Tag: Jesus Christ

Be Found in Him

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Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

‘In him’ The so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (1:7; 2Cor. 7:3;); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn_2:24); men being in Christ (2Co_5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts17:28) and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach the physical entrance of one being into another. It may be best understood by a man and woman becoming one in life together, being in each other’s plans, life, etc. Therefore, because we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.

‘Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law.’ Man’s righteousness is not enough (Isa. 64:6; Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 10:1-13).

‘That which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.’ God’s righteousness comes through Christ (1Cor. 1:30) and by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 3:22-26; 4:1-25; 9:30-31; 10:1-13).

The Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus

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Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ

‘Count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.’ I not only count all things a total loss to win Christ, but I depend upon Him to save my soul.

Twelve great practices of Paul as an example to other Christians: To worship God in Spirit (3:3; John 4:24). To rejoice in Christ alone (3:1, 3; 4:4). To have no confidence in the flesh (3:3-8). To count all things loss (3:7-8). To count all things but dung (3:8). To have no self-righteousness (3:9). I follow after knowledge (3:8, 12). I forget the past (3:13). I reach out for future things. I press toward the prize (3:14). I strive to be an example (3:15-19). I look for the Saviour (3:20).

‘That I may win Christ’ – Twelve great desires of Paul that should be shared by all Christians: That he may win Christ (3:8). That he may be found in Him (3:9). That he may have His righteousness. That he may know Him (3:10). That he may know His power. That he may fellowship of His sufferings. That he may be conformed to His death. That he may be in the first resurrection (3:11-12). That he may be perfect (3:12-13). That he may win the prize (3:14). That he may be one with all other believers (3:15-19). That he may be changed in the body (3:21).

At the Name of Jesus

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Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also had highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

‘Had highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.’ Seven steps in His exaltation: God highly exalted Him (2:9; Eph. 1:21). God gave Him a name above all. At the mere mention of His name, every knee must bow (2:10). Everything in heaven must bow. Everything on earth must bow. Everything under the earth must bow. Every tongue shall confess His Lordship to the glory of God the Father (2:11).

‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow …’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in Philippians (2:10-11) that is unfulfilled.

‘Of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.’ There are three worlds that are inhabited: Heaven (2:10; Job 1:6; 2:1; Dan. 4:35; Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 12:12; 13:6). Earth (2:10; Col. 1:16; Rev. 12:12). Underworld. [Greek: katachthonios] under the earth; subterranean; infernal world (2:10; cp. Ps. 16:10 with Mat. 12:40 and Eph. 4:8-10). This includes the angelic inhabitants in Tartarus (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; 1Pet. 3:19); the pre-Adamites and demon inhabitants of the abyss (Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1-21; 20:3, 20:7); the giant races that have no resurrection (Gen. 2:4; Isa. 26:14); the human inhabitants of Sheol/Hades (Ps. 9:17; 16:10; 71:20; Pro. 9:18; 15:24; Isa. 14:9; Ezek. 31:14-18; 32:18-27; Luke 16:1-31; Rev. 20:11-15); and all other inhabitants of the infernal world (2:10; Rev. 5:13). This proves that hell is not the grave.

He that Loves His Wife

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Ephesians 5:28-33 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourished and cherished it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. 

‘As their own bodies’ – The woman is part of the man and one flesh with him (5:28-32; Gen. 2:21-25). When one party acts selfishly, spiteful and sinful, it affects both allowing curses in the marriage, financially, physically (health) and spiritually. The same goes for acting in accordance with God’s Word and thus bringing His blessings forth.

‘For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.’ You and all in Christ-like you make the true saints or the body of Christ (2:19-22; 4:1-6, 25; 1Cor. 6:15; 12:13, 26; Col. 1:18, 24). As representatives of the kingdom of Heaven, we are to follow in His footsteps as stipulated in the gospels (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘Joined unto’ [Greek: proskollao] glue on to; cemented to.

‘Reverence’ [Greek: phobeo] to strike with fear; to frighten. It is translated “reverence” only here; “be afraid” 29 times; and “fear” 62 times (Rev. 1:17; 2:10; etc.). She is to reverence him as her head (5:23-24; 1Cor. 11:3). This is not to be subservient so that the man can rule, abuse or misuse his wife; but to take lead in all decisions, provisions and stressful matters as well as love, nourish and protect his wife (5:29).

He that Descended… Also Ascended

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Ephesians 4:8-10 …and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 

‘Gave gifts unto men’ – Psalm 68:18 reads, “Thou have received gifts for men.” The Hebrew here suggests that the gifts which He gave were received in man; that is, by virtue of His incarnation, He received these gifts to give to human beings. They are really gifts of God to people. Eight gifts of God: [1] Christ (John 3:16; 4:10); called the heavenly and unspeakable gift (2Cor. 9:15; Heb. 6:4). [2] The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33, 38-39; 5:32; 8:20; 11:17). [3] Salvation (Rom. 5:15-18; Eph. 2:8-9). [4] Eternal life (Rom. 6:23). [5] Grace (3:7; 4:7). [6] Spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 28-31; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 2:4; 1Pet. 4:10). [7] Ministers (4:11). [8] All good things (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Php. 4:17; Jas. 1:17).

‘He also descended first.’ Before He ascended to heaven, He descended to hell (Ps. 16:10; Matt. 12:40). He descended, not only from deity to humanity and from humanity to infamy and death (Php. 2:5-11), but also into the lower parts of the earth – into hell itself to conquer hell and liberate captive souls from satan (4:8-10; Ps. 16:10; 68:18; Matt. 12:40; Heb. 2:14-15).

‘Lower parts of the earth’ – Proof that hell is located in the lower parts of the earth, not on the surface of the earth as the grave (Matt. 12:40; Ps. 16:10; 63:9; Job 11:8; Deut. 32:22; Isa. 14:9; 66:22-24; Pro. 9:18; 15:24; Ezek. 31:14-18; 32:18-24). Hell, here is contrasted with the highest heaven as being the lowest and deepest part of the earth. It could not possibly refer to the grave on the surface of the earth.

‘That he might fill all things’ – That He might be the fountain of all spiritual, physical, and material gifts to human beings, dispensing them to all people liberally according to their needs and wants (Jas. 1:5-8, 17; Matt. 7:11; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11).

To Know the Love of Christ

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Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

‘To know the love of Christ’ – there is no greater privilege for any human and no greater obligation to accept this truth and live accordingly! We cannot live for God when we don’t accept His love and choose to live in obedience at all times (John 3:16; 1Jn. 3:16; Rom. 6; 1Pet. 2:21-23; 1Jn. 3:1-10; 4:16-17).

‘Be filled with all the fulness of God.’ To be filled with all the fullness of God is just as possible today as then, and as possible as the other things prayed for here and in Ephesians 1:17-19 (cp. John 14:12).

‘Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.’ Superabundantly above the greatest abundance we may ask or even think, according to the power that works in us. His ability is connected with His willingness to do for His people. There are no limitations in getting things from God according to the promises and living in obedience (2Pet. 1:4).

‘In the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (3:21, unfulfilled). This teaches that the body of Christ consisting of newborn believers will continue eternally.

The Testimony of Christ

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1Corinthians 1:6-9 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 

‘Testimony’ [Greek: marturion] refers to the gospel of Christ which Paul had confirmed to people in all places by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:18-19, 29; Acts 15:4, 12; 19:11).

‘So that you come behind in no gift’ – the gospel was fully preached and confirmed (1:6), to the end that believers come behind in no gift of the Holy Spirit (1:7; 12:4-11).

‘Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ …’ this is the first New Testament prophecy in 1 Corinthians verses 7-8, unfulfilled. [Greek: apekdechomai] eagerly expecting. It is used in nearly every instance of looking for the coming of the Lord or the future hope of salvation.

‘Coming’ [Greek: apokalupsis] unveiling, revelation, manifestation. Revelation – when used of a revelation it always denotes that which has had the covering taken off and the mystery removed, so that all can see alike what is revealed (Rev. 1:1; Rom. 2:5; 16:25; 1Cor. 14:6, 14:26; 2Cor. 12:1, 7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Eph. 1:17; 3:3). When used of a person it means his visible appearance and manifestation to others (Luke 2:13; Rom. 8:19; 1Pet. 1:7). It is used of: The gospel light (Luke 2:32); the coming judgment (Rom. 2:5); the unveiling of truths previously hidden but now revealed (Rom. 16:25; 2Cor. 12:1, 12:7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Eph. 1:17; 3:3; Rev. 1:1); the coming glory (1Pet. 4:13); the second coming of Christ (1Cor. 1:7; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13); manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19).

There are four Greek words used of Christ’s coming: (1) Apokalupsis: revelation (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13). (2) Epiphaneia: appearing (1Tim. 6:14; 2Tim. 4:1, 8; Tit. 2:13; 2Thess. 2:8). Use also of the first coming (2Tim. 1:10). (3) Phaneros: to shine, be manifest, be seen (1Jn. 2:28; 3:2; 1Pet. 5:4; Col. 3:4). (4) Parousia: personal appearance, presence. The word is generally translated “coming,” hence it is used for both the rapture (coming in the air for the saints) and the second coming (coming from heaven with the saints to earth). The word is used of the rapture in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; James 5:7-8 and 1 John 2:28. It is used of the second coming in Matthew 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and 2 Peter 1:16; 3:4.

‘Confirm you unto the end’ – As the testimony or the gospel of Christ was confirmed among you to attract you to Christ, so He will confirm you through this testimony until the end, that you may be blameless at His coming.

‘Blameless’ [Greek: anengkletos] not accused, unimpeachable.

‘Day of our Lord Jesus Christ’ – In the day when Christ comes to receive saints unto Himself (1Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor. 1:14; Php. 1:6, 10; 2:16).

‘God is faithful’ – this was a favourite expression among Jews of the integrity of God (1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2Cor. 1:18; 1Thess. 5:24; 2Thess. 3:3).

‘Fellowship’ [Greek: koinonia] the communion, fellowship, and participation with Christ in His sufferings, in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit in this life, and in the glories of the kingdom in the next life (2Cor. 13:14; 1Jn. 1:3; Php. 3:10).

Doxology

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Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea. 

‘Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.’ This is certainly a second postscript. Some think that Paul added it when he got to Rome and after he had written Ephesians concerning the mystery that had been kept secret from ages past (Eph. 3:1-21). It is in all the MSS but two or three. Some have it after Romans 14:23 and others have it here. Some have it in both places, but there is no question of its genuineness and authenticity.

‘Mystery’ [Greek: musterion] something previously hidden, but now fully revealed. In the New Testament it always means any doctrine that has not, in former times, been made fully known to people. Eighteen mysteries are mentioned in Scripture: The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10); Israel’s blindness (Rom. 11:25); salvation in Christ (Rom. 16:25); the wisdom of God (1Cor. 2:7); the doctrines of God (1Cor. 4:1; Col. 2:2; 1Tim. 3:16); the gospel (Eph. 6:19); the gift of knowledge (1Cor. 13:2); speaking in tongues (1Cor. 14:2); the rapture (1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:13-16); God’s will (Eph. 1:9); the body of Christ (Eph. 3:1-9; 5:32); Christ in people (Col. 1:26-27); the doctrines of Christ (Col. 4:3); the spirit of lawlessness (2Thess. 2:7); the faith of the gospel (1Tim. 3:9); the seven candlesticks (Rev. 1:20); God’s delay in casting out of satan (Rev. 10:7; 12:7-17); mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:5, 7).

‘Scriptures of the prophets’ the writings of the prophets – the Old Testament – are part of the Scriptures.

‘Made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.’ The obedience to the faith among all nations are made known through the: the Gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the mystery (16:25); scriptures of the prophets and the commandment of God (16:26). The gospel preaching and revelation by the Scriptures must be known and believed in order for the soul to be saved (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Jn. 1:9; Heb. 11:6).

Glory through Jesus Christ

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Romans 15:17-21 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. 

‘Through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God’ – ten things through Jesus Christ: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:1); “Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but ALIVE unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (6:11); “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (6:23); “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind, I myself SERVE THE LAW OF GOD…” [thanks for salvation] (7:25); “I have therefore whereof I MAY GLORY [boasting] through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” (15:17); “But thanks be to God, which gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Cor. 15:57); “Wherefore thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then AN HEIR [heirship] of God through Christ.” (Gal. 4:7); “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall KEEP [keeping] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Php. 4:7); “…let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things MAY BE GLORIFIED through Jesus Christ…” (1Pet. 4:11); “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE [salvation] of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” (2Pet. 2:20).

‘Illyricum’ included Montenegro, Albania and Yugoslavia.

‘Have fully preached the gospel of Christ.’ Paul here sums up the New Testament program as both teaching and confirming the gospel (15:18-21). ‘To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand’ this is the 19th and last prophecy in Romans (15:21; Isa. 52:15). Those who did not know of Paul or hear the Word from him were the ones to see and understand.

Persuaded of You

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Romans 15:14-16 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 

‘Persuaded of you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.’ Paul persuaded of seven things: that God would fill them with joy; that God would fill with peace; that faith would abound in hope; that they had Spiritual power, that they were filled with goodness (15:14), that they were filled with knowledge and that they were capable of ministering.

This persuasion is no more a definite law or a guarantee that such is true of every Christian than that of Romans 8:38-39. Both passages reveal possibilities for all Christians which should be normal in every life, but some are not so persuaded as Paul was.

‘Boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God.’ I have written freely to you in view of my apostolic office to the Gentiles. I am commissioned by Jesus Christ to minister to you Gentiles the gospel of God – that your consecration may be acceptable to God, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit (15:15-16).

‘Sanctified’ [Greek: hagiazo] to hallow (Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2); be holy (Rev. 22:11); and sanctify or consecrate – set apart for a sacred purpose (Matt. 23:17, 19; John 10:36; 17:17, 19; Acts 20:32; 26:18; Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:11; 7:14; Eph. 5:26; 1Thess. 5:23; 1Tim. 4:5; 2Tim. 2:21; Heb. 2:11; 9:13; 10:10, 14, 29; 13:12; 1Pet. 3:15; Jude 1:1). The Greek word for “sanctify” is hagiazo, meaning to separate from a profane to a sacred use; to consecrate self wholly to God and His service. The primary meaning is separation, not making holy. It means to make holy only when the person or thing sanctified needs to be cleansed from sin or defilement in order to be fit to be separated unto God and His service. Material things such as a day (Gen. 2:3); the tabernacle (Ex. 29:43-44); clothes (Lev. 8:30); houses (Lev. 27:9-29); or the temple (2Chron. 7:16-20) must be cleansed from all defilement in order to be fit to be presented to God for His holy uses. God’s name (Ezek. 36:23); God (1Pet. 3:15); Christ (John 10:36; 17:19); or the already cleansed disciples (John 13:10; 15:3; 17:2, 6, 14, 16) need not be cleansed from sin. To sanctify means to set apart from other uses to God’s particular use, not to cleanse from sin or rid of carnal nature (sometimes called “the old man” or Adamic nature). Even Christ, the Sinless One, was sanctified (John 10:36; 17:19). Where humans are concerned one begins to be sanctified when he begins to consecrate his life to God, and the process is continued as he continues in his dedication (1Cor. 1:30; 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18).

Sin is not necessarily involved in sanctification, because the word means setting apart. God has sanctified both people and material things, and even immaterial things.