us. I love how Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible explains this. It says it means “In their sins, and acts of disobedience; by keeping needless company with them; by abetting and encouraging sinful practices; by conniving at them, and not reproving for them; or by committing the same things.”

Who are your “buds”? Who do you hang out with the most? Are they a good influence on you and point you to Jesus or do they lead you away from the truth? Choose your friends wisely. Choose carefully whom you spend time with and associate with. Yes, we need to reach the lost. Yes, we need to get to know unbelievers and invite them to Jesus. But we cannot become wrapped up in their lives at the expense of our spiritual life.

The devil is very sneaky. He will send people into your life who seem above board. They may say all the right things, but they don’t believe them. To all of you out there who are dating an unbeliever – stop now. Don’t buy the lie that you can change them. You can’t. Only Jesus can. And if He wants them to be your spouse, He will change them into what you need to grow spiritually. Enough said!

Father, give me partners who agree with Your truth and can help build me up.

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Allies, Alone, Battles, Bible, Completeness, Scripture, Together, Unity

WE CAN DO MORE TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 4:16

“from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

When I was in college I played a little intramural sports. I love football, so the thought of playing some flag football seemed harmless enough. However, near the end of the season, during one of the games I made a diving leap (I was much younger back then, lol) to grab the flag of the passing runner. I missed and landed with my right arm outstretched. It hurt, but I kept playing. By the next morning, I could not even raise my arm to wash my hair. After visiting the college infirmary, I found out I had separated my shoulder. My point – my arm could not work separated from my body.

In today’s verse, Paul uses a word that he used earlier back in chapter 2, verse 21. These are the only two places this word is used in the New Testament. The word is sunarmologeó and means to be joined closely with something. Remember, Paul is speaking about the body of Christ and the importance of each member of that body. This analogy of our human body described in this verse is so perfect to paint the picture Paul was trying to portray.

APPLICATION

If you have read many of my blogs, you know I love to quote Albert Barnes, a theologian who ministered in the 1800’s. He describes this phrase this way. “The foot, for instance, is in its proper place. It should not be where the head or the hand is. The eye is in its proper place. It should not be in the knee or the heel. The mouth, the tongue, the teeth, the lungs, the heart, are in their proper places. No other places would answer the purpose so well. The brain is in its proper place. Anywhere else in the body, it would be subject to compressions and injuries which would soon destroy life.”

Paul goes on in today’s verse and says, “held together.” It is the word, sumbibazó, which means to unite or knit together. The body of Christ has a purpose which requires us to work together. I love how Paul uses this word in Colossians 2:2. “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love,” I think you get the picture.

It’s always easier to try to go the Lone Ranger route and just do it yourself. But we are expected as believers to work together to achieve the Lord’s purpose. The business world would call that synergy which is “the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.” We can accomplish more together.

Father, thank You for faithful brothers and sisters with whom I can work to achieve more for Your kingdom.

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Allies, Bible, Choices, Deceit, Division, Falsehoods, Guard, Isolation, Scripture

ISOLATE

GALATIANS 4:17

“They eagerly seek you, not in a commendable way, but they want to shut you out so that you will seek them.” 

Some people, in an effort to control you, will try to isolate you and shut you off from your friends and family. They will appear to have such compassion and care for you, but it is all part of their plans to have you to themselves. They will fill your mind with all kinds of platitudes. You will think they are your best friend. They can be very convincing.

In today’s verse, Paul is referring back to the people who were trying to put the Galatians back under the law. One term used to describe them is “Judaizers.” These people “eagerly” sought the Galatians. They wanted to “shut…out” the Galatians, isolate them so they could control them. They knew Paul stood in their way, so they were always trying to stir up discord about Paul and drive him out of town. Paul is warning the Galatians here about them.

APPLICATION

How does this verse apply to us today? Well, there are still a type of Judaizers among us. There are people who want to control how and what we think. There are plenty of modern day legalizers who want to force you to obey laws and commands which we have been freed from. Romans 8:1-2 says it clearly. “1 Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” 

When we learn to live in freedom, without any guilt from what others are saying we should and shouldn’t do, then we will experience true freedom in Christ. Later in this letter to the Galatians, Paul says this, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) “A yoke of slavery”! Who wants that? I sure don’t.

So, don’t let others tell you what you must do or not do in Christ. Go to the Word. It will instruct. Sure, we need good counsel and good teaching. But ultimately, you must discover your freedom in Jesus. Don’t get isolated by any one person or group. We need fellowship with other believers. Remember that Christ has set you free through His blood.

O Father, I thank You that I do not have to conform to a list of rules to show my love for You.

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Allies, Bible, Defense, Guard, Guardian, Protection, Scripture

GUARDIAN

GALATIANS 3:24

“Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”

When I worked in the Child Welfare field, I often had dealings with people who served as a Guardian-ad-litem (GAL). That person was someone who watched out for the care of a child who had been placed in state custody. They were appointed by the court to ensure that proper placement occurred and, once it did, that the custodian at that site was meeting the social, spiritual, educational and medical needs of the child. Most, if not all, these GALs I met were special people with good hearts.

Paul describes the Law much like a GAL. Its purpose was to direct and care for the people. Its purpose was to try to guard them against getting hurt by giving them clear directions on how to live. But try as it might, the Law could not save them. It was limited. It was powerless to save. It did, however, point to Christ Who can save us.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for guardian is paidagōgos. It’s only used three times in the New Testament (here, in tomorrow’s verse and in 1 Corinthians 4:15). HELPS Word Studies says it “is used of the role of the Law (OT), especially the necessary “letter” (foundation, technicalities) needed to establish the doctrines of salvation, grace, faith, etc.” A guardian is a good thing, even though many people who have one begin to resent it. They want their freedom. Hmmm, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it.

1 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” What was Paul saying here? Guardians are no guarantee of getting things right. You need someone to truly come alongside you and spend time with you. You need someone to serve as your role model.

In my ministry (Every Man A Warrior), we do just that. We get men to spend time with men and be each other’s allies. We need each other. We need others to serve as our guardians, our role models, our defenders and protectors. All of that is for one purpose – to point each other to Christ. Nothing is more important than that. Can you do that for someone?

Father, help me be a good “guardian” for another brother in Christ to help them in their walk with You.

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Abiding, Allies, Bible, Eternity, God's Will, Harmony, Identity, Promises, Scripture

WITH ABRAHAM

GALATIANS 3:9

“So then, those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.”

I am an extrovert at heart. I enjoy being with people. I like socializing and having a party. Being with others is critical to me. I guess I could survive alone somewhere, but it would not be nearly as enjoyable as being with someone. Why am I talking about this? Because the subject of today’s blog is about being “with” someone – Abraham.

In Galatians 3:8, Paul says God will bless all the nations “in” (en) Abraham. Then Paul changes the preposition in verse 9 to “with” suv. I know what you are thinking, Big deal, Carl. Well, it is a big deal. That word suv is a much weightier word. It means to be joined together tightly and to be identified with. That’s a little different that ev which means inside. Keep reading, and I’ll show you more.

APPLICATION

One of my favorite examples of this preposition suv is in Galatians 2:20, which we saw in an earlier blog. When Paul says “I am crucified with Christ,” he uses that preposition on the front of the verb “crucified.” It means we are identified with Christ in His crucifixion. We cannot be separated from it.

Colossians 3:1 uses the same preposition. “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” “Raised with” means we are eternally connected. Nothing can separate us. We are “with” Christ. Do you get the picture? Do a quick word study. Look up “with Christ” in your Blue Letter Bible or Bible Hub online. Look at the Greek words for “with Christ.” You’ll see this preposition suv over and over.

Have I lost you yet? I hope not. I just wanted you to see that when Paul says we are “blessed with Abraham,” he is saying that we are forever connected to the father of faith. The promises God made to him have been extended to us through Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to meet Abraham one day. He’s on my visitation list in heaven.

O Lord, You have linked us to others through our faith. Help us be “with” others now so we can walk in unity.

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Accountability, Advice, Allies, Battles, Bible, Conflict, Confrontation, Direction, God's Will, Harmony, Relationships, Scripture

STRAIGHT FOOTED

GALATIANS 2:14

“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?’”

I used to love to mow grass. Just the task of getting it done and seeing the finished job was calming. That probably sounds strange, doesn’t it? In my last children’s home job, I would occasionally hop on our zero turn mower and mow some of the large fields on campus. The key to keeping a straight line is to look down the field and find a spot to go towards. You have to watch your tire tracks to keep them straight also. My dad taught me that. Going straight just made the field look nicer once I was done.

Paul and Peter aren’t mowing grass in today’s verse. But the principle I just shared is applicable. Paul saw that Peter was not walking straight in regards to the teachings of Christ. The Greek word for “they were…straightforward” is orthopodeo, which is from two Greek words – orthos (straight) and pous (foot). This word is only used here in Galatians 2:14. Peter had strayed from the straight path. He was off course, and Paul had a moral and spiritual obligation to confront him publicly for this public display.

APPLICATION

Sometimes we do things that are not “straight-footed.” We get off course. We stray. We are headed down the wrong path. Isn’t it great when someone confronts you? Not really! No one wants that. But it is so necessary. I have had to confront friends who were not walking straight. Friends have confronted me, as well. John tells us in 1 John 5:16 “If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will, for him, give life to those who commit sin not leading to death.”

Even Jesus gave us instructions in this matter. In Matthew 18:15-17 we read, “15 ‘Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.’”

Now, all that may sound too confrontational for you. I understand. It’s not easy to confront a brother or sister. It’s not easy to be confronted. But if we live that way, holding each other accountable in love, we would have so much less need to do it. As for you, be willing to receive correction when given. None of us are perfect. Amen?

Oh Father, thank You for friends who will confront me in my sin to help lead me to walk “straight-footed.”

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Accountability, Allies, Bible, Confrontation, Disciplemaking, Gentleness, Harmony, Kindness, Relationships, Scripture

CONFRONTATION

GALATIANS 2:11

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.”

It is not easy to confront someone who is in sin, is it? You risk losing that friend for life. But if you don’t confront them in love, you risk seeing them spiral downward. In the ministry I am serving in, Every Man A Warrior, we teach men to hold other men accountable. In fact, they have to sign a commitment to be a part of the group. One of the commitments says:

I will not be defensive if my brothers challenge me if I do not fulfill my commitment. I will welcome their challenge and seek greater faithfulness.

Paul had to confront Peter in Antioch. Why? Well, we will see that whole story in the next 10 verses (2:12-21). Paul had a mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He, being a former Pharisee, was very careful to guard these new converts from being influenced by anyone who wanted to add to the requirements for salvation. That was through Christ alone. Just watch over the next several days how Paul confronts Peter about his hypocrisy. I am sure it was not easy to do this.

APPLICATION

The application for us in this verse is obvious. We have to confront our fellow believers when we see them in obvious sin. Why? Because we want to present to a lost world a united front. Listen to what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. “24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” Notice, Paul said “with gentleness.”

We even see Jesus confronting the religious leaders of His day in Matthew 23:25-26. “25 ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.’” Read verses 13-32 to see all eight of the woes Jesus lays on these individuals. Remember, even though all this sounds harsh, Jesus loved these people and would eventually die, even for them.

As I said at the beginning, this is not easy. But it is so necessary. My wife will confront me when I am wrong. I may not like it, but I appreciate it (I really do, honey). I want to be a better man for her. I want to be a more godly man for her. I can get blinded to my own sin at times. I am thankful for others in my life who will hold me accountable and lovingly draw me back to Christ.

Father, give me the boldness to confront a brother or sister in Christ who are straying from the path.

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Agreement, Allies, Bible, Fellowship, Hand, Integrity, Loyalty, Partner, Relationships, Scripture

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP

GALATIANS 2:9

“and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.”

A handshake – it used to mean something. Many a deal was made just by a simple handshake between individuals. A man’s word was his bond. That handshake meant each man would follow through on what they had agreed upon. No paperwork was required. No lawyer was needed. My dad had that kind of reputation in my hometown. Jack Willis’ word was enough. That’s the kind of man I strive to be.

When James, Peter and John gave Paul and Barnabas the “right hand of fellowship” they were agreeing to support them in their mission to the Gentiles. They were saying We trust you to carry out the mission we have agreed on. They recognized them as fellow-laborers for Christ. Whether this was done privately or in public, this handshake was a formal agreement between them. Paul believed them and was supported by them.

APPLICATION

Perhaps you have given that “right hand of fellowship” to someone. What does that mean to you? Will you support that individual in their walk with the Lord? We need each other to accomplish God’s kingdom work here on earth. You and I can’t possibly do this all by ourselves.

There is a passage in Hebrews 10 that is often quoted to encourage each other to attend church. Look at verses 24 and 25 and see what you observe there. “24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Do you want to know what I see there? I’m going to tell you anyway. I see “encourage one another in love and good deeds.” I see “encouraging one another.” It’s not just about not missing church. We need to be coming alongside each other. We need to be offering that “right hand of fellowship.” Why? Because the day is “drawing near.”

Paul has been talking a lot about allies, companions and partners in Galatians. I believe he wanted the Galatians to know that he was not a one man operation. He was co-laboring with Titus, Barnabas, Peter, James and John. And just like Paul, we need others to work alongside for the cause of Christ. Who is that person(s) in your life?

Thank You, Lord, for my partners in ministry all over the world.

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Allies, Battles, Deceit, Deception, Devil, Enemies, Falsehoods, Satan, Scripture

SPIES AMONG US

GALATIANS 2:4

“Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.”

I love a good spy movie. Now, there are two kinds of spy movies. You have one where the good guy is the spy trying to stop the evil intentions of someone. The other kind is when the spy is the enemy who has infiltrated the good guys with the intent to dismantle their efforts. Which one do you pull for? Of course, you said the good guy, right?

Well, in today’s verse, Paul reveals there were spies among them. He called them “false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom.” Sounds pretty sinister to me. One definition of the Greek word used for “spy” is to “intently look at, especially to inflict harm (damage); to observe something secretly, i.e. with covered (evil) motives.” That word is only used here in Gal 2:4.

APPLICATION

Our takeaway from this verse should be that we need to be aware of those around us who are pretending to be something they are not. The disciple John warns us in 1 John 2:19 about this. “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be evident that they all are not of us.”

The enemy loves to infiltrate the camp of God to try and sabotage His work. He will use anyone or anything to do that. He sets boobytraps and landmines. He explodes families. He especially loves to attack the lives of Christian leaders. 1 Peter 5:8 is another reminder of his intent. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

It’s enough to make you pull the covers up and stay in bed, right? No!!! We have to get up and strap on the armor of God each day. We have to listen for God’s orders and then go on the offensive. We have to take the fight to the enemy. There are literally billions of people on their way to the enemy’s camp of destruction. We have our orders. Let’s march.

Lord, help us drive out the spies among us and storm the strongholds.

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