Bible, Character, Proven, Scripture, Testing, Trials, Tribulations

PROVEN CHARACTER

PHILIPPIANS 2:22

“But you know of his proven character, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.”

I like compliments. Don’t you? A sincere compliment is always appreciated. They make you feel better about yourself. Knowing someone has recognized you in that way gives you a sense of confidence. When I receive compliments, I try to be quick to give all the glory to the Lord. I know I am nothing without Him in my life, and He deserves all the credit.

Paul is bragging on Timothy here in today’s verse. He uses a word that is used eight times in the New Testament, seven by him. The word is dokime which the Topical Lexicon describes this way. “The concept of dokime is integral to understanding the Christian journey, as it illustrates the process by which believers are refined and their faith is authenticated through trials. It serves as a reminder that challenges are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.” Obviously, Timothy had proven his worth to Paul over the years, thus he was entrusted with this journey to Philippi.

APPLICATION

In Romans 5:4 we see dokime used by Paul. Let’s back up to verse 3 to get a better picture of how Paul uses this word. “3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” In these verses, Paul is describing the process and purpose of tribulations and trials in our life. Going through these builds our character.

Recently, I talked to the mother of someone who is going through a stem cell transplant. I was asked to talk to her by a mutual friend. I basically described my own two experiences of my stem cell transplants and how God used them to grow my faith and hopefully my character. Trials are hard, but we know God tests us to build us. That is what I told this mom to share with her daughter.

In 2 Corinthians 8:2 dokime is translated as “ordeal.” Paul says there, “that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.” Have you gone through an ordeal? Consider it God’s way of making you more like His Son. Amen? Hang in there. Prove faithful, just like Timothy.

Lord, I do not like trials. I had rather avoid them, but You want to use them to make me more like You. For that reason, I will embrace them as they come.

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Bible, God's Will, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture, Willingness

WOULD YOU BE WILLING?

PHILIPPIANS 2:21

“For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”

I have been asked to take on tasks or even positions which I did not want. Sometimes I would grudgingly do it, and other times I would politely decline or make some excuse. When it comes right down to it, most of us would decline a dangerous and lengthy task if it was voluntary. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We have all done that.

It seems from today’s verse that Paul had asked others, besides Timothy, to make the trip to Philippi. Remember, this journey would have taken 3-6 months one way. For someone to give up a year of their life is asking a lot. Many scholars believe this may have been the beginning of the withdrawal of some of Paul’s followers that he writes about in 2 Timothy. But Paul could depend on Timothy. He was willing to sacrifice his life for Paul, if necessary.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “seek” here is the same word used in Matthew 6:33 where we are told by Jesus to seek first the kingdom of God. If these other people who were asked by Paul to go to Philippi had been seeking first His kingdom, they would have made every effort to go. I am not implying they were in sin for not going. It’s just that we seem to seek after ourselves more than Him.

In Luke 19:10 Jesus says, “‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Jesus never considered seeking to please Himself. He always sought after the things of the Father and came to seek the lost. Shouldn’t that be what we are seeking after also? When we are asked by the Lord to take up impossible tasks, we do it knowing He will enable us.

Are you willing to do whatever the Lord asks? Sure, Carl. I’ll do anything. Oh really! How about selling everything you own and moving to a third world country? Well, I didn’t mean anything. I am not pointing fingers. We all have our reservations about going and doing, don’t we? Just ask yourself this question – Are you seeking to please self or God? That should be pretty obvious.

Father God, I confess that I normally seek to please myself rather than You. Give me the humility and strength to seek Your will in all things.

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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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Bible, Comfort, Commitment, Encouragement, Messenger, Scripture

MESSENGER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

PHILIPPIANS 2:19

“But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.”

Some people have the gift of encouragement. Anytime you’re around them you just feel better. Wouldn’t it be great if we all acted that way? The world would be a much better place. Hey, the church would be a better place. Too much complaining and arguing happens there, don’t you think? We need more encouragers.

Paul sent Timothy, whom they knew when he had accompanied Paul there, to bring back news on how the Philippians were doing. Timothy had a two-fold task – take news of Paul to the church in Philippi and to bring news back to Paul in Rome. You need to understand something. Travel back then took a lot longer than it does now. This was a 1286 km (@800 miles) trip one way. It would have taken 3-6 months, depending on the time of the year. This was a huge commitment Timothy was making for Paul. Timothy would have been gone 6-12 months. A lot can happen in a year.

APPLICATION

But Timothy makes the journey and returns to Rome with news about the church. Of course, that is not talked about in this letter. What do you think Timothy said to the Philippian believers when he arrived there? “Paul is doing great. He has been chained to these Roman soldiers, but that means he has had a captive audience with these guys.” To that I bet all the Philippians would roar with laughter and say, “That’s just like Paul.” That news would have encouraged them.

Then Timothy would return to Paul in Rome. What do you think he told him? “The church is doing great! They are embracing their suffering as you asked. They are being witnesses throughout the city, following your example here in Rome. They send their love and gratitude.” Wow! What encouragement! This was Timothy’s task.

Are you like Timothy? Do you try to encourage others, or do you ignore others? We are all called to encourage. The word used for “may be encouraged” is only used once (right here) in the New Testament. It can mean to be of good comfort. Are you a comforter? Seek out what the Lord would have you do about this today.

Father, I know I could be a better encourager. Give me the words and ability to comfort others.

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Bible, Joy, Rejoicing, Sacrifice, Scripture

SHARE YOUR JOY

PHILIPPIANS 2:18

“You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”

Can you recall the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? Many of us would say it was that hole-in-one we shot at the golf course or maybe catching that ten pound bass. Ladies, it might be your wedding day or the birth of a child. I have had a lot of exciting events in my life, but I can still recall the moment I received Jesus as my Savior. I remember where I was standing in the choir loft of First Baptist Church of Pelham, GA. So, what do you do with the event? You tell everyone about it.

Paul had just said in verse 17 that he wanted to share his joy with the Philippians. Now, he asks them to share their joy with him. The phrase “share your joy” is one Greek word, sugchairó. This word is used in Luke 1:58 when Elizabeth’s neighbors rejoiced with her at the birth of John. It is used in Luke 15:6 in the parable of the lost sheep when the owner said to his friends, “‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’” And then used three verses later by the woman when she found her lost coin.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes shares this story which explains what Paul meant:

“A brave Athenian returned from the battle of Marathon, bleeding with wounds and exhausted, and rushed into the presence of the magistrates, and uttered only these two words – χαιρετε (chairete), χαιρομεν (chairomen) – ‘rejoice, we rejoice,’ and immediately expired. So Paul felt that there was occasion for him, and for all whom he loved, to rejoice, if he was permitted to die in the cause of others, and in such a manner that his death would benefit the world.”

I hope you have such joy. Death for a follower of Christ is cause for joy, not sorrow. Sure, we will be missed by our loved ones. But heaven holds such promise for us who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Paul knew that, so he told the Philippians to rejoice in his suffering, his potential sacrifice. He wanted to hear from them also how they were rejoicing in their own suffering.

Back to the exciting event in your life. I hope you can join me in agreeing that the most exciting event in our lives should be our salvation and our daily walk with Him. What? You’re not excited? You haven’t told anyone about it? Join with me in my joy and share your joy with others.

I agree with David when he said, “Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.” Let me share my joy with others.

And to all you mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

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Bible, Gospel, Offering, Sacrifice, Scripture

BEING POURED OUT

PHILIPPIANS 2:17

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

There have been many stories told of soldiers, airmen, sailors, or Marines who have given their lives for the sake of others. A soldier sees a live grenade thrown near his fellow soldiers and dives on it to protect them. A Marine charges a machine gun to defend his buddies. These are examples of someone sacrificing themselves for others. They literally poured out their lives for them. (Look up the story of PFC Kenneth J. David for a great example.)

In today’s verse, Paul uses a Greek word that is only used one other time in the New Testament (also by Paul). The word is spendó, and it means to be poured out in total surrender. You are holding nothing back. You are giving it all. Here in Philippians, we know Paul was incarcerated under house arrest in Rome. He was ready to die for the sake of the Gospel. He was doing this as an example to the Philippian church and others. He was not afraid to give up his life for Christ. He was eventually released but was arrested again.

APPLICATION

We see the second use of spendó in 2 Timothy 4:6. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” Paul was in a Roman prison again, but this time he would not leave. Paul was martyred not long after writing this letter to his beloved disciple. He was ready. As they say, “He left it all on the field.” Paul poured himself out for others.

Many scholars believe Paul was thinking about the Old Testament practice of pouring wine out for the sacrifices to Jehovah. In Numbers 15:5, we read, “and you shall prepare wine for the drink offering, a fourth of a hin, with the burnt offering or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.” See also Numbers 28:7, 14. This would have been common knowledge for a Pharisee, which Paul had been before his conversion. Of course, he could see the parallel of his “sacrifice” and the Old Testament sacrifices.

Paul was not implying his “pouring out” held any spiritual significance for others. His death would not save them. Only Christ could do that. But his “pouring out” was meant to show others his willingness to die for Jesus, to give everything for the sake of the Gospel. How about you? Are you willing to be poured out for Jesus?

O Lord, I give my life as a libation for You. Use me as You see best.

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Bible, Holding, Obedience, Scripture

HOLDING FIRMLY

PHILIPPIANS 2:16

“holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.”

Whenever you use tools, you need to maintain a good grip. Handling tools loosely or haphazardly can be dangerous. For instance, my dad taught me how to properly hold and use a hammer. Simple enough, right? But there is a right way and wrong way to use a hammer. Once you learn how to use it properly, the job is usually a lot easier and is done quicker.

“Holding firmly” in our verse today is epechówhich only occurs four other times in the New Testament. “The Greek verb ἐπέχω appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the importance of attention and steadfastness. It is used to describe the act of focusing one’s mind or attention on a particular subject or truth. For example, in Philippians 2:16, the Apostle Paul uses ἐπέχω to encourage believers to “hold firmly to the word of life,” highlighting the necessity of steadfastness in faith and doctrine. This usage underscores the importance of maintaining a firm grip on the teachings of the Gospel amidst challenges and distractions.” (Topical Lexicon) Now, do you see the importance of “holding firmly”?

APPLICATION

In Acts 3:5 epechóis used when the lame man “gave…his attention” to Peter and John hoping for a gift. His focus was on them. In the same way, we should have our focus on the Word and not stop looking at it until we receive something. I always pray for God to give me a “nugget of truth” each time I read a verse or a passage. There are hidden gems present if we will just hold on and focus.

Paul uses this word again in his first letter to Timothy. We read in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” The phrase “pay close attention to” is epechó. Examine the Word, pay close attention to it.

Do you see a pattern here in this word? Hold firmly! Give attention to! Pay close attention! God has given us His Word to guide us daily, but we must do these three things. God won’t twist your arm and make you do it. You have to choose to do it on your own. But oh, the joy that comes from obeying.

Father, I want to hold firmly to every word You speak.

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Bible, Darkness, Light, Scripture, Shining

KEEP SHINING YOUR LIGHT

PHILIPPIANS 2:15

“so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”

Have you ever had to prepare for encroaching storms at night? What is one of the first things you get together? Light! You may gather flashlights or lanterns. You may have some candles for such occasions. You don’t want to be caught in the dark in the middle of a storm. You need light to show you the way if you need to escape. You need light to keep your children from being scared.

We are “lights in the world” according to today’s verse. The first part of the verse tells you why. We are “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” That’s dark. That can be scary – unless you have the light. We have The Light – Jesus Christ. So, we have the responsibility to shine the light of Christ wherever we go and whatever situation we face.

APPLICATION

If you haven’t figured out that this verse applies to you as a follower of Christ, just stop reading now. Just kidding. But you should see how important this is. Let me show you something in the verse that I think needs explaining a bit. In this translation (NASB), it reads, “you appear.” The original Greek is the word phaino which includes the idea of shining, to shed light.

The best thing to know about the darkness is that it cannot put out light. Light pierces the darkness and sends it running. In Matthew 24:27 this word phaino is used to describe lightning as it flashes across the sky. Do you think you and I could appear that way? Could we flash the light of Jesus? Could we brighten our world with the light which lives inside us?

Maybe you are in a dark place right now. Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. You may feel you are deep in a pit. There is no pit so deep or dark where the light of Christ can’t shine. As a follower of Christ, you have that light within you. Stop relying on your own light, your own duracells. Rely on His inexhaustible light. Rely on the Giver of Light!

O Lord, I need Your light to brighten the world around me. Use me as Your lantern to show others the way.

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Arguing, Arguments, Bible, Complaining, Harmony, Scripture

STOP YOUR WHIINING!

PHILIPPIANS 2:14

“Do all things without complaining or arguments;”

Oh me, oh my! This verse hits home, doesn’t it. How many times have you complained about something in the past month? For me, it’s traffic. For the life of me I will never understand why people can’t just drive and let people merge without slamming on their brakes. It drives me crazy! Look, there I go! Complaining!

Paul would not have written this to the Philippians if they had not needed to hear it. I don’t care how spiritual you are, we are all prone to complain or argue at some point. Paul says, “Do all things…” The Greek word for “all” means (Are you ready? Can you handle this?) ALL. It means the whole picture, each and every piece which make up the whole. In other words, EVERYTHING!!

APPLICATION

I really don’t think we need to spend any more time on the word “all.” I think you understand that. But what about those other two words in this verse – “complaining” and “arguments”? Let’s look at them, beginning with “complaining.” That’s the Greek word goggusmos, which can be translated as murmuring, grumbling or muttering. The word is only used three other times in the New Testament (John 7:12; Acts 6:1 and 1 Peter 4:9). In the 1 Peter verse, it reads, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” That’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

The other word Paul uses is dialogismos, which means futile thinking or reasoning. The Topical Lexicon describes it this way. “Here, the term is associated with disputes and arguments that can arise from selfish ambition or vain conceit, contrasting with the humility and unity that should characterize the Christian community.” How are you doing with that one?

I really like the Amplified Bible’s translation of this verse. “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],” You see, that is what we are doing when we complain, grumble, argue, whine, etc. We are questioning God’s providence. We are questioning God’s sovereignty. Trust Him (Are you listening to yourself, Carl?). We can all make some changes on these today, can’t we?

Father, allow me to trust You in all things and not complain or argue.

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Bible, God's Will, Pleasing, Pleasure, Scripture

HIS GOOD PLEASURE

PHILIPPIANS 2:13

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.”

Some people are people pleasers. They will do just about anything to make people happy. That may seem like a great character trait, but it isn’t. You can’t make anyone happy. You can offer them things or do things in which they can choose to be happy. But you don’t have the power to make them happy. Only they can choose that.

Why do I bring that up? Because God is NOT a people pleaser. Look at today’s verse. Paul plainly says that God does the things He does in our lives for His good pleasure, not ours. He makes Himself happy. Have you ever thought of that? Our job is to do the things that we know will give Him pleasure, things that are according to His will. The Greek word for “good pleasure” is eudokia which “underscores the idea that God’s actions towards humanity are motivated by His benevolent will. It reflects the notion that God’s purposes are inherently good and aimed at the well-being of His creation. This term also highlights the relationship between divine favor and human response, as believers are called to live in a manner that aligns with God’s good pleasure.” (Topical Lexicon)

APPLICATION

We see this same word used in Ephesians 1:5 which reads, “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” And then just a few verses later, Paul says this in Ephesians 1:9, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him,” You see, God does what He does for His good pleasure. It pleases Him to show us mercy. It pleases Him to adopt us as His children. Why wouldn’t we want to please Him?

Jesus recognized this also. In Matthew 11:25-26, He says, “…‘25 I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight.’” God does what He does according to His own desires and delights. And everything He does has our best interest in mind. Hallelujah!

Today, as you go about your business, do what you do to please the Lord who always has your best in mind. It pleases Him to bless us. We, therefore, should seek to please Him with holy living and pure hearts. Amen?

Lord, I want to please You because I know You are always seeking to satisfy Your desire to bless me. Thank You, Father.  

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