“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.  To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” (Philippians 3:1)

Look around and you will see safeguards everywhere.  Grocery stories have little signs to guard us against slipping on newly-mopped aisles, tablesaws have stops to guard against kickback, we put guard rails on bunkbeds, safety barriers are in high traffic areas, and security guards are in our schools.  In normal life, you will never need these safety measures.

Safeguards only exist for the worst-case scenario.  They protect against what might happen in the worst-case scenario.  They exist because accidents happen, bad people do the wrong thing, and life isn’t always normal.

Paul told the Philippians that it was worth the effort to write to them and remind them of things they already knew.  That’s another way of saying it is worth the effort for us to read things we already know.  Refreshing our minds with a return to well-worn passages is a safeguard against complacency and distraction.

A psalm a day keeps the devil away… or something like that.  Regular meditation on the Word is a safeguard for the soul.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 3:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But you know of his [Timothy’s] proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.” (Philippians 2:21)

            Timothy would eventually become one of the great evangelists of Christendom.  He would help guide Corinth out of folly, lead Ephesus through elder selection and dangerous doctrine waters, and impact the Lord’s church in myriads of undocumented ways which only the Lord knows.  He was a man who Paul trusted, relied on, and had “proven worth”.

            Where did it all start? He traveled with Paul and served as a “child serving his father.”  Timothy would go on to do great things because he started out as a servant and a student.  Timothy was an apprentice first.  Greatness begins by sitting at the feet of greatness.  The apostles did it with Jesus, and those humble enough to learn went on to do powerful things.  Timothy did it with Paul, and the results were similar.  You cannot lead until you first learn to follow.  You’ve got to do the work to become someone of proven worth.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:19-30

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing…” (Philippians 2:14)

            The context of this passage is key.  In the verses above, we are told that God is at work in us, “to will and to work for His good pleasure” (vs. 13).  We are told that God, as our Father, is actively steering events surrounding our lives, so He might shape us as He sees fit.  He is a loving Father who disciplines us for our good, which means that every trial, every pang, every hard task can and will be used by Him for our good.

            However, that good discipline and shaping cannot occur if we grumble and argue through the whole process.  We will not be shaped according to His good pleasure if we do not have a good attitude that is soft and open to being transformed and renewed.  We ought not to grumble because the Shepherd is leading us – and even if it is through the valley of the shadow of death – there must be a reason He would lead us this direction instead of another.  Grumbling and disputing waste the journey instead of taking advantage of the lesson.  Follow cheerfully – the journey will be worth it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

            Every good castle has a lookout… so does every ship… and conquering army… and every wilderness expedition.  It turns out that any group of people that seeks to do anything upon foreign field or tempestuous sea sets a lookout for safety.  A lookout is an individual prepared to see events that might otherwise go unseen like an iceberg in the North Atlantic, or on a more positive front, a lookout might be the first to see an oasis on a desert expedition.

            As Christians, we are told to “look out” for both our own interests and the interests of others.  We tend to not have much trouble with the former but struggle with the latter.  It is our duty to keep watch for the dangers and opportunities which those around us might face.  There are dangers, heartaches, and blessings which would go unaddressed or ungrasped if it were not for good people who have hearts to help others around them.

            Be a lookout for others.  Keep your head on a swivel and seek the interests of those around you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…and I do not know which to choose.” (Philippians 1:22)

            As Paul wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote as a prisoner awaiting trial.  Paul was soon to have his day in court before Caesar, and Nero was a mercurial judge at best.  Paul did not know which way the case would go.  Caesar could pronounce him guilty and behead him on the spot, or Nero could pronounce him innocent, leaving Paul to walk out of court a free man.  At the time of Paul writing this letter, he did not know what the outcome would be, and even more surprisingly, Paul wasn’t even sure what outcome he would prefer.

            I’m not sure which idea I find more profound – that Paul would be excited at the possibility of being beheaded because his faith and conviction in Christ was so strong that death was a welcome friend and an embracing of the hope he held so dear OR that Paul would love the brethren so much that his desire to serve and help them would convince him to postpone his journey to Paradise in order to serve a few more years down here amongst the wheat and tares of this broken world.

            May we all attain to the level of faith that welcomes death with hope in our eyes but also relishes another day to serve and shine in this dark world.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:21-30

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)

            Paul’s emphasis wasn’t upon whether his circumstances had turned out for his benefit.  Paul was concerned about how his circumstances benefited the gospel.  When we view our lives through the larger lens of Jesus’ kingdom it changes us.  It isn’t about me.  If our suffering makes room for Jesus to be glorified, then our suffering becomes a victory.

            All events can be leveraged for the kingdom if we let them.  Use your circumstances for Jesus’ good, and your life will have meaning through both good and bad seasons.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:12-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10)

            The things we approve tend to be the things we emulate.  Behavior must receive our approval before it gains our imitation.  Unfortunately, we often approve the wrong things, things that are not excellent.

            Ask yourself:

Are my entertainment choices excellent or mediocre? 
            Are my friends excellent companions or bad influences?
            Do I fill my mind with excellent thoughts and excellent role models?

            Sincere and blameless lives begin with approval of excellent things.  Expect excellence.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

The book of Ephesians is about God’s plan for the church, but it also reminds us that the devil has plans, too.  Satan means ‘adversary’, and so he is.  You have to factor him into the equation.

Sometimes things go wrong in your life because of the devil.  When you start to get into a Bible reading routine, don’t be surprised when the devil throws a couple emergencies in to try and break up your good habits.

When you start working on your character, don’t be surprised when the devil takes and throws a couple extra temptations your way.  Sometimes old habits die hard because Satan is trying to resurrect them.

From stressors to discouragement to prosperity, the serpent has a way of looking for ways to slither right into your life and stop progress.

Armor up.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6:10-24

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)

            This command is for children, but to be viewed and understood by parents.  It is Mom and Dad who are first reading the Scripture.  It is Mom and Dad who need to be reminded that it is right for them to expect obedience from their children.  It is Mom and Dad who are being told by the culture that obedience in children isn’t important.

            Listen to God, not man.  Expecting obedience from your children is right.  It is right for you to lead and expect them to follow.  Godly parental authority is healthy and the best way to lead them to Jesus.  Who cares what the latest parenting philosophy is?  Expect obedience and lead accordingly.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:27)

            The church is the bride of Christ and Ephesians chapter six says that Jesus wishes for His bride to be as beautiful and glorious as she can.  It is as if He bought her the best clothes, paid for her to go the finest spas, and provided her with the highest quality of lotions and perfumes so that she could be seen as the very best and purest version of herself.

            The imagery is of a groom that desires to help his bride be her best and will pay any price to proudly present her to the world in the best of lights.  This is a model for how every husband ought to treat his wife.  The purity of her reputation and presentation to the world is his concern and worthy of his sacrifice and effort.

It is also a reminder that Jesus has done that for us.  Jesus paid the ultimate price to cleanse us and present us as holy and blameless.  We are clean because He has made us that way.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision