Philippians 2-5.23.22
Scripture
Philippians 2:5-8
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is writing the church of Philippi and is encouraging them to take on the attitude of Jesus Christ. He implores them to be compassionate and loving. He reminds them to love one another and to work together for the one purpose of spreading the gospel to others. Paul tells them to not be selfish; to think of others as better than themselves. Paul tells them to humble themselves, to not only lookout for their own interests, but take an interest in others as well. Ultimately, Paul is able to point to the life of Jesus, and use that as an example of how they all should be living their lives.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Jesus not only talked the talk, but He also walked the walk.
You know the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words"? Well Jesus spoke volumes through His actions. Here is God in the flesh, who gave up His throne from Heaven to come down to earth and be born in a lowly manger. He came not with a sense of entitlement, but rather came to us with a humble heart. He came to serve, not be served. He came to not only tell us how we should live our lives, but He also demonstrated with His actions how to do it. And above anything else, He took the fall for our sinful nature. Jesus put God's plan and others’ well being, ahead of His own. I cannot help but admire, respect, honor, and love Him for that!
There is something about following someone that you know put in the work themselves. You know that they were once in your shoes and found a way to get the job done. There is something about following someone that you know, when times are tough, that they don't mind rolling up their sleeves, and getting dirty. There is something about following someone that is willing to do life with you and has your back no matter what! There is something about following someone who puts your needs above their own and is even willing to die for you. Now that is someone I am willing to follow and strive to be like each day!
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 NLT
Life Application
Does my life reflect one of Jesus Christ? What areas can I improve in?
Thank You Jesus for leaving the comforts and riches of Your throne in Heaven, to lead us and show us how to live. Give me a humble heart to serve others the way You did. Give me the eyes for the lost so that I may help guide them and lead them to You. Give me discipline to not be stuck on my own selfish ambitions, but to instead be more driven to serve Your kingdom. In Your name Jesus I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
Philippians 1 - 5.20.22
Scripture
Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…
Observation – What does it say?
The Apostle Paul is writing a letter the Christians in the city of Philippi. And he begins by telling them the prayers he has been praying for them.
Understanding – What does it mean?
Love is the starting point.
Have you ever wondered the best decision to make? Have you ever wondered the key to living a pure and blameless life before God?
What an incredible insight! Paul prays that their love would abound SO THAT they would be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless. In other words, if we are overflowing with love for God and for people, that will give us the ability to know exactly what to do in every situation. Love is the answer.
Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. If we do, we will find ourselves fulfilling all the commands of scripture. If we love God we will seek him and spend time with him, seek to please him, obey him and worship him. If we love others we will naturally care for them, share Jesus with them, tell them the truth, build them up, etc.
Life Application
Ask God for our love to abound AND choose to act in love.
C.S. Lewis once said to not bother about whether we feel love for God or others. Rather, consider what you would do if you were overflowing with love. And when you have the answer, do it. When you do acts that express love for people, you will find your emotions catch up and you will love them more and more.
-Levi Thompson
Ephesians 6:13, 15- 05.19.22
SCRIPTURE:
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.”
OBSERVATION:
Paul closes out his letter to the Ephesians with an important word about Spiritual Warfare AND how to fit ourselves for battle with the FULL Armor of God.
UNDERSTANDING:
I have always Loved this portion of scripture and memorized the pieces of armor long ago. But I must admit I never fully understood what having “Your feet fitted with The Gospel of Peace” meant in terms of warfare or how it was a piece of armor. The Helmet [of Salvation], The Belt [of Truth], The Breastplate [of Righteousness], The Shield [of Faith], and The Sword [of The Spirit/The WORD] ALL make perfect sense. But how does strapping on “Shoes of Peace” figure into a battle?
Here is what my research from Precept Austin-Bruce Hurt uncovered.
The Roman soldier wore sandals called Caliga, which were thickly studded sandals with cleats on the bottom of them. The cleats were designed in such a way as to “dig in” to the ground allowing the soldier to TAKE a FIRM Stand in Battle.
Likewise, Paul reminds us to be Prepared for Battle by being FIRMLY Planted in the TRUTH of the GOOD NEWS. We must have a “Sure Footing” so to speak, in regard to what The Good News Actually Means for us as Believers. We have a Strength in Battle that Far surpasses ANY enemy—because we are STRONG in God’s MIGHTY POWER.
Why is it called “Gospel of Peace”?
Because of Adam’s sin entering the world and affecting every man—all men and women are hostile toward God and at war with HIM. It is ONLY the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Peace, which brings '“reconciliation of man to God” and establishes Peace.
LIFE APPLICATION:
Believer’s Need Never Live a Life of Defeat—Stand Firm IN The Lord’s MIGHTY Power!
When our Feet are shod with the Preparation of The Gospel of Peace, we Stand in the CONFIDENCE of God’s LOVE for us and HIS Commitment to Fight For us. The Believer who Stands IN The Lord’s Power Never Needs to Fear any enemy—or attack. Our Feet are Firmly rooted on the Solid Ground of the Gospel of Peace. God is No Longer our enemy. HE is our Defender, and Our Heavenly Father. (Inspired by John MacArthur)
As others SEE us Standing Firm and unshakeable in this very unstable world—May we Stand ready to SHARE the reason for our Hope—The Good News!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16a NIV)
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 WEB)
Lord Jesus,
Thank you that you supply us with every thing we need. Our salvation gives us position and as we Take up the armor You supply we can appropriate the power—in Your Perfect Peace—to stand AND withstand Any attack. May we Live In the Victory You Made Possible.
In Your Sovereign Name, Amen.
Tina L Kudelka