Tag Archives: Christianity

Bible, Dishonoring, Glorify, Lies, Scripture, Sexuality, Truth

DISHONORING

ROMANS 1:26

“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature,”

This is a tough verse and one that easily ignites strong feelings, either way. But let me remind you that I did not write this. Nor did I pick it out of the air to write on today. In the course of taking Romans verse by verse, we had to come to this verse. So, without trying to enflame people, let me address God’s Word on this subject which must be talked about in light of His truth.

You really need to go back and reread verses 18-25 to remember who Paul is talking about here. This was a behavior prevalent in the pagan world. Even back then people were deceived regarding their sexuality. What He had intended from the beginning when He created man and woman was dishonored. That’s the word Paul uses here – degrading or dishonored. It’s the Greek word atimia which can be translated as dishonor, reproach, shame or vile. In this verse, Paul writes that it is a shame or dishonoring for women to turn the natural order upside down.

APPLICATION

Nothing has brought as much division in the body of Christ in the past few decades as this topic. Some churches embrace the freedom of sexuality. Others try to shame people into repentance. We must remember that the sin of rejecting God’s plan for sexuality is no bigger sin that adultery or drunkenness or…you feel in the blank. I know Jesus embraces those who practice this lifestyle but does not condone their behavior. You can truly hate the sin but love the sinner.

This word is also used in Romans 11:14 when Paul addresses the length of a man’s hair. “Does even nature itself not teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him,…” We don’t talk about this, do we? Paul is simply addressing the natural order compared to what has been perverted by man. We have to remember that our purpose is to bring glory to God. Anything that goes against that is dishonoring and shameful.

The main point of this verse today is not the particular sin Paul points out. It is the fact that God will not force us to comply. He will give us up to our passions and allow us to reap the consequences. He is able to spare us this suffering, but He will not make us do anything. What are you bucking God about right now? We all need to yield to His direction. We all can be more obedient in our walk with Him, can’t we?

O Lord, help me to not point fingers and accuse others of their sin while at the same time wallowing in my own.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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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, 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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Aid, Bible, Conflict, Fellow worker, Helping, Scripture

HELP EACH OTHER

PHILIPPIANS 4:3

“Indeed, true companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

I like to help people when I can. Don’t you? If I am able and available, I like to lend a hand. I also like to help people who just need a listening ear. In my ministry, I often have that opportunity. Men need to talk but are usually afraid to get too personal too quick. I understand that, but I am called to listen and point them to the Word. I have to be honest, though. I haven’t always done that with my own family. Don’t point your finger at me. I bet you could say the same thing.

Paul loved these two women mentioned in verse 2, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul said they had “shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel.” They were fellow servants. Paul obviously wanted them to come to the same mind about some issue they were arguing about. He knew their squabble could infect the whole church. It must have been pretty serious to have reached Paul’s ears in Rome. So, he calls on the church to come alongside them to end this.

APPLICATION

My Pastor has been preaching a series on relationships the past several weeks. You can listen to these at https://www.youtube.com/@CorrytonChurch. The past couple of sermons have been about dealing with conflict. I wish Euodia and Syntyche had heard ths message. It was pretty powerful. Matthew 18:15-19 gives us some good advice on dealing with conflict within the body of Christ. Don’t you wish every believer would practice these words of Christ?

I was reminded of a verse I had not heard in a while in my pastor’s sermon. Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Isn’t that just the truth? I love to walk. When I walk with someone, we have to agree on the path we are taking, the speed to walk and how far we are going to walk. If we don’t do that, we are not going to be walking together. The same is true in our Christian walk with fellow believers.

The Greek word Paul uses for “help” is an interesting word. It can mean to clasp, seize, to conceive, help or take. That’s a pretty broad definition, isn’t it. It’s the strong compound word, sullambanó. The first part of that compound is sun, which is that inseparable “with.” In other words, we are to help closely. Try that today. Be that kind of friend. Perhaps you will need that yourself one day.

O Lord, help me help others today in way that can spur them on their walk with Christ.

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Bible, Enemies, Perseverance, Scripture, Standing

STAND FIRM

PHILIPPIANS 4:1

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Being an American football fan, I love a good ballgame. My beloved Georgia Bulldogs have given me many hours of enjoyment over the years. My heart gets to racing when their defense is faced with a particular challenge like a goal line stand when the opposing team is poised to score. When the defense stands firm against that team and keeps them out of the end zone, it is truly something worth cheering about.

Okay, enough about football. Paul is telling his “beloved brothers and sisters” to stand firm. This is a verb he has used more than once in his epistles. It means to be stationary or to persevere. In other words, don’t be moved. Just like my Bulldogs’ defense in the face of their “enemy,” they must stand firm. Paul writes this in the Present Tense which means to keep doing it. It is also in the Imperative Mood which means it is a command. Another interesting thing about this Greek word is it comes from the Perfect Tense of another related word for “stand.” I was taught that the Perfect Tense carries lasting results.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul uses this verb when he writes, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” It’s almost like he’s saying, “Buck up, buttercup.” No, not really. But he is encouraging the believers in Corinth to be strong and to persevere. Do you ever need to be told that? I do. When I have prayed about something long and hard and I still see no movement from heaven, it is good to hear those words. Just persevere.

I recently heard a quote which was in reference to Daniel praying. It said, “One man praying on earth can move angels in heaven.” Wow! That’s powerful. We have to keep praying. We have to stand firm in the face of our enemies. That is what Paul is telling his beloved Philippian church.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Don’t go back to your previous way of living. Don’t let your enemy drag you back into a lifestyle of sin and depravity. Stand firm! Don’t fall back. Face your enemy and declare victory in the devil’s face. Praise the Lord!

Lord, we already have the victory. Help me to stand firm against all attacks.

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Attitude, Bible, Completeness, Humility, Maturity, Scripture

CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE

PHILIPPIANS 3:15

Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well;”

Watch your attitude, young man. I probably heard that more than once while I was growing up. I did have a little chip on my shoulder as a teenager. I thought I had something to prove. I could get a little cocky and arrogant. Teachers and coaches would call me on it, thank the Lord. I was never allowed to get way out of line. I had that healthy fear of my dad. I didn’t want to disappoint him.

I could have used this verse back then. Paul tells us to check our attitude. He says, “all who are mature.” If you understand the Scriptures, if you are trying to live for the Lord, have this attitude. The Greek word for “attitude” is phroneó, which means “1. to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion 2. (by implication) to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction) 3. (intensively) to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience). (Lexicon). The word is used 26 times in the New Testament, 23 times by Paul. It’s used 10 times in Philippians alone.

APPLICATION

We have already seen Paul use phroneó four times in this letter to Philippi and will see it used four more times. Obviously, Paul was addressing an attitude problem, lol. No, I don’t want to imply the Philippians had a problem with their attitude. But any church faces the danger of this. Perhaps, some in the church had become proud because of all they had done to support Paul. Paul’s motive, though, is to point them to the right attitude which can only be found in Christ.

Romans 12:16 is a perfect illustration of what Paul is talking about. “Be of the same mind  toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” What’s Paul talking about? Humility! We saw that in Jesus. We see that in Paul. We should have the same attitude, the same mindset.

So, today I ask you (as I am asking myself) to check your attitude. Our minds need to be focused on how to please our Lord. If others aren’t happy about that, we cannot be concerned about that. Our loyalty, our obedience is to Jesus. Have His mind, as Paul said back in Philippians 2:5-8. Reread that if you need to. Get your attitude in line with His.

Father, help me check my attitude today so that I will be in line with all You teach.

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Bible, Goals, Reaching, Scripture, Stretching

REACHING FORWARD

PHILIPPIANS 3:13

“Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,”

As I was playing cars with my little 11 month old grandson, I watched as he stretched to reach this one little car that is his favorite. We have this building complete with ramps and tunnels and his little car had gotten stuck in the tunnel. He reached and stretched. While I was tempted to jump in and rescue the car for him, instead, I watched. He kept reaching and straining to grab that car until finally…he did. Boy, his face just lit up to say, “Look what I got!” He was so proud.

The word Paul uses in today’s verse for “reaching forward” is only used right here in the New Testament. It means “to stretch out, to extend, to reach forth, to strain after, to stretch forward.” That’s exactly what my grandson did and that is what Paul says he was doing. He was straining to reach his heavenly reward. Aren’t we all doing the same?

APPLICATION

Just like my grandson who had to do the stretching and reaching himself to grasp that car, Paul says we have to do this ourselves. The word is a Present Participle in the Middle Voice. This word is tied to the action verb which is found in the next verse (we’ll see that tomorrow). But you need to know that the Middle Voice is an action you must do yourself. Paul had to reach and strain himself. So do we.

We will also see tomorrow what Paul was straining for exactly. As followers of Christ who seek to obey Him, our goal should be the same. Instead, we get distracted and start reaching for all the wrong things. We grab at careers and houses and material possessions. We strain to get friends or business partners or that special date for Friday night.

What are you straining to reach? Is it Christ? Is it His Word? Or are you stuck in the perpetual stretch for stuff this world can offer? And it can offer a lot, most of which distract us from the real prize. They say you can look at your calendar and your bank account to see where your true priorities are. You might just want to take a gander at those this week. It may surprise you.

O Lord, help me stretch to reach You and only You. The other things are so easy to grab and distract.

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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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Beware, Bible, Enemies, Evil, Gospel, Scripture, Warnings

BEWARE!

PHILIPPIANS 3:2

“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;”

Contrary to what some of my UGA Dawg haters claim, this verse is NOT talking about my beloved Dawgs, lol. Seriously though, this verse is a warning verse. Being aware of your surroundings is important, especially on the highway. My Uncle always warns me before I leave on a road trip to “watch out for those fools on the road.” In other words, drive defensively.

Paul tells us to beware of three things – dogs, evil workers and the false circumcision. We’ll take a look at what he meant by all three. But first, why did he tell us to “beware”? That’s the Greek word blépō which means “to see, be observant (watchful).  Blépō) suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul tells them to put on their spiritual eyes.

APPLICATION

Paul says to “beware of dogs.” The word for “dogs” was used to describe a spiritual predator who feeds off others. Dogs were not like they are today. Back then most dogs were scavengers. In fact, one term they were called was “mooch pooch” because they ran around mooching off anything they could find. Spiritual dogs look for weaknesses in others and pounce on them to try to bring them down.

“Evil workers” are those “Judaizing teachers, who,..pretend to be strenuous advocates for good works, are, in fact, evil workers; sowing the seeds of discord, strife, contention, and division, among the…members of Christ.” (Benson commentary). There is nothing much worse than someone pretending to be one thing but turning out to be something totally different. You might call these individuals a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Lastly, Paul “beware of the false circumcision.” These were the people who insisted that circumcision was required of the Gentiles for salvation. Paul seemed to battle this group wherever he went. But Paul insisted that adding anything to what Christ did on the cross for us was, in fact, adding to the Gospel.

Now, let me warn you. These people are still out there. All three still exist in some form or the other. Sadly, many of them are in our churches trying to tear down the purpose of the church and its mission. Keep your spiritual eyes on. Look past the physical into the spiritual motives of people. Our only purpose should be to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and glorify the Father in heaven.

O Lord, give me Your eyesight to perceive and recognize those who would do me or others harm spiritually.

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