With many practical applications of the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ, Paul edges further into the interior life, the thought-life. Whatever other impulses or motivations one may have in conforming to Christ, be it the positive reinforcements of healthy and wholesome attitudes, accepted norms and manners we expect of one another as productive citizens in the world and as members of a church, or just best-learned behaviour that seems to go well for us; Paul dredges further into the attitudes of the heart and impulses of our thoughts.  I can conform outwardly to accepted actions and words while inwardly wishing I didn't have to care about those things...I wish I could just be me (and with popular expressions like "you do you", why not?).  But Paul's list of things to be thinking about are the very wholesomeness and God-ward (or God-reflective) inner processes that will shape our minds for better motivations, cleaner-clearer thoughts that will express themselves in more selfless, more Godly words and actions.  This will better correspond to the pattern of Christ we are seeking to follow, to show, and to speak of as we grow in Christ.

"Garbage in, garbage out," the adage states. What I allow in will affect what comes out of me. Sure, we can filter some unwanteds, some unwholesome media or influences.  While Paul isn't saying "watch your input," he is putting the focus on what we choose to think about.  Our thought-processes affect our longings, our wills, our intentions. Wrong ones can be evaluated and suppressed--or better, repented of and "put to death." However, the active engagement of our minds on the virtues/values Paul lists, among others that are of benefit to our souls, informing our desires, shaping our attitudes, these will have far greater effect in our day-to-day life.  Being right with God requires a rightness in our thoughts, not just in our actions.  And when we pursue both with diligence, the peace of God secures both our hearts and our minds (v.7).

Lord, you know my thoughts before I speak them (Ps.139:2)...even if I don't speak them.  Thank you for caring for my being so completely that You want to protect and guide my thoughts, urging positive and productive thinking that will inform my speech and actions. I pray that Your moral compass will filter my thinking to produce outcomes pleasing to You.  My day is filled with so many varied ideas, impulses, news-feeds, decisions, and evaluations; so please safeguard and guide my thoughts to learn Your ways and reflect them as best as I can. Lord, You have my heart...and my mind; so help me to love You with all my heart, my mind, and my strength. Amen.

As Paul considered the conflicts in his ministry, the quarrels and grumblings in the church, the spat between two women, and the context of trouble in gospel ministry around them and toward them, his closing words in this chapter provide such an incredibly optimistic God-focus and tone of celebration.  But with it, a call to measured emotional reactions as well as an eschatological perspective of reality.  Who can resist upbeat, joy-filled people?  And if the reason for it is a confidence that God's got this...and He's got me; as well as an eye on all that God has yet prepared for those who love Him and look forward to His appearing, that will inform our choices and overall attitude.  While everyone else may be losing their heads, we don't.  Or while everyone else simply doesn't care about the troubles around us, we do! 

This is such a challenge to me in the everyday.  No question people are wigged out over everything socio-political and globally-economic hitting the fan. We don't know what's going on, who pulled the plug on common sense, what's going to happen, or who to trust.  It is coming at us in our plans for the future, how to invest, or just hoping not to lose our jobs, and caring about the fallout on our kids.  Yet, it is precisely in this mixed-bag crazy world affecting life and faith that these instructions in our text help us face up and face forward.  Rejoice!  We laugh in the face of adversity because we know God is present, working, and strong.  While others around us go extreme in fear, worry, anger, entitlement, and/or isolation, we guard our actions and reactions, testifying of God's sustaining grace through our reasonableness.   And we anchor our hopes not in the best of this life, but knowing that the best is yet to come! 

Lord, how I wish these thoughts found my lips when talking to that worried store clerk, or to that EMT unknotting my back, or to my financial planner wishing he could predict the future.  People we run into everyday need the same reason for hope I have, but I often don't know how to express it in these contexts so different than when surrounded by Christ-followers.  So I pray for that I would deeply understand the truth of Your Word, and be able to both live it and speak it...for Your Words are true, and they are life!  Please guard my heart, and those I love.; and help me in the face of all-things-unknown to rejoice in You! 

Worry...it gets the best of us!  

• How do you typically handle worry?  
• Are you worried about something right now?

Consider how Paul’s teaching could help you with this one…
It’s not hard to carry “worries.”   But it’s what we do with them, and what they do to us that matters.  So Paul teaches a process for developing “peace within.”

• First: cultivate a glad and grateful attitude…“rejoice”…in fact, singing praise is one of the best ways to pull us out of a slump!
• Second: calm down!  Respond to issues with “reasonableness,” not panic, because we should never forget that God is near.
• Third: pray!  Stay in real world!  God is with you; talk to Him.  Don’t worry; let God handle it.  Then what?...
• v.7 delivers a promise of peace!  Not that God will make everything work out the way we want it to…but He will “guard your hearts and guard your minds" as He helps us work it out.

Kind of a given, isn’t it? In this context of following examples of godliness, of righteousness found in Christ and not in myself, of forward-looking faith, pressing toward the prize which is Jesus--and being more like Jesus, interpersonal conflict...really?  What an embarrassment to have your relational mess recorded in the Bible for posterity throughout generations of the church! Yet I don’t sense Paul is shaming them into forced agreement—whatever the source of the conflict was.  Rather, this obviously well-known issue (the "elephant in the room" at church) needed correction and re-direction in light of a greater mission, a heavenly citizenship, and submission to Christ. 

Have I faced inter-personal conflict in the family of God? For sure...who hasn’t!  I’m glad mine is not recorded in Holy Scripture!...however, the principle remains: our source of righteousness, our mission-focus, and our heavenly citizenship beg a swift and selfless resolution. It is one thing to wrestle with private sin, working on personal surrender to Christ and victory over the sinful nature so that Christ be magnified. Quite another thing to be engaged in a conflict with another member of the church family, therefore engulfing the church family in conflict-focused disruption rather than mission-focused devotion.  I’m glad the exact nature of the conflict is not mentioned—though obviously it is not regarding key theology or mission-affecting ideology. Opinions about almost anything can cause upset in a friendship...but must always be submitted to a quest for unity in the fellowship for the sake of the greater cause of Christ.

Lord, you know we’ve had our share of conflicts in the church in past years.  I am grateful that those who dug their heels in over specific personal opinions chose to leave rather than escalate conflict.  Yet, I grieve that frustration and impatience won out and individuals chose to find other pasture than to labour for agreement in the Lord and an effort to embrace the greater mission of Christ together.  Lord, how You must grieve when division comes into Your Body, the church...so help us to keep our eyes on the gospel-mission You have given us; to not waver as we labour side-by-side in the gospel, so that our eyes remain on You.

As deeply as Paul’s example, teachings and urgings have gone, not only in this letter to the Philippians, but to many of the churches, it must be deeply disappointing to see those who once seemed to profess Christ and be active in the mission of Christ, now not doing so.  In fact, they haven’t just “grown cold”--as Jesus warned in Matt.24:12. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But Paul has witnessed individuals actually walking away from Christ.  He mentions Demas who deserted Paul “having loved this present world” (2 Tim.4:10; see also 3 John 1:9; Rev.2:4). That seems more like forsaking Paul and his ministry than “walking as enemies of the cross.” Tears indeed.  Paul doesn’t offer a theological definition of their state before God (we want to nail these things down: Did they lose their salvation? Can they? Or were they not saved in the first place? Or...are they simply believers walking in confusion and disobedience?  One thing is clear: they are “walking” as enemies of the cross; it’s a current and committed behaviour that opposes the gospel and will invite God’s judgment.

 We have such better examples to follow...and Paul certainly urges that we follow the best examples of earnest, obedient, passionate pursuit of the cross of Christ--a gospel-oriented discipleship.  Paul is bold enough to say that his example is worth following, as are the “us”--presumably meaning Timothy and Epaphroditus in context, and that of the Apostles.  As much as we are doing so, following after Christ faithfully, we will be an example to others around us who are learning to follow Christ as well. What a picture of the church--our church!  Grace, like most Bible-teaching congregations, has Christ-followers in many levels of spiritual maturity and at various ages. So there will always be people newer to the faith that will need good examples to follow. We don’t know everything about those we find good example in—and we don’t have to.  We’re not following a person, we are observing the best of their faith-expression, and we want to grow in that area. It may be in faithful involvement, readiness to serve, expression in worship, fervency in prayer, boldness in witness, cheerful sacrifice in giving, unashamed inviting, outward friendliness to newcomers, attentive note-taking to review what is learned...let’s be good examples that others can observe and grow into as we walk with Jesus! 

Lord, I thank you for those who have modeled the Christian life for me, and given me an example to follow.  I, too, have had tears over those whose love for You has grown cold--and I thank you that I could see that this was wrong, and not follow them. Help me to find and follow the best examples--people whose eyes are on You. That’s where I want to be, Lord; faithfully following You!  Lord, I pray that I would be a good example to others—In my family especially; as well as an example to people in church who may not know much about me. May they see someone in love with Jesus!  Amen.

Paul testimony sweeps from trashing self-effort, knowing Christ’s righteousness alone, not being perfect yet, but looking forward to the image of Christ being perfected in him when Christ returns or takes us home. In contrast to our minds being set on earthly things (v.19), Paul rests his gaze on that which is fully in Christ and the goal for the prize of the upward call...namely Jesus.

It is far easier to be distracted with the trouble and the inadequacy we feel making sense of the world we are in and how best to navigate it by faith. The “enemies of the cross of Christ” resort to what they can eat, feel, do and feel dominant about in this life--whatever means I can conquer the sense of inadequacy through sensual achievement.  But the cross is a demonstration of my full inability to rise above the curse of this world.  I don’t need to because Jesus became a curse for us, triumphing over sin and death.  Why should I live like and smell like death to try to convince myself I’ve come out on top. Such blindness is exactly why Jesus came, to help the blind to see, the lost to be found, the dead to live.  In salvation I am equipped to trade shameful glory for glorious grace, and eventually a new glorious body!  I am prepared to trash fleshly indulgence for a deep transforming power of Christ in me, revealing my citizenship in heaven where I will one day enjoy effortless freedom to labour for Christ--and it is this freedom He wants me to practice now, walking in glad subjection to Christ Jesus my Lord.

   Paul has just contrasted all of the religious pedigree, his own efforts to measure up to what he believed was expected of him in order to be accepted and profitable to God (v.4-6).  Certainly these are not the things we notch our belts with, like: which denomination we are part of, how large our church is, which pastor we were mentored under, what roles we have been named for, what gifts we have been affirmed for, what opportunities we’ve been given, what recognition we’ve received. I’ve heard the name-dropping...perhaps less these days than in the past.  Certainly when you feel you are in a “have” church rather than a “have not” church, we can feel a sense of pride that should rightfully be crucified!  None of that matters. Leave it behind, Paul is telling us; and press for the prize of Jesus!

  Having been around believers that name-drop; that express their sense of personal value by what they have done, or can do; that believe their ability is signaled by their Bible College or Seminary attended, or degrees granted; that wear the size and impact of their congregation like a military ribbons on their chest.  I remember at different times being prompted to list off the blessings and impact of our congregation, assigning where possible due satisfaction, even admiration for what we had done to get us to where we are, sensing God must be so pleased with us...and even those brief rabbit-trail ideas in my head cut my heart!  It’s not about us, though He will use us; but the glory is His alone.  Christ is the prize: and our focus on Who He is and what He has done for us compels us to turn everyone’s attention to Him, never to ourselves. 

    Lord, the potential for our human pride to divert focus, to position the spotlight on ourselves--this is so ingrained through our selfish nature. Deliver me from self-glory.  All that I value in my life, my family, my work, my church...it could be chipped away and in shavings around my feet--and I would think all is lost; except the work that remains by Your skillful hands is the masterpiece You have created, not me.  Help me to press forward to what lies ahead--the fulfillment of Your mission by which more and more people will stand before You grateful for Your mercy and thriving in Your presence...forever.

    There is no question as to Paul’s life motivation and focus. His eyes set on Christ, there is a do-or-die tone to His pursuit of the imitation of Christ. This is not a messiah-complex drivenness; Paul knows there is nothing in Him that merits God’s reward, nor is Paul able to offer anyone anything but the message of the power of the cross for their salvation.  But this summary focus of his life in a way mirrors the example Paul wrote in the song of 2:6-11.  Paul extolled the example of Christ in His humiliation, willing to become like us, to suffer and to die, and to experience the regard of His fulfilled mission and to be resurrected and exalted.  And it’s like Paul wants to follow whatever aspect of that example applies to him: willing to suffer for the sake of Christ--that His message could be made known; willing to die with Christ and for Christ, to go all the way for the message of the cross. And then, in fulfillment of Christ’s redemptive promise and resurrection triumph, Paul would anticipate resurrection—fulfilled life in Christ and with Christ. 

   The tone is triumphant, not defeatist. Yes, Paul is in prison awaiting a hearing before Caesar, not knowing what would happen if he should be so fortunate as to actually have audience with Rome’s Emperor.  But Paul’s sights are set higher than a human royal.  Christ’s message matters more than our comfort, our rights, or anything we can claim to deserve. Paul was willing to let any of that be thrown in a dung-heap compared to the righteous standing he had with God through Christ, and surpassing greatness of knowing and sharing the good news of Jesus.  In our life-family-work-rest rhythms, whatever is part of our daily check-list, Paul would challenge us to set a higher bar—a Spirit-energized passion to live into our greater mission of knowing, serving and sharing Christ Jesus, willing “to go all the way” for Him and with Him. 

   Lord, this resonates so powerfully in my soul as I read Your Word and reflect on the truth shared in Paul’s testimony.  But I’m not Paul awaiting trial before the king of the land; I’m me in this sea of post-Christian humanity that either doesn’t know You, or doesn’t care.  So, my mission is clear, but I need Your reminders, and Your empowering, and Your perspective to live a gospel-focussed life where You’ve place me. So help me God, to be willing to go all the way with You today. Amen. 

    Paul set out to warn the Philippian believers as, he says, he has warned others (v.1). Part of the job of a leader is to determine reality, to point out the dangers, to equip the group for faithfulness, fruitfulness and fortitude. They needed to know the truth so they could live the truth, grow in the truth, and be strengthened by it.  And a deep concern was the subtlety of false teachers.  Look out for them…they may not be immediately obvious. The derogatory word dogs” was batted back and forth, as the Jews called Gentiles “dogs” but then became the very thing they despised, as 3:18-19 describe: “enemies of the cross, destructive (of true faith?), their god is their belly, they glory in their shame, minds set on earthly things.”   Further described as evildoers, and those who mutilate the flesh. The KJV word “concision” means “cutters,” referring to the Judaism’s who simply want their “ounce of flesh” to make people conform to the ancient covenant made with Abraham, whether or not there is an “ounce of faith” to support their action.  This is akin to the “Christianizers” of the Middle Ages who painted crosses on people (or worse) to declare them Christian at threat of death. 

    To imagine such blatant practices in conflict to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus!   We don’t have faith-destroyers in that same way—certainly not this conflict of legalistic Jews defending their religious turf. Our inter-church faith-expressions are more subtle…all the reason I want to remain in good fellowship with likeminded believers in our city, and to help ensure purity of faith and practice in our beloved AGC.  I claim no corner of perfection in our doctrine, but I can seethe fruit of error in other’s doctrine enough to want to avoid it and boldly teach what the Bible says. Pentecostal error both in their freedoms or legalisms; charismatic pursuits of ecstatic experience and new truth from God that is self-affirmed by the recipient; humanistic values that undermine Biblical truth even now encroaching on biblical gender-identity, and our complementarian, elder-led ministry.  There are contemporary “dogs” we need to beware of, and most of them come well-meaning, subtly embedded in faith-word, worship ministries, empowering conferences, if not mostly outright false teaching from pulpits. 

    Lord, thank You for the truth of Your changeless Word.  I confess I do not spend enough time being “aware” of those “dogs” who seek to undermine the purity of Your gospel that it is confusing to “beware” them.  So help me to be discerning as I listen and read. So many deposits into my inbox of memes/reels on my Facebook that sound encouraging, but don’t come from a foundation of truth. Help us to avoid legalistic works-faith, to be upholders of Your Word, and to walk away from those who would add their own virtue to downplay our faith in You alone.  Amen.

   It’s like Paul appeals to Jewish understanding here...though wider, to the early church who wrestled over the matter of circumcision under pressure of Jewish legalists.  Paul was not encouraging circumcision, just pointing out that this ancient ritual posed a temptation for early Christians to put added confidence in their Jewish distinction (men particularly?)...that not only am I born again, I “made the cut” as part of the “chosen” (pun intended). Paul had his own pedigree in Jewishness that would make any would-be competitor back down (v.4-6).  As he will explain (v.7-11), he only wants his confidence-of-faith to be found in Christ. If “circumcision” is to count for anything, let it merely be a reminder to not put confidence in it. Nothing else matters but Jesus. 

  The temptation for us to size-up one another in almost anything in life is part of our humanity, and if not self-controlled and made appropriately humble, it will get the worst of us. Whether in contest for brawn or brains, capabilities or competencies, ancestry or progeniture, baptized in a church tank or baptized in the Jordan, blessings or sacrifices...almost anything can become a source of undue pride. Paul makes his list, then sizes himself up beside Jesus, and all the markers of self-pride collapse.  In v.8 he tosses all of those pride-markers into a pile and calls them “rubbish” compared to knowing and growing in Christ and serving Him. 

   Lord, we are tempted to measure ourselves against others in so many things, yet what a beautiful leveler is the grace of Christ that helps us recognize that without Christ, I am nothing. So, Lord, guard my heart even in boasting about Christ, that I not elevate myself in any level of importance or pride for knowing Christ my Saviour, as if that was somehow my doing, my merit. Lord, keep my heart humbled by Your grace, and by this to extend to those who need Your grace a heart of compassion, genuine care, and confident sharing. We worship you, by the Spirit of God, and we glory in Christ Jesus alone. Amen. 

    Paul’s deep words of commendation for his younger protégé in the faith, Timothy, have layers and depth unwritten in this letter.  But gratefully he reveals enough for us to appreciate Tim’s character and the depth of his walk with Christ.  It also helps us to put flesh to Paul’s earlier words in the chapter about having the mind of Christ, humility and others-oriented service. That was Timothy!  We would like to think that this should be a baseline attitude and Spirit-prompted lifestyle for all believers, but we all know it isn’t.  Paul had others around him that were supposedly there to learn from Paul, who had the Jesus T-shirt and said the right words, but were not genuinely concerned for others…like Paul and Timothy were concerned for the Philippians believers.  As Paul shared his heart for them, prayed for them, sought someone who would go on his behalf to go and encourage those believers, and bring back reports of their well-being and faith, Paul says it came down to Timothy…no one else had the Christ-like attitude that was needed to do that for Paul. 

    We don’t know all that was involved in Paul’s “ask” for someone to go and do what was needed, to take the time and reasonable cost to go from Rome (where Paul was in arrest) to Philippi…and what else would be involved in that 1200 km journey.  But for Paul to label “all” the others as seeking their own interests should not be taken as an unfair generalization.  It’s not just that they were asked but unwilling, or unfortunately occupied with responsibilities they could not ignore; but, to take Paul’s words at face value, we recognize that they just didn’t share concern. Paul shared his heart with people who said they cared, who prayed with Paul and regarded Paul’s concern, but when asked for their willing help, they declined. 
That is always a concern in the Lord’s work: getting the right people for the deeper tasks. We can get many helpers, but it is hard to get leaders.  We can pray in a group with heart and agreement, but to act upon our prayers with a need that involves personal time and some expense…that is a hard no (or crickets).  When wondering who could mentor with maturity and initiative—it’s not easy to find.  There is certainly something to be said for the quality of our discipline and ministry-modelling.  But I am so grateful for the Timothy-like servants, women and men who can be counted on for deeper responsibility when others just aren’t there yet, and who serve as examples in the Body. So refreshing…like Timothy was to Paul.

    Lord, thank you for the capable and willing servant-leaders that surround our church ministry. Beyond staff who are engaged and paid to serve in their obvious gifts in areas of need, there are key individuals of proven worth that simply serve, who stretch our faith because they are concerned for others and are serving in Jesus’ name by your prompting—what a joy.  Others are ready and willing when a pastor directs them towards a need.  Help me to be ready, to step out beyond my comforts, but mostly to know that when there is an area of service I can do, that You would fill me with expectant faith to do what You do (WWJD, Phil.2:1-5), and to leave the results to You. Amen. 

   In Philippians 2:19-30, Paul shows us by the example of Timothy and of Epaphroditus what it looks like to follow after Christ.

• We all grow up imitating people around us. What people have served as a role model to you in ways not related to your faith?
• Name some people who have stood out to you as an example of true Christian discipleship—not perfect, but a model for you.  How?

    This final section in ch.2 is a personal note that follows Paul’s rich teaching on Christ-like unity and purpose.  Paul shares his desire to send Timothy to Philippi soon, and Epaphroditus more immediately.  Epaphroditus had been sent from Philippi to minister to Paul on their behalf.  He served Paul’s need for help and companionship, but got sick nearly to death and has since recovered.  No timeline is offered, but we can be sure that plenty of months have ensued. The thing to note in these personal greetings is that, amid words of faith in God and appreciation for His mercy, there are words of deep emotion, pain, distress, “sorrow upon sorrow,” and anxiety over what has happened.  Deep faith in God does not dismiss the human emotion and trouble we experience, and Paul is honest enough to share it.  He was not undone by these troubles.  At no point is he dismissing the presence and power of God to sustain them through their distress; he is simply honest that this foundational faith does not mean that we get to sail through life on a cloud of joy, peace and tranquility in Jesus!   

   This is so helpful to me, as I often feel emotions that can be confused with “lack of faith,” when I know in my heart that it is not.  I trust God, yet I feel deeply when there is loss, stabbing insult, deep concern for someone’s health or mental state, or I'm emotionally stirred over the many ills of life.  And others around me even more so, where I see anxiety, or tears over matters that barely touch my emotions, or in a stew over something I think should easily be accommodated—but perspective is off.  Does our faith allow for this?  Or are we supposed to be “faith filled” in all of our reactions to life’s trouble?  That’s where Paul’s honest sharing is helpful here.  He is full of faith, but not a “Teflon saint” untouched by these people and situations he cares deeply about.  In fact, Paul was less concerned for the outcome of his own life than for the illness of Epaphroditus, and the grief that his family and friends back home would feel knowing he was sick—nearly to death.  God wants us to pray, to act out our faith in the real decisions we must make.  But our faith in the Lord allows us a full range of emotions—not to sin by them; but to own them, express them to the Lord in prayer, and commit ourselves to His mercy and help in our time of need (Heb.4:16). 

   Lord, there is so much going on in our lives, and more in the world that surrounds us—hard things, terrible things, grieving things, evil things. Lord, You wept at the trouble death brought on Your friends, and as You faced the pain of suffering and death Yourself.  Thank You that we can feel deeply and come to You passionately according to our need.  You don’t tell us to suck it up, but to pour it out…to come to Your throne of grace and find help, find provision, find the mercy we need in a world full of woes…so that we can lift up our heads, our weary hands, our heavy hearts, and know that You are sufficient for all these things. Amen. 

    No question, Paul desires to see fruit for his labours. With Jesus Christ as our model, the word of God as our truth source, and God working in us (v.13)—the indwelling Holy Spirit who is Christ with us and in us (John 14:17), how can we not produce fruit for God’s glory?!  Paul sought to provide testimony of this through his life and teaching, and unapologetically urged the same among the churches.  Something needed to clearly stand out in them, shining as lights, in fact, as “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.”  And part of their ability to do so—aided of course by the Holy Spirit, was their responsibility to know the Word, and hold fast to it in life and practice.

    Wherever we are, whatever were doing, we are called to “abide in Christ” and in His Word, as he taught in John 15:7…about living in the Word, and living by the Word.  That definitively means I must be taking time to read it, meditate on it…all the things we usually say about that…but the motivation for it is not knowledge. It is practice. We want to prove that we are disciples of Jesus (Jn.15:8), and stand out from the crooked generation around us in thought, word and deed…motivated by a greater love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Lord, I confess that while I love to get into Your Word, more of it needs to get into me. I have been occupied during these past weeks on this mission trip, and telling others about the need to live in the Word…while neglecting time to meditate in the Word myself. Thank You for Your grace in our busy times.  Draw me into Your Word and help me to live by Your truth, holding fast to Your Words of life so that I may shine for You alone.   Amen

    Paul desires to see among the believers, an ongoing desire to serve God through delightful obedience to His will, whether Paul ever sees it or not.  Paul would be delighted to know that that testimony follows the church of Jesus Christ. Obedience to Christ is always the issue in discipleship. What we believe, the means and application of grace for our salvation, must work itself out in following the One who saved us for His kingdom and purpose. This verse is often selected as a proof text for those who emphasize works, acts of obedience as, inherently demonstrating our faith, if not in fact our salvation. Obviously, our complete understanding of Grace and justification by faith argues that point to the ground.  However, we cannot dismiss as Jesus taught: If you love me, you will keep my commands.

    What a strong word for me, and for the church in these days, when “privacy of information” and “personal space” seem to be valued so highly in our culture. The church of Jesus Christ is not a privatized faith, but a very personal faith lived out corporately and publicly for the glory of God.  Paul is not currently with the Philippian Church; he writes from a distance having once been among them and appreciating what he saw in their personal growth and desire to follow Jesus. But in writing this way, he plants a reminder that their behavior, their obedience in Christ is not something they do for Paul, but that they do for Jesus. Further, it is not just something to be evident among others, but to be guarded in private. “Who they are when no one’s looking” is important if their testimony will stand the test and be commended by Christ.

    Lord, this is a strong lesson for me as it is for every disciple of Christ, and even more for those who are mature in faith and/or who lead others…knowing that more will be demanded of them than some others. Far from a threat, may this be a welcome reminder to guard my heart, to live in private as I would live in public.  Others in the church family don't get to see me in all my imperfections the same way those close to me do, but I pray that you would give me strength to live faithfully for you at all times.

    Lord, this is a strong lesson for me as it is for every disciple of Christ, and even more for those who are mature in faith and/or who lead others…knowing that more will be demanded of them than some others. Far from a threat, may this be a welcome reminder to guard my heart, to live in private as I would live in public.  Others in the church family don't get to see me in all my imperfections the same way those close to me do, but I pray that you would give me strength to live faithfully for you at all times.

     This scene of apocalyptic glory pictures the ultimate single-minded purpose, not just among believers who are called to unity in like-faith in Jesus, following His example and marked by His indwelling, but now every living being.  There will be a global acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Lord! Of course, as it has been noted, some will be forced to bend their knee and confess what they have refused to believe, and will stand judgment. Others will gladly confess having been redeemed by Christ’s blood. Having “one mind” will no longer be a frustrated experience as growing disciples of Jesus, but a glad expression from fully restored minds and bodies!

    How we long for the coming and appearing of our Lord! We are definitely far from experiencing this welcome apocalyptic reality, yet this is the unity of testimony Jesus desires from his church! I was amused by a funny in my inbox: (seen in bookstore window) Please note: “The Post-Apocalyptic fiction section has been moved to Current Affairs.”  I believe this oneness in our declaration of Christ, and living into and living out that declaration, should not be fiction (though we fail to see it as widely as we ought!), but it should be the current affairs of the Church of Jesus Christ!  

    Lord, Your church is vast in its expression, not just within our culture and country, but globally. So many languages, backgrounds, experiences.  When we travel abroad, we are surrounded by expressions of Your true church that are unlike what we know. I will be in the Amazon among precious believers, some newer in their faith, growing, excited, struggling in ways I could never imagine to live for the glory of Jesus. Help name to share their proclamation of Jesus and affirm their faith, displaying a one-minded unity and humility as a fellow servant of Yours.

     This famous quote of Paul's reminds us of the importance of letting our lives count for Christ.  Paul's imprisonment wasn't looking like release was imminent, rather that death was the more likely verdict—and soon. He was not afraid of this, and was grateful for many prayers on his behalf, and the sustaining grace of God. He desired only that Christ be magnified in his life whether he lived or died…both options were welcome if Christ's gospel was served. But which would he choose—if the choice was up to him? There is the human element, guided by a sense of God's prompting in his soul, that in living he would be able to be fruitful for the Lord. If living meant that no fruitful end would come, he'd far rather be with the Lord. Gospel fruitfulness, God's kingdom work being advanced—that was of greater importance than for Paul to be ushered to his reward at this point.  

     This famous quote of Paul's reminds us of the importance of letting our lives count for Christ.  Paul's imprisonment wasn't looking like release was imminent, rather that death was the more likely verdict—and soon. He was not afraid of this, and was grateful for many prayers on his behalf, and the sustaining grace of God. He desired only that Christ be magnified in his life whether he lived or died…both options were welcome if Christ's gospel was served. But which would he choose—if the choice was up to him? There is the human element, guided by a sense of God's prompting in his soul, that in living he would be able to be fruitful for the Lord. If living meant that no fruitful end would come, he'd far rather be with the Lord. Gospel fruitfulness, God's kingdom work being advanced—that was of greater importance than for Paul to be ushered to his reward at this point.  

 Lord, unless I'm on my deathbed and unable to speak, then there is service to be done for You.  Nothing should hinder me  from the purpose You have for me right now.  Please deal with the schemes of the enemy to distract me, or to blind the minds of others. Please release me from the chains that tempt to restrain me—of physical weakness, lesser priorities, distractions that I fail to manage fruitfully, even my laziness at times; so that you would be honoured in my body, and I would be fruitful for You.  Show me how that applies in my marriage or my family, or my circle of friends. I am Yours, Lord. Amen. 

    Paul was ready to die, not afraid to die, knowing the promise that awaited him to be with the Lord. However, the Spirit of God had not made it clear that his time was up, so "to live is Christ" meant that he was prepared for his ministry to continue.  Paul remained committed to teaching the gospel and emboldening the saints around him in whatever ways he could. Though it may have been tempting to give up under the conditions of his imprisonment and hardship, he determined that this was not going to succeed in shutting him up or defining his ministry. His joy in Christ would continue to urge the believers around him to grow in the Lord and be full of joy. 

 I saw an example of this in Pastor Abner, a young pastor in the remote village of Pedrinhas where our friends Marcio & Damaris had first planted that church.  Here he was, pastoring this 20-member Baptist church that had been decimated by a previous pastor, a bad testimony to overcome; and was hearing voices of opposition from the enemy telling him, "You don't belong here. It's time to quit and go home."  As Marcio and I took time to pray for Abner, we boldly affirmed that those voices don't come from God!  When we face obstacles, they are not signals from God to pack it in, but to persevere in faith until He makes His marching orders clear.  Being "convinced" of God's purpose and His presence is key to overcoming the schemes of the enemy.

 Lord, I pray for servants of Yours labouring in difficult places. We don't get to decide how people will respond to Your gospel, only that we will be faithful to what You have begun in us and called us to do. You have already proven Your faithfulness--do it again and again, Lord. Vindicate Your servants, and change lives through Your gospel. 

We may not be sure how far to stretch this comment of Paul's.  Is "every way" the gospel is made aware to people something we can confidently say God can use?  I see bumper stickers of 'gospel fish'.  Someone walked by me in Sao Paulo with "Jesus found me" on the back of his t-shirt.  Symbols of crosses are found among symbols of every other belief system from mysticism to Islam to gay culture.  When is the expression of Christian faith sufficient and when is it simply token-iconery, or even mockery?  Meeting "Tony" in Pauini, I prodded a conversation with him about a "Jesus" sticker on his motorcycle; but Tony was certainly not trusting Jesus for his salvation and life-decisions.  Paul was surely speaking of those who outwardly proclaim Christ, but their opposition to Paul's ministry set them apart. We have that everywhere as well.  Seemingly successful 'charismatic' preachers amp up thousands every week to believe that God will give them what their hearts desire—without the call to repentance and discipleship. We have charlatans today as Paul did surrounding his ministry; as well as those who faithfully "preach Christ" every week.  Paul rejoiced that in as much as "Christ is preached," the Holy Spirit would help people discern truth from error.

So, is that discernment God's job or ours?  This is a challenge to us as we do ministry alongside many different churches, as we see increasing division in the church over matters of orthodoxy.  As Elders we are needing to address matters of doctrinal clarity for our church to protect from the pendulum swing towards current theological trends that are becoming more dominant even among evangelicals.  We believe those who push the envelope on false doctrine sacrifice the purity of the gospel and the life to which Christ calls His disciples. Yet, as diverse as the church is in these expressions, it is God's job to judge their ministry and outcomes; and ours to be obedient to His Word.  We are called to be His salt and light in this world, bearing Christ's message of both truth and grace.  Paul struggled, so will we; but he chose to rejoice in the fact that God will still do His work in the hearts of people regardless of the style of ministry people are influenced by.

Lord, that takes great faith. To believe that You can work out Your purpose even when the gospel people are exposed to is lacking. Even when our gospel-expressions leave gaps in teaching, Lord, You can still convict the soul.  Please do it, Lord.  Convict me when I am tempted to go gospel-lite, to acculturate my faith where it needs to remain vibrant and renewed day by day in response to Your holiness and to Your mercy.  Amen.

True or False? ...   The gospel gives my life confidence when people question my faith, because I know what I truly stand for.

This is an amazing love Paul prays for them…to fill their lives with increasing love, helping them be able to "approve what is excellent"—the discernment about what love is and what love does.  This is true fruit of the Holy Spirit's work inside, orienting their desires and actions. The result will be in being pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness…a deeply spiritual focus that will orient their lives enabling them to serve the Lord and bring glory and praise to God.  God's love in us does that!  I think they'd be saying: Give me more of that love!  Love, of course, can be elusive, subjective, expressed in so many ways. Certainly this must be the "agape" kind of love (expressing pure and blameless behaviour). How better to display the indwelling Holy Spirit in our walk with Jesus!

Elusive indeed. When I am inclined to love what I love, and dismiss what is not preferred, my patience wears thin easily in situations I'd rather not try to love. Yes, I need this love v.11 speaks of.  More than just a thing that "is", it is something I am called to—to know, and grow in this love; to be discerning about what is truly loving and choose to act in love--to live out the love of God.  1 John 4:7-8 says "God is love…and everyone born of God loves others…". The Spirit of God wants to produce in us His character that displays the glory of who He is through unlikely people like us.

Do it Lord, for your glory sake. You know that there are people I love, and others I like, then those I tolerate because I am supposed to.  But lOrd, there are some people that I have little desire to want to try to love.  But, Lord, it's not my love they need, it's Yours. Knowing what love looks like and discerning what it does—yes; love isn't anyone, anytime, on their terms. It is You showing Your righteous character and strong love through me…I need Your help with this, Lord. Amen.

Every one of us who have trusted Christ as Saviour recognize a time when we believed and received the gospel.  We learned more about the gospel, shared the gospel, and prayed that the gospel would change others as it was changing us. Christian discipleship is all about the gospel!

As far as Paul is concerned, wherever he was, he was first a Christian.  So he treated being a prisoner in Rome as if he was accomplishing a life dream…the advance of the gospel.  It doesn’t matter where or who you are, or your situation in life, Christ’s commission to us is about living and speaking the gospel!  We’re not all called to be like the Apostle Paul, but we are called to obey Christ and to be like Christ!

Paul may have been ‘chained to cruelty,’ but the guards were ‘chained to the gospel!’  And guess which one was winning? The gospel cannot be stopped!

God's work is ongoing.  When we are resting, God is not…for though we sleep, God does not slumber or sleep (Psalm 121:4).  His purpose is being worked out whether we understand it or see it, or if we can only but pray and by faith trust God for what we cannot see.  He is still working in a more vast capacity than we can imagine, weaving our lives—each decision made in faith, and all the other ones made instinctively, rightly or wrongly; God's good work (or working for our good) prevails (Rom.8:28).  Nothing can be added or taken away from God's ultimate, sovereign will being accomplished, and in His good purpose He longs to align us with His will—for His benefit and ours, and all for His glory.  One day we will see this—on that day He makes us new and all the earth with it. 

 Paul wrote, "I am sure of this." Was this an apostolic-inspired moment of divine clarity?  Or a theologized assumption?  Or is it just a faith-filled guess?  Perhaps all of the above. "No eye has seen, nor ear heard…"  The glory of what is coming will outstrip our expectations.  We are not trying to credit God for making good of our bad, or twisting evil into a thing of beauty.  No, He is holy and good.  How will His work begun in us be completed?  The Word doesn't make that clear.  But there is so much we know about God and His acts with people of faith (imperfect as we are) that reveal that our story uniquely weaves into His greater story, and He is good!   He calls us to diligently seek Him and trust Him, to walk with Him in obedience and in faith, for He will bring to completion what He has started. 

Lord, help me to trust You when I can see, and when I can't see what You are up to.  Frankly, most of the time I can't—but in moments of faith-prompted prayer and generally in following the course of Your calling and commands, it certainly gets clearer.  While obedience to You out of Your great mercy doesn't mean I will make sense of the evil that surrounds me in this world, I know that You see the greater picture and Your plans will not be thwarted.  Guide my life into that good purpose, Lord; help me to live into Your promise even today. 

We think of koinonia as the coffee time we enjoy after church, but Biblical fellowship is much bolder and deeper. Christian fellowship is a self-sacrificing commitment to the gospel—whether or not it includes coffee & warm friendships with other people.  It is a bold commitment to a shared vision of seeing God at work in us, the gospel witnessed through us, and growing together in obedience to the Word.
Paul commended the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel.  The gospel was at the center of their relationships as believers, not watching games in the arena, or meals together, or even their theological discussions. 

Philippians 1:4, ...always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.
The glue in our partnership as a church is our prayer.  Paul prayed for all of them.  As he prayed, joy filled his heart.  A focused partnership requires ongoing prayer.

Paul is addressing the congregation of believers (saints), along with both their pastors & elders (overseers) and serving leaders (deacons), those respectively appointed to bring direction, structure, and example to the flock (1 Tim.3).  By this, Paul affirms that his apostolic authority will be affirmed only as these leaders see fit:

1. To work with God’s appointed process of giving structure to the local church;
2. To receive this letter, to read it, to affirm its apostolic authority;
3. To organize the body to listen and to learn from what Paul writes.

Elders will need to affirm this in such a way that they submit to its teaching, received as from the Holy Spirit’s inspired prompting, and urge the saints to heed its truth. The local assembly, made up of those who are “in Christ,” the saints, the servants, the elders, are the living embodiment of Biblical truth.

This was all so new for this first-generation church. They were willing to structure themselves with their own appointed leaders, and were willing to be “overseen” by peer men who were evidencing the work of the Holy Spirit—maturing and confirming their calling to lead spiritually. As well, there were faithful servants appointed to assist the elders, joyfully coordinating the ministry in the body to work effectively together. We could easily take for granted these structures of church leadership. There are certainly a variety of leadership styles that have been adopted by churches today; but God had a plan in mind. Jesus trained His disciples and inaugurated the start of His church through the apostles, who appointed elders at first, demonstrating Jesus’ intentions for the leadership of local churches. Whatever size of church, it is the basic God-appointed leadership style that will determine the health and spiritual responsiveness of the body in order to serve God’s purposes and be fruitful as a church.

Father, I thank You that we have this biblical structure at Grace. Thank you that we are conscientiously seeking to live out a Biblical framework for Your church in this culture that disregards the authority of Your Word. We see churches that have become entities to themselves operating outside Biblical structure, mandate, or morality.  Help us to stand firm against the pressure, and to stay true to Your Word. Thank You that by following Your plan, we don’t have to make it up on our own—You have already told us how the Church of the Living God is supposed to function. Lord, we want Your authority to direct us, and Your blessing to uphold us more than the praise of people. Help us to be Your faithful church: the saints, along with our overseers and deacons!  Amen.