Philippians

[IKTCA]

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy ..... Philippians 1:3-4)

God placed two of his children in my care and asked me to raise them for him. One concern had always been with me: what if these children grow up not knowing God? But both grew up, knowing God and reading the Bible. Now they go to their churches on their own. As I give thanks to God remembering them, joy comes to my prayer.

This is my prayer ..... (that you be able to) determine what is best (v. 10)

They know right from wrong. They discern a better way. But I pray that they discern the best through growth in knowledge and obedience.

Father,
You entrusted your two children to me, and guided me to raise them in the right way. The joy, that comes to my soul as I remember them in my prayers, is a reminder of your reward for raising them to God-fearing persons.

But, Father, I still have a prayer in my heart for them that they long to know you ever more, not turning left or right, but following your commands. I return these souls to your hands now. Have mercy on me, Father, and allow me to have joy whenever I remember them in my prayers, as I watch them reaching the full measure of grace in every part of their life. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I ask. Amen.

(My home group is reading Philippians this week.)

 

[Richard]

I love Philippians. I've done an intensive research on Philippians and Paul's letters. My life verse is in Philippians. When Paul tells us , his life is considered nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ Jesus, our Lord. It's powerful and I strive everyday to live that verse.

 

[IKTCA]

It is my eager expectation and hope ... that Christ will be exalted now as always in my body ... (Philippians 1:20)

I have been mostly a words-first Christian. Exalting Jesus has rarely caused inconveniences to my body. I feel so inadequate.

 

[BlackRain]

i read a part of philippians today. it was totally what i needed! God is so awesome like that. his word is always relevant to what i'm going thru.

 

[IKTCA]

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
If I am to live in the flesh,
that means fruitful labor for me…..(Philippians 1:21-22)

If one prefers dying to be with Christ, then he can truly live for others. But I have not seen anyone. Neither do I prefer death now to be with Jesus. If I fell sick, I would petition the Lord to heal me for longer life here on earth.

Living for others sounds like an ignorant idealism. But Paul lived that life. So it’s doable. But do I want it? I need to think hard to answer this question.

 

[IKTCA]

He has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well. (Philippians 1: 29)

I find certain teachings of the Bible are difficult to understand without experiencing them personally. As far as I live in this country, I know I will always have meals on my table; I know I will not have to pray for daily bread and give thanks for it. Suffering for Christ is another since this nation is a Christian country. But I will remember this verse since I don’t know the day and time when it may happen.

Father,
Though I do not quite understand this verse of the Bible, let the words give courage and power to the brothers who are suffering for Jesus at some places of this world. Let them know that it is a privilege graciously granted to them. Amen.

 

[Daughter of His]

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Phillipians 3:12

I love Phillipians too! I didn't realize Paul's dedication and strength until studying this awesome book. It helps to understand many of the other book Paul authored too. He is honest and humble at the same time.

 

[IKTCA]

I didn't realize Paul's dedication and strength until studying this awesome book. It helps to understand many of the other book Paul authored too. He is honest and humble at the same time.

What a beautiful statement! If we read Paul's heart in his letters, then we read Jesus' heart, for Paul's heart was after Jesus'.
Rupert

 

[day2day]

What a beautiful statement! If we read Paul's heart in his letters, then we read Jesus' heart, for Paul's heart was after Jesus'.
Rupert

That's what I pray for. A heart that thrists for Christ.

 

[IKTCA]

That's what I pray for. A heart that thrists for Christ.

Also pray for me so that my heart thirsts in the same manner.
Rupert

 

[IKTCA]

Even if I am being poured out as a libation (for you)…
I am glad and rejoice with all of you,
and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:17-18)

Paul loved the believers of Philippi. He said he loved them (he was glad and rejoiced with them). And he was asking them to love him (you must be glad and rejoice with me.)

I wonder if a servant of the Lord is a beggar of love. He loves others as if it was his duty. In return, he could demand love from them. But he begs for love instead. He gives his love as if it was worth nothing. But he cherishes other’s love as if it was priceless treasure.

Jesus poured out his blood for me. He could demand love from me. Instead, he pleads for my love. Every little slice of love I give to him he cherishes and honors as if my love for him was more precious than his love for me.

Lord Jesus,
Now I see. In Paul’s confession of love I see your love for me. Truly his heart resembles yours. Even in death he reflects you to me. I yearn to imitate Paul. Help me, Lord. Amen.

 

[Daughter of His]

Pressing on Toward the Goal

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:12-14

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of the pattern we gave you. Phillipians 3:17

So many people have trouble forgetting their past and yet Paul, had a past probably far worse than most and he was forgiven and used by God in a mighty way. We all need to press on and follow Paul's example.

 

[FoundInGrace]

Even if I am being poured out as a libation (for you)…
I am glad and rejoice with all of you,
and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:17-18)

Paul loved the believers of Philippi. He said he loved them (he was glad and rejoiced with them). And he was asking them to love him (you must be glad and rejoice with me.)

I wonder if a servant of the Lord is a beggar of love. He loves others as if it was his duty. In return, he could demand love from them. But he begs for love instead. He gives his love as if it was worth nothing. But he cherishes other’s love as if it was priceless treasure.

Jesus poured out his blood for me. He could demand love from me. Instead, he pleads for my love. Every little slice of love I give to him he cherishes and honors as if my love for him was more precious than his love for me.

Lord Jesus,
Now I see. In Paul’s confession of love I see your love for me. Truly his heart resembles yours. Even in death he reflects you to me. I yearn to imitate Paul. Help me, Lord. Amen.

i have foudn these thoughts interesting as they have sparked a thought about the Lord begging for our love - i hope you don't mind me commenting a little because i find it hard to imagine God begging for love from us. He does not need our love and only asks for our love that he may bless us.
Jesus said something along the lines of "If you love me you will obey me". when we disobey him it is to our detriment. To obey God is where freedom is, where life is and he wants that for us. I can imagine him saying Love me so I can bless you!
I'm probably not saying this very well, forgive me if i got the wrong end of what you were saying.
I have been finding the philippians thoughts really good.

 

[day2day]

Also pray for me so that my heart thirsts in the same manner.
Rupert

Already done, my friend ...already done

 

[IKTCA]

Sister FIG:
In my childish understanding I used childish words. You are correct. Jesus does not beg for my love. I tried to differentiate between a servant and Lord Jesus. I associated beg with servant, and plead with Jesus. But still it is a childish expression. Please allow me to bask in Jesus' love in a childish way just for the time being.

Sister D2D:
Thank you. I remember you in my prayers, too.

Rupert

 

[IKTCA]

It is by your holding fast to the word of life
that I can boast on the day of Christ
that I didn’t run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:16)

Paul cannot write a paragraph without mentioning his Lord Jesus. Paul cannot do a thing without remembering his Lord Jesus. He is Jesus’. He is one with Jesus. No lovers have been as one as Paul and Jesus. Many love stories have been made, but all pale before Paul and Jesus.

The Lord he met on the road to Damascus he knows he has to report to. All deeds he did in the name of Jesus and all words he spoke in the name of Jesus are to be reported.

Lord Jesus,
When I report to you, what deeds or words of my past can I bring to you? If my deeds were righteous, can they stand before you? If my words were gentle, can they stand before your meekness?

Lord,
I have just one wish that you make my love worthy, worthy to be presented to you. Let it be tested in loving my brothers. Amen.

 

[FoundInGrace]

Sister FIG:
In my childish understanding I used childish words. You are correct. Jesus does not beg for my love. I tried to differentiate between a servant and Lord Jesus. I associated beg with servant, and plead with Jesus. But still it is a childish expression. Please allow me to bask in Jesus' love in a childish way just for the time being.

God does cherish our love as any father cherishes the love of his child, He delights in his children, didn't mean to interrupt you enjoying his love Rupert, bask away bless ya

 

[mannysee]

it's quite moving to read through this letter and to note the numerous times Paul writes of himself rejoicing and exhorting his audience to rejoice as well, in a current place of suffering - himself being in prison. You really get a feel for how strong his love and ongoing concern for the Phillipian church was. A real pastor's heart if ever there was one.

 

[stranger]

Living for others sounds like an ignorant idealism. But Paul lived that life. So it’s doable. But do I want it? I need to think hard to answer this question.

What can one do for others that God cannot do for them ?

Do we yet KNOW love in order to BE love as Jesus was ?

Why has God not given all truth to all men yet , why are we left blind if not for God's purpose ?

Why do men of religion not seek to understand God's purpose , will, plan FIRST .... before rushing out to lead the blind as the blind ? Is it just impatience to be what is in the heart, to love before one knows how to love ?

Rather doesn't god move men DIFFERENTLY ? ... a few FOR NOW He reveals all His truth to , as with Jesus and the 144,000 ... but to many he reveals but a little , called but not chosen to be priests at Jesus; return ... to some few he leaves in evil to wait on the resolution in the lake of fire ... each man serves God for ultimate good, all that is required is the patience with God that we all lack ,and so have to learn the hard way ...

Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

1Ti 4:10... because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men ...

 

[IKTCA]

Friends,
I thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections with me. To the person who started a thread on Bible study I would like to recommend reading this thread. No one taught; all shared from their hearts. Isn't this a true Bible study?

Rupert



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Even for these two saints becoming one was not easy. They believed in the same Lord, and shared the same joy and sadness, but were not one.

Becoming one takes effort. Paul said to the Ephesians, “Make every effort to maintain the unity …” If becoming one would come naturally upon having faith in Jesus, Paul wouldn’t have had to urge Euodia and Syntyche to be one.

What effort am I making to be one with my brothers? Have I been blaming my brothers without making an effort myself? This is something that I need to think about.