More "Slices" to Nourish You
I think everyone who reads the Bible finds they have favorite books to which they return often. One of mine is Paul's letter to the Philippians. What follows are some selections for you to meditate on, and some comments.
Several years ago, our-then Bible study leader decided to teach from this book. I remember he camped on this verse for some time: Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel {Phil. 1:27} Every time I have read this since, I have been struck by the phrase "manner of life" and how other passages in this same letter can be seen to reflect on my "manner of life." For example: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others {Phil. 2:3-4} verses which speak for themselves.
Later in that letter, Paul addresses an issue common to most of us: anxiety. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things {Phil. 4:5b-8} So if you struggle with anxiety, here is God's own "cure": recognize His presence, appeal to Him regarding whatever concerns you [prayer, supplication, thanksgiving], and anticipate His peace will guard your heart and your mind Then use this grid through which to test your thoughts: is it true? is it honorable? is it just? is it pure? is it lovely? is it commendable? is it excellent? is it praiseworthy?
I think everyone who reads the Bible finds they have favorite books to which they return often. One of mine is Paul's letter to the Philippians. What follows are some selections for you to meditate on, and some comments.
Several years ago, our-then Bible study leader decided to teach from this book. I remember he camped on this verse for some time: Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel {Phil. 1:27} Every time I have read this since, I have been struck by the phrase "manner of life" and how other passages in this same letter can be seen to reflect on my "manner of life." For example: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others {Phil. 2:3-4} verses which speak for themselves.
Later in that letter, Paul addresses an issue common to most of us: anxiety. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things {Phil. 4:5b-8} So if you struggle with anxiety, here is God's own "cure": recognize His presence, appeal to Him regarding whatever concerns you [prayer, supplication, thanksgiving], and anticipate His peace will guard your heart and your mind Then use this grid through which to test your thoughts: is it true? is it honorable? is it just? is it pure? is it lovely? is it commendable? is it excellent? is it praiseworthy?
Labels: slices from Philippians 1:27;2:3-4;4:5b-8; with comments
posted by Ebeth | 9:52 AM
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