Seeking the Life in Christ

Monday, May 24, 2021

Seeking The Life In Christ As My Way Of Life

Meditations on Philippians

May 24, 2021

Seeking The Life In Christ As My Way Of Life

Let your bearings towards one another arise out of your life in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:5 (NEB 1961)

Read: 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 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. Knowing that Paul actually lived his life after Christ’s example can help us raise our expectations. I believe verse five is the key to how Paul, and how you and I, can follow 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 of 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 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.”

My Takeaway: This verse 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

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(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.

Friday, May 21, 2021

The Interests of Others

Meditations on Philippians

May 21, 2021

The Interests of Others

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 (NRSV)

Read: 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: “agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (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: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? (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 NIV). 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. Compare these two translations of Philippians 2:4. The first is from the New Living Translation, which I mostly love and often use, and which is consistent with most English translations. The second is from the New Revised Standard Version, which I think is one of the most accurate translations we have available today.

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (NLT)

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. (NRSV)

Can you see the issue? The NLT, and similar translations, encourages the reader to try and fit-in caring for others to their life as best they can. The NRSV is more consistent with Jesus’ teaching in his Sermon on the Mount: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33)

My Takeaway: There is an important dichotomy at work as we seek the life in Christ as our way of life. First, the claim Jesus has on his followers is total. 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” (Philippians 2:4 NRSV). However, we are acutely aware we don’t measure up to this standard. Now comes the second point in the dichotomy: We press on because “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)

Sē’lah

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(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, May 20, 2021

Worthy of The Good News

Meditations on Philippians

May 20, 2021

Worthy of The Good News

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

Philippians 1:27a

Read: Philippians 1: 27-30

As I scanned the media this morning two items caught my attention. First, I noticed how some Christians were making antisemitic statements about Israel’s response to the recent rocket attacks on Tel Aviv. Secondly, a clergy friend noted how witnessing a UMC clergy attack another clergy person in a UMC Clergy Facebook group is incredibly sad. Such is our world culture. In our passage today, Paul lifts up the importance of the followers of Christ maintaining their Christian integrity in the face of 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 you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him” (Philippians 1:29).

My Takeaway: When Paul encourages us to not be intimidated in any way by our enemies, he includes our enemy within which continually wars against our new life in Christ. We are challenged each day to do our part to be transformed by the renewing of our minds as we choose to believe that what is true for Jesus is just as true for his followers. When we do, we can joyfully receive Paul’s charge:

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven,

conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ”

(Philippians 1:27a).

Sē’lah

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(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, May 19, 2021

Into the Presence of God

Meditations on Philippians

May 19, 2021

Into the Presence of God

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.

Philippians 1:21-22

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. When Saint Paul wrote to the Philippians, this quality was sorely missing in the Roman Empire.

In this passage, 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 because 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: Billy Graham, who died February 21, 2018, had the same attitude about death as Paul. After Graham’s death this quote appeared in hundreds of places: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” May God give us ever-increasing faith so that we may live as the Apostle Paul and Billy Graham.

Sē’lah

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(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, May 18, 2021

God’s Perspective

Meditations on Philippians

May 18, 2021

God’s Perspective

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

Philippians 1:12

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 “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (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 all for good” (Genesis 50:20a). Paul’s house arrest became his pulpit. Paul’s congregation 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 being detained in Rome. 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 (pagans) 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 and pagans 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 is seeking God’s perspective in all the circumstances I encounter. How about you?

Sē’lah

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(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, May 17, 2021

Remaining Faithful

Meditations on Philippians

May 17, 2021

Remaining Faithful

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

Read: Philippians 1: 1-11

As we begin reading Philippians, keep in mind that Paul had been under arrest in Caesarea for at least two years before his journey to Rome that took at least six months, and included his ship sinking. In Rome, he was guarded by a soldier and under house arrest for another two years. It was during this period he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi.

In the letter, he will use the word joy in its various forms sixteen times, beginning here: “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy . . .” (v.4)

One of my favorite verses of scripture 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, and I have remained faithful.” 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 actually 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, and God isn’t through with me either, or you! As we begin reading the Book of Philippians, we can celebrate our God who owns the record for finishing what He starts. Our text is straight to the point: “God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

My Takeaway: I sense God calling me to consider what in my life have I left unfinished. I don’t mean yardwork that still need doing, or the deck that still needs painting. Are there relationships I have given up on? Are there habitual sins in my life that I have just accepted as a normal part of my life? I need to spend time in prayer. Psalm 139:23-24 is a good place to start my prayer:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Sē’lah

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(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.)

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Paul in Rome – Part Two

/Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 16, 2021

Paul in Rome – Part Two

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts 28:30-31

Read: Acts 28:23-31

Several people said they were got so caught up in the story of Paul that they couldn’t stop reading at the end of an assigned passage – they wanted to know what happened next. While the entire book of Acts has seemed to be marching toward a grand climax, especially the last few readings about the thrilling sea journey, shipwreck and rescue on the island, it seems that Luke leaves us hanging.

What happened to Paul in Rome? Luke does not give us many details. From history, we know that during the two years Luke says Paul was in Rome, Paul wrote what we call his Prison Letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. But after giving us so many details about Paul’s missionary journeys, Luke gives scant information about Paul’s ministry in Rome, or for that matter, about Paul’s destiny with Caesar.

For Luke, the writing of the Acts of Apostolic Men has reached its glorious climax, and it is not about Paul. In Chapter 1, the followers of Jesus numbered one hundred twenty. Thirty-two years later, at the end of Chapter 28, the followers of Jesus numbered in the tens of thousands. The Good News of Jesus the Christ had traveled across the world and was proclaimed, without hindrance, in Rome, the center of the world.

Luke’s task was completed. Someone else can write chapter 29.

(During the two years Paul was under house arrest, Luke wrote his Gospel and the Book of Acts. Paul was released and extended his mission to Spain. He returned to Rome and when Nero severely persecuted the Christians, both Paul and Peter were martyred.)

My Takeaway: I invite you to join me in praying that we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, write the twenty-ninth chapter of Acts 29 through our local church.

Sē’lah

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(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.)

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, May 24, 2021