Tag: Life

The Grace of God in Truth

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Colossians 1:6-8 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bring forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 

‘Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world.’ Here the gospel is referred to as a traveller making a tour of the whole world. Beginning from Judea it had travelled through Syria and different parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe and had lately visited Colosse. It is also spoken of as bearing fruit all over the world. The gospel is still travelling and bringing forth fruit on the earth. Millions of Bibles in hundreds of languages go into all parts of the earth yearly and the Word of God are available worldwide.

‘The grace of God in truth.’ We can receive this grace from God in truth when we accept Christ and become His followers as described in 1Peter 2:21-23. Then we receive the fullness of grace (John 1:16-17), the fullness of the Holy Spirit anointing upon believers (Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:4-8), the full gifts and fruit of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:22-23), and the complete redemptive acts and processes of which the law was a shadow (Heb. 10:1) were all predicted by the prophets. The way into the holiest by the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:19), the power and authority of every believer to do the works of Christ (John 14:12), and many other truths and experiences were unknown to the prophets.

‘Epaphras’ – mentioned only here (4:12; Phm. 1:23). He was a fellow prisoner of Paul in Rome and a minister of the gospel. He was one of the Colossian believers (4:12).

Be Content

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Philippians 4:10-14 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Notwithstanding you have well done, that you did communicate with my affliction. 

‘At the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.’ For a time, the Philippians ceased to help the apostle, but now their care for him had come to life again. He apologises for their lacking opportunity to help him. Paul was always thankful for the help but he never made any demands upon converts to support him. Here he does not speak of it to receive from them, but to praise them for their help (4:11-19).

‘For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.’ Ten great lessons to learn: Be content under all circumstances (4:11). How to be abased (4:12); how to abound; in all places; in all things; to be full; to be hungry; to abound; to suffer need; that nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ (4:13; Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). We must be thankful and content in life not striving to live above our means or status (Rom. 12:3).

‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.’ When we have God’s Word in us, through faith and obedience, (Rom. 11:6) we are in unity with Christ (John 15:1-7) and can only then claim to be able to do all things through His, and not our own, strength. All things: Do all things for God’s glory (1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17, 3:23). Do all things in love (1Cor. 13:4). To do all things without murmurings and disputings (Php. 2:14). Do all things in Jesus’ name (Col. 3:17).

‘Affliction’ [Greek: thlipsis] is not a disease, as usually understood, but tribulation. Not once is it used for physical sickness or illness.

Whatsoever Things

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Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 

‘Think on these things’ – Six things to meditate on – all opposite thinking poisons the spirit, soul and body: True things – all that is in harmony with eternal truth in creation and revelation (2Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Honest things – all that is grave, decent, honourable, and Christian [Greek: semnos] (1Tim. 3:8, 11; Tit. 2:2). Just things – all that is in harmony with justice and righteousness (Rom. 3:24-31; 8:4; 2Pet. 1:4-10). Pure things – all that is chaste and holy for body and soul (Rom. 12:1-2; 2Cor. 3:16-17; 7:1). Lovely things – all that is pleasing and tends to bless others (2Cor. 13:4-8; Gal. 5:22-23). Things of good report – all that is in harmony with the best public good, virtuous and praiseworthy (Rom. 13:1-10; 2Pet. 1:4-10). We cannot just think whatever we want without consequences because we will be entertaining the enemy (2Cor. 10:3-7) and through our thoughts, we begin the stages of sin (Jas. 1:12-15). We must set our affections (thoughts) on the things above, not on things on the earth (Col. 3:2).

‘Do’ – four things to practice and enjoy: Things learned – Christian practices; things received – Christian blessings; things heard – Christian doctrines; things were seen – Christian miracles.

Thus, not only are Christians supposed to meditate on certain things (4:8), but they are to do certain things. Christianity is very practical. It is not a dead, dry, formal, human religion of rituals, outward form, and show, but a divine, living, vital, dynamic, liberating relationship with God. One without power to deliver men from sin, sickness, poverty, and want, now and hereafter, is not of God (Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:17-18; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:1-40; Jas. 1:1-27).

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.

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).

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).

Forgetting Those Things

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Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

‘One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth into those things which are before.’ One thing Paul did – there are three parts to this one thing: He forgot the ground he had covered in the race (2Cor. 9:1-15). He knew, as should we, that one cannot waste time over the past (3:13). He reached forth to that which was before him in the race. He explained that he strained every nerve and muscle and use every ounce of his strength to win, thus putting in all effort to complete what he started in obeying God in writing the epistles and serving the congregations by setting Christ forth as the perfect example. He knew, as should we, that his future depended on it: we are running for our lives (3:13). He pressed toward the mark (3:14), that is, he pursued the white line in the stadium upon which all runners must keep their eyes fixed, lest we are disqualified for the prize (3:14; 2Cor.9:1-15). To be able to live godly lives as we are commanded to do (Matt. 5:48; 2Cor. 13:11; Col. 1:28; 4:12; Heb. 13:20-21; Jas. 1:4; 1Pet. 1:16; 5:10), we need to focus on what lies ahead and forget the this of the past that can bring only discouragement through past disappointments, rejections and failures. Failing to do so will lead to not reaching the high calling of God.

‘High calling of God’ – Heavenly calling; God calling us on high.

I Follow After

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Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

‘Either were already perfect’ – two things Paul had not yet attained: [1] The resurrection or the prize (3:11-12, 14). This is another way of saying he had not finished his course and was not yet glorified (3:20-21). [2] Perfection. [Greek: teleioo] to make a full end; consummate (3:12). Translated perfect (3:12; Luke 13:32; John 17:23; 2Cor. 12:9; Heb. 2:10; 5:9; 7:19; 9:9; 10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:23; Jas. 2:22; 1Jn. 2:5; 4:12, 17-18); fulfill (Luke 2:43; John 19:28); and finish (John 4:34; 5:36; 17:4; Acts 20:24). This kind of perfection refers to the complete and glorified state. It does not imply that he was lacking in spiritual experience or that he was deficient in grace or that the body of sin was still cleaving to him or that he was yet struggling with an “old man” in him or that he was not yet sanctified.

‘Follow after’ [Greek: dioko] to pursue. Same as persecuting in Philippians 3:6 and press in verse 14. Translated elsewhere “persecute” 30 times (Matt. 5:10-12, 44; 10:23; etc.); “follow after” (3:12; Rom. 9:30-31; 14:19; 1Cor. 14:1; 1Tim. 6:11); “ensue” (1Pet. 3:11); “follow” (Luke 17:23; 1Thess. 5:15; 2Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14); and “given to” (Rom. 12:13). The idea here is, I follow after and press toward the prize that others have already gained (3:12-14).

‘Apprehend’ [Greek: katalambano] to seize upon; lay hold of; take possession of; bring to an end. Translated “apprehend” (3:12-13); overtake (1Thess. 5:4); “take” (Mark 9:18; John 8:3); “attain to” (Rom. 9:30); “obtain” (1Cor. 9:24); “come upon” (John 12:35); “comprehend” (John 1:5; Eph. 3:18); “perceive” (Acts 4:1-37; 10:34); and “find” (Acts 25:25). He had not yet laid hold upon the prize of resurrection, perfection, and glorification (3:12-14, 20-21). These will be accomplished at the time of the rapture of the saints 1Thess. 4:13-18; 1Jn. 3:2).