Tag: Christianity

The Peace of God

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Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

‘The peace of God’ – John 14:27 states that Christ left us with His peace and that He gave it unto us, not as the world gives peace, which is always temporary and fleeting. Then He warned us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. Both fear and troubles cancel our peace and let us focus on the storms and not on Christ who can command the storms to be still.  In John 16:33 we also see that Christ comforted His disciples the evening before His crucifixion with this peace when He said that He had the Father with Him and therefore they must have their peace in Him; He warned that in this world we shall have tribulation, but we must be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. From these scriptures and many others where Christ always ended most communication with “go in peace” (Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50; 8:48); “Peace be unto you” (Luke 34:36; John 20:19, 21, 26). Because peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) we cannot afford to lose it to any degree or for any cause, that is why this peace passes all understanding, because it is not something everyone can have or can maintain without being of the right mindset (4:8; 2Cor. 10:3-7) and not allowing any form of fear or upset (Job 3:25; John 14:1, 27; 2Tim. 1:7; 1Pet. 3:14).

‘Shall keep’ [Greek: phroureo] garrison; keep watch or guard.  There are ten secrets for the cure of worry: Permit the peace of God to garrison or keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ (4:7). Renounce all worry; then by prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, make all requests known to God (4:6; Jas. 4:7). Think about the right things (4:8). Keep your mind stayed on God (Isa. 26:3; Col. 3:2). Use the weapons of spiritual warfare (2Cor. 10:4-6). Put on the whole armour of God (Eph. 6:10-18). Have faith in God (Matt. 6:25-34; 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24). Live and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13). Do not cast away confidence (Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:19-23, 35-39). Cast all your cares upon God (1Pet. 5:7).

Prayer and Supplication Part 4

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Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1John 3:22 explains that whatsoever we ask of God, we will receive because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Here we have some of the conditions mentioned throughout Scripture for answered prayer which always includes obedience. Five secrets are noted here: Freedom from condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Confidence in God (Heb. 3:6; 10:35; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:21; 5:14). Asking (Matt. 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13). Keeping commandments (1Jn. 3:23-24). Pleasing God (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

Looking at some more reasons for unanswered prayer we can discern the following: Lusts (Jas. 4:1-3, 5; John 8:44); murders (Jas. 4:2); covetousness (Jas. 4:2); fighting and war (Jas. 4:2); asking amiss to satisfy lusts (Jas. 4:3); adulteries (Jas. 4:4); friendship; pride (Jas. 4:6); rebellion against God (Jas. 4:7); backsliding and sin (Jas. 4:8); double-mindedness or doubt (Jas. 4:8); the misuse of the tongue (Jas. 4:11-12).

This passage should never be taken by the Christian as an excuse for unanswered prayer. By so doing he automatically classes himself as lustful, murderous, covetous, adulterous, worldly, proud, sinful, and blasphemous. Is it any wonder that God does not answer the prayers of such people? Would you? No man can ask amiss if he is in Christ and asks according to the promises (John 15:7; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). The reason Christian prayers are not answered is unbelief.

Prayer and Supplication Part 2

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Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

To get answers to our prayers, we have to obey that which is clearly stated in the Word in this regard: Pray to the Father (John 16:23), in the name of Jesus (John 14:12-15), by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26). With a full understanding of your rights and privileges (1Cor. 14:14-15) and in harmony with the Word (John 15:7). In faith, nothing doubting (Jas. 1:6), with praise for the answer (Php. 4:6). Diverting in any way from this will lead to frustrating unanswered prayer. Eighteen reasons are given from Scripture for unanswered prayer: Refusing to listen to the truth (Prov. 28:9). Refusing to humble self (2Chron. 7:14). Forsaking God (2Chron. 15:2). Provoking God (Deut. 3:26). Hardheartedness (Zech. 7:12-13). Lack of charity (Prov. 21:13). Regarding iniquity in the heart (Ps. 66:18). Wrong motives (Jas. 4:3). Dishonour of companion (1Pet. 3:7). Unbelief (Matt. 17:20-21; 21:22). Sin (Jas. 4:1-5; John 9:31; Isa. 59:2). Parading prayer life (Matt. 6:5). Vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7). Unforgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26). Hypocrisy (Luke 18:9-14). Being discouraged (Luke 18:1-8). Worry and anxiety (Php. 4:6). Doubting – double-mindedness – not making up your mind on what you want (Jas. 1:5-8). 

To be continued…

Prayer and Supplication Part 1

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Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

‘Careful for nothing’ [Greek: meden and merimnate] be anxious about nothing. Translated “be careful” (4:6; Luke 10:41); “have care” (2:20; 1Cor. 7:32-34; 12:25); and “take thought” (Matt. 6:25-34; 10:19; Luke 12:11, 22-26). Do not tolerate anxiety or worry, for it will injure your own souls. God alone can help you. And He will do it if you will pray about everything that happens and give thanks for everything (4:6; 1Thess. 5:18).

‘Requests be made known unto God.’ We are commanded here to let all requests be made known to God – requests for material, physical, and spiritual needs and wants – everything that concerns us in life along any line. It is the same as ask and receive, for we will not receive if we don’t ask (Matt. 7:7-8).

In Hebrews 3:6 we are reminded to hold fast the confidence [Greek: parrhesia] which means to have freedom of speech or liberty of access to God. Here it refers to absolute confidence in access to God because all sins which separate us from God are removed (Isa. 59:1-2). In Old Testament days men were not permitted to approach God. Even the mountain on which God gave the law was not to be touched by man or beast. Only the high priest was permitted in the holy of holies once a year, and even then he could not approach God without proper atonement. Now we all have free and daily access to God by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16). As long as we hold fast to his liberty of access to God we are His house (Heb. 3:6). If we are living in sin however we do not and cannot have this liberty of access. God will not hear our prayers (1Jn. 3:20-23; 5:14-15)!!

To be continued…

Rejoice in the Lord

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Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 

‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ – several times in the Scriptures we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always – at all times!! This means to have our happiness in Him, not in anything or anyone else, for all those things or individuals can only bring temporarily contentment and happiness (1:6; 3:1; Ps. 33:1-2; 97:12; Mark 6:3).

‘Moderation’ [Greek: epieikes] mildness; patience; kindness; moderation; meekness; gentleness (1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 3:2; Jas. 3:17; 1Pet. 2:18). By keeping a state of friendliness, we can act as representatives for the Lord who is at hand. We are warned many times in Scripture to be perfect which means utter simplicity, sincerity, being free from guile and evil intention toward any one; having no part lacking in outward life, conduct, and religion. It does not mean sinless perfection or being without any tendencies to evil, for we can still choose to act selfishly or sin.

We are commanded in fourteen ways to be like Jesus: In righteousness (John 15:10-14; 1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; 1Jn. 3:7). In freedom from the world (John 17:14-16; Rom. 12:1; Jas. 4:4; 1Jn. 2:15). In self-crucifixion (Rom. 6:1-23; Gal. 2:20). In walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-23; Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 4:1-24). In enduring persecutions (Matt. 10:25; John 15:18-20; Mark 10:30). In works (John 14:12; Mark 9:23; 16:17-18; Matt. 17:20; 21:22). In the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23; John 13:34; 15:11-13). In total setting apart for God’s work (John 10:36; 17:17-19; 20:21). In walking in the light (1Jn. 1:7). In unity with God (John 17:11, 21-23). In suffering for others (1Pet. 2:21-23; 3:18-4:1; Php. 3:10). In life and conduct (1Jn. 2:6; 4:17). In enduring temptations (Heb. 2:18; 4:14-16; Jas. 1:2, 12). In manifesting the fullness of God (John 3:34; 7:37-39; 14:12; Eph. 3:19).

‘The Lord is at hand’ – The phrase is similar to Maranatha, which means our Lord comes. Here it means the Lord is Judge and is at hand to punish, which will happen at His Second Coming.

Stand Fast in the Lord – Part 2

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Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life. 

‘Fellowlabourers’ [Greek: sunergos] fellowlaborer (4:3; 1Thess. 3:2; Phm. 1:1, 24); fellowworker (Col. 4:11); workfellow (Rom. 16:21); labourers together (1Cor. 3:9); companion in labour (2:25); fellowhelper (2Cor. 8:23; 3Jn. 1:8); and helper (Rom. 16:3, 9; 2Cor. 1:24).

‘Book of life’ – from Exodus 32:32-33 God confirmed Moses’ belief that names can and will be blotted out of the book of life when men incur the eternal death penalty. It is also the first mention of the book of God in which the names of the righteous are written. The psalmist predicted it in the case of Judas (Ps. 69:20-28). Christ warned of it regarding all who would not overcome sin (Rev. 3:5; 22:18-19). This – God’s word, not man’s – is definite, not doubtful; it is universal and eternal in the application, not local and limited.

It is referred to in Scripture under various terms: “Thy book” and “My book” (Ex. 32:32-33); “the book of the living” (Ps. 69:28); “the book” (Dan. 12:1); “the book of life” (Php. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:11-15; 22:18-19); and “the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27). Just because “book of life” does not appear in all of these passages does not mean the reference in any one instance is to something else. Just as we have several names for the Bible – “the holy scriptures” (Rom. 1:2; 2Tim. 3:15); “the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11); “the law and the prophets” (Luke 24:25-44); “the word of God” (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 4:12); “the sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17); and others – so we have several names for the book of life.

Stand Fast in the Lord – Part 1

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Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life. 

‘My joy and crown’ – we see the same reference of love and gratitude made to the congregations of Thessalonica in 1Thessalonians 2:19-20.

‘Stand fast’ – from 1Thessalonians 3:8 Paul reminds the Christians to stand fast in the Lord, for we live only if we stand fast in Him (Heb. 3:6, 12-14).

‘Euodias … Syntyche’ – Two women, who were the leaders of the congregation at Philippi, differed on some unknown point (4:3).

‘Yokefellow’ [Greek: suzugos] comrade; friend. Refers perhaps to Epaphroditus, the apostle to Philippi (2:25).

‘Women which laboured with me in the gospel’ – perhaps Euodia and Syntyche of Philippians 4:2.

‘Laboured’ [Greek: sunathleo] wrestling together, not in contention with, or against one another to build up human establishments which oppose each other in the gospel, but in union against the enemies of the gospel.

‘Clement’ was taught to be the same one who was afterwards a bishop in Rome and who wrote an epistle to the Corinthians, which still exists.

To be continued…

The Lord Jesus Christ – Part 2

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Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 

‘Vile’ [Greek: tapeinosis] humiliation (Acts 8:33); low estate (Luke 1:48; Jas. 1:10); and vile (3:21). It refers to the low state of sin and shame into which the body of a man has degenerated. Instead of it being immortal, glorious, and powerful as the ruler of all creation as originally planned (Gen. 1:26-31; Ps. 8:3-6), it is now vile, depraved, sinful, sickly, mortal, and subject to the lowest humiliation and eternal ruin (2Cor. 4:16; Rom. 1:18-32; 6:19; Gen. 3:19).

‘Fashioned like unto’ [Greek: summorphos] conformed to. It has reference, not to exact outward features, but to the substance of the body, which will be changed from mortality to immortality; from a natural body to a spiritual body; from corruption to incorruption; and from weakness and humiliation to glory and power (1Cor. 15:35-58). It will be flesh and bone like Christ’s body of glory (Luke 24:39; Zech. 13:6).

‘According to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.’ The power that made the body and all things originally will be the power that will make the resurrection bodies in a moment (1Cor. 15:51) and subdue all things to God again (1Cor. 15:24-28; Heb. 2:9-18).

The Lord Jesus Christ – Part 1

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Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 

‘Conversation’ [Greek: politeuma] citizenship; city; civil rights; state; society; or government.

‘We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.’ What to look for [Greek: apekdechomai] It is scriptural to look for the rapture or coming of the Lord in the air for the saints, to take place any time (3:20; Tit. 2:13), but not the second coming. The rapture and second coming are two events separated by at least seven years. They are not two phases or two stages of one coming, but two distinct comings – one a coming in the air (not to the earth) before the tribulation, and the other a coming to the earth immediately after the tribulation (1Thess. 4:16 with Matt. 24:29). One is the coming for the saints (3:21; John 14:1-3; Luke 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-54; 1Thess. 4:13-17; 2Thess. 2:1, 7; Col. 3:4) and the other is the coming to earth with the saints to set up the kingdom (Zech. 14:5; Jude 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21).

‘Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.’ This is the 4th and last New Testament prophecy in Philippians (3:21). The Greek word metaschematizo means to transform; change the fashion; refashion. Translated “transform” (2Cor. 11:13-15); “transfer in a figure” (1Cor. 4:6); and “change” (3:21).

To be continued…

Be Perfect

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Philippians 3:15-19 Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleios] mature; complete. Here it is used of full growth, as men, and not children, in Christian knowledge – thoroughly instructed and deeply experienced, as in 2Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; James 1:4; 3:2; Hebrews 5:14; 1John 4:18, to be full of Christ who was perfect in all conduct.

‘Followers’ [Greek: summimetes] fellow-imitators.

‘Mark’ [Greek: skopeo] look out for. Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them so that the flock may be protected (3:17; Rom. 16:17). Also translated “look at” (2Cor. 4:18); “look on” (2:4); “take heed” (Luke 11:35); and “consider” (Gal. 6:1).

‘Ensample’ [Greek: tupos] example (3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (Tit. 2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14); and print (John 20:25).

‘Enemies of the cross of Christ’ – Anyone adding or taking away from God’s Word to suit their own purpose or to justify certain sin, are seen as false teachers of His Word. Five facts about false teachers: They are enemies of the cross (3:18). Their end is destruction (3:19; 2Cor. 11:14-15; Heb. 6:8; 2Pet. 2:20). Their god is their belly (3:19; Rom. 16:18; Isa. 56:10-12; Ezek. 13:19). Their glory is in their shame (3:19). They mind earthly things (3:19; Rom. 8:5-6; 2Pet. 3:3, 13-20; cp. Matt. 7:15).