Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Philippians 3:2 (KJV)
Concision – Paul was a wordsmith. He enjoyed using words to convey particular meanings, creating his own words, and digging into the uncommon words of society. The latter is true for this particular word translated as “concision.”
Continue reading “Butchering the Truth”7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
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,Philippians 3:7-8 (KJV)
Loss – As a Pharisee, Paul was taught the law. This meant that he was taught to love God with all his heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5). He was taught to love his neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). He was taught not to murder, not to commit adultery, not to steal (Exodus 20:13-15). Paul was taught to honor his parents (Exodus 20:12) and to wear tassels on his clothing (Numbers 15:38). He learned to eat only clean meats (Leviticus 11), and provide for the orphans and widows (Exodus 22:22). But yet, in Paul’s letters to the Philippians, he seems to suggest that this is all dung, or considered loss at the knowledge of Christ? Does that sit well with you? Continue reading “Loss is Subjective”
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NASB)
Thanksgiving – How many times have we gone before God, kneeled down, and began asking for things? This happens to me all the time. Immediately I petition those around me to join me in asking the Lord to forgive my sins. Before this, I might thank Him for His mercy, but it’s a quick jump into my petition.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Philippians 3:20 (KJV)
Conversation – The famous Billy Graham once said, “My home is in heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.” He, like many of us, believe this to be very true. When a believer dies, they go to heaven, right? While there are several verses that might give this impression such as this one in Philippians, it is hardly the case. Continue reading “A Home In Heaven”
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
Philippians 3:13 (NASB)
Not laid hold – I’m often asked by other Christians an interesting question. It goes something like this, “If an accident were to happen right now, and you died, are you secure in your salvation? Would you be saved?” And in my former years I always responded emphatically, “Yes!” But I’ve been raised under the influence of main stream Christianity – Paul was not. Paul admits that he himself is not even sure he’s obtained salvation through the resurrection of the dead (Phil. 3:11). How is this possible? Paul is much more inline with the teachings of Christ than I am. Paul’s earnest desire is to be found in Christ, to receive the righteousness of Him by God through faith, to know Him and the power of His resurrection. Me, on the other hand… well I’m just trying to balance my family and work. My battles are much smaller than Paul’s, my trials aren’t life threatening, and because of this, my conviction is quite insignificant compared to Paul’s. Yeshua is the complete center of Paul’s life, and don’t get me wrong, He’s the center of my life too when I’m not completely focused on work, or putting the kids down for bed, or helping around the house. So why am I so sure of my salvation when Paul isn’t? Continue reading “Are You Saved?”
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Philippians 1:1 (KJV)
Bishops and deacons – It certainly appears that Paul was establishing churches, especially when he uses church oriented words like “bishops and deacons”. I don’t recall synagogues using this language in their structure, so clearly Paul left the synagogues to form churches that separated from the Jewish culture, right? Or are we being influenced by the preconceived theology of the translators once again? Continue reading “Bishops and Deacons”
