Category Archives: Jesus

Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture

THE MIND OF CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 2:5

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

We learn a lot by watching others, don’t we? We have all seen the little boys or girls following their dads around with their little toy lawnmowers as he mows the lawn. They are modeling his behavior. Wouldn’t it be great if we could model the right attitude for our children or grandchildren? If we want to raise godly children, we must live godly. We must model the behaviors and attitudes we want them to live by.

In Philippians 2:5-8, we have a passage which many people have memorized and tried to live by. Ellicott calls this “The Voluntary Humiliation of the Lord.” MacLaren titles it “The Descent of the Word.” Over the next few days, we will dissect this passage and see what the Lord has to say about us having His mind as we live out our lives following Him.

APPLICATION

Sounds simple, huh? “Have this attitude”! But then Paul says, “which was also in Christ Jesus.” Come on Paul! Who can do that? We aren’t Jesus. We can’t think like Him. We can’t be as humble as He was. Yet, I am reminded of John 14:12 which says, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.”

What?! Greater things than Him?! That’s what He said, and if He said it, I believe it. That means that I can have the same attitude He had. What was His attitude? Meekness, humility, service, obedience… Shall I go on? To be like Jesus is to think like Jesus. The popular bracelet from years past – WWJD – would be a great reminder for us. Before we do anything, think like Jesus and then do what He would do.

Are you prepared to do that? Are you willing to exchange your way of thinking for Jesus’ way? It’s possible through the transformation of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Are you willing? Will you let go of your past concepts of how to live and allow Jesus to transform your mind into His mind? Oh, how wonderful that would be for us all.

Lord, give me the mind of Christ in all things.

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Bible, Humility, Jesus, Joy, Ministry, Scripture

J-0-Y (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third)

PHILIPPIANS 2:3

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves;”

Putting others before yourself is not a normal behavior for most people. The world tells us to “get all we can, can all we get, sit on the can and poison the rest.” Right? We are told to put yourself first, to watch out for numero uno. Many times, those who climb the ladder of success do it on the backs of others. How can we do as Paul instructs us today and “consider one another as more important” than ourselves?

The key to putting others first is found in the word “humility.” Without that, it is impossible to put others before us. Without humility, we see the world as ours for the taking, no matter who we hurt. Today’s verse is one of those “but” statements. Paul says don’t be selfish or conceited, BUT with humility. You can’t be selfish or conceited and be humble at the same time. It’s just not possible. So, Paul tells us to make a choice. It’s one way or the other. Which will you choose?

APPLICATION

“Humility” is the Greek word tapeinophrosune. It “refers to a mindset characterized by humility and modesty. It is the quality of having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one’s moral littleness, and a modest view of one’s importance.” (Strong’s Lexicon). This was counterculture back in the Greco Roman world, just as it is today. We see this word used in 1 Peter 5:5. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Paul tells us to “consider…more important.” The Greek word for “consider” is the same word used in James 1:2 when James says, “Consider it all joy…” It can have the definition of “lead the way.” Paul wants us to lead the way in putting others before us.

Finally, let me point out that he says, “more important.” The same Greek word is used by Paul later in Philippians when he says in 4:7 that the peace of God, “which surpasses all understanding.” What we think of others and how we treat others should surpass what we think of ourselves. That’s hard to do. No, it’s impossible to do without humility. Dwell on that today.

Father God, let me see others as You see them, then I will have no problem putting them before me.

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Bible, Boasting, Jesus, Pride, Scripture

BOASTING

PHILIPPIANS 1:26

“so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again.”

Have you ever known anyone who boasted about themselves all the time? They’ve done this or they’ve done that. They have gone here or they’ve gone there. They make so much money. You know what I mean. Braggarts can get on your last nerve. But not all boasting is bad, as we shall see today. There are some things we should boast about.

I bet Paul was a braggart before he came to Christ. In fact, he says as much later in this letter – “although I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason:” (3:4) Pharisees weren’t particularly known for their humility. So why would Paul talk about boasting and pride?

APPLICATION

Paul was telling the Philippians that their pride should be in Christ. The word “pride” is kauchéma which can be used both positively and negatively. There is nothing wrong with being proud of what the Lord has done in our lives or the lives of others. We are boasting in Him, not us. That is what Paul is pointing to. He is saying when he is released and returns to them, they should boast only in Jesus.

I love how Paul uses this word in his second letter to the Corinthians. 1:14 says this, “just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, on the day of our Lord Jesus.” We rejoice or show our pride in each other. If we did more of that, there would be less envy and jealousy among us. Don’t you think?

What are you boasting in today? Your stock portfolio? Your family? Your job and position? We should only boast in Jesus and what He has done in our lives or the lives of others. We know that pride comes before the fall, right. Negative boasting or pride can be our downfall. Let’s keep our boasting pointed toward heaven.

Father, forgive me when I fall back into that trap of boasting about myself. Let me only boast in You.

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Bible, Continue, Gospel, Jesus, Ministry, Scripture

CONTINUING

PHILIPPIANS 1:25

“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,”

I have had some experiences that required me to continue doing something that was difficult. I had been given a task and couldn’t quit until the job was done. I remember one job in particular. I had to shovel out a grain bin that had gotten water in it and the corn near the bottom had rotted. That grain bin had to be shoveled out into the auger and allowed to dry completely so new corn kernels could be dumped in. Oh, did I say this was in South Georgia in August?

Paul wasn’t shoveling grain, but he was trudging through some very difficult times of ministry. He was on house arrest and guarded by a Roman guard at all times. Yet, he knew his life would not end there. The Lord had given him a task to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. He wasn’t finished, and he was convinced God would free him to continue on. Why? For their “progress and joy in the faith.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word here for “continue” is parameno. “It implies steadfastness and persistence, often in the context of faith, relationships, or circumstances.” (Strong’s Lexicon) What are you steadfast about? Can you say that about your faith? God has given each of us a task to spread the Gospel. Our task is not much different than Paul. The world still needs to hear about Jesus, and God still uses people to do that.

This word parameno is used by James in James 1:25. “But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.” We must continue in the Word. Only by doing that can we walk in freedom and share the good news of Jesus.

Paul was sure he would continue on in his ministry. He had no idea how he would escape the chains he was in right then, but his confidence did not waiver. I want to urge you, beloved, to have that same confidence. God is not done with you yet. He has a wonderful plan for your life and wants to use you for His kingdom work. Continue on!

Lord, give me the peace that passes understanding as I trust You to continue using me for Your work.

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Bible, Jesus, Others, Sacrifice, Scripture

FOR YOUR SAKES

PHILIPPIANS 1:24

“yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.”

Part of being a parent or grandparent is choosing to do things for others. Take for example, my wife and I felt led by the Lord to move to Knoxville from Chattanooga last year. Chattanooga has been our home for much of our married life. We have a lot of friends there, a great home church and thousands of memories. But when our daughter asked us to move to Knoxville to help care for our grandson when he arrived, we did – for her sake.

Paul was prepared to die for Christ, but here in today’s verse he comes to his conclusion. God wanted him to stay here and continue preaching the Gospel. Paul says it “is more necessary.” Strong’s Lexicon defines the Greek word there this way. “The Greek word ἀναγκαῖος (anagkaios) is used to describe something that is necessary or essential. It conveys the idea of something that is required or indispensable, often in the context of fulfilling a duty or meeting a need.” Paul was fulfilling his duty as an apostle of Christ and putting his own desires behind him.

APPLICATION

Paul uses another phrase in today’s verse, “for your sakes,” that I find quite interesting. He uses it in 2 Corinthians 2:10 when he writes, “But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ,” Doing for others. All of Paul’s Christian life was about that. His needs came second or third, never first.

We see John using “for your sakes” when he describes the scene surrounding Lazarus’ death. In John 11:14-15 we read, “14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus died, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let’s go to him.’” What seemed cruel and insensitive (not running to heal Lazarus when He first heard he was sick) was an intentional act to help the disciples see Who He really was.

What have you done this week for the sake of someone else? I was getting into my truck the other day at Walmart when I noticed an elderly lady pushing her cart towards her car. It was raining and she was trying push the cart and hold her umbrella in some rather windy conditions. So, what did I do? I drove off. Just kidding. I jumped out and asked if I could help. She very timidly accepted my help. That was done for her sake. What will you do today?

Father God, forgive me when I pursue my own desires above others. Give me Your heart for the sake of others.

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Ashamed, Bible, Boldness, Freedom, Jesus, Scripture

NOT ASHAMED

PHILIPPIANS 1:20

“according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Feeling ashamed for something you have done wrong is normal. I won’t begin to tell you about the things I have done in the past that were shameful. Some of those things might curl your hair. My BC (Before Christ) days were not exactly things I want to talk about. I try my best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to avoid shameful behavior today. Sometimes, however, I will say or do something that makes me feel ashamed. Let’s see what Paul was saying about this in today’s verse.

Paul was not ashamed of his life there in that prison. He was actually still doing what he was imprisoned for – preaching Jesus. The verb used here, “be put to shame,” is the Greek word aischunó which in only used five times in the New Testament. In four of the five times, it is used like it is here in Philippians, in a negative reference. The other time is in Luke 16:3 in the story about the unrighteous steward. The steward says he was “ashamed to beg.” Elsewhere, we are told to “not be ashamed.”

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says, “For if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,” Paul would never feel ashamed because of what the Lord had called him to do. Nor should we, no matter what that is. Perhaps the Lord has called you to sweep streets. Then be the best street sweeper in the world for the glory of Jesus.

Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 4:16 as he is discussing the privilege we have in suffering for Jesus. “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” We are to glorify God in the midst of the suffering. That sounds crazy, I know, but that is exactly what our attitude should be.

We see aischunó used once more in 1 John 2:28. “Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.” We should be walking with Him in such a way that no matter what we are doing when He appears, we will not be ashamed. Is that you? Are you living unashamed? Let Jesus rid you of any shame you are feeling today and walk in victory.

Father, I am thankful for the freedom I have from shame. You have cleansed me and made me unashamed in Christ.

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Bible, Father, Grace, Greetings, Jesus, Peace, Scripture

FROM THE FATHER AND THE SON

PHILIPPIANS 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I often begin emails to people by saying, “I pray this email finds you doing well.” I don’t use that every time, but I usually use some type of greeting. I don’t just start with my main message. It’s kind of like breaking the ice with someone. They say it is always good to praise, then correct and then praise again. That’s called the “sandwich” method. That makes me hungry, lol.

The Benson Commentary says this about this greeting from Paul, which he used in just about every letter he wrote. “From God our Father — The original source of all our blessings, who is now become our reconciled Father, having adopted us into his family, and regenerated us by his grace; and the Lord Jesus Christ — The one Mediator between God and man, through whose sacrifice and intercession we receive all the blessings of providence and grace.” That’s a clear description of Paul’s greeting, don’t you think?

APPLICATION

Look at what Paul is actually greeting them with – grace and peace. Shouldn’t we want to extend the same thing to others? We should wish them grace, first of all. Grace is central to the Christian faith. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith.” Paul desires for the Philippians to know this grace fully. All they needed was God’s grace. Works were not required.

Then Paul wishes them peace. You have probably heard it said, “You can’t have peace with others until you have peace with God. And you can’t have peace with God until you have the peace of God.” It is really that simple. Jesus told us, “Peace I leave with you.” When people come to Christ, they often describe it as experiencing real peace for the first time in their life.

I wish for you today grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my desire to see each of you who read this devotional thought experience all that God has for you through His Son Jesus. There is no other greeting I could give you that can last for eternity. Now, you do the same for others.

Lord, give me a true appreciation for Your grace and peace that I can extend to others.

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Bible, Father, Inheritance, Jesus, Scripture, Works

YOUR REWARD

COLOSSIANS 3:24

“knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

I have mentioned before in my blog about inheriting some money from my dad when he passed away. It’s important to note that all I did to inherit from him was be his son. He didn’t leave any commands for me to follow to get the money. He just left his estate which was divided between me and my three siblings. He truly blessed us.

Paul uses a Greek word in today’s verse that is only used here. It is antapodosis which “refers to the act of giving back or repaying, often in the context of a reward or recompense. It carries the connotation of a just or appropriate return for actions, whether good or bad. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the divine recompense or reward that God will give to individuals based on their deeds.” (Strong’s Lexicon) Let’s talk about that.

APPLICATION

I usually agree with Strong’s, but here I must disagree somewhat. From reading the above description of antapodosis, you might get the impression that you have “do” things to gain your “reward of the inheritance.” That is just not true. If it were, Christianity would be just like other religions which demand certain things to be done to receive “salvation.”

Paul is talking about doing thing to please the Lord in verse 23 and is continuing that thought. These deeds we do are not for salvation. All we have to do to receive salvation, and thereby be qualified to receive this reward, is to believe and receive (John 1:12). Just like my earthly inheritance was based on my sonship with my earthly father, my heavenly reward of my inheritance is based on my sonship with my heavenly father. That’s it!

Today, give thanks for your family ties with Jesus. Perhaps you came out of a religion that was based on works and you’re having a hard time letting go of that. God understands that, but He also wants to free you of the chains of legalism or works. Trust His Word. He is waiting to give you your reward based solely in your trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Father, thank You I do not have to earn Your love or my reward.

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Bible, Evil, Jesus, Old Self, Scripture

THE OLD SELF

COLOSSIANS 3:9

“Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices,

I am getting older every day. How about you? We all are. There is only one other alternative, right? And as we get older, it gets harder to let go of our old ways. Those habits are so hard to stop. Now, not all those habits are bad. But some… Well, let’s just say they ought to go the way of the dinosaur.

Paul reminds the Colossians (and us) that our old self is gone. We discussed how we have thrown it away. The Greek word for “stripped off” is apekduomai and only occurs here and earlier in Colossians 2:15. In both cases it is in the Middle voice which means you have to choose to do this. It is not done to you. Paul says we have chosen to strip “off the old self with its evil practices.”

APPLICATION

Don’t read that and just go past it. This is important. We have to choose to strip off this old stuff. We cannot walk the straight and narrow while we are carrying around all this baggage. The image of stripping off something is important. I have this picture in my mind of violently tearing it away. It’s not something you do slowly.

Let me give you an example. I recently was told about the conversion of someone who was struggling with their sexuality. They came to a church service, fell under conviction and came forward for salvation. The next Sunday the Pastor noticed this person still dressing in a way that resembled their old lifestyle. He approached them and said, “What are you doing?” They replied, “Well, I thought I would change a little bit at a time.” What?! No! You have to tear it off. You have to strip it away.

What are you wearing from your old self? What are you hanging on to? Let it go – now! It has to go! It does not represent who you are now. Walk afresh. Walk in victory.

O Father, give me the power to strip off all the old stuff and wear Your garments.

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Bible, Christ, Hidden, Jesus, Scripture

HIDDEN WITH CHRIST

COLOSSIANS 3:3

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

I am looking forward to playing hide and seek with my seven month old grandson. He and I can hide from his Nana and let her find us. It won’t be hard because I know we will both be giggling. But there is not anyone else I had rather play hide and seek with than him right now. He is such a joy to be around.

Paul tells the Colossian believers to remember where they are. First of all, they are dead! He says, “you have died.” That literally means to die away from. The Greek word is apothnḗskō which “stresses the significance of the separation that always comes with divine closure. It stresses the ending of what is ‘former’ – to bring what (naturally) follows.” (HELPS Word Studies). Then Paul tells them they are “hidden with Christ in God.” Wow! That’s powerful. The verb “is hidden” is kruptó which means to hide or conceal something.

APPLICATION

Let’s continue that thought. We are hidden, we are concealed with Christ. The little Greek word sun/syn is the word for “with.” I looked in the original to see how sun/syn was used. In the previous verses, Paul often uses it as a preposition connected to the main verb. But not here. It stands alone. It literally reads kekryptai syn, has been hidden with. I really believe Paul wanted to emphasize the togetherness we have in Christ.

Who are you closest to in the world right now? For me, it is my wife, then the rest of the family. Friends come in next, followed by acquaintances. Do you see the degression of togetherness? I am the closest to my wife because I spend the most time with her. I want that same togetherness with Jesus. Don’t you?

Then rest, my friend. You are hidden with Christ in God. Nothing can separate you. You are closer than together. Is that even possible? Yes, it is – in God. He is the One Who brings us together through the sacrificial gift He made for us all those many years ago. Together – forever!

Father, I give You praise for hiding me with Christ. I long to be near Him.

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