“that you may become…children of God”
The third standard for overcoming schism among believers is becoming children of God in character. Before our testimony can be effective we must behave like “children of God.”
“that you may become…children of God”
The word “become” means to become something that we were not before. This passage says that we are […]
Archive for December, 1995
…that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault…
The fourth standard to keep in mind if one is tempted with schism is “without fault” mentality. Do we have something in our lives by which non-Christians use to not believe the claims of Christ?
“that you may become…without fault”
“Without fault” means without blemish and […]
"in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world"
Having set forth four standards for Christians to overcome schism, Paul presents the reason why these criteria are necessary.
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation
"Crooked" means that the nonchristian world does not hue to a straight […]
“holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”
Paul’s main concern is that the Philippian church will not lose its testimony and impact on the nonchristian world. In verse 15 he said that we are to illumine […]
“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. for the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.”
In verses 17 and 18 Paul presents himself as a prototype of service. His desire to […]
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
At the end of chapter two Paul illustrates selflessness in the lives of people. His first portrayal is Timothy. He is set before us in verses 19-24.
But I trust in the […]
For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
This verse is one of the most glowing tributes made to anyone in the New Testament. Timothy was well known in Philippi. He was with Paul on each of his three visits to that city.
“For I have no one like-minded”
The […]
For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
Now we turn from a glowing tribute to a terrific indictment. Paul knew of no one who cared for people like Timothy. He was others oriented, not focused on self interests. But evidently the church at Rome was living in a “me generation.” […]
“But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the Gospel.”
Character is crucial in sports. If a player has character he has stability. People can count on him. He will persist through the tough times such as a losing streak. Here Paul talks about the character […]
“Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.”
Here the apostle is able to dangle between two possible directions of God’s will. For most of us there is insecurity in uncertainty. Yet Paul’s […]