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The love letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians had a single sour note, revealed in Philippians 4. We know nothing of the circumstances, but in the midst of the righteous efforts of this faithful congregation, there was some kind of strife between two women of the number.

Paul wrote, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul wrote with love and gentleness, but there was a problem of some type. It seems that if the problem were doctrinal, Paul would have arbitrated the issue by revealing God’s will on the matter. Most probably the strife that existed was something else. It may have been a matter of personality, perceived slight, or another inconsequential matter, though it may have seemed large to the ladies.

Regardless, it was something that could not rightly stand in the way of their unity. Paul had already encouraged the Philippians, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). He now called upon those mature Christians in Philippi to “help these women” (3) gain a unity that was not present. The next time you think your issue is important enough to strive against your brother, think twice!

Here we write of things for which we have little information or knowledge.  Paul promised in Philippians 3:20-21, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” There are a few things this reveals, and many things we will one day know when we meet Jesus in the end.

First, our change is according to the working of our Lord. Jesus will exhibit at that time a power which is the same power He will use to put “all enemies under his feet” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25).

Second, the change He will render in us is a transformation. Our bodies will be changed. We will not be as we are now.  Think of a tadpole’s difference from a frog, or a caterpillar from a butterfly.

Third, our new body will glorious, as Jesus’ body is now. It will be suited to a new existence with Jesus in heaven.  Can I describe it?  No. But, there is no need for me to explain it away, because Paul revealed it to be so! In 1 Corinthians 15, he said, “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (44).  He wrote, “And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man” (49).  Hallelujah for His promises!

In Philippians 2:14, the apostle Paul wrote, “Do all things without complaining and disputing”, in order to become “children of God without fault” (15).  So, this admonition is appropriate and needed for all of us.

The word “complaining” comes from the Greek (gongusmos). It (in both its noun and verb form) is found only 5 times in the New Testament.  The NKJV translates the term complaining, murmuring, complaint, complaining, and in 1 Peter 4:9, grumbling.  The entire text of 1 Peter 4:9 reads, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

The passages reveal clearly that a man’s heart is just as important as rote obedience. This is a truth that is found throughout scripture. For example, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6).

Grumbling is an affront to God.  When we consider the great sacrifice He made in sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins, the debt we owe to Him is one we should accept willingly, not grudgingly.

God expects His children to not only do His bidding without question, but with eagerness and delight! Think about it!

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Paul’s words here contrast with bodily or physical exercise which has a much more limited profitability to a man. While it may make his body strong, it has no effect whatsoever upon his standing with God, making it a much less profitable action.

However, consider godliness. The term (eusebeia)  is well defined by Vine as “piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.”

Doing what is “well-pleasing to God” is good in every way. It impacts your relationships with others, your standing with God, and your hope of eternal life.  In effect, it is good for right now, and for eternity as well!

I like the phrase “Godward attitude” in Vine’s definition.  Godward, looking and acting in the direction of God.  That really is the definition of discipleship!  One who desires to be a Christian should have as a characteristic behavior an effort to do God’s will always!

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Fourteen years before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul had be “caught up” (to snatch or catch away) to Paradise.  This was a forceful action. In other words, Paul did not work or earn this passage, he was transported. It was a wonderful thing, a blessed gift or privilege. While wonderful, it was not a legitimate thing to boast about because it was a gift from God.

So, while Paul mentioned it as another proof of his choosing by God, he wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:5, “Of such a one (Paul’s oblique reference to himself) I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.”

Paul’s explanation, though a bit hard to understand, establishes a very important truth. Our standing with God is based upon a given gift, not our own merited works. There is a big difference between required obedience, and the mercy of God. Jesus told His disciples, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” (Luke 17:10).

Paul was only willing to boast in a way that would bring God the glory. Consider his conclusion, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

Regarding our obligation (rather than our blessings) and our stewardship this is what it is all about.  Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Paul got it, too many religious people today do not.

Two points to make here.  First, our entire purpose in life, “whatever we do in word or deed” is to be done because of our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Religion is not an avocation, it is our job! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Second, we have to do it Jesus’ way, not our own.  That is what the phrase “in the name of the Lord” means!  (cf. Matthew 7:20-21). The one accepted by God is the one who “does the will of My Father in heaven.”  This means it is not sufficient to “be sincere.” It means that serving God in a way that suits us, or going to a denomination that fits our lifestyles or preferences, is not legitimate.

We have a responsibility to Jesus to serve Him in His way, to do His bidding!

Jacob prayed a prayer to God concerning meeting his brother Esau, from whom he had taken a birthright and blessing. Before the meeting, Jacob said, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children” (Genesis 32:10-11).

Of course, Esau’s own profane behavior was part of the reason why he was rejected, and Jacob was chosen (cf. Hebrews 12:16). But, it seem that here Jacob realized there was cause for Esau to be angry, and that he had mistreated his brother due to his deceit. I think that Jacob’s description of himself is one what we should all consider. “I am not worthy of these least of all the mercies and of all the truth which you [God] have shown your servant.” It is very similar to Paul’s declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:9, calling himself unworthy because, “I persecuted the church of God.” And yet, God blessed both of them. Jacob was received kindly by Esau (cf. Genesis 32:4,9), and Paul was made an apostle to the Gentiles. Because of God’s mercy! (1 Corinthians 15;10).

God’s mercy comes to each of us as well. None of us can approach our Lord as “worthy.”  But, His love for mankind brings out His mercy and grace. “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6).

“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?” (1 Corinthians 6:1-4).

The idea of judging is not welcome in society today, though it is necessary and prevalent. The question is, who should judge, and how should they do it?

The answer is found in these words. Judging is to be done carefully and righteously. Jesus said the same in Matthew 7:2-5. Fortunately, Christians are the most capable in this area, or at least should be, as they are to conduct themselves righteously, with ethics and honesty.

Though differences exist regarding the true meaning of the phrases, “the saints will judge the world” (2) and “we shall judge angels” (3) it is evident that Paul was elevating the place and ability of the saints above both of those groups.

So, what is the lesson? Act and think as a saint should act and think! (cf. 1 Peter 4:3-6). Doing so will allow us to make right and proper decisions, in every relationship whether it be family, friends, or brethren.

Christian discernment is a good thing!

The apostle Paul gives some very helpful instruction and insight on how Christians should get along with Christians in Philippians 2. It basically is a call for every child of God to be humble. Humility impacts our decisions and actions toward others. But, it should be true humility! Consider verses 3 and 4. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

The phrase, “let each esteem others better than himself” is an interesting one. First, the word esteem is used to indicate authority or control. One who is esteemed is a leader, one who is in control or important. In our context it is relative to how we view ourselves.  We do not consider ourselves as important as our brother in Christ.  He is more important than us.  So, our motivation is not self, but what is best for our brother.  If all Christians acted in this way, most of the issues that cause division would not exist.

This is seen in the phrase “better than self”, indicating that in our eyes, our brother is more important or superior.  And, in the verse to follow, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:4).

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:11-13).

The grace of God has implications far beyond our redemption as the elect of God. It also indicates an ought. In effect, the grace of God teaches or trains us to know how we ought to act and focus our thoughts in response to its effectiveness in saving our souls

We owe a debt we simply can’t pay, “salvation.” But, we are to indicate clearly our thankfulness for the gift of redemption, (cf. Luke 17:11-19). The haunting words of Jesus, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine” (17).

Our show of appreciation for the gift of grace must be seen in our life’s response. We have spent enough time living in sin (cf. 1 Peter 4:3), and in response to God’s grace must live soberly, righteously and godly. This not only involves doing righteousness, but primarily denying ungodliness and the illicit desires that characterize the worldly.  Our motivation? An eternal reward in heaven, given at His second coming. Anything less is ungratefulness on our part!

“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

The phrase, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” is taken from Zechariah 8:16. Zechariah’s prophecies occurred following the return of the remnant from Babylonian captivity.  Note two points. First, honesty is a principle that should inform every part of our lives, and all of our relationships. Second, this is especially so with whom we share a special bond, “for we are members of one another.”

The bond the remnant shared was their cultural and national identities. They were Jews, part of God’s chosen people, with a obligation to keep the law.

Here Paul wrote to the Ephesian Christians. Their bond was their shared faith in Jesus Christ. The same words were used by Paul to describe that relationship in Romans 12:5.

Honesty (putting away lying) is important in and of itself. God revealed time and again that lying, deceit, guile, are condemnable acts, and not worthy of God’s children (cf. Revelation 21:8).  Beyond that, our special bond as Christians demands that we treat each other honestly. To do less is to disrespect and endanger our fellowship as His children!

After his disciples were criticized by Pharisees for eating with unwashed hands, Jesus told a multitude, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man” (Matthew 15:11). This offended the Pharisees, who were bound by the traditions of the elders, and even was confusing to His own disciples. Peter asked Jesus, “Explain this parable to us” (15).

The explanation is simple. Jesus was using the process of digestion to show that what we eat is eliminated, but the things that defile a man are what come from the heart, come from within. Things like, “evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (19).

Today, under Christ’s covenant, defilement is not physical, it is spiritual. Defilement is defined by our Lord as sin itself. Holiness is determined by the proper practice of our faith! “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).

So disregard man-made traditions, restrictions, requirements. “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2:23).

Take sin seriously. This is what affects our relationship with God. Ask yourself, “Have I defiled myself with sin?”

Paul wrote to the Colossians about prayer, asking for their prayers personally, “that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:3-4).

However, his thoughts on prayer teach us a few important things, that are worth examining beyond Paul’s personal benefits from such intercessions.  First, there is the phrase, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it…” (4:2).  The idea of continuing in prayer, and the idea of vigilance is important when making petitions to God.  He loves us!  The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 teaches us this. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?”  We need to understand the importance and efficacy of prayer, and not to be discouraged if our petitions are not answered by Him immediately. It comes in His time.

Second, we can’t emphasis too greatly the importance of offering thanks to God. “…being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (4:2). Christ illustrated the importance of thanksgiving in his words about the lepers He healed.  “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18).

God deserves vigilant prayer with thanksgiving!  Heed Paul’s words!

As Jeremiah lamented the rebellion of Judah, and the chastisement of his God, he nevertheless acknowledged God’s judgement was righteous and that His nature was merciful and good. And so he wrote, “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:25-27).

There are a couple of truths in this passage that are worthy of examination. Taking the last words first, we should acknowledge that it “is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.” While burdens, chastisements and distress are never easy, they do build character. The prophet knew that the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and God’s judgment of the people was, though harsh, very much deserved. To live through this would help the young know of the consequences of rebellion, and cause a turn to righteousness and steadfastness as the lesson was learned.

The second truth is that God does His own will in His own time. It is not appropriate for us to complain about these things. Job did , and even to the degree of his suffering, the answer of God was basically, “How dare you?” So, when things are going bad with us, little or big, and we chafe at trouble, let us not murmur and complain. Instead, let us “wait quietly for the LORD.” He is the preeminent Creator. As His people, let us not be presumptuous!

In Ephesians 4:4-6 Paul expresses a series of unique things that constitute the basis of our faith. Unfortunately these truths are often challenged by those who do not understand them. It is our basis for unity, a worthy walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.

• One body. The church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Not many churches. Denominationalism is sinful (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10-ff).
• One Spirit. The Holy Spirit, one of the three persons that are God (cf. John 14:26).
• One hope. The hope of heaven, available through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 6:19-20).
• One Lord. Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Acts 2:36).
• One faith. While various truths and messages from God preceded Christ’s covenant, today it is the sole means of approaching God. The Christian’s faith in Christ, its particulars revealed in the New Covenant (Jude 3).
• One baptism. Several baptisms are mentioned in the Bible. However, only one is universally commanded and applicable to every man. Baptism in water for the remission of sins! (Acts 2:38).
• One God and Father. Not polygamy.  Only Jehovah exists! (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6). Paganism is a lie.

Those who do not accept these truths are heretics. (Much of the religious world included). However, those who accept it are derided by most. Accept it regardless!