Category Archives: Jesus

Bible, Boasting, Glory, Jesus, Pride, Rejoicing, Scripture

TAKE PRIDE IN JESUS

PHILIPPIANS 3:3

“for we are the true  circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and take pride in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh,”

I recently got a notification on my phone that I would have an IOS update (operating system). I normally look at what the latest update is supposed to do. Low and behold, one of the updates was for a new wallpaper theme for my phone, you know, those themed backgrounds. But this was one I was not interested in receiving. It was for Pride Month, a celebration of alternative lifestyles that I cannot condone. I will not be using that update.

Paul tells us clearly what we should take pride in – Christ Jesus. He tells the Philippian church that as followers of Christ we are the “true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and take pride in Christ Jesus.” He goes on to say we “put no confidence in the flesh.” I don’t know how you could say it better than that. Jeremy Camp has a song I listen to a lot that has a line that says, “Holy Fire, burn away my desire, for anything that is not of You and that is of me, I want more of You and less of me.” That is Paul’s desire for you and me today.

APPLICATION

Taking pride in the right thing is a good thing. We often equate pride with being stuck up or arrogant. The quite opposite is true when we take pride in Jesus. The Greek word used here for “take pride” can also be translated “rejoice, boast, glory.” We see all of those in various translations of this verse. The word is used 38 times in the New Testament. But get this – it is used 26 times in 1 and 2 Corinthians. If I was a betting man, I would guess that church had a pride issue. Some were boasting in themselves or the wrong things. Paul kept pointing them back to boasting in the right thing – God alone.

You should really read 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 to get a full picture of the danger of pride in ourselves. Paul says it best in verse 17 there when he says, “But THE ONE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.” Paul may have had Jeremiah 9:23-24 in his thoughts as he penned this. Those verses say this, “23 This is what the LORD says: ‘Let no wise man boast of his wisdom, nor let the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.”

So, let me ask you today – what are you taking pride in? Your wisdom, your might, your riches, yourself? As Jeremy Camp said, “I want more of You and less of me.” I choose today to rejoice, to boast, to glory in Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He and He alone is worthy of all our praise. Take pride in Him.

I glory in Jesus today, O Lord, and give Him all praise for what He has done for me.

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Bible, Danger, Jesus, Risk, Sacrifice, Scripture

RISKING OUR LIVES FOR JESUS

PHILIPPIANS 2:30

“because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to compensate for your absence in your service to me.”

I have never had to risk my life for Jesus. I live in a pretty safe place here in Eastern TN. I have traveled to places that weren’t as safe (shhh, don’t tell my wife), but I was always with people who knew the area and kept me from any harm. I have always said I am safer in the will of God than anywhere else. Amen? Don’t let your fears stop you from doing something that God has called you to do just because others may think it is not safe. Trust Him.

Paul recognized Epaphroditus’ sacrifice. He had left his comfort in Philippi, made a long and dangerous journey to Rome, gotten very ill (to the point of death) and was now homesick for Philippi. Because of all of these things, Paul told them in the previous verse to honor him when he got home. After all he risked “his life to compensate for your absence in your service to me.”

APPLICATION

God may just call you to a risky situation. I know a missionary who answered God’s call to go to Somalia with his family. He went obediently, and God blessed his ministry there. He was able to establish a working community for the Somalian believers. He is now working to return and establish an Every Man A Warrior group, as soon as it is translated into Somali. That’s a risky place to go!

The Greek word used here for “risking,” parabouleuomai, only appears here in the New Testament. It literally means to disregard wise counsel. I don’t think Paul was implying that about Epaphroditus. He was sent by the church and was being sent back by Paul. Yes, this trip to and from Philippi was probably not wise in the world’s eyes, but we don’t follow the wisdom of the world, do we?

Are you being asked to risk something for Christ? Perhaps he has called you into full-time ministry out of a very lucrative occupation. He may have asked you to step out and trust Him in a new role in your church. Whatever the risk, if God has told you to take it, you are safer doing it than remaining where you are in disobedience. Take the risk. Step out. Be an Epaphroditus.

Lord, You have asked me to do some things that others thought were crazy. But each and every time You have been faithful!

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Bible, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, Scripture

HOPE IN THE LORD

PHILIPPIANS 2:24

“and I trust in the Lord that I myself will also be coming shortly.”

Hope spring eternal! That’s not in the Bible. It’s from Alexander Pope’s poem Essay on Man. The Bible, however, is full of verses about hope. We can’t live without it, but don’t need it once we die (if we go to heaven). I have hoped for a lot of things in my life. Some of them were probably not the best for me. Other things, like a healthy baby or grandchild, are definitely worth hoping for. Hoping for something is okay as long as you consult the Lord first. Hopes become prayers, don’t they?

Paul is hoping to go visit the Philippians as soon as he is released. He says, “I trust in the Lord.” The NIV says it a little differently. “And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.” The Greek word used there by Paul is peitho which is the root of pistis, faith. Paul had faith that he would be allowed by the Lord to visit Philippi again. Some scholars believe he did and perhaps visited Philippi a total of four times. I guess we will find out for sure when we meet him in heaven.

APPLICATION

What should you be hoping in? Please don’t tell me you are hoping to win the lottery! Our hope is not in the world’s riches or in anyone here on earth. Our hope belongs solely in Jesus. Paul said this over and over in his epistles. He was convinced in the Lord. In Romans 14:14, he says, “I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus…” Later in 2 Thessalonians 3:4, Paul writes, “We have confidence in the Lord concerning you,…”

If Paul could continue to have hope in the Lord and be convinced by Him, we should do the same. Think of all the trials Paul went through. He lists some of them in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. I won’t list all of them here, but some were beatings, stoning and shipwrecks. He is writing this letter to Philippi as he sits under house arrest probably chained to a Roman soldier.

Where is your hope? Who or what are you hoping in? Hope does spring eternal in the heart of man, according to Pope. But we know as followers of Christ that our hope truly is eternal. One day, when we reach heaven, our hope will be fulfilled. There will be no need for any more hope. Why? Because we will be in the presence of the hope giver.

Father God, let my hope always be pointed towards You.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Service

LIKE-MINDED

PHILIPPIANS 2:20

“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”

Years ago, when our children were small, my wife and I asked some family members to be their custodian if something happened to us. They were chosen mainly because of their walk with the Lord. We knew they would bring up our children in the same manner we were trying to. We knew they would always have their best interest at heart and would do everything they could to give them a great childhood.

Paul makes a tremendous statement in today’s verse about Timothy. He had just told them in the previous verse that he was sending Timothy to them. Now, he describes Timothy as the only one “who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” What a compliment for his disciple. We should all be striving to be that kind of trustworthy follower of Christ. Don’t you think?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used for “kindred spirit” is only used right here in today’s verse. It is isopsuchos, which comes “from ísos, ‘equivalent, equal’ and psyxē, ‘soul’ – properly, of equal-soul; having similar identity (values) because like-minded, i.e. equally (similarly) motivated.” (HELPS Word Studies). Like minded! I like that. Are you like-minded with other believers? Are you like-minded with Christ? We are told to have the mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:16. “For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Paul knew Timothy was like-minded with him regarding the Philippians because they were both like-minded with Christ. So, what does that mean? It means we have the views, feelings and temper of Christ, according to Barnes. We are influenced not according to the world but by the Spirit. He will always point us toward the welfare of others.

Today, ask yourself if that describes you. Do you have others’ best interest at heart? When we live our lives with the mind of Christ, we will always seek to serve Him by serving others. That was Timothy’s heart. That was Paul’s heart. It should be ours, as well.

Father, give me the mind of Christ. Let me live my life in a like-minded manner toward others.

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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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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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