Perilous Times

2 Timothy 3. In this chapter Paul warns young Timothy of the coming great apostasy, and that the only antidote to counteract is the Word of God. Note first the...

I. The Perversions: 3:1-9

• A. The Certainty of Perilous Times: 3:1
• B. The Characteristics of Perilous Times: 3:2-5
• C. The Corrupt of Perilous Times: 3:6-9

II. The Prescription: 3:10-17
Having diagnosed the disease, Paul now proposes a twofold preventative against it:

• A. Timothy Is To Continue in the Work of God: 3:10-13
• B. Timothy Is To Continue in the Word of God: 3:14-17

Now as you read this chapter today, keep in mind that the Apostle Paul is writing to Pastor Timothy. And when he tells Timothy that "in the last days, there will be perilous times, where men will be lovers of themselves, rather than lovers of God;....having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof..." ...do realize what he is saying. He is saying, "Pastor Timothy, when you see this sitting in your pews, know that you are living in the last days." For you see, those 18 or 19 characteristics that Paul list in vss.2-5 have always been with us. But when these woeful characteristics are characteristic of the church, know that you are in the last days. Folks, we're there today. Go back and review those characteristics and you'll agree, we are there. Jesus is coming soon!

Success = Successor

2 Timothy 2. In verse one, Paul commands Timothy to 'be strong'. That is an imperative. It is a command, but it is a command tempered with Paul's love as he adds the words 'my son'. Why would Paul make such a strong command to Timothy? Remember, Paul is in prison facing death. He was to be executed by the Romans on the false charge that he was an anti-government revolutionist. Timothy was to be his successor in the ministry. And the question is could young Timothy handle the pressure and persecution? So Paul commands Timothy to be strong in these 'perilous times' that are fast approaching (see ch.3:1ff).
And not only be strong, but be a strong teacher-2:2. Paul is saying, "Timothy, take that which I have taught you concerning the Word of God, and pass it on to other faithful men, who then will pass it on to others." Multiplication has always been God's process for advancing His kingdom and this must be our focus for church and ministry growth. Our work is not done until new believers are taught, and then they are able to teach others. Remember, there is no success without a successor. And never forget this: Each local church always stands just one generation away from extinction. So we must pass this on.
Are you doing your part? Are you sharing the Word with others? Do you have a burden to pass it on, or have you grown cold in your faith? Two key indicators of healthy, spiritual life are evangelism and discipleship. Are you sharing and teaching? And I'm not just talking about in a formal setting behind a podium. Moms are you discipling your little ones? Dads are you training and teaching your sons? Grandparents are you passing the faith down to your grandchildren? We all have influence over someone. Are we being a positive influence for Christ?
Final thought: Christians must to three things with God's Word: Read it, heed it, and deed it! That is our responsibility!

Not What, But Who

2 Timothy 1. Paul was put back in prison for the last time around AD 67. This time he was chained, not to a Roman guard under house arrest, but on death row in a dark, damp, dungeon in Rome. These are the last words of Paul before his execution around May-June of 68 AD. Of all the people Paul had known over the years, he chose to write his one last letter to Timothy, his spiritual son in the ministry. Paul wants to pass on the mantle of ministry to Timothy, so he writes to encourage him to continue to be faithful to his duties, to hold on to sound doctrine, to avoid error, to expect persecution for preaching the gospel, and above all, to put his confidence in the Word of God as he continues to preach it faithfully.
If you knew you were going to die very soon, what information would you want to pass on, and who would you want to pass it on to? Notice what Paul passes on in 1:12. Paul says, 'I know whom I have believed...' You might want to circle that word "whom" in your Bible. Paul does not say "I know what I believe..." He says, "I know WHO I believe." That's the key. What gets you through the dark, damp, dungeons of life? Not what you believe. It's who you believe.
Many folks know what they believe doctrinally. They know what they believe theologically. But they don't know Jesus personally. "What" will never get you through dark, damp, dungeon days. It will only say, "Wait a minute. This doesn't fit and figure into my theology!" But if you know WHO you believe, you'll join Paul in saying, "Lord, if you have me here in this dungeon, that's okay with me. After all, when I remember what You did for me on the Cross, how could I not trust You?" [Jon Courson]

It was these words of Paul that found their way into that beloved hymn we sing:
1st verse: "I know not why God's wondrous grace To me He hath made known; Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love Redeemed me for His own."

Chorus: "But 'I know whom I have believed, And am persuaded, that He is able, To keep that which I've committed Unto Him against that day.'"

4th verse: "I know not when my Lord may come, At night or noon day fair; Nor if I'll walk the vale with Him, Or meet Him in the air."
(Repeat chorus)

Be Content

1 Timothy 6. In this closing chapter Paul addresses the ministry of the church to the world vocationally, materially, and intellectually. Let's look at the second one: materially vss.6-10. First, Paul says that the secret to contentment is godliness. At birth we brought nothing into this world, and at death we take nothing out. Therefore, be content with the necessities of life and be content with godliness. What is contentment? It's an inner sufficiency that keeps us at peace in spite of outward circumstances.
Second, Paul says that the secret to contentment is NOT money (vss.9-10). Why? Four reasons:
1. IT TEMPTS AND ENSLAVES 6:9. Money becomes their master.
2. IT CAUSES MANY FOOLISH AND HURTFUL LUST 6:9b. Money cannot buy happiness.
Money Will Buy:

• a bed but not sleep;
• books but not brains;
• food but not appetite;
• finery but not beauty;
• a house but not a home;
• medicine but not health;
• luxuries but not culture;
• amusements but not happiness;
• religion but not salvation;
• a passport to everywhere but heaven.

3. IT DROWNS MEN IN DESTRUCTION 6:9c.
The word 'drown' is a descriptive picture of wealth being a personal monster, which plunges its victims into an ocean of complete destruction.
4. IT [the love of money] IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL 6:10.
Most people misquote this "money is the root of all evil". No! It's the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. Money by itself is amoral, like a gun. A gun in the hand of a policeman is a good thing, but in the hand of a criminal, it's a bad thing. The gun is amoral. Money on its own can be a wonderful tool for good. Money is amoral. But like anything else, it can become an idol. The real danger with money is that it obscures the simplicity of life.

Let me close today's thoughts with a great quote:
"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."
---Charles Haddon Spurgeon

The Family of Faith

1 Timothy 5. The church is described in the NT by a variety of metaphors and analogies: The Body, Bride, Army, Royal Priesthood, Flock (that is led and fed by our Great Shepherd 1 Pet.5:2-3). But there is one more metaphor of the church that fits the context of this passage: Family. We are of the household of faith. We are the Family of God. If we take God as our Father, then we take other Christians as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Just as you were born into your physical family, you are born again into your spiritual family. And this family will spend all eternity together around the throne of God.
So in this chapter, Paul describes how we should relate to one another and treat one another. First,

I. How To Treat People:

• How to treat older men. 5:1a
• How to treat younger men. 5:1b
• How to treat older women. 5:2a
• How to treat younger women. 5:2b
• How to treat widows with children. 5:3-4
• How to treat widows without children. 5:5-10
• How to treat young widows. 5:11-16

II. How To Treat The Preachers:

• Compensate them well. 5:17-18
• Do not accuse unjustly. 5:19-20, 24-25
• They must be impartial. 5:21
• They must be proven before ordained. 5:22a
• They must keep themselves pure. 5:22b
• They must take care of themselves physically. 5:23
  
• [Timothy in particular...(a little wine for the stomach)...remember, they didn't have any Maalox or Tums back then.]
  

If churches would take heed to these instructions , it would produce a healthy church family--a healthy family that any lost person would love to be a part of!

Prayer and Polls

1 Timothy 2. In eleven days we will vote a new man into the highest office in the land. Now I realize, and hope you do as well, that we are not electing a messiah that will solve all of America's problems. However, as a child of God, you will give an account, not for the outcome of the election, but for standing for that which is right. God is not going to hold you accountable for the results, but He will hold you accountable for not standing for the truth. Neglecting to vote is apathy, and that is wrong. Jesus told us that we are salt and light. We are to influence and impact society and its values. And being informed on the moral issues (not the economic ones) and where the candidates stand on those moral issues is your Christian obligation. Then you go into that booth and vote your convictions, your Christian values--that is but one way of how you can be salt and light.
Here in ch.2, Paul is writing young pastor Timothy. Times were getting harder. The wicked Nero was on the throne in Rome. So Paul tells Timothy to pray for all men, for kings and all who are in authority (v.2). The Ephesian church had evidently stopped praying for their governmental officials. So Paul instructs them to pray, not so much for the preacher (here) but for the president. Why? "...[so] that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." v.2b. Why pray for our government? Why pray for our election? Why pray for our elected officials? Because without a godly government, you can't have a peaceful situation where you can proclaim the gospel. Orderly government is part of God's provision, even in a wicked world --see Rom.13:1-7. Thus, our obligation is to pray and to continue to pray even long after the election is over.

Anger Management

Ever feel like this? Taking a hammer and smashing your computer? That was me this morning, but don't worry, I have already repented. For some reason the internet was down. We don't realize how dependent we become on these gadgets. I guess that's why I will never go fully electronic with my library. I've never had a bound commentary to crash. I've never had one of my study Bibles to crash or any other book for that matter. I know some preachers that have gone completely electronic with their libraries, but what happens when it crashes? It makes you sin like the picture above. Best keep those books on the shelf and "be angry and sin not".
Anyway, with that said, this morning our daily reading is 1 Timothy 1. After Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment, he wrote this letter to young Timothy instructing him in church matters. Let me just give you a brief outline to help you as we read this letter in the next few days.
1. The Church And Its Message --ch.1
2. The Church And Its Members--ch.2-3
3. The Church And Its Minister--ch.4
4. The Church And Its Ministry To Itself--ch.5
5. The Church And Its Ministry To The World--ch.6

Pray for Preaching

2 Thessalonians 3. In this closing chapter Paul condemns their idleness. It appears that some believers had stopped working and were building their lives around the second coming of Christ. Paul is very clear that the anticipation of Jesus' return should not keep them from fulfilling the basic responsibilities of life, including work. He even uses himself as an example of one who worked while he was with them. But their work ethic had turned into an entitlement mentality. [Sounds like today in this country, only difference today is folks that have stopped working are not looking for the return of Christ.] The result of all this is the fact that they became busybodys. Paul condemns this as well.
Before we leave 2 Thessalonians, I want you to notice vs.1. As Paul brings this letter to a close, he says "Pray for us." Pay close attention to that. He doesn't say, "Pray for our projects" or "Pray for our programs." He says, "Pray for our preaching" -- "Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified..." In this 21st century of programs and projects when are we ever going to realize that it's "the preaching of the cross [that] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God!" 1 Cor.1:18? The church today has so muddied the gospel water that we have programed the gospel to death, and we never get around to preaching Christ and Him crucified. We've got a "new way" of "doing church". We've replaced exposition with entertainment, preaching with performances, doctrine with drama, and theology with theatrics. The pulpit used to be the focal point in our churches. Today it's overshadowed by trendy worship styles and glitzy presentations. We have repackaged the gospel and have "marketed it" to "consumers." And then we wonder why there's no revival. Then we wonder why no one is getting saved. Then we wonder why the church has no influence in its community. We need to get back to preaching, and praying for the preaching. Pray for the anointing upon your preacher. Pray for the Word to be proclaimed boldly and for it not to return void. Pray for preaching!

Left Behind?

In 2 Thess.2 Paul had to correct a misunderstanding. It seems that the false teachers and persecutors of this young church were going around telling them that their persecution was really the persecution of the Tribulation. They claimed that these Christians had missed the Rapture and were now in the Tribulation hour. In this chapter Paul corrects this false charge and misleading information. He begins by telling them not to be shaken or troubled by any false letter that claims that the Day of Christ (Rapture) had already come -v.2; because this simply wasn't true. He goes on to say that "that Day (the Day of the LORD-the Tribulation) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed (the anti-Christ), the son of perdition" -v.3. [By the way, there's only two men in the Bible referred to as the 'son of perdition': Judas Iscariot and Anti-Christ.] What Paul is saying here to the Thessalonians is "you can't be in the Tribulation yet, because first the Rapture and then the revealing of Anti-Christ. If we're in the Tribulation, then where is the anti-Christ? He would go to the Temple and sit there and declare that he is God -v4, but that hasn't happened. Don't you remember? I told you all of these things when I was with you -v.5. And not only that, the Restrainer, the Holy Spirit, is holding evil back. But one day He will be taken out of the way -v.7 Then, the anti-Christ will be revealed -v8a. But then Jesus comes back at the end of seven years of Tribulation and consumes him with the breath of His mouth -v.8b (and see Rev.19:15). So, you see, you can't be in the Tribulation yet."
But a word of warning. Get saved today. Why? Because those who will not receive the love of truth (the gospel) that they might be saved -v.10, will be left behind and be seduced by the lies of the anti-Christ -v.11 and thus be condemned forever -v12. This was Paul's correction and warning to them and us. The Rapture is the next event on God's prophetic calendar and it could be at any moment. So don't stand on the brink of eternity and gamble with your soul. Get saved today. Turn from your sins and place your faith in Christ. And then join other brothers and sisters in Christ as we witness for the King while we wait for His return. Come quickly Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen!

Conformed to Christ

2 Thessalonians 1. This is the sequel to Paul's first letter. It was written just a few months after the first one, while Paul was still in Corinth. Paul had gotten word that the Thessalonian believers had misunderstood his teaching about the second coming of Christ, due in part to a forged letter that these believers received. So Paul takes the pen in hand and writes to confront and correct these problems.
Overview of the letter:
1. Paul Comforts The Discouraged: Chapter 1
At the second coming of Christ, God will right the injustices that have been inflicted upon His people.
2. Paul Corrects A Misunderstanding: Chapter 2
At the second coming of Christ, the anti-Christ will be destroyed.
3. Paul Condemns Idleness: Chapter 3
Until the second coming of Christ, believers are not to quit their jobs and wait idly, doing nothing.

An Application from chapter one:
In 1:4-5 Paul commends their faith "...in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom, for which you also suffer." The fact that you are persecuted and put down is proof that you're part of the kingdom, is basically what Paul is saying. So often I pray to avoid trials, tribulations, problems and persecution. But in reality, it is those very things that would have produced Christlike qualities within me. There is really no other way. If you want to be like Jesus, hard times are inevitable. "Yes, all those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Tim.3:12. Remember, we've said it before, suffering for the believer is not the exception to the rule. IT IS THE RULE. But the goal is to conform us into the image of Christ! Amen!

Trials

In 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 Paul says "don't feel bad for us...don't feel bad for our situation." "Don't be surprised that people are throwing rocks at us, trying to kill us." And for us as believers: Don't be surprised when trials and tribulations come our way. Why? Because appointments with trouble are already on our calendars. It's all part of the program. A.W. Tozer was right when he said, "Before God can use a person greatly, He must allow that person to hurt deeply." This is not because God is some cruel tyrant. NO! It's because God knows we can't comfort others unless we've been comforted ourselves. Remember 2 Corinthians 1, Sept.12 blog?
Trials not only enable us to comfort others, but they purify our own faith as well. That's why Peter said, "Don't think it strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you..." (I Pet.4:12). They are sent to test and purify your faith. Therefore, "...count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3). Trials do more for us than we even realize. And don't forget--it's not if you fall into various trials. It's WHEN you fall into various trials. Suffering in this world is not the exception to the rule. It is the RULE! But it is for our benefit and His glory!

The Transforming Word

1 Thessalonians 2. Chapter one introduced us to Paul the evangelist. Chapter two introduces us to Paul the pastor, because it explains how the apostle cared for these new believers. The church at Thessalonica was born through the faithful preaching of the apostle, and the church was nurtured through the faithful pastoring that Paul and his friends gave to the infant church. This helped them stand strong in the midst of persecution.
Paul had to remind this young church that he had been sincere and straightforward with them, working night and day at a secular job to earn his own keep (2:9). And, he had cared for them like a mother and a father (2:7-8). The reason he had to remind them of these things is the fact that the Jews had hired "lewd fellows of the baser sort" (Acts 17:5 KJV) to falsely accuse him of fanning the flames of revolution against Caesar.
That brings us to v.13 that I want us to focus on. Paul was thankful that they had received the Word of God, and that it was the Word of God that continued to work in their lives. The Word of God has the power to change. It is powerful and effective to transform lives, if it is received. Paul credited the changes in the Thessalonians to this spoken Word of God. Not only had it effected changes in them in the past, but also it was continuing to change them in the present. In short, it's by the Word of God we're saved- "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" and it's by the Word of God we're sanctified- "sanctify them by Your Truth, for Your Word is Truth".
Allow the Word of God to permeate your life. Read it and study it everyday. Accept it and place your life under God's mighty hand to be shaped according to His divine will. Hide the Word in your heart so that you may not sin against God. (Ps.119:11). To fall in love with the Word is to fall in love with Jesus, for Jesus the Living Word is Jesus the Written Word; Jesus the Truth (John 14:6) is Jesus the Word which is Truth (John 17:17); Jesus the Light (John 8:12) is Jesus the Word which is Light (Ps.119:105); Jesus the Bread (John 6:35) is Jesus the Word which is the Bread of Life (Matt.4:4). Spend time in the Word and you're spending time with Jesus!

Model Church

1 and 2 Thessalonians are two of Paul's earliest epistles. Paul established this church on his second mission trip (Acts 17:1-9). He was there for only three Sabbaths when an envious, Jewish mob rose up against this young church. Paul had to leave town under the cover of darkness (Acts 17:10) and he eventually made it down to Corinth (Acts 18:1) from where he penned this first letter. He wrote to encourage them, to answer charges being made against him, and to correct their misunderstandings concerning the second coming of Christ. Here is an overview of both letters:

• Remembers the Thessalonians' past in chapters 1-3 as he recalls how he lived among them and shared with them in close communion.
  
• Refocuses their present in the first part of chapter 4 as he encourages them to love with brotherly affection.
  
• Reveals their future in the second part of chapter 4 and the first part of chapter 5 as he writes to them about the Rapture.
• Refines their walk in the last part of chapter 5 through a series of practical exhortations.
• Reinforces his teaching concerning the Second Coming in 2 Thessalonians.

Today, pay close attention to 1:6-8. Paul had to write them to correct some end-time misunderstandings, but their evangelism program was strong. Their witness "sounded forth not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place." Every where Paul went in this region, he ran into people who had been witnessed to by Thessalonian Christians. They may not have understood eschatology, but they practiced life style evangelism. Unfortunately, today we've got churches that can draw up the charts and just about tell you when Jesus is coming back, but they won't get out of the four walls to tell anybody about Jesus and that He is coming back! We should be ashamed. When are we going to rise up and take our community for Christ? Many congregations today are content to pay the pastor and staff to do the witnessing and soul winning for them. But in the NT churches, the entire congregation was involved in sharing the Good News. A recent survy of church growth indicates that 70-80 percent of a church's growth is the result of friends witnessing to friends and relatives to relatives. Dear Christian, you have been entrusted with the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now what are you going to do with it?

Life of Prayer

Colossians 4. Like the letter to the Philippians, Paul signs off to the Colossians with some instruction on prayer (4:2-4).

1. Pray Without Ceasing: "Continue earnestly in prayer..."
2. Pray Without Sleeping: "being vigilant in it..." (watch, be alert)
3. Pray With Thanksgiving: "...with thanksgiving..."
4. Pray For Ministers and Missionaries: v.3-4.

Praying without ceasing doesn't mean to lock up in your prayer closet and pray all day. No.To 'continue earnestly in prayer' means to devote yourself continually in prayer; to be in constant, unbroken prayer throughout the day; to walk in a spirit of prayer. Prayer is an ongoing conversation with your heavenly Father as you go about your daily life. And yes, there are times we get into our prayer closet and shut out the distractions of the world, but when we have to get up and go out into that world, we do so in a constant spirit of prayer. Never live a moment when you're not in a spirit of prayer. How is this possible?

1. Develop an attitude of prayer.
2. Walk daily in a spirit of prayer.
3. Take a mental break and pray.
4. Arise early and pray.
5. Pray before going to bed.

Parting Quote: "Until we see our need for God, we will never see our need to pray. Effective praying is always birthed out of a need for God. " [Mark Sterling]

Heavenly Focus

Colossians 3. Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 2:6? He said that we, as believers, are seated in heavenly places. That's our position. Well, here in Colossians 3 he reminds us to keep our focus on that position. The only people who are truly happy on earth are those whose hearts are in heaven. Those who are truly content are those who know that this world is not their home. Set your heart on things above. It's a central message throughout all of Scripture. Jesus even said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Good words in these tough economic times. Live for heaven and you'll be content with what you have and you'll enjoy life. How can this happen? 3 ways:
1. We Live For Heaven Through That Which We Treasure: Matt.6:21.
"Wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also." If you lay your treasure up in heaven, moth and rust cannot destroy it nor can thieves steal it. And if the stock market crashes you won't lose it. Note: Jesus didn't say, "Where your heart is, there your treasure will be." Instead He said, "Put your treasure in heaven, and your heart will inevitably follow." Again, good words in these tough times. Good words that will lead to a life of content here on earth, regardless of the depressing economic news.
2. We Live For Heaven Through Our Trials:
The trials we face each day keep us homesick for heaven. If we didn't have daily trials, we would become bound up and tied to this earth. But thank God in the trials you face, for in them comes a longing for a better place called heaven.
3. We Live For Heaven Through Transfers:
The third way God gets us to set our heart and mind on things above is by transfers--the transfers of the people we love who have already gone on before us. The older we get, more and more of our family, friends and love ones have gone on to heaven, and thus we long to be with them. Treasures, Trials and Transfers are three ways our hearts can be constantly set on things above. And above all--Jesus is there! I want to see my Savior! I would now say those are four good reasons of why I can't wait to go home to that mansion He has built for me. Amen!

Prayer

Philippians 4. Yesterday in chapter three, we saw Paul's appeal to have the knowledge of Christ. Today we see Paul's appeal to have the peace of Christ. Paul says in v.7 "...and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." How do we acquire this peace? Look back to v.6. It is by prayer. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Then the peace of God will guard the heart of the child of God (v.7). What verse six basically says is this: "Don't worry about anything. Pray about everything." Or as the NLT version puts it: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace..."

Oswald Chambers says, "The job of every Christian is to pray. Plain and simple. Yet we want to do more than simply pray.....Prayer seems like such a small thing to do..." But that's not what Jesus said. To Him prayer is everything; it's a duty as well as a privilege, a right as well as a responsibility. We use prayer as a last resort; Jesus wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do; Jesus wants us to pray before we do anything at all!...Prayer is our business, our only business. Prayer is our holy occupation. Plain and simple." [Oswald Chambers, Prayer, A Holy Occupation]

And when we pray, God doesn't give us answers (understanding) to our questions that seek information. No. He gives us something far better. He gives us His peace, His peace that surpasses all understanding. And that kind of peace will guard your heart from worry and anxiety. Something we sure need today in light of all the bad news and current events. Prayer is the key to attaining God's peace. I would rather have His peace, than answers. And never forget: Prayer is not the least thing we can do. It's the greatest thing we can do. Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach. But He did teach them how to pray. Will you pray today? "Prayer may not get you what you want; but it will teach you what you need." [Vance Havner]

Prayer: "Lord, I won't worry about anything, but I'll pray to You about everything today. And I'll be thankful for all things. Then, Your peace will protect my heart and mind because the presence of Christ Jesus in my life surpasses anything that I could ever understand. Thank You Jesus of Your presence, Your power, and Your peace in my life. In Your name I pray, Amen."

Going Over the Books

Philippians 3. In chapter two we saw Paul's appeal to have the mind of Christ. Today, Paul's appeal is for us to have the knowledge of Christ. This may be the most beloved chapter of the letter. It unveils Paul's personal goal to know Christ and to serve Him in joy. A key word in this chapter is 'count' (v.7-8,13). It's an accounting term; to go over the books...to evaluate and access. And just as Paul went over the books of his life, he realized that all he worked for, as a Pharisee of Pharisees, was in vain, 'counted as dung'. Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Yet so few people ever sit down and go over the books of their lives and see what they really value. When Paul did this evaluation of his own life he said that the things he was living for were good things, but those things would not get him in heaven.

So this chapter is about profit and loss. It's about losses and gains. And what Paul gained far exceeds that which he lost. The verses I want to focus on are v.9-11. Here we see that Paul 1) Gains a Knowledge of Christ; 2) Gained the Righteousness of Christ. And 3) Gained the Fellowship of Christ.

When Paul became a Christian, it was not the end for Paul, rather it was the beginning. His experience with Christ transformed his life. It was a four-fold experience:
1) Personal Experience: "that I may know Him..." When Paul lived under the Law, all he had was a set of rules. Now he has a Friend, a Master, a constant Companion. Thus, number two, it was...
2) Powerful Experience: "and the power of His resurrection.." And it was a...
3) Painful Experience: "fellowship of His sufferings." Paul knew that it was a privilege to suffer for Christ (Phil.1:29-30). In fact suffering had been part of his calling (see Acts 9:15-16). Paul wants us to understand that suffering for Christ is not a penalty but a privilege.
4) Prophetical Experience: (v.11) "the resurrection" in the original language is a compound word used only here in the NT. It means the 'out-resurrection' from among the dead. Most likely this is a reference to the rapture that Paul was so looking forward to.

Yes, Paul gained far more than he lost. In fact, it was no comparison. No wonder he had such joy. His life didn't depend on the cheap things of this world but on the eternal values found in Christ. Paul had a spiritual mind and kept his eyes on heavenly things. People who live for earthly things are never really happy. Maybe it's a good time for you and me to go over the books of our lives and see where our values and priorities lie.

Key to Unity

Philippians 2. The church faces many dangers in this day and age, from materialism, to worldliness, to spiritual apathy, to indifference, to compromise and pragmatism. But another danger that has always threatened the Body of Christ is the lack of unity. Satan will sow discord, disharmony, and conflict in a church and thus reap division.

The church at Philippi, for the most part, was theologically sound, but we gather from 4:2 that there was some dissension within the church. So Paul begins this chapter by encouraging them to live in unity with one another. And the key to unity is humility, and the key to humility is to be like-minded and to serve others, rather than being selfish and preoccupied with self. Then Paul holds Christ up as our greatest example of humility--He was willing to come and die on a cross for our benefit.

Two valuable lessons to take away from this chapter:
1. Unity comes when you put others above yourself and care for their needs.
2. Christ humbly sacrificed Himself for the good of others, and you are called to follow His example.
Prayer:
"Lord, I want the same harmony for believers today that Paul wanted for the Philippians. Lord help me keep egotistical desires out of the picture, and keep me from selfishness. Help me Jesus to regard others as better than myself, and keep me from thinking only of my agenda. Jesus, I want the same attitude toward others, as You showed by Your example of humility. You humbled Yourself to become a man and was obedient to the point of death, death on a cross just for me. Jesus help me to humbly sacrifice for others as You did for us. In Your name I pray, Amen."

Joy

Philippians 1. Today we begin the letter of Philippians written by Paul around AD 61-62. Paul wrote this little 'thank you' note to the Philippians about the same time he wrote his letter to the Ephesians. Paul is in Roman custody at this time, under house arrest. Paul's purpose is to write this church to say 'thank you' for their support and to encourage them in the midst of adverse circumstances. Thus "joy" becomes the theme of this letter. In fact Paul uses the word "joy", in its various forms, some 16 times.

Joy is much different from happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy depends on Jesus. You can have joy in spite of your circumstances. And that's where we find Paul as he pens this letter. His circumstances are less than desirable. Paul is a prisoner. Now while its true he's not in the dungeon yet (he's under house arrest), he's still facing adverse conditions, no privacy (being chained to a Roman guard 24/7), and facing slanderous attacks by other Christians.

Yet Paul was joyful in spite of his chains as long as the Gospel progressed (v.12-14). For the first 11 verses he talked about them and prayed for them. Did you get that? First eleven verses of this letter and he's thinking about them and not himself. Now, after eleven verses, he tells them about his situation. Things didn't turn out exactly as he planned. He always wanted to go to Rome as a preacher. He never dreamed he would go as a prisoner. He didn't know that he would go there via the Department of Roman Corrections.

What does this teach us? It teaches us that things don't always turn out the way we planned. But for Paul, as long as the Gospel was being advanced, that was all that mattered. That brought Paul the greatest joy. Joy knowing that men and women and boys and girls were coming to Jesus and being saved. What causes joy in your life? Do you experience joy in the midst of adverse circumstances? Do you still have joy even when things don't turn out the way you planned? Let Paul's words encourage you today: "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice!" 4:4.

Warfare

Ephesians 6. Chapters 1-3 dealt with the believer's Wealth. Chapters 4-5 dealt with the believer's Walk. Now Paul concludes in chapter 6 with the believer's Warfare. Make no doubt about it, we are in a spiritual war. And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." If we are then fighting a spiritual war, then we must be armed with spiritual weapons. And here in Eph.6, Paul gives us the details of that spiritual armor.

Paul also describes our enemy in v.12. While Satan is certainly our primary enemy in this spiritual war, he does not fight alone. He is the commander of legions of demonic forces that are listed here in four levels or ranks. Pay attention to one of those levels "rulers of the darkness..." The Greek word for "rulers" is "kosmokrator", which comes from two Greek words: "kosmos" which means "world" and "krator" which means "ruler". Satan is a "world-ruler."

Now fast forward to the book of Revelation. Nine times in this climatic book Jesus is referred to as "Almighty" (Rev.1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7,14; 19:6,15; 21:22.) "Almighty" comes from the original word "pantokrator". "Pan" means "all", and again "krator" means 'ruler'. Thus, Jesus is not just a "world-ruler". He is the "All Ruler". He is the Omnipotent, all Powerful God, Ruler of All, the Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords. Now when Satan tempts you remember this and remember 1 John 4:4, "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." (Greater is HE-PANTOKRATOR- that is in you, than he-KOSMOKRATOR-that is in the world.) Dear Christian, with Christ in you, you are an overcomer who has overcome this world. Don't ever forget that!

Paul's Prayer

Ephesians 3. Today we finish the first half of Paul's letter to the Ephesians which deals with the believer's position, the believer's wealth...the position and wealth we have in Christ. How many Christians today live in spiritual poverty? How many live in despair, despondency and defeat, not realizing what they have in Christ? Jesus said, "I come to give you life, and life more abundantly." And Paul wants the Ephesians, and you and me, to know this. He says "for this reason I pray for you." For what reason? BECAUSE of God's great plan to save men and women, boys and girls, Jews and Gentiles alike,...because of this mystery, this plan....
God's secret plan has now been revealed, "by grace you've been saved through faith"....now Paul says, 'I want you to realize what you have in Christ and to fully experience Him.' And for that reason, Paul prays for them, and his prayer breaks down into two parts: 1) His Petitions v.16-19. 2) His Praise v.20-21. The purpose of Paul's prayer is clear. He wants his readers strengthened by God's Spirit so that they may know intimately Christ's presence, love and power. If this happens, then everything else will fall into place.
Over the weekend you'll be reading chapters four and five. This begins the second half of the letter which deals with the believer's practice, the believer's walk. This is where Paul moves from doctrine to duty. We move from our position, to putting into practice what we are in position. The first three chapters have dealt with the Christian's calling. In the last three chapters, we are urged to walk worthy of our calling. You will be reading two of those three chapters this weekend. Then we will finish chapter six on Monday. God bless.

"But God..."

Ephesians 2. In chapter two, Paul now emphasizes the believers position. 2:1-3 begins by describing our Pre-Christian Position. In verse one we see that before Christ, you and I were spiritually dead--dead in trespasses and sins. 'Trespasses' means to step across the boundary and 'sins' means failing to be what we ought to be (Rom.3:23). In vs.2-3b we see that before Christ we were spiritually enslaved. When we are lost, we are people controlled by the world and enslaved to the devil. Thus in vs.3b we see that we were spiritually condemned--we were by nature children of wrath.
"But God..." The two most precious words in all the Bible 'but God' 2:4. Had God not intervened in our situation, we would be without hope and lost forever. 'But God' did intervene and thus 2:4-10 describes our Christian Position. When God broke through, what did He do? He saved us 2:5-6. Specifically, He made us alive together with Christ. He raised us up with Christ and seated us with Christ in the heavenly places.
Then Paul gives us God's reasons for saving us in 2:4, 7-10. Why has God done this for us?
1. Because He is rich in mercy. 2:4a.
2. Because of His great love. The source of His mercy is His love. 2:4b.
3. To show the incomparable riches of His grace. 2:7-9. It's all about His grace, not our works.
4. To produce good works. 2:10. We are not saved BY works, but a saved man works. Works is not the root of our salvation, but it is the fruit of our salvation. If you are genuinely saved, your fruit will show. Thank God for those two words: "But God..."

Spiritual Blessings

Ephesians 1. What church in the New Testament had two different letters written to them by two different authors? [That eliminates letters like 1 and 2 Corinthians because they have the same author-Paul.] The answer, of course, is the church of Ephesus. Paul wrote them a letter, and John wrote them a letter in Revelation 2:1-7, of which Jesus was the true correspondent. The letter we're studying this week came from the pen of Paul. He writes to these believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet they are living as beggars because they are ignorant of their wealth. Paul writes to make them more aware of their spiritual resources of which is an endless supply in Christ. He uses the first three chapters to describe where these resources come from--their relationship with Christ and their position in Him. Paul then spends the last three chapters encouraging his readers to draw upon those resources so they can live their Christian lives in victory. So the letter breaks in half, in two parts: The first half of the letter describes the believer's position, and the last half describes the believer's practice. The first half describes the believer's wealth, and the last half describes the believer's walk. The first half deals with doctrine. The last half deals with duty.
1:3-14 is one very long complex sentence in the Greek. In this long sentence Paul points out the reasons why we should give thanks...reasons why we should praise God.

I. BECAUSE OF THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN THE FATHER 1:3-6
We should praise God the Father. Why? Because 1) He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing -vs.3. 2) Because He has chosen us -vs.4. 3) Because He adopted us -vs.5.

II. BECAUSE OF THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN THE SON 1:7-12
We should praise God the Son. Why? Because 1) He has redeemed us -vs.7. 2) He has forgiven us -vs.7b. 3) He has revealed God's will to us -vs.8-10. 4) He has given us an eternal inheritance -vs.11-12.

III. BECAUSE OF THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN THE SPIRIT 1:13-14
We should praise God the Holy Spirit. Why? Because 1) He has sealed us in Christ -vs.13. 2) Because given as an earnest. He is our deposit our pledge our guarantee -vs.14.

Everyone who has trusted in Christ possesses an endless supply of spiritual blessings. Unfortunately, most believers act as though they are spiritual beggars and live in defeat. Why is this so? Many are unaware of all the resources we have in Christ and therefore fail to appropriate and take advantage of these divine resources. Do you understand what your resources are in Christ? If not, Ephesians will help you out. Great book to read and study this week through next Monday. Enjoy and God bless.