The
Book of
PHILIPPIANS
Verse
by Verse
Chapter
1
"1.
Paul and
Timotheus, the servants
of Jesus Christ, to ALL the saints IN Christ Jesus which are at
Philippi, with
the bishops and deacons:"
Here in verse one I see a greeting from Paul and Timothy
who consider themselves as SERVANTS of Jesus Christ as they are
addressing ALL the SAINTS or fellow brothers and sisters who are IN
Christ Jesus and who are fellow shipping or who are gathering
together as a body of believers at this place called Phillipi. I am
not sure why, but for some reason Paul and Timothy singles out the
BISHOPS and the DEACONS from ALL the SAINTS by using the preposition
"WITH". Clearly to ME both groups are SAINTS as well. One
thing I do see is that BISHOPS and DEACONS are NOT one and the SAME,
because of the use of the word AND that separates them as being
distinct from each other. I also see that there is MORE than ONE
bishop and more than one deacon at this church in Philippi.
Philippi is located in Eastern Mesopotamia or Greece
close to the Mediterranean sea. Here is what Wikapedia says about
Philippi:
'According
to the New Testament, in AD 49 or 50, the city was visited by the
apostle Paul (Acts 16:9-10). From the Acts of the Apostles (Acts
16:12) and the letter to the Philippians, early Christians concluded
that Paul had founded their community. Accompanied by Silas, Timothy
and possibly Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, he is
believed to have preached for the first time on European soil in
Philippi (Acts 16:12-40) According to the New Testament, Paul visited
the city on two other occasions, in AD 56 and 57. The Epistle to the
Philippians dates from around AD 61-61 and is believed to show the
immediate impact of Paul's instruction.'
"2.
Grace be
unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ."
In
verse two I see Paul and Timothy SPEAKING FORTH GRACE and PEACE to
ALL the SAINTS who are at Philippi. I also see that this GRACE and
PEACE is FROM both Almighty God the Father AND from our Lord Jesus
Christ.
I
first noticed this POWER of SPEAKING FORTH PEACE in the gospel of
Matthew 10:12-15 where Jesus instructed his disciples to SPEAK PEACE
to the household before they entered and if their PEACE remained they
were to stay and minister and if their peace came back to them, then
they were to shake off the dust of their feet as a sign unto the
household that did not receive their peace.
Matthew 10:12-15
"And when you come into
an house, salute it.
13. And if the house be
worthy, let your PEACE come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let
your peace return to you.
14. And whosoever shall not
receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house
or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15. Verily I say unto you, It
shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day
of judgment, than for that city."
From this verse I learned to SPEAK FORTH PEACE in the
NAME of Jesus over my children and any situation where PEACE was
needed and PEACE would come and rest upon where it was needed. This
speaking forth PEACE in the name of Jesus brought peace to crying
babies when nothing else seemed to work. This speaking forth PEACE
calmed animals that were aggressive or frightened. Later I learned
that speaking forth GRACE was also a way to bring POWER to a
situation. Please see the study entitled "WHAT is the TRUE
meaning of GRACE".
"3. I THANK my God upon
EVERY REMEMBRANCE of you,"
This teaches me that I should take the time to give God
THANKS for my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord EVERY TIME they
come to my mind, particularly so if I have not thought of that
specific brother of sister in a while and they suddenly come to my
remembrance when I my thoughts are not focused in that area.
Sometimes I believe God brings people to our minds so that we will
PRAY for them.
"4.
ALWAYS in
EVERY prayer of mine for YOU all making request with JOY,"
This
teaches me that sometimes we may not FEEL like praying for others,
but when God brings people to our remembrance we should put aside our
FEELINGS and intercede for them with JOY knowing that our request
will not only be heard but answered as well according to the PROMISE
we have been given in 1 John 5:14,15, which says,
"And this is the
CONFIDENCE (or
ASSURANCE) that
we have in him, that, if we ask ANY thing according
to his will,
he hears us:
15. And
if we KNOW that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we KNOW that we HAVE
the petitions that we desired of him."
Jesus taught us to ASK that our JOY would be FULL. Just
knowing that God HEARS and ANSWERS our prayers bring me JOY and
PEACE.
"5. For your fellowship
in the gospel from the first day until now;"
Here we see that ONE of the things that Paul and Timothy
are REQUESTING from God in their PRAYER for ALL the SAINTS that are
at Philippi is that their FELLOWSHIP in the GOSPEL from the very
first day they began to hear the gospel unto this time of this
prayer. The we need to read the next verse to learn more about this
request to God in behalf of the saints at Philippi.
"6.
Being CONFIDENT of this
very thing
(WHAT
very THING is Paul and Timothy so CONFIDENT about?),
THAT (that
WHAT? THAT)
he which has BEGUN a GOOD
WORK
in you (that
HE) WILL
perform
it
UNTIL the day
of Jesus Christ:"
Now
the reason I highlighted verse 6 in yellow is because this is the
verse that was selected in the devotion study we did at our church.
So then, in verses 3-11 we see that Paul and Timothy are GIVING
THANKS to God first
for the FELLOWSHIP in the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ for these saints or
fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord from the very first day they
became Christians to this very day that they are giving thanks to God
in prayer. And in giving thanks they are CONFIDENT that Almighty God
who has started this whole process of bringing about GOOD WORKS in
them WILL WITHOUT FAIL CONTINUE to PERFORM this GOOD WORK of SAVING
them until the DAY of the second coming of Jesus when they and we
shall be given eternal life.
"7. Even as it is meet
for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart;
inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of
the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace."
The
Greek word that is translated as "MEET" here means that it
is the RIGHT THING to do, or it is RIGHTEOUS to think this way. And
the reason that I think this way of you is BECAUSE I have you in my
HEART. Paul is telling us that he thinks of them all the time, BOTH
will he was in BONDS or when he was being PERSECUTED for preaching
the GOSPEL and that this BOND was a CONFIRMATION that they were truly
PARTAKERS of his GRACE. Now to me this means that they were partakers
of the SAME GRACE that Paul was a partaker, but it could also mean
that by Paul showing grace to them that he himself would reap a
reward for bearing fruit. In other words, they were part of his WORK
of building the kingdom of God. Either way I see that Paul considered
his PERSECUTION for the preaching of the GOSPEL as a CONFIRMATION
that their FAITH was sincere and word last until the day of our Lords
return.
"8. For God is my
record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus
Christ."
In
other words, God is my WITNESS of how much I desire deep in my
innermost being for you to be in Jesus Christ.
"9. And THIS I pray,
THAT your LOVE
may abound yet
more
and more
in KNOWLEDGE
and
in all
judgment;"
Therefore because of how greatly Paul LONG AFTER these
saints at Philippi he had this PRAYER or deep desire for them THAT
their LOVE would grow more and more in both KNOWLEDGE and JUDGMENT.
But WHY these two things?
"10. THAT (or
so that, or in order that)
you may APPROVE things
that are excellent;
THAT (or
and also that)
you may be SINCERE and without
offense
till the day of Christ;"
The
word "APPROVE" here means to TEST, to try, to EXAMINE, to
interpret, to discern, and to PROVE. So then this verse could read;
'Or so that you may PROVE the things that are EXCELLENT or the things
that are of more or greater value; SO THAT or in order that you will
be SINCERE or that your motives will be PURE and that you be found
WITHOUT OFFENSE or that you be found BLAMELESS or WITHOUT any SIN to
the day of the COMING of Jesus.'
"11. Being filled with
the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the
glory and praise of God."
And not that you just be found without sin, but ALSO
that you be found being FILLED with the FRUITS of RIGHTEOUSNESS,
which are NOT by your OWN WORKS but rather the fruits you bare are BY
of THROUGH Jesus Christ for the purpose of bringing GLORY and PRAISE
to Almighty God the Father.
"12. But I would you
should understand,
brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out
RATHER unto the FURTHERANCE of the gospel;"
Here
I see Paul adding or
perhaps changing the subject a little by expressing his desire for us
to UNDERSTAND that the persecution which is happening to him is
turning out RATHER to help spread the gospel as opposed to stopping
or hindering the gospel from being preached as was the intention of
those who placed Paul in these BONDS or in prison to stop the gospel
from being preached.
"13. So that my bonds in
Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;"
In
other words, the news of Paul's persecution has spread and has
clearly been made known throughout the palace and in all other places
as well.
"14. And many of the
brethren in the Lord, waxing (or
growing)
CONFIDENT by
my bonds, are much
MORE BOLD to speak the word WITHOUT fear."
Here we see that the persecution of Paul by being placed
in prison in order to stop the preaching of the gospel has done just
the OPPOSITE. So instead of bringing FEAR upon Christians this
persecution RATHER caused the saints of God to be that MUCH MORE BOLD
in our proclaiming of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"15. Some INDEED preach
Christ even of envy
and strife;
and some ALSO of good
will:"
In this verse we see that Paul recognizes that the
gospel is being preached with different MOTIVES where SOME are
preaching the gospel out of ENVY and some out of STRIFE whereas
others are preaching with the pure motive of GOOD WILL toward others.
"16. The one preach
Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to ADD affliction to
my bonds:"
Here in this verse we see Paul expounding a bit more on
the previous verse and says on the ONE SIDE there are SOME who preach
with the MOTIVE to ADD affliction to my being in prison. In other
words on one side there are those who are NOT preaching the gospel
out of a sincere or PURE motive for the GOOD WILL of others, but
rather out of contention or strife and selfish ambition they are just
preaching the gospel in the hopes of ADDING AFFLICTION or MORE PAIN
to my being placed in prison.
"17. But the OTHER of
LOVE, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel."
But on the OTHER SIDE of the coin there are those who
are preaching the gospel out of a pure heart of LOVE. And these who
preach SINCERELY not desiring to ADD affliction to my bonds KNOW that
if afflictions are indeed added because of their preaching they KNOW
that I Paul am SET or FIRMLY rooted and grounded for the DEFENSE of
the GOSPEL. In other words, Paul is saying it does NOT matter about
what happens to me so longs as the GOSPEL is PREACHED!
"18. What then?
Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ
is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
Or what shall I say to this fact the the gospel is being
preached by some out of contention just for the purpose to add
affliction to my bonds? It does NOT matter to me because in every way
that the gospel is preached whether in pretense, that is to say no
matter what the MOTIVE by which the gospel is preached even if the
motive is hidden and meant for harm to me, OR whether the gospel is
preached in sincerity out of a pure heart for others in TRUTH, the
gospel of Christ is none the less still being PREACHED. And in the
PREACHING of the gospel I do REJOICE and will ALWAYS rejoice.
"19. For I KNOW that
THIS shall turn to my salvation THROUGH your prayer, AND the supply
of the Spirit
of Jesus Christ,"
Here in this verse I see the confidence in Paul that
THIS PREACHING of the gospel no matter HOW it is INTENDED by those
that PREACH it will eventually bring about the SALVATION or perhaps
the deliverance of Paul THROUGH their prayer AND the help of the Holy
Spirit the same Holy Spirit that Jesus was ANOINTED with of Almighty
God the Father. It may be that Paul was looking at the long term
SALVATION which was his obtaining ETERNAL LIFE or it may be that Paul
was speaking of his confidence that he would be delivered from prison
through their prayers or that he would overcome this persecution with
the power of the Holy Spirit. What ever way Paul was speaking of he
knew that he would be SAVED. Perhaps ALL of the above were meant to
be understood.
"20. According to my
earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed,
but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be
magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."
Now in this verse I see that Paul is speaking of his
salvation it the light of whether he LIVES or whether he DIES he is
EARNESTLY EXPECTING or BELIEVING that in NOTHING he shall be ashamed,
but rather will all BOLDNESS as Paul always had in the past even that
same boldness will Jesus Christ be MAGNIFIED in his body no matter if
he LIVES or if he DIES. In other words, Paul is SET for the DEFENSE
of the GOSPEL no matter WHAT the COST is to him EVEN if it COST him
his LIFE.
"21. For to me to LIVE
is Christ, and to die is GAIN."
Paul
is saying that it does not matter whether he LIVES of DIES, BECAUSE
the life he now LIVE is for Jesus Christ to be glorified and if he
DIES then Jesus will still be glorified, but to DIE would be more
beneficial for him, because he would be WITH Jesus and out of pain
and persecution. So to the believer DEATH in Christ is GREAT GAIN and
should not be seen as a lose to us, so long as Jesus Christ and
Almighty God are GLORIFIED.
"22. But if I live in
the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I
WOT
NOT."
The phrase "WOT NOT" here means that which has
NOT been made KNOWN to Paul as yet. In other words, Paul has NOT yet
UNDERSTOOD or it has NOT yet been REVEALED to Paul by the Holy
Spirit as what he should CHOOSE. So then, in this verse I see that
Paul is faced with a tough decision, to continue to live in the flesh
which is to continue to suffer the bond that he is in knowing that
Christ is yet glorified because the gospel has produce believers here
in Philippi, but he does not yet understand what choice the Holy
Spirit is leading him to make at this point in time.
"23. For (or
because) I am
in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with
Christ; which is far better:"
Here we see Paul being torn with the decision to stay in
the flesh or to lay down his live and die which would be FAR BETTER
for himself, but WHAT should he do?
"24. Nevertheless to
abide (or
remain living) in
the flesh is MORE NEEDFUL for YOU."
So
here we see Paul putting aside his desire to go on and be with the
Lord and putting before himself the NEEDS of others. In other words,
Paul is saying that it would be FAR BETTER for HIM if he died because
he knows that he will be with the Lord, but he puts that aside to
focus on how it is MORE NEEDFUL for OTHERS that he not die but rather
continue to LIVE and preach the gospel.
"25. And having THIS
CONFIDENCE, I KNOW that I shall ABIDE and CONTINUE with you all for
your furtherance and joy of faith;"
In
this verse we see that Paul has made the decision to NOT lay down his
live at this point in time, but rather LIVE and CONTINUE to minister
the gospel to the saints to further their growth in the Lord and for
their JOY of faith. One thing that kept going through my mind when
reading this whole passage of scripture was the idea that was being
presented to me that Paul was not just speaking idle words, but was
serious about putting off his earthly tabernacle, which is the body
of the flesh and go home to be with the Lord. Peter mentions this
same kind of thing in 2 Peter 1:14 where he says,
"Knowing that shortly I
must PUT OFF
this my tabernacle,
EVEN as our Lord Jesus Christ has SHOWED me."
Now to ME this can only mean one thing and that is that
our Lord taught his disciples how to give up the ghost as Jesus
himself did on the cross. We see that Steven did this as well when he
was being stoned for his testimony of Jesus. And when and if the time
comes I believe that the Holy Spirit will teach us how to do this as
well. When my father was close to dying and he called all the family
together he asked me to pray one of those Jesus prayers for him. So I
sat down beside him and rebuked the pain in the name of Jesus and I
assured him that he was ready to meet the Lord, because I had
personally seen how much the Lord was working in his life the past
year. I instructed him that whenever he felt like going on home that
there was nothing to fear and that it was simply opening a door and
walking through to a new life with God. So whenever he felt like
going home all he needed to do was go lay down and commit his spirit
to the Lord and then go to sleep and he would be in God's presence.
About and hour past and he stood up and said I am going to bed now
and went to his bedroom and laid down. A few minutes later my sister
went in to check on him and he had already passed over to the other
side in peace.
"26. THAT (or
so that) your
rejoicing may be MORE abundant in Jesus Christ for me BY my coming to
you again."
In other words, my remaining alive and coming to be with
you again will bring you far more JOY than my departing to be with
the Lord.
"27.
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ:
that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of
your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together for the faith of the gospel;"
Again this verse is one of the verse selected in the
devotional study I am doing at the church I attend. Now here is one
of those verses that I found easier to understand in other
translations of the Bible as opposed to the King James Version. One
translation says no matter what happens let your conduct be in a
manner that is worthy of the gospel: so no matter if I come and see
you or if I go home to be with the Lord I want to hear that you all
are living in one spirit and are of one mind all striving and working
together for the faith of the gospel. The word conversation in the
King James version is a little misleading, but if you look the word
up, then you can see that it also means all manner of conduction both
is word and deed.
"28. And in nothing
terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God."
In this verse I see Paul exhorting the saints NOT to be
terrified by ANGTHING that our adversaries would do or say to us and
to KNOW that to THEM, our persecutors, to them it is a sign of
perdition or that which will lead to death if it is not repented of,
but to US this persecution leads to SALVATION which is OF God and
NOT of ourselves.
"29. FOR (or
BECAUSE) unto
you it is GIVEN (or
it is ordained)
in the behalf of Christ, NOT ONLY to BELIEVE on him, but ALSO to
SUFFER for his sake;"
In this verse we learn that our salvation just begins
with out BELIEVING on Jesus. In other words, our actually receiving
eternal life goes beyond just BELIEVING on the name of Jesus but ALSO
involves our SUFFERING for Jesus as well. That is to say that our
salvation is CONDITIONAL and there are things that we MUST DO in
order to be accounted WORTHY to obtain ETERNAL LIFE in the world to
come. Please read the studies entitled "WE ARE NOT SAVED BY OUR
OWN GOD WORKS", "WITHOUT HOLINESS NO MAN SHALL SEE THE
LORD" and "I am the WAY-WHAT did Jesus MEAN?" for a
deeper understanding of the CONDITIONS that we MUST meet in order to
be SAVED and RECEIVE eternal life in the world to come.
"30. Having the same
conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me."
In other words, we may be required to suffer is the same
way that Paul suffered for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There were many things that Paul suffer that these saints in Philippi
saw in the past and now presently hear to be with Paul.
Chapter
2
"1. If there be
therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,"
THEREFORE
if there be ANY kind of comfort or encouragement, or if there be any
comfort of love, or any exhortation of fellowship of the Spirit, or
any groaning of mercy.
"2.
Fulfill you
my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one
accord, of one mind."
In other words, Paul is saying to us that if he is to be
comforted in any way for the things he is suffering, then let his JOY
be made FULL by KNOWING that we are all like minded, having the same
love toward one another and that we are all in one accord and of one
mind speaking the same thing so that there is no strife among us.
"3. Let nothing be done
through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem
other better than themselves."
Paul is desiring that the all the saints live without
strife between each other and that we all humble ourselves and
consider each other better than ourselves.
"4. Look not every man
on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
And one way to cosider other better than ourself is to
NOT look at our OWN needs, but RATHER let each one of us look at the
needs of EACH OTHER.
"5.
Let this
mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
LET or allow this kind of thinking be IN YOU, because
this is exactly how our Lord and savior Jesus Christ thought and
acted putting others BEFORE himself.
"6.
Who, being
in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:"
WHO speaking of Jesus who was in the form of God as the
Word, did not every think the thought stealing equality with God. Or
never once thought a covetous thought to be equal with God. Here is
the Wycliffe translation,
"Which
when he was in the form of God, deemed not raven (or
never consider to seek or seize by force),
that himself were even to God; [which when he was in the form of God,
deemed not raven, himself to be even to God;]"
Some translations say that though he was is the form of
God or had the same nature of God he did not think it to be robbery
to be God's equal. However, to ME if this translation or
interpretation were true, then why would there be any need to think
such a thought, because he word already be God and therefore would
already be equal to God. To ME there would be no need to even bring
up equality, because IF being in the same form or nature means to BE
one and the SAME, then he would BE whatever God IS. He would BE ONE
and the SAME, because he IS God.
This is why I choose to believe the translations that
teach us that when he was in the form or nature of God he never once
thought a thought to seize by force an being EQUAL with Almighty God.
"7.
But made
himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:"
The word that is translated as the phrase "MADE NO
REPUTATION" means that he EMPTIED himself of whatever form he
had and became empty of hollow. In other words, whatever power he had
he laid if all aside. So then, this verse could read, But RATHER than
ever thinking himself to seize by force an equality with Almighty God
he EMPTIED himself from any power or equality he might have had
laying it all aside and took on a new form or a different nature of
being a man and so became a servant.
"8.
And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross."
Therefore being FOUND in FASHION or in the FORM of a
man, a human being, he humbled himself even further, and BECAME
OBEDIENT unto death and not just any death, but he humbled himself to
the point so low that he was willing to die a death by crucifixion on
a cross.
"9.
Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above
every name:"
WHEREFORE or for this very reason of become OBEDIENT
even unto death on the cross Almighty God has also HIGHLY EXALTED him
and has GIVEN him a name which is ABOVE EVERY other name.
"10.
That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow , of things in heaven, and things
in earth, and things under the earth;"
THAT or so that at the name of JESUS every knee should
bow. That is to say EVERY knee in HEAVEN and EVERY knee in the Earth
and EVERY knee UNDER the Earth shall bow at the NAME of JESUS.
"11.
And that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father."
AND so that EVERY tongue in heaven and in the Earth and
UNDER the Earth should ALSO CONFESS that Jesus the anointed one of
Almighty God is LORD to bring GLORY to Almighty God the Father.
"12.
Wherefore,
my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but
now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear
and trembling."
WHEREFORE
of for this reason that EVERY knee shall bow and EVERY tongue shall
confess the Jesus is Lord then you my beloved brothers and sister in
the Lord, just as you have ALWAYS obeyed in the past, not just in my
PRESENCE ONLY, but NOW much MORE in my absence I want you to work out
your OWN salvation without me having to lead you every step of the
way, because now you need to do this on your OWN with great FEAR and
TREMBLING before Almighty God.
To
ME this verse teaches me that walking uprightly before God is a
SERIOUS MATTER that is not to be taken lightly.
"13. For it is God which
works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
FOR or because it is God through the Holy Spirit that is
WORKING IN you leading and guiding you into all truth in both the
giving you the DESIRE in your heart to DO good and the STRENGTH to
actually DO that which in your own strength would not be possible to
do and this is what brings pleasure to God to hear and obey his
voice.
"14. Do all things
without murmurings and disputing:"
So then, do ALL things WITHOUT murmuring or complaining
and without disputing or arguing.
"15.
That you
may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in
the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as
lights in the world;"
So that you will be found BLAMELESS, and HARMLESS, the
sons of God WITHOUT rebuke, IN the MIDST of a crooked and perverse
nation, AMONG whom you SHINE as LIGHT in the world.
The Greek word that is translated as "harmless"
here also means to be found INNOCENT, to be found PURE or NOT mixed
with any evil, and to be meek or simple. And the thing that some
Christians have missed is that God desires this of his people right
here, right now IN the very middle of a WICKED and PERVERSE world so
that we we be EXAMPLES to the world that there is a BETTER WAY to
live than living in violence and hatred and fear.
"16. Holding forth the
word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have
not run in vain, neither labored in vain."
To ME I see Paul as being very concerned about his
flock, that is to say the people to whom he has preached the gospel.
I see Paul being concerned that all the saints CONTINUE to hold forth
the word of TRUTH, the word of God that produces life in those who
believe in order that he may rejoice at the return of Jesus, because
if the saints do NOT continue or ENDURE unto the END, then he would
have run and labored in VAIN.
There are some Christians who believe and teach that
once a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and savior, then they are
forever saved and can never lose their salvation. As for ME I believe
that any individual Christian can BECOME FULLY PERSUADED in his or
her own heart and mind they THEY shall never be drawn away from God
and therefore will take the steps needed to insure that they their
self will not ever fall away from God to the point of losing their
right to obtain eternal life in the world to come. However, I do NOT
believe that this is an AUTOMATIC condition that is automatically
applied to every believer the very moment that confess Jesus as their
Lord and savior. In other words, I do NOT believe in the false
doctrine of ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED nor do I believe in the FALSE
doctrine of ETERNAL SECURITY. For a deeper understanding on these
teachings and what the word of TRUTH actually teaches us please read
the in-depth study called "DOES THE BIBLE TEACH THAT ONCE A
PERSON IS SAVED THEN THEY ARE ALWAYS SAVED?", but for now lets
us continue with this verse by verse study of the book of
Philippians.
"17. Yea, and if I be
offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and
rejoice with you all.
The word "YEA" here means yet, nevertheless,
howbeit, yet doubtless and not withstanding. In other words, Paul is
saying no matter if you remain faithful and IF I be persecuted or
even martyred because I preached to you, then I myself shall still
have JOY and rejoice with you all.
"18. For the same cause
also do you joy, and rejoice with me."
Or because of this SAME reason you ALSO have JOY and
rejoice with me. Or more precisely both I and you STIR UP JOY in us
to rejoice for each other. You see there are times when we do NOT
SEE, but we walk BY FAITH so then in these times we COUNT it ALL JOY
because BY FAITH we KNOW that what we are BELIEVING for will come
into being if we faint not.
"19. But I trust in the
Lord Jesus to send Timotheous shortly unto you, that I also may be
of good comfort, when know your state."
BUT or nevertheless I trust in or Lord Jesus to send
Timothy very soon to be with you in order that I ALSO may be
comforted WHEN I KNOW or hear for myself how you are truly doing. For
me I get comfort from these kind of verses, because I can see that
even great disciples of Jesus experienced DOUBT and uncertainty and
desired to just KNOW by SEEING on occasion. Walking BY FAITH all the
time is not the easiest thing to do and sometimes it is good to HEAR
and SEE the RESULTS of what you have been believing to come to pass
rather than continuing on by FAITH. This is WHY testimonials and
praise reports are so encouraging, because it brings COMFORT to those
who are always using their FAITH for others. Just try to image
yourself praying and BELIEVING God for things in the lives of others
and NEVER ever hearing of seeing these things come into being, even
though deep down in your heart you know that many of them have come
of pass. Even the strongest prayer warrior becomes discouraged after
awhile if they are not encouraged by a good report on occasion. So
never fall short of giving God praise and glory for answered prayer
before others, because it may be that one of your dear brothers and
sisters in the Lord has be praying for you without your knowing that
that were laboring for you.
"20. For I have no man
like minded, who will naturally care for your state."
Here Paul is simply saying that he knows no one else who
will care for these saints at Philippi with the same care that he
himself cares for them.
"21. For all seek their
own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's,"
For or because it seemed to Paul that every one else he
knew were seeking things to pleased and helped themselves rather than
seeking the needs of others who belonged to Jesus Christ. Or it could
mean that nearly everyone was seeking carnal things as opposed to
seeking the things of the kingdom of God.
"22. But you know the
proof of him, that, as a son with a father, he has served with me in
the gospel."
However, Timothy you KNOW, because you have seen the
PROOF of his loyalty in serving right along with me in the preaching
of the gospel.
"23. Him therefore I
hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with
me."
Therefore or for this reason I hope to send Timothy to
you presently or immediately just as soon as I see HOW it will go
with me. Perhaps referring to whether he lives of dies, or whether he
is set free or remains in prison.
"24. But I trust in the
Lord that I also myself shall come shortly."
Or
nonetheless Paul is trusting or believing God that he will live and
will be set free shortly that he himself would be able to come to see
them personally. That is Paul's hope and what he is believing God to
bring to pass.
"25. Yet I suppose it is
necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in
labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered
to my wants."
YET or not withstanding I suppose to best or needful to
go ahead and send you my brother Epaphroditus who is also my
companion who labors along side with me. He is a fellow soldier in
Jesus Christ, but he is more than that he is your messenger and also
he that ministered to my desires.
"26. For he longed after
you all and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he
had been sick."
Or now that I think about it some more I think it best
that I send to you my brother, because he has longed after you and I
have seen how full his heaviness is for you seeing that when he was
sick you heard that he was sick. So evidently these saints in
Philippi must have prayed for Epaphroditus to be healed and because
of this he had compassion for them.
"27. For indeed he was
sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only,
but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow."
Because INDEED my brother was sick and not just sick he
was very near DEATH, but God (because of your PRAYERS) had mercy on
him and upon me as well, because I would have missed him so much if
he would have died. Now I placed "because of your prayers"
in parentheses because this in my opinion that I arrived at by
reading between the lines so to speak and REASONING why would he have
compassion on these saints at Philippi if they did NOT pray for him
when he was near death? I appears to ME that Paul himself did NOT
have the faith in this particular circumstance to believe God fully
for his brothers healing, because he states that God had mercy on
him. Sometimes we cam be so close to someone that it becomes
difficult to fully TRUST God to heal them. Sometimes it is difficult
to get beyond just having HOPE that they will be healed, and this is
alright because we have EACH OTHER to hold us us in prayer when our
own faith is weak.
"28. I sent him
therefore the more carefully, that when you see him again, you may
rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Therefore or for this reason I sent him with far more
earnestness and zeal than I would have sent Timothy so that when you
see my brother Epaphroditus again you may rejoice and that I be less
sorrowful than you. In other words, this whole chapter seems to be
about Paul being sorrowful for the saints in Philippi because they
are sorrowful for his bonds and persecution because of Paul reaching
the gospel to them. I do do see Paul want to be less sorrowful than
some one else, because that would disagree with what Paul is teaching
us in this epistle or letter and that is to put the needs of OTHERS
above our own needs.
"29. Receive him
therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in
reputation."
Therefore
RECEIVE my brother with gladness in the Lord and give him the honor
he deserves seeing his reputation.
"30.
Because for
the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to
supply your lack of service toward me."
Because it was for the work of Christ or for the work of
the gospel that was the reason he became sick and near death not
giving himself the rest he needed to stay healthy, but instead he
worked more than he should have worked in order to make up for you
lack of service or work toward me. Now this could be referring back
to verse 25 where we see that Epaphroditus ministered to the WANTS of
Paul. The word "wants" here means necessities or needs.
This could mean Paul's own personal needs or it could mean the needs
of the ministry. Remember int he book of Acts we read that the
apostles appoints men full of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of
the congregation while they gave themselves to prayer and ministering
the word. So this could mean that Paul was having to minister to
these saints at Philippi AGAIN for the things that they should have
ALREADY learned and put into practice therefore they LACKED in their
duty as a believer to grow up spiritually and this lack caused both
Paul and his brother to work all the much more.
Chapter
3
"1.
Finally, my
brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me
indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe."
Paul could be saying lastly my dear brothers and sisters
in the Lord I admonish you to REJOICE in the Lord. It is no brother
to me to write to you again and again about these same things because
it makes you safe or more assured of remaining steadfast in the Lord.
"2. Beware of dogs,
beware of evil workers, beware of the concision."
The
use of the word dogs in the Bible refers to that which is unclean or
unworthy. So then Paul is warning us to beware of those people who
throw the gospel back in your face, and to also beware of those who
give themselves over to doing evil. Then he warns us about those who
cut away the flesh. Perhaps those of the circumcision or perhaps
those who cut and mutilate their flesh.
"3.
For
we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice
in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."
For
or because we are those whose while we may be circumcised in the
flesh we worship God in the SPIRIT and rejoice in Jesus Christ and
therefore have NO TRUSTING in our own flesh.
"4.
Though
I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks
that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:"
Although
I myself would have the confidence to trust in the flesh. For you see
IF any other man would think that he or she has the confidence that
they should trust in their flesh to be saved, then I tell you that I
all the more have a greater confidence than they to trust in my
flesh.
"5.
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of
Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as
touching the law, a Pharisee;"
Because
I myself was circumcised the eighth day being of the stock of Israel
and of the tribe of Benjamin, who am a Hebrew above all Hebrews. And
as concerning the law I am a Pharisee.
"6.
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the
righteousness which is in the law , blameless.
And concerning zeal just consider how I have persecuted
the church. And concerning righteousness or me keeping the law I am
found blameless.
"7.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for
Christ."
But all these things that I once considered gain to me
to boast of my accomplishments I now count them as nothing for the
sake of Christ. In other words, I would rather boast in Jesus Christ
than to have the praise of other men for that which I do in my own
strength.
"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,"
Yes
to me there is no doubt. I would much the more rather consider the
praise of other men a loss to me because I have found a much more
excellent way which is through the KNOWLEDGE of Jesus Christ my Lord
for whom I have suffered the putting away of boasting in my own flesh
and consider this pride as nothing more than manure so that I my have
the anointing of Almighty God in my life that strengthens me to do
the works that brings my God and my Lord pleasure.
"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:"
AND to be found IN Jesus Christ NOT relying on my OWN
works of righteousness which is the keeping of the law in my OWN
STRENGTH. BUT RATHER that I work the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God which is
the keeping of the law THROUGH the FAITH of the ANOINTING of the Holy
Spirit. This is the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God the keeping of his
commandments BY, THROUGH or WITH the FAITH that he has given all of
us.
"10.
That I may
know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of
his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"
SO THAT I have KNOW Jesus and the POWER of his
resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings that I may be made
to conforms myself to lay down my life for him as he did for me.
"11.
If by any
means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."
So
that IF by any means I might be able to be counted worthy to obtain
the honor to be resurrected and given eternal life.
"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."
And NOT that I consider my self as though I have ALREADY
attained this goal or as if I consider myself as ALREADY being
PERFECT before God. But RATHER I follow after these things so that I
may take hold of these things even as my Lord Jesus Christ has
somehow taken hold of me not letting go of me.
"13.
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,"
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, I want you to
know and understand that I do NOT CONSIDER myself as having ALREADY
taken hold of ETERNAL LIFE in the sense that I can NEVER LOSE out on
OBTAINING eternal life. BUT this ONE THING I do DO and that is I
FORGET those things which are behind me (perhaps things like the old
way I viewed what pleased God, and pehaps all the falling short and
messing up I did in trying to do that which God commands us to do), I
forget those things because they are now BEHIND me, they are in the
PAST. But rather NOW this moment that is PRESENT before me I reach
forth to do those things that are st before me to do.
"14.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus."
Yes I press on and continue to pursue that mark of
excellence that mark of PERFECTION so that I may OBTAIN the PRIZE of
ETERNAL LIFE that is set before by accomplishing this HIGH CALLING of
being found without spot of blemish before Almighty God which is only
made possible through the ANOINTING, that same anointing that Jesus
was anointed with by Almighty God, the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
"15. Let us therefore,
as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be
other wise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."
Therefore or for this reason as many of you who are
pressing toward this high calling of being found PERFECT before God
be of this same mind that the ONLY WAY to accomplish this goal is
THROUGH the ANOINTING of the Holy Spirit that very SAME Holy Spirit
that EMPOWER Jesus to live his live WITHOUT SIN. And IF any of you
think differently. then Almighty God shall open your eyes to the
TRUTH and REVEAL even this truth to you.
"16.
Nevertheless,
whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let
us mind the same thing."
None the less. that which we already agree upon lets us
walk by that which we already agree upon and let us mind the same
thing. Or in other words, WALK in that which YOU yourself KNOW to be
right and good before Almighty God and I will do the SAME, because to
HIM that KNOWS to DO GOOD and does it NOT, then to HIM it is SIN. (
As a side note I always try not to place on any one anything but to
OBEY the leading of the Holy Spirit, unless of course I am aware that
they KNOW a certain thing is a sin and it is made CLEAR in the word
of God that it is a SIN, such as adultery or fornication, then I will
confront them with their transgression. Other wise I let the Father
lead his own children in the way he sees to lead them. For ME I
believe that we are preachers and teachers of the word and we are NOT
to LORD over those who are growing in the Lord. Consider yourself
when you were yet young in the Lord and how you fell at every turn.
We are to help our brothers and sisters to grow in the Lord and not
to condemn them.)
"17.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which
walk so as ye have us for an example."
So then my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord be you
followers of me as I follow the example that Jesus left for us to
follow which is to live our live without sin. And mark or take note
of those who do pattern their life after this manner of striving to
live WITHOUT SIN even as you yourselves have us who set this example
before you to follow.
"18.
(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:"
Because I tell you my dear brothers and sisters in the
Lord that there are many who walk not uprightly before God as I have
told you before and even now tell you with many tears in my eyes for
them. They SAY that they are Christians, but I tell you that they are
nothing more than ENEMIES of the cross of Jesus Christ.
"19.
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose
glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"
And their end will be destruction in that eternal fire
which is called the second death because their God is their our
lusts, and that which they consider their glory will be their shame
those who do focus upon thing things of this world.
"20.
For our
conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior,
the Lord Jesus Christ:"
But as for us our focus is on the things of heaven from
where we do now look for our savior Jesus the anointed one of
Almighty God who is our Lord.
"21.
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like
unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able
even to subdue all things unto himself."
Who when he comes again shall change our corruptible
bodies so that they will be fashioned like his glorious and eternal
body. And he will do this wondrous work according to the same way
that he was able and is able to subdue all things unto himself which
is THROUGH the ANOINTING of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.
Chapter 4
"1.
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy
and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved."
Therefore or for this reason that Jesus is coming again
to give to those who are found to be faithful and without sin when he
comes their reward of eternal life for obeying the commandments of
God, then therefore you my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord who
I long for and who are my JOY and my CROWN, I implore you to STAND
FAST in the Lord who I dearly belove in the Lord.
"2.
I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the
same mind in the Lord."
I beseech or I BEG of you Euodias and Syntyche that you
also be of this SAME mind to STAND FAST in the Lord. (I am not sure
who these two are, but in the beginning Paul greeted the saints or
believers and also made mention of the DEACONS and the BISHOPS so
perhaps these are elders in the church at Philippi)
"3.
And I in treat you also, true yoke fellow, help those women
which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with
other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life."
Now Paul is implore all those who are TRULY FOLLOWING
the Lord to help the women that worked along side of Paul to preach
and teach the gospel. Paul also mentions Clement who could perhaps be
a bishop of deacon along with those other fellow laborers who Paul
declares that their names are written in the books of life.
"4.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."
This is one of my favorite verses which I see as Paul
teaching us to simply begin REJOICING in the Lord as as act of our
WILL not depending on whether we FELL like rejoicing or not. And he
teaches us to DO this REJOICING ALWAYS and declares to us as if to say
again and again REJOICE, REJOICE and AGAIN I say REJOICE! Proverbs
teaches us that a man has JOY simply by the ANSWER of his of her
MOUTH. So then it is NOT the circumstance in which you are in but
RATHER it is HOW you ANSWER that circumstance that determines whether
or not you will have JOY in the midst of suffering. For a deeper
understand of this please read the study "You can have JOY in
the MIDST of SUFFERING!"
"5. Let your moderation
be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."
Let you moderation or let it be know to all men that you
do every thing in moderation and NOT in GLUTTONY or over use. For ME
I believe that one can drink wine or an alcoholic beverage in
moderation so long as they do NOT get DRUNK. Also keep in mind that
just two beers can cause one to be considered as being legally DRUNK
when it come to driving a motorized vehicle. So do NOT drink and
drive. And DO NOT DRINK if alcohol is one of your WEAKNESSES. WHY put
your self in the WAY of TEMPTATION. For those who are prone or
tempted to become DRUNK then stay completely away from all alcohol. I
say this because the dogmatically teach that drinking is a sin has
lead many away from the Lord, when the truth of the matter is the
Jesus drank wine and even turn water into wine when he was asked to
do so by his Mother. If you believe that your drinking will cause a
brother or sister to fall, then do NOT drink, but at the same time do
NOT JUDGE and CONDEMN those fellow brothers and sisters who drink in
MODERATION without getting DRUNK. Personally I do NOT like the taste
of any kind of alcohol so I myself do NOT DRINK for this REASON, to
ME it just TASTES bad. However, I find no fault in any brother or
sister who drinks, IF SO BE they drink WITHOUT getting DRUNK. This
word MODERATION can apply to every thing in life. To ME I find OVER
EATING to be that which some Christians do not even consider as a
sin.
You see things like being a "WORK A HOLIC" to ME is not letting
MODERATION rule and reign in ones life. One can be addicted to diet
soda or coffee and not realize that these little things are
controlling them, when they themselves should be in control. I hope
you understand what I am trying to say, we all have things in our
life that we need to work on without trying to lord over our brothers
and sister in the Lord. If however there is something that is
pressing upon you concerning another brother or sister in the Lord
then begin by reading and applying this next verse of scripture and
ask God for WISDOM to guide you in want HE wants you to do.
"6. Be careful for
nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Paul is teaching us here NOT to worry or to be anxious
about ANYTHING, but RATHER that we take EVERY THING that would cause
us to worry or fear to the Lord in PRAYER and supplication or the
making of requests or petitions WITH THANKSGIVING. In other words,
let us make our request unto God in prayer WITH a THANKFUL HEART
considering that God not only HEARS our prayer but also GIVES to us
our desires that we have REQUESTED of him. The word of God teaches us
that the REASON that we HAVE NOT is BECAUSE we ASK NOT and if we do
ask and do NOT RECEIVE, then it is BECAUSE we have ASKED with the
heart or intention of consuming that which we ask upon our own fleshy
lust. In other words, a SELFISH prayer is seldom answered.
"7. And the peace of
God, which passethall understanding, shall keepyour hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus."
But IF we ask with a THANKFUL heart that which is
ACCORDING to the WILL of God then we KNOW that we shall HAVE the
DESIRES that we have REQUESTED of God to receive. And this PEACE of
God which can not be adequately explained to you unless you yourself
have experience this peace, but God will GIVE this PEACE to those who
pray with a THANKFUL HEART knowing that their prayer in heard and the
answer is on the way, this PEACE shall KEEP their hearts AND their
minds through the ANOINTING of Jesus. This PEACE will be a KNOWING or
WITNESS from the Holy Spirit that will KEEP your mind and heart stead
fast in FAITH until you RECEIVE that which you have requested from
God.
"8.
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."
Finally my brothers and sisters, after you have done all
these things then lastly what so ever things are true and what so
ever things are honest, and what so ever things are just, pure,
lovely and are of a good report I want you all to THINK upon these
kind of things because the MIND that is stayed of focused upon these
godly things shall be KEPT in PERFECT PEACE, therefore if there be
ANY virtue or praise then think upon these things.
"9.
Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and
heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Paul is teaching us that all those things which we have
learned. The things which we have heard. And the things we have seen
to be in the apostles and early church we are to DO and then the
PEACE of Almighty God will be WITH US as well.
"10.
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."
But I Paul have rejoiced in the Lord greatly because you
again have shown your concern for me, even though you lacked the
opportunity to show your concern for me with material gifts.
"11. Not that I speak in
respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content."
I
am am nit saying this because I desire any material gifts from you
because I have LEARNED that no matter what circumstance I find myself
to be in I have LEARNED to be CONTENT.
"12. 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."
For you see, I have LEARNED to be be CONTENT in BOTH
being ABASED or made to live in a humble state of having lack and
also to be CONTENT and not prideful of boastful when I am living in
abundance. For you see, every where and in every thing I have been
INSTRUCTED or TAUGHT and therefore have LEARNED to be full AND to be
hungry. I have LEARNED to be CONTENT when I have all I need and more
and also when I have suffered need. And YOU can LEARN this as well.
"13. I can do all things
through Christ which strengthens me."
For you see my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
the REASON that I can do ALL these things is that I do them THROUGH
the ANOINTING of the Holy Spirit this SAME SPIRIT that was IN Jesus
is who STRENGTHENS me to be able to DO all these things. And this
SAME Holy Spirit is made available to ALL who BELIEVE.
"14.Notwithstanding you
have well done, that you did communicate with my affliction."
None the less you have done quite well in that you did
COMMUNICATE with my affliction.
"15. Now you Philippians
know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from
Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and
receiving, but you only."
Now I also want to make it known to you saints here at
Philippi that when I began to preach the gospel and when I departed
from Macedonia I want you to know that no other church that I planted
ever COMMUNICATED with me as in this are of GIVING and RECEIVING. You
are the ONLY church that ever gave to me of your material things.
"16. For even in
Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity."
For even when I was in Thessalonica you over and over
again or at least twice you gave to my need.
"17. Not because I
desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account."
And
again I say these things NOT because I desire a GIFT from you, but
RATHER I want you to keep on having this SPIRIT of GIVING to others
because it will produce FRUIT to your account in both heaven and in
Earth.
"18. But I have all, and
abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which
were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable,
well pleasing to God."
I want you to know that I have all I need and I do
abound in plenty because I have received of my brother Epaphroditus
the things that were sent form you. I want you to know that I
received that sweet odor or perfume that you sent, which I know was a
sacrifice for you and it is accepted of not only me but is well
pleasing in the eyes of God.
"19. But my God shall
supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus."
And I want you to KNOW that my God SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR
NEED according to the riches of HIS glory BY Christ Jesus. I want you
to KNOW that God will meet your ever need as you give of yourself to
meet the needs of others.
"20. Now unto God and
our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
To Almighty God our Father be all the GLORY both NOW and
FOR EVER, AMEN.
"21. Salute every saint
in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you."
Say hello to every believer in Jesus Christ who is there
with you for me and every believer who is here with me says hello to
you as well. They send their peace and grace also.
"22.
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's
household."
I want you to know that ALL the saints send their
greetings and especially those of the household of Caesar.
"23. The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [To the Philippians written
from Rome, by Epaphroditus.]"
Again the GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be WITH you
ALL, Amen. [So evidently this letter was written by the hand of
Paul's brother Epaphroditus to the Philippian church from Rome even
though it appears to be a first person narrative by Paul. It may be
that Paul dictated the letter or spoke of these things and his
brother took it upon himself to actually write the letter, perhaps
because Paul was in prison.]
One of the main themes that I perceived or learned from
this book above any other is that we are to consider the needs of
OTHERS ABOVE the needs our OWN needs. Sure we must meet the needs of
our family, but I believe what Paul is teaching us here is that some
of the things we thing our our needs are things that we can do
WITHOUT so that the TRUE needs of OTHERS can be meet by our
SACRIFICE.
May God bless you richly as you continue to seek the
truth of the whole word of God. Always be FAITHFUL and forget not to
share the word of TRUTH with your fellow man.
Your brother in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Mark.