Category Archives: Scripture

Affliction, Bible, Praise, Reward, Scripture, Sharing, Suffering

THE REWARD FOR SHARING

PHILIPPIANS 4:14

“Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my difficulty.”

Sharing is not something that is natural. Just watch a room of two-year-olds playing together in a playroom. It won’t be long until one child wants the toy another child has, and the fight begins. Instead of sharing that toy with the other child, that child gets a death grip on that toy. He is not letting go, no matter what.

Paul compliments the Philippians believers in today’s verse by telling them they “have done well to share” with him in his difficulty or afflictions. They had not forgotten him. They had sent the gift to him to help meet his needs. Don’t you know they beamed with pride when they read those words “you have done well”? Man, I want to hear that from my Lord one day, don’t you?

APPLICATION

The word Paul uses here for “share” is only used two other times in the New Testament, both in a negative way. In Ephesians 5:11 we are told to “not participate in the useless deeds of darkness,…” And in Revelation 18:4, John writes, “so that you will not participate in her sins and receive any of her plagues;…” Only here in Philippians 4:14 is it used positively.

Just like the Philippians did with Paul, we are to share in others’ suffering. We are to come alongside them and encourage them. We are to assist where and when possible, without enabling or lengthening their suffering. Who can you share that with today? Maybe a neighbor going through a hard time. Maybe a stranger who needs a helping hand. Look around and ask the Lord. He’ll show you.

The end result? We will hear our Savior say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Oh, I long to hear those words. He whispers it to me when I love my wife well. He reminds me of it every time I yield to the Spirit and not to the flesh. If you want to hear those words, cling to Him. Share suffering and hardships with others through giving or going. Well done!

I praise You, Father, for allowing me the privilege to share in others’ suffering. Help me to answer Your call each time You ask. 

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Might, Power, Scripture, Strength

SPIRITUAL MUSCLES

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Read that verse again. I really prefer the literal Greek. It reads, “(For) all things I have strength in the (One) strengthening me.” That shows that we have no power in ourselves. No amount of muscle building will enable us. No amount of fasting and praying on our own will do it. There is nothing we can do on our own. But…(don’t you just love that word) we can do all things in Him.

Paul uses two different Greek words in this short verse to talk about power and strength. The first one is translated here as “I can do.” That’s the word ischuówhich means embodied strength that engages the resistance. In other words, this is the fighting strength the Lord gives us to do His work even in the face of opposition. The other word Paul uses is endunamoó which is translated “strengthen.” It implies the empowerment we receive from the Lord. Let’s look at those two words a bit.

APPLICATION

Let’s take the last one first, endunamoó. Picture a body builder. You can see the muscles rippling and his chiseled body. You can just imagine the power he has to lift weights. But all you see right now is the result of the empowering from hours and hours of weightlifting. You know the power is there. Paul uses this same word in Ephesians 6:10 where he says, “be strong in the Lord.” Trust the power that is within you.

The other word, ischuóis the picture of that same body builder lifting those weights. You see him bend down and pick up that enormous weight. You see him straining but keeping on. That is us in our fight against the forces of evil. We use the power within from the Lord and bust that devil right in the mouth, lol. Paul uses this word in Ephesians 6:10 also when he says, “of His might.” It’s God doing the fighting, not us.

So, with that thought in mind, why do we fear? Why do we worry? Why do we run and hide at the face of a trial? We have God’s power in us and have ability to yield it. Check out 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, if you don’t believe me. It’s one of my favorite passages and gives me the confidence each day to trust Him in every battle. You can also.

Father, You have strengthened me beyond my imagination. The same power You used to create the universe is within me. Hallelujah.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis.

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Abundance, Bible, Promises, Prosperity, Provision, Scripture, Secrets

LEARNING THE SECRET

PHILIPPIANS 4:12

“I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

Have you ever been let in on a secret? Usually, when someone asks you if you want to know a secret, it really isn’t one anymore. If they are telling you, they have probably told others who probably told others who probably…you get the picture. I don’t like to keep secrets. I forget who knows and who doesn’t, and I will probably spill the beans. So…don’t tell me any secrets, lol.

Paul learned a secret. And he blurts it out to the Philippians. He has “learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” The Greek word Paul uses here for “learned the secret” is another one time used word. It is the word mueówhich “conveys the idea of being initiated into a deeper, previously hidden understanding. It implies entry into an experiential knowledge that is reserved for the “inside” rather than mere intellectual grasp.” (Topical Lexicon) Secret societies and cults were common in Paul’s day, so he intentionally used a word that would draw attention to what he was saying.

APPLICATION

What is important to see, though, is what this secret was all about. Paul is still in the process of thanking the Philippians for their gift to him. But he wants them to know if they can’t give, it’s okay. He has made peace with what the Lord has given him. He wasn’t worried about being hungry or having money. Those things just weren’t important in comparison to having Christ.

This verse is in the middle (vs 11-13) of a memory passage I have learned and claimed as part of my missionary fundraising. My wife and I have been missionaries with Trans World Radio (TWR) as part of the Every Man A Warrior ministry since September 2021. We depend on ministry partners for financial and prayer support. There have been times when we had a comfortable balance in our missionary fund and times (like now) when the balance is low. But when I look back at the last almost four years, I am amazed at how He has provided.

Last night in my men’s group we were looking at Romans 8:31-39. Wow! What a passage. And verse 32 struck me as I have been praying for our ministry fund. That verse says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” You see that? He will “freely give us all things.” I am claiming that verse today. How about you? The secret is to know He is the source of peace. No amount of money or things will give you that.

Father God, I praise You that You have opened wide the store houses of heaven. You are my peace.

You can make a gift to our ministry at http://www.twr.org/carl-willis.

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Bible, Contentment, Peace, Scripture, Sufficiency, Thankfulness

BEING CONTENT

PHILIPPIANS 4:11

“Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

Contentment! Do you struggle with that? So many people cannot be satisfied or content in their situation. They want a newer car or a bigger house. They don’t like the way they look, so they seek out every treatment they can find to make them look “young again.” Contentment is often a fleeting thing for them. Not for Paul. Look what he says today.

He is still thanking the Philippians for their gift but reminds them that he is content in whatever position he is in. Remember, he is in prison (or at least house arrest) in Rome. That’s not a place in which many could find contentment. The word used here for “content” is autarkés only appears here in the New Testament. It comes from autos (himself) and arkeo (content) – self contented. HELPS Word studies says, “it refers to positive self-sufficiency (inward adequacy) – i.e. that comes through the indwelling power of Christ.”

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 9:8 we see the noun form of this word where it is translated “sufficiency.” “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;” Also that same noun is found in 1 Timothy 6:6. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (KJV).

Learning to live content can bring such peace. The writer of Hebrews uses the verb form of this word in Hebrews 13:5. “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU,’”

Are you content? Are you at peace with who you are and what you have? If you are struggling with contentment, let me urge you to do a deep dive on the topic of peace or rest. God does not want us to live uncontented lives. He gave us His Son to remove all discontentment, except for the discontentment regarding sin. We should never be content about that. But otherwise, we should live our lives being content with our God and our Savior. Amen?

O Lord, thank You for giving me the sense of contentment that is only found in Christ.

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Bible, Blessing, Compassion, Renewed, Revival, Scripture

RENEWED COMPASSION

PHILIPPIANS 4:10

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act.”

When I read today’s verse, my mind instantly went to one of my memory passages. Lamentations 3:23-24 says, “22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” That renewed compassion which the Lord has for me is a sweet fragrance. He is constantly reviving His concern for me.

Paul uses a word for “revived” that is only used here in the New Testament. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. It says anathalló “portrays the image of fresh blossoms opening after a dormant season. The term captures the moment when life hidden beneath the surface bursts forth visibly—an apt picture of believers whose love is rekindled into active generosity. Used once in the New Testament, it conveys far more than sentimental warmth; it reveals the God-ordained rhythm of renewed care that accompanies authentic fellowship in the gospel.” Isn’t that beautiful?

APPLICATION

Is there an area of your life that needs reviving? Do you need some “fresh blossoms” in your life? We have this beautiful, yellow rose bush in our yard. We planted it last year when we moved into our house. It has the most fragrant blossoms. Unfortunately, earlier this year it got some kind of fungus and lost most of its leaves. No buds, no blossoms. But after treating it faithfully and tenderly, new leaves are growing and new buds are coming on. I can’t wait to smell those roses again. My life gets that way sometimes, doesn’t yours? We get a spiritual fungus and our growth stops. But God can cure any “fungus” if we come to Him with it. Then He shows His compassion to us fresh every morning.

Paul was referencing the Philippians’ show of love to him once again. They had been so faithful to give to him earlier, but due to distance or circumstances had not been able to send Paul a love gift again. But then Epaphroditus stepped up and volunteered to make the trip to Rome to bring Paul this blessing. Paul received this like fresh rain after a long, dry period. It revived his spirit. Not only that, but it also revived the hearts of the Philippians knowing once again they had blessed their brother.

Maybe the Lord wants to use you as a fresh, fragrant blossom to someone. All it may take is a word of encouragement or maybe a hug. People need to know there are others who are praying for them. When I went through my health crises in 2010 and 2020, knowing others were praying for me got me through. Every time I received a note or a card, it revived me. Be that fragrance today.

Thank You, Lord, for reviving my spirit with Your Spirit each and every day. Let me be used by You to encourage others.

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Bible, Godliness, Imitation, Practice, Scripture, Testimony

ARE YOU PRACTICING THE RIGHT THINGS

PHILIPPIANS 4:9

“As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

The old joke goes, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.” You only get good at things that you practice. Athletes perform the same plays over and over again until they know them by heart. Archers will shoot hundreds of arrows to master their aim. Practicing is a good thing, as long as it is beneficial to you and others. Unfortunately, not everyone practices the good.

Paul is reminding the Philippians that they had “learned and received and heard and seen” him do things that pointed to Christ. He tells them to “practice these things.” The Greek word for “practice” is prasso which means a repeated action, not just a one time deed. It is used in Scripture to describe a practice of good or a practice of evil. You see, what you are practicing has spiritual implications. Paul wanted the Philippians to practice the right things.

APPLICATION

In John 3:20, Jesus is talking to Nicodemus and right after the well known John 3:16 verse, Jesus is further explaining the difference between good and evil people. He says, “‘For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed.” The word “does” is prasso. They are practicing evil. It wasn’t a one-time thing.

Paul tells the Romans in Romans 2:2-3, “2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God?” Practicing the wrong things has eternal consequences.

What are you practicing – good or evil? Carl, of course I don’t practice evil. Without coming across legalistic, what are your spiritual practices? Do you have a daily Quiet Time with the Lord? Do you pray daily for others? Do you regularly give to support the Lord’s work. None of these things will get you into heaven. But they are evidence that heaven is already in you. You are practicing what you have learned and received and heard and seen” in Christ. Now, get to practice!

Lord, give me the discipline to practice the things I have been taught and make an impact on others.

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Bible, Commendabler, Excellence, Honorablre, Lovely, Pure, Right, Scripture, True

LAUNDRY LIST

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Have you ever heard the term “laundry list”? According to the Meriam-Webster dictionary, this term used to actually refer to a list of items taken to the laundry. I have filled those lists out before when I was traveling overseas. In the hotels there would be a form to complete, listing all your shirts, pants, socks, etc. that you wanted laundered. Now that term usually just means a long list of things.

Take for instance, Paul has listed a “laundry list” of things that we should think about. Take a look at that list. Those are thought worthy items, aren’t they? True, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy! The actual Greek word for “think about” is logizomai which, according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is “Middle voice from logos to take an inventory, i.e. Estimate (literally or figuratively) — conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).” I love that – to take an inventory.

APPLICATION

Before I ask you what you are taking into inventory, let’s look at what the Lord does not. In Romans 4:8, the same word is used by Paul as he quotes Psalm 32:2. “‘BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.’” The Lord does not keep a laundry list of our sins. Boy, aren’t you glad? I sure am. He would need a long, long scroll to record all of mine. Once we are washed by the blood of the Lamb, all those sins are covered. There is no more guilt. The list is shredded, burned and disappears. Hallelujah!

Now, back to your good laundry list. MacLaren calls these things listed by Paul “that company of fair guests that you may welcome into the hospitalities of your heart and mind.” Unfortunately, the world doesn’t offer too much of these. In fact, the world offers just the opposite – false, dishonorable, wrong, impure, ugly, detestable, poor quality, shameful things. We cannot depend on the world to direct our thoughts and hearts.

The only place you are going to find the things that are described by Paul is in His Word. Only God’s Word will keep my minds and hearts directed in the right way. Only God’s Word will keep you true and pure and honorable. Stop relying on your own intellect or wisdom. Let the Word show you the right laundry list for your soul.

O Lord, I don’t want to be hanging out the wrong laundry list today. Give me these things for my soul.

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Bible, Peace, Promises, Protection, Scripture, Security

ONLY ONE PEACE IS TRULY PEACEFUL

PHILIPPIANS 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prepositions, punctuation and conjunctions can dramatically change the meaning of statement. For instance, if I said, “Let’s eat, Grandma,” you would all say that’s great. But if I said, “Let’s eat Grandma,” you might call the police. Right? We sometimes pass right over the little words or characters, but we believe that every “jot and tittle” of God’s Word is from His mouth, do we not?

So, when Paul says in today’s verse, “the peace of God,” we need pause and look at what he said. Of the 1327 times theos (God) is used in the New Testament, 698 of those times it is the genitive, theou (of God). That’s pretty significant, don’t you think. The Word of God seems to point a lot to the things that are of God. Paul knew that only the peace which belonged to (that’s what the genitive means) God can give us peace. Only His peace is will.

APPLICATION

But look at the rest of this verse. This peace is not an idle peace. First of all, it “surpasses all comprehension.” It is incomprehensible. We cannot fathom the depths of God’s peace. We cannot understand why He would give it to us. We do not know how it truly works but can feel it working. Am I right?

Jesus said in John 14:27, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” Because He said that, Paul can tell us that it “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s peace is actively guarding our hearts and minds. Isn’t that awesome?

Our hearts and our minds are guarded by God’s peace. How does He do that? By drawing us close to us. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” What a promise! And if God is near, our hearts and minds are guarded. His Spirit in us works with God’s peace to comfort and protect us. What a marvelous God we have. Amen?

Lord, thank You for Your peace in my life. I could not face a day without it.

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Anxiety, Bible, Emotions, Healing, Scripture, Struggles, Trust

ANXIETY

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Anxiety can wreck your life. It’s defined as “a common emotion characterized by feelings of fear, worry, unease, and apprehension.” At Drugs.com you can find a list of 53 anxiety medications to compare. And then there are all the “natural” remedies out there. Anxiety is a very profitable disorder, one which the drug companies aren’t too concerned about healing. This common problem is a true gold mine for drug companies.

It’s too bad for them that the Bible has the cure for this. It’s found in today’s verse. Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything,…” The literal Greek reads, “Nothing be anxious about.” The word for “nothing” means absolutely nothing. My late brother-in-law, Wayne Barber, said this word meant a zero with the lid kicked off. In other words, let nothing bring you anxiety. And this is written as a command in the Present Tense. Continue all the time not being anxious.

APPLICATION

Oh, but Carl, you don’t know my life. I have every reason to be anxious. True, I don’t know your life, but I know the One who does. And He says through Paul to not be anxious about anything. For us to do otherwise is to disobey the Lord. In the previous verse, Paul had just told them, “The Lord is near.” If that is true, and I think we all believe He is, then we can get rid of our anxiety.

In 1 Peter 5:7 we read this, “having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.” Do you believe He cares for you? Then give Him your anxious thoughts. Give Him all those things that keep you up at night and rob you of sleep. Do you need another reminder of His care for you? Read Luke 12:22-32. That’s the passage where Jesus told his disciples not to worry (same word as used in today’s verse for anxious) about what they would eat or what they would wear.

Paul goes on in the verse to tell us to pray about everything. That word means each and every thing, every single part. Nothing is left out. Well, I think that about covers it all, right? If we are praying to the Creator of the universe, why should we worry about a thing? Let’s be honest. We can all get anxious from time to time. But let’s covenant together to give all that to Jesus. He can handle it.

I will lay my anxious thoughts at Your feet today, O Lord.

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Bible, Christ, Comfort, Near, Return, Scripture

THE LORD IS NEAR

PHILIPPIANS 4:5

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.”

We all use comforting and encouraging words from time to time. We say things like “You’ve got this” or “I believe in you.” These kinds of sayings can lift a person in despair and help someone who is struggling with a particular trial. We may even tell a loved one “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.” I’ve said that and have been told that.

Paul uses a phrase at the end of this verse that seemingly was a common, comforting saying among the early believers. He says, “The Lord is near.” Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers describes this phrase like this, “A translation of the Syriac ‘Maran-atha’ of 1Corinthians 16:22—obviously a Christian watchword, probably referring to the Second Advent as near at hand; although, of course, not excluding the larger idea of that presence of Christ in His Church of which that Second Advent is the consummation.” Whether Paul was referring to the Second Coming of Christ being near or that Christ through the Holy Spirit was near to them at all times, Paul’s greeting in this phrase was meant to encourage.

APPLICATION

In Romans 10:8, Paul quotes from the book of Deuteronomy when he writes, “But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,…” Paul knew that these Roman believers needed to be reminded that Christ, through the Word, was near. That’s the idea also in today’s verse. Christ is near.

But how about the other possibility of that phrase’s usage, that the Second Coming was near. Many in the early church thought Christ’s return was imminent. Many believe that today. It seems everything is ready for His return, but the exact day and hour only the Father knows. I believe Paul stook to his script. He wanted these Philippian believers to live each day as if it could be the day of Christ’s return.

The same holds true for us today, beloved. One – Christ is near and dear to us daily through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the edification and instruction of His written Word. But we should also live today as if it could be the day of His return. Behold, the Lord is near. Maranantha!

Thank You, Lord, for being near to me each and every day. I look expectantly for Your return.

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