Follow the rules or know Him?

 

Philippians 3:4-21 (NASB)

“I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. 

If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 

circumcised the eighth day, 

of the nation of Israel, 

of the tribe of Benjamin, 

a Hebrew of Hebrews; 

as to the Law, a Pharisee; 

as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; 

as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

But whatever things were gain to me, 

those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 

More than that, I count all things to be loss 

in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, 

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, 

and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 

and may be found in Him, 

not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, 

but that which is through faith in Christ, 

the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 

that I may know Him 

and the power of His resurrection 

and the fellowship of His sufferings, 

being conformed to His death; 

in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained it 

or have already become perfect, 

but I press on 

so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 

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, 

I press on 

toward the goal for the prize 

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect 

have this attitude; 

and if in anything you have a different attitude, 

God will reveal that also to you; 

however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Brethren, join in following my example, 

and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 

For many walk, 

of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, 

that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 

whose end is destruction, 

whose god is their appetite, and 

whose glory is in their shame, 

who set their minds on earthly things. 

For our citizenship is in heaven, 

from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, 

the Lord Jesus Christ; 

who will transform the body of our humble state 

into conformity with the body of His glory, 

by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”

This passage is from a letter Paul wrote to a group of believers in Phillipi. He began the letter encouraging them not to be worried because he was in prison. God was using that for good, to minister to the prison guards. 

He reminded them to keep in mind that even when they also suffered under persecution, not looking for their own safety, but to live as Christ did, in humble submission to the will of God. 

Upward call. The word "upward" can mean to fill to the brim. So, rather than fill ourselves with a resume that might look like Saul's, we could fill ourselves up with the faith that comes from knowing Christ!

In this part of his letter, Paul talked about his transformation while he was still known as Saul, after meeting Jesus on the Damascus road (read about it in Acts 9). While he was Saul, he had a highly respected position and an impressive resume in the law. After he met and came to know Christ, his perspective changed. 

 

The Bible is our book of answers. 

What answers do you find to the following questions?

Study questions - 

What credentials did Paul list early in this passage to remind the readers of his knowledge of the Law? 

Immediately after that list, he says he counted that as what, compared to knowing Christ?

Paul explained that before, he had a "righteousness of my own derived from the Law" but now that where does his righteousness come from? 

In the sentence reading "Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude," the word "perfect" has a meaning we need to understand. That word, "teleios" in Greek, could also be translated mature, rather that the perfection we think of in modern English. 

Paul told them and us how to identify enemies of the cross of Christ. List the specific ways we can know them. What will be their end? 

His summary reminds us of our true home. Where is our eternal citizenship? 

Who is coming from there?

What will He do?

Hallelujah!

Hear audio here.

Perspective on Life and Death from Scripture

 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:9 (NASB)

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 

so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God 

and not from ourselves; 

we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; 

perplexed, but not despairing; 

persecuted, but not forsaken; 

struck down, but not destroyed; 

always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, 

so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 

For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, 

so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 

So death works in us, but life in you.

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, 

“I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” 

we also believe, therefore we also speak, 

knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus 

will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 

For all things are for your sakes, 

so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people 

may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart, 

but though our outer man is decaying, 

yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us 

an eternal weight of glory 

far beyond all comparison, 

while we look not at the things which are seen, 

but at the things which are not seen; 

for the things which are seen are temporal, 

but the things which are not seen are eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, 

we have a building from God, 

a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

For indeed in this house we groan, 

longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 

inasmuch as we, having put it on, 

will not be found naked. 

For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, 

because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, 

so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 

Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, 

who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Therefore, being always of good courage, 

and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord

— for we walk by faith, not by sight— 

we are of good courage, I say, 

and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 

Therefore we also have as our ambition, 

whether at home or absent, 

to be pleasing to Him."

To hear audio go to this post.

The Bible is our book of answers. 

What answers do you find to the following questions?

Study questions - 

What do the phrases; "earthen vessels," "in the body, "in our body," "mortal flesh," "outer man," inner man," "earthly tent," "our house," "clothed with our dwelling from heaven," describe? 

What do we expect to experience in our earthly bodies?

What contrast do you see between temporary and eternal?

What does the perspective of the goal and ambition "be pleasing to Him," give to the prior paragraphs?

 

Bible Study 101 - How to use a List in Bible Study

I admit I love a good list. 

In Bible study, it helps me absorb what I've read. 

It's good to read the Bible, but to actually study it, 

you need to spend a little more time with it. 

Even if you're not a list-maker, 

here are some ways you can use lists in your Bible study time.

For instance, in Philippians 4:8 we have an obvious list. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

So, we can write the list in a way to remember and apply it. My list might look something like this-

Dwell on These Things

whatever 

is true,

is honorable, 

is right,

is pure,

is lovely,

is of good repute.

If there is any 

excellence

anything worthy of praise 

let your mind dwell on these things. 

Phil. 4:8

That's a list that will help me focus on good, praise-worthy things. It also helps with memorizing because I can visualize my list. 

Here's another example in 2 Peter chapter 1:5-11. Starting in verse five we read qualities we need to have. [Read verses 1-4 for context and learn who this list applies to.]

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, 

in your faith supply moral excellence, 

and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 

and in your knowledge, self-control, 

and in your self-control, perseverance, 

and in your perseverance, godliness, 

and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, 

and in your brotherly kindness, love. 

Did you notice that this list builds on itself? We diligently establish one quality before we apply another. We can read why this is important in the last few sentences.

For [a term of conclusion] if these qualities are yours and are increasing, 

they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

For [a term of conclusion] he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, 

having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 

Therefore, brethren, [because of what you just read] be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; 

for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 

for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Did you notice "diligent" was repeated? What do we do when we want our children to remember something? Repeat it. People of faith should be diligent to grow from our initial faith to love in the steps listed above. In the conclusion, we read that by doing that, we are useful and fruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and our entrance into the eternal kingdom will be abundantly supplied.

On the other hand, it is also explained that if that is not happening, we have forgotten something very important.

Because the Bible is our book of answers,

you didn't have to consult a priest, pastor, or commentary to find the answer to the question  

  How Do I Know I'm Growing in Christ

You found it by taking the time to examine Scripture-the Word of God. 

Sometimes when I find a list I want to remember, I simply number the items in the list on the text and underline the answer it brings. 

Other times I make a separate list beside the passage. If there are only two or three, I might draw a bullet point or insert a dash to help me find the others. Colored pencils are also helpful to find special words. 

You create the lists in a way that makes sense to you. Colored pencils, indentions, or underlining. You'll want to be able to find the passage again and explain it to someone who has the question for the answer you found. 

I'm praying the Holy Spirit shows you rich and profound lists in your Bible study time today that reveal your identity in Christ and the way God wants you to think and behave.  

Blessings,

Lisa

 

 

Bible study 101 - How to Find Answers in the Bible

 

I believe the Bible is our book of answers.

Jesus loves me, 

this I know, 

for the Bible tells me so.

 

This simple chorus answers the question, how do we know Jesus loves us? 

"The Bible tells me so."

Here's another familiar example. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 

How much did God love the world?

He loved it so much "He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

How do we know?

Because He told us in His word, John 3:16.

The terms "for," "because," and "that" or "so that" are terms of conclusion. They answer the question "why?"

Here's a longer section for you to practice. In the first two chapters of the book of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote about wisdom. In this third chapter, he speaks to his son. 

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth

And from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

You probably recognize some of the verses that are often quoted. You might even have them committed to memory. That's wonderful!

While reading, did you notice some terms of conclusion? If you read it again, you might see instructions and conclusions. In this case, the conclusions are promises from God. 

It helps me identify them by marking them in some way. Below, I color-coded the instructions and also indented the promised results, so I could easily find what God wants me to do, and how He will respond. I didn't need a commentary or opinion from someone, I read it directly from His Word.

Pay attention to verse 12 to find a special conclusion about why God gives us these instructions and reproves us when we disobey.  

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth

And from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Isn't it exciting to find these treasures in God's Word? I encourage you to note them in a study Bible or notebook. Pray over them to see what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to you. 

I'm praying His Word will penetrate deeply into your soul today, satisfying your questions, and leaving you hungry and thirsty to receive the blessings He has in store for you.

The Bible is our book of answers. 

We only have to read it to find the questions it answers.