Seeking the Life in Christ

Friday, November 6, 2026

Your Life in Christ Jesus

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 6, 2026

Your Life in Christ Jesus

“Let your bearings towards one another arise

out of your life in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 2:5 (NEB 1961)

Philippians 2:5-11

Imagine a snobby, very socially conscious community. Everything in the community is about status, power and honor. The word humility is literally not in their vocabulary. That was life in the Roman colony of Philippi (Home of Alexander the Great). Paul’s first visit to Philippi, where he was beaten and thrown into jail for proclaiming Jesus as Lord, is recorded in Acts 16. There we learn that only after his release from jail did Paul reveal his Roman citizenship, a status that would have prevented him being beaten and jailed. Why did he wait? What qualities of life in a Christian community was he demonstrating for the new followers of Jesus in Philippi? When we read Philippians 2: 1-11, we see that Paul was not just waxing eloquent; he was living the very life he was offering to the Philippians.

Too often we are tempted to dismiss Paul’s description of the self-sacrificing life of Christ as not a reasonable expectation for the average person in the church. Our attitude should change when we realize that Paul lived his life after Christ’s example. Verse five is the key to how Paul followed Jesus. Most translations of verse five say that we should have the same attitude or mind as Christ. Calling me to have the same attitude as Christ puts all the responsibility on me to have the power and integrity to live self-sacrificially. I believe that is both unreasonable and not possible. However, the New English Bible translates verse five to reveal the very heart of Paul’s message and sets forth the truth that enabled Paul, and that will enable you and me, to be fully devoted followers of Jesus:

“Let your bearings towards one another arise

out of your life in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 2:5 (NEB 1961)

My Takeaway: That verse of Scripture changed my life and gave me my life’s mission statement: Seeking the life in Christ as my way of life. It is our life in Christ that enables us to choose a self-sacrificing way of life that brings glory to our God and empowers us to be co-laborers with Christ for the Kingdom of God.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life. The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Looking to the Interests of Others

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 5, 2026

Looking to the Interests of Others

“. . . in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3b-4 (NRSV)

Philippians 2:1-4

Paul begins Chapter Two with a call for unity within the church. At first glance, his call for unity may seem over the top, way too unrealistic for the diversity of people who come together as the church: “being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2). In the next passage, Paul will elaborate on how he believes his call is totally realistic, but in verse one, he has laid the foundation for unity within the Body of Christ: “if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion” (Philippians 2:1). This is another way to think of the fruit of the Spirit Paul described in Galatians 5:22-23. The writer of Hebrews captured this same thought when he wrote, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2a). When we stay completely focused on Jesus, everything will fall into its proper place.

One of the issues facing Christianity in 21^st Century America is the notion that the Christian faith is something we can add on to our existing life, fitting it in where we can without too much inconvenience. Paul completely dispels that notion in verse four: “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

Paul makes clear that the claim Jesus has on his followers is total. When we take seriously the self-sacrificing way of life that Jesus sets before us, we may seek comfort in Brennan Manning’s assertion that “God loves us unconditionally, just as we are; not as we should be. Because no one is as they should be.” (All is Grace by Brennan Manning) Yes and Amen.

My Takeaway: However, we never want to lose sight of God’s goal for us, because God never, ever does: “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

The Angels Come

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 4, 2026

The Angels Come

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1: 27a

Read: Philippians 1: 27-30

A few years ago, a photo of professional golfer Webb Simpson and his wife was posted on social media after Simpson won a golf tournament. Both Simpson and his wife are known for their Christian faith. Below the post were several comments. Some of the comments were positive, many were like “catcalls” directed toward Simpson’s wife and a few of the comments were demeaning Simpson’s faith. Such is our world culture. In the last paragraph of Philippians 1, Paul stresses the importance for the followers of Christ to maintain their Christian integrity in the face of such hostility.

The culture in the USA is becoming increasingly hostile to the Christian movement. The followers of Jesus had a profound influence on both the initial settlements in America and the eventual founding of the US. That influence shaped the prevailing culture in the US until the post-Civil War era. Since then, the prevailing culture has been increasingly anti-Christian. Paul’s words to his friends in Philippi are certainly apt for our times as well: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29).

My Takeaway: After Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, Matthew tells us, “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:11). We too, when suffering for Christ, can expect God’s angels to attend to us. There are other times when our suffering is the result of illness, or perhaps our own wrongdoing. Then too, we experience the gracious comfort of God. (See 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

A Room Prepared for Us

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 3, 2026

A Room Prepared for Us

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

Read: Philippians 1: 18b-26

The Christian poet John Donne wrote that every man’s death diminished him, because he was involved with mankind. Therefore, he wrote, “send not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” (John Donne, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation XVII.) In that simple phrase, Donne captures the heart of Christian community, the essence of heaven, and the highest quality in the Kingdom of God. Donne is pointing to a respect, even a reverence, for human life. This quality was sorely missing in the Roman Empire.

In Philippians 1:19-26, and in Chapter 3, Paul lays the foundation for the Christian’s understanding of life after death. Here Paul makes it abundantly clear that he does not fear death, because he knows his mortal death will transport him into the presence of Jesus. By no means is Paul cavalier about death. In places like 2 Corinthians 1: 8-11, Paul expounds on the threat of death he often faced. However, he always rested in his faith that Christ ‘loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Paul knew the Romans, with their lack of respect for human life, could easily execute him as a troublemaker. He wasn’t volunteering to go to the gallows. He was affirming that as much as he wanted to live, and proclaim the Good News, and teach his disciples, he also knew that when his work was completed, Jesus would be waiting to greet him.

This abiding faith empowered Paul to remain firm in the face of persecution. He concludes this passage with a call to the church to remain steadfast in unity, and to not be intimidated by those who oppose the Kingdom of God.

My Takeaway: I remember making several visits to the Hospice House to pray with a dear friend dying of cancer. In each prayer with my friend, my mind was steadfast on the promise of Jesus: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2) I believe it was this promise that inspired Paul to finish well.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

Monday, November 2, 2026

Because Of This I Rejoice

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 2, 2026

Because Of This I Rejoice

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Philippians 1:18b

Read: Philippians 1: 12-18a

Whenever we are facing trying circumstances, we can pray, “God, please show me your perspective in this situation.” When God reveals His perspective, it will always be consistent with His redemptive purposes for humankind. The Apostle Paul beautifully modeled this truth throughout his life. Paul teaches us that we can give thanks to God in all circumstances because we know “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Our passage for today is evidence of this truth.

Paul’s attitude about being in jail affirms the words of Joseph to his brothers in Egypt after their father died: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20). Paul’s jail cell became his pulpit. Paul’s congregation in jail included the whole palace guard as well as the other prisoners. (Philippians 1:13) This was just part of the good God caused to come out of Paul’s circumstances. When others within the church heard how the prisoners and guards were being ministered to by Paul, they were encouraged and inspired to boldly proclaim the Gospel without fear. (Philippians 1:14) And then there were the pagans.

Paul wrote this Epistle to the church in Philippi to thank them for providing his sustenance while he was in jail in Ephesus. The local gossip was full of news about this itinerate preacher who had been jailed for claiming a dead Jew had been brought back to life by Almighty God and was now the reigning King of all the earth. Even though these gossip mongers were not followers of Jesus, Paul said the message about Christ was being proclaimed, so he could rejoice. (Philippians 1:18) What the ruling authorities intended for evil, God was using for good.

My Takeaway: From beginning to end, the Bible shows that God’s redemptive purposes cannot be denied. Because nothing is impossible for God, I would do well to be more proactive in seeking God’s perspective on all the circumstances I encounter. How about you?

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

Friday, October 30, 2026

Finishing Well

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 30, 2026

Finishing Well

“. . . that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

As I seek to make the Life in Christ my way of Life, I will be writing these mediations over the next several weeks as I read the book of Philippians. One of my favorite verses in this epistle is Philippians 2:13 where Paul affirms that God is at work in me. (And you!) That verse is made even more powerful for me by verse six in today’s reading:

“God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Finishing what he started was very important for the apostle Paul as he affirmed in 2 Timothy 4:7, where he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” We live in an era where going the distance is not the norm. There was a time when professional athletes were expected to finish the race, but no more. We have relief pitchers in baseball, and all manner of specialists in football and other team sports, making it unnecessary for many athletes to go the distance to finish the race.

Of course, life doesn't work that way. Our goal for life is not about how we start; it’s about finishing well. I know we all have experienced things in our lives that we did not finish. However, that wasn’t our goal when we began. Our goal was to finish what we started.

In the Gospel of Mark, the young man at the tomb instructed the women to go and tell Peter that Jesus would be waiting for him in Galilee. (Mark 16:7) Why? Because God wasn’t through with Peter. God isn’t through with me either, or you!

My Takeaway: I am both comforted and cautioned by today’s text. Comforted to know God is continuing to form Christ in me until He completes His work. Cautioned to stay alert to God’s work within me. Frequently, each day, I want to ask, “How am I experiencing God at work in me?”

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Your Own Divine Revelation

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 29, 2026

Your Own Divine Revelation

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Matthew 16:15

When Jesus was in Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” The town had a Roman name because it had a temple built to the Roman god, the Emperor. Jesus asked that question as he was surrounded by idols to the Roman gods. Jesus’ question and Peter’s answer are meaningful to the followers of Jesus today from two perspectives.

First, our relationship with God is inherently personal. Each of us has the responsibility of responding to the message of Christ and committing our lives to him fully and without reservation. No other person can make this decision for us. In making our decision, we ultimately are responsible for responding to Jesus’ question, “But who do you say I am?” I have been blessed to have studied under great teachers and pastors. I’ve had good friends to encourage me along my journey. Even so, Jesus doesn’t ask me who Brennan Manning or Fred Craddock says that he is; he asks me, “Who do you say I am?”

Jesus’ question is almost a Catch-22, since the question is beyond any human’s capacity to correctly answer. As soon as “Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” Jesus made it clear that Peter’s response was one of divine revelation: “Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am” (Matthew 16: 17 MSG).

As we journey through life, seeking to make the life in Christ our way of life, we can rest in the sure knowledge that God will take all the bits and pieces of information we have received about Jesus, and transform them into a divine revelation for us. Just as God authored Peter’s confession, so also will God reveal to us the rock of our salvation: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

My Takeaway: Six verses after Peter affirmed Jesus as The Messiah, Peter began reprimanding Jesus for predicting His coming death. Remember our quest to guard against satisfaction and complacency? We must focus on this quest, 24/7, lest we too hear Jesus say to us: “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matthew 16:23)

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

Friday, November 6, 2026

Your Life in Christ Jesus

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Looking to the Interests of Others

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

The Angels Come

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

A Room Prepared for Us

Monday, November 2, 2026

Because Of This I Rejoice

Friday, October 30, 2026

Finishing Well

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Your Own Divine Revelation

Seeking the Life in Christ

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