December
December 1
Chapter 4, Verse 10, con’t, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.”
Paul rejoiced in the Lord μεγάλως, megalōs, “greatly.” This is the only use of this word in the New Testament. It is based on the word that means really big in the widest sense. In English, mega is a prefix for one million: megapixel, megahertz, megabyte, megawatt, and so forth. I guess it is a akin to a supersized meal at my favorite fast food joint–at least that is how they want me to think about it. Now, as I really consider rejoicing greatly, how should that translate into my life? I think it does so in two ways. First, I remember that there is so much from God to rejoice about in my life; waking up, enjoying my day, family, friends, church. . .burgers. And that reminds me of number two, I should never complain about anything in my life regardless of circumstance because of the previous. My life is far to blessed to whine about anything.
December 2
Chapter 4, Verse 10, con’t, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.”
ἤδη ποτὲ, ēdē pote, “now at last” I have read that Paul’s beginning of the conclusion to the letter is the business end of the epistle. His friend Epaphroditus had brought him a generous gift from the church family at the church in Philippi. He was acknowledging the gift after having poured out his heart with a wealth of timely and wise counsel. I remember that Paul never wanted to be a burden to anyone. He was a tentmaker, determined to pay his own way. But now, ten years after his first trip to their city, and the founding of the their church, they continue to honor his selfless investment in their eternal future with this gift. This brings to mind all those who made my own ministry possible–they gave and provided instruction. I praise God for them all.
December 3
Chapter 4, Verse 10, con’t, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.”
ἐφρονεῖτε, ephroneite, “you were concerned,” and ἠκαιρεῖσθε, ēkaireisthe, “you were lacking opportunity,” reminds me of my dogs. What? I have had dogs as pets for most of my life; junk yard scrub dogs on the farm, fru-fru dogs in the city, rescues, and purchased, thoroughbred pets. I love my dogs. And, then on a late night TV ad, I see shivering, hungry, scared dogs and a rescue mission seeking help. I care and can hardly watch. I see ads to save whales and polar bears and other endangered species. But I do not send money. That is cold, right? Probably so. But I have a greater concern. While I do take care of my own, my dogs, that is, I give the lion’s share of what I have to give to my church and other ministries who are seeking to rescue souls. Right or wrong, that is my concern. People worldwide need Jesus, now.
December 4
Chapter 4, Verse 10, con’t, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.“
This word ἠκαιρεῖσθε, ēkaireisthe, “you were lacking opportunity,” is another example of one use in the New Testament. It is interesting to me that Paul was not critical of the Philippians for their lack of support up until this time. He knew they had helped in the past so his Christ-centered attitude kept his motives pure and his comments encouraging. This would have certainly boosted their moral upon reading the letter. Likewise, I should never expect someone to support me when I need assistance but, rather, be thankful when they are able to do so. Paul’s use of “revived” support (also translated renewed) referenced a word used of plants and flowers bringing forth fresh blooms. He was telling them it was a great honor to receive such a beautiful gift. And so I should always express such gratefulness for the support of others.
December 5
Chapter 4, Verse 11, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
All of the English translations I have looked at (30+), except the Berean, render ὑστέρησιν, hysterēsin, as “need,” wen the actual meaning is the much stronger “destitution.” Paul never denied having needs, we all do. What he intimated here was his lack of poverty, especially in the worldly sense. He “got by” with what he had. Spiritually, on the other hand, and the true reason he did not complain, he was rich. He was called by God, saved in a most dramatic way, led by the Spirit to write, saw many come to faith, and had a host of close friends. I must remember, when weakness or sadness or even anger assails me, I am never without–what I need is always supplied by God and I am always in his presence, no matter what. When I lose contentment in my soul, it can only be caused by losing my focus on Christ in my life.
December 6
Chapter 4, Verse 11, con’t, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
Pulling that part of the verse out of its context might change the meaning. No, not at all. αὐτάρκης, autarkēs, “content” is another word form that is used only here. I believe Paul is making two ideas surface here, both of which are severely lacking in most lives and have been lacking probably for most of human history. The first is the general idea of contentment. People always want more even if they have more than enough. That is greed. The second, like the first, is the idea of satisfaction. People just do not ever seem satisfied with what they have. Essentially, not including dire poverty, that is a lack of trust. And since so many do not trust God at all, this is no surprise. Paul was telling us that he was satisfied to the point that his circumstance did not disturb him even if it was not what he preferred. Would to God I can be more like that in my own life.
December 7
Chapter 4, Verse 12, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
When Paul says οἶδα, oida, “I know,” he is not just talking about knowledge that comes from understanding a concept or even experiential knowledge. This word conveys an insight from intuition that has become intertwined in his soul. So, in spiritual terms, this means he has gained an understanding that can only come for the Holy Spirit. It is absolute knowledge from God, without any doubt, that gives him confidence to face all sorts, any really, of circumstances that bring him low or take him high, knowing that God, who called him, is with him regardless of where he is in life. This knowing brings peace and joy that not only defies worldly understanding, it provides insight beyond a persons normal capacity to comprehend.
December 8
Chapter 4, Verse 12, con’t, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
ταπεινοῦσθαι, tapeinousthai, “[how] to be brought low,” in his experience, including his travels, Paul had faced many troubles. He was hated by Jews and Romans, beaten with 39 stripes by the former, also beaten with rods, shipwrecked, robbed, repeatedly jailed because of his faith and testimony, and frequently found hungry and cold (see 2 Corinthians 11). Paul understood real poverty, hatred, and physical infirmity–he suffered these over and over. There is something wonderful about helping others when you have been in their situation. I have never been in poverty nor beaten. But I have been lost. So I know exactly what it is like to be without real hope. That is why it is easy for me to speak about Jesus to those who need him. I want everyone to enjoy the same faith I possess.
December 9
Chapter 4, Verse 12, con’t, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
περισσεύειν, perisseuein, “[how] to abound,” clearly means to be over and above, hence, to abound. There is no ambiguity here. Paul is talking about operating from abundance, a surplus that provides more than what is needed. Most people I know have more than what they need, myself included, although I do know some who seem to always struggle to get by. For those who have plenty, there are some choices to make. I can ignore the world around me and hold onto what I have. I can continue to collect more and grow my holdings. Both decisions grow from greed. Or, I can share what I have with others. If I never share what I have, I have to question my relationship with God. He gave his son for me. How can I hold back his abundance. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with being rich, riches without a heart to give to others becomes stifling, defensive greed that steals joy away from life.
December 10
Chapter 4, Verse 12, con’t, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
παντὶ, panti, “everything” and πᾶσιν, pasin, “all things.” These two are different forms of the same word, πᾶς, pas, meaning all or every. I am often amazed at how the Holy Spirit led Paul to write with his command of grammar. Here, he is making a dual point leading to the next verse, my favorite. In the first use, he is referring to the parts of a thing or circumstance–or, “every little thing” that can affect our lives. The second use is big picture, looking at life and its circumstances as a whole. What I must discover is how to view what is going on in my life, both the good and the bad, both from a wide view and narrow view, knowing all the time God sees every detail and far into the future. And, he will never let me down nor lead me in the wrong direction.
December 11
Chapter 4, Verse 12, con’t, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
In 1992, the movie Sneakers was released. The stars came into possession of a black box which, when connected to the internet, could disrupt any computer to which it was connected. It was supposedly created by a company called Setec Astronomy which is an anagram for “Too Many Secrets.” That reminds me that secrets are hard to manage. Who do you tell? We all like to leak a little secret, don’t we, especially when what we know is supposedly privileged–think gossip. Paul’s use of μεμύημαι, memyēmai, “I have learned the secret,” really means I have been initiated and disciplined by life experiences. That meaning is considerably different from the way most of us use the word, at least most of the time. He understood by the life he had lived that circumstances do not control our response unless we allow it. Our response is to be controlled by our faith in God. Otherwise, we may be forced to have too many secrets.
December 12
Chapter 4, Verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I have been waiting 346 days to write about this verse. It is my favorite verse in the bible, my life’s verse. I do not remember when I first it or read it. I know it was more than 50 years ago. I do remember the encouragement I received, just like today–even though back then I could not parse a Greek word or even tell you where Philippians was or much of anything about Paul. But, in those days, I knew these things to be true. The whole bible is true, every word. Scripture is real and personal. And my favorite subject, Jesus, is might to save. As I think about that, I realize yet again that he is as strong in my life today as the day I was saved, even stronger in my mind because I have spent so much time studying the one who gives me strength. And my mission has not changed–to tell everyone that God will save everyone who comes to Jesus in faith and repentance.
December 13
Chapter 4, Verse 13, con’t, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
πάντα ἰσχύω, panta ischyō, “[For] all things I have strength.” When I first started thinking about this verse four decades ago, as a new believer, my focus in life was still me, so I zeroed in on the first word in the English translation, “I.” The idea of God’s power in my life had already been planted, but in my mind, this was about my ability to get things done fo rGod. Not long after my conversion, God called me to a life of service to him as a preacher. I did surrender, but not without a certain amount of swagger. In fact, I immediately enjoyed a fair amount of success in my ministry. My headstrong nature seemed to power me along for awhile, but eventually God showed me it is not about me (I), it is all about him and his power to save.
December 14
Chapter 4, Verse 13, con’t, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
One day, long ago, when J. Vernon McGee was commenting on this verse on his radio show, he said, “Does it mean you can go outside and jump over your house? Of course, not.” That is pretty obvious, right. I used to be able to run really fast. Now, walking fast is sometimes a challenge. Does that mean I am not a s capable as I once was. Physically, yes. Spiritually, no. (And God will provide whatever physical prowess I need) As I grow in Christ, it is easier to see what he has called me to do. While my specific calling has changed, my call as a believer has not. For every task God places on my heart, there is adequate, even abundant, ability to do it. This is why it is so important to seek God’s will. As you read the Bible, pray, and interact with other believers, God will show you what to do, how to do it, and most certainly he will provide the physical and spiritual strength to carry it out.
December 15
Chapter 4, Verse 13, con’t, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με, en to endynamounti me, “in [the] one strengthening me.” I have no question about who gives me strength. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who saved me, guides me, and empowers me. I do question translators–even though I fully understand the implication. Of the 40+ translations I surveyed, 23, including 2 self-name literal translations, insert Christ in the verse where it clearly is not present. I suppose they did this to assist the readers–maybe those who only casually read the bible–in understanding the meaning. Here is the truth of it. If you dig into the bible daily, rely on the Holy Spirit for instruction, and think about it deeply, you can only come away with one conclusion: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
December 16
Chapter 4, Verse 14, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.”
Πλὴν καλῶς ἐποιήσατε, Plēn kalōs epoiēsate,”but well you did;” In true southern parlance, we would say, “You did good!” This word kalos in some contexts means honorably, rightly, or commendably–doing something well perceived, thus kind. In most cases, kindness is attended by some level of sympathy and affection. I believe that is what Paul had in mind. The Philippians really cared about him so they did what they could as they were able. That is exactly what believers should do when faced with a situation of need in another person’s life. I should be willing to give whatever I can to help because all I have is from God (regardless of how hard I worked for it) and I want to honor him by honoring others, especially those in the household of faith.
December 17
Chapter 4, Verse 14, con’t, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.”
συνκοινωνήσαντές, synkoinōnēsantes, “having fellowship in,” to share, what an interesting little word with tremendous meaning. It is a compound that puts together a from of syn, meaning “identified with” and koioneo, meaning to share by jointly partaking, in other words, to participate with someone in some situation because you closely identify with that person. The richness of this is found in the fact that this church knew exactly what Paul was enduing even though they were separated by a long distance with little communication. Their hearts were joined by faith and their desire to help was great even though their resources had been limited. When I really care about someone, I will find a way to help even if it seems my means are limited. God is greater than our perceived limitations. And he wants to use us to help those in need if we will only open our hearts to his leadership.
December 18
Chapter 4, Verse 14, con’t, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.”
Paul was grateful when the church at Philippi contributed to his need. He call his situation, μου τῇ θλίψει, mou tē thlipsei, “my affliction,” hence, my trouble. The word thlipsei generally means pressure such as being in a narrow place and feeling “hemmed in” with no recourse and few, if any, options. I have talked with lots of people who, like myself, have felt surrounded and overwhelmed by life circumstances. That sort of situation can spawn feelings of depression, despondence, helplessness, and even hopelessness. When life gets to that point, I must realize I am never without hope because God loves me and will never leave me. When I realize this, I am also made aware that Satan has used circumstances to stick his nose in my life to cause chaos. So, I turn to God who is my supply and healer. He never fails me.
December 19
Chapter 4, Verse 15, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, archē tou evangeliou, “[the] beginning of the gospel,” Paul was reminding his friends that ten years earlier, when they were a new mission church, after his first visit yielded many converts, they supported his work as best they could, even going it alone when no one else did. The gospel or, good news, was a common term, just like today. It was first claimed as a religious term by those who worshipped Caesar and later used by the writers of the New Testament. Today, for all Christians and all churches, the good news is the best message for all people, everywhere. And I believe every church should support the mission of the gospel in their community and around the world.
December 20
Chapter 4, Verse 15, con’t, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Paul was referring to his first encounter with Philippi, not long after he began his second missionary journey. Paul and Silas, after separating from Barnabas and John Mark, went back to visit some churches from his first trip. While in Galatia, they met Timothy who became a fellow traveler. Headed into Asia, Paul had a vision in which a man from Macedonia was pleading for help. Then, when they came into Philippi, first staying with a lady named Lydia, she became a believer. They shared the gospel openly, and on one occasion, shared with a demon possessed girl who was subsequently saved. After her conversion, which cost her handlers a great loss of money, they ended up in jail. While in the jail, and as they praised God, the jail doors miraculously opened, and the jailer was saved. Later, the jailer’s entire family followed suit and became believers. It was these events that led to the Philippian church being organized and their support for Paul. No surprise, right? This is just another case of God taking an unfortunate situation and turning it into an opportunity to expand the kingdom for his glory.
December 21
Chapter 4, Verse 15, con’t, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.“
Every time I read this verse, I am drawn to “except you only.” when I read it, I remember I would rather be the only one doing what is right, even if no one else does what is right, so at least someone is doing what is right. Paul taught that those who preach the gospel should be supported by churches–Philippi responded. The word translated partnership is a form of κοινωνέω, koinóneó, the word for fellowship, sharing; hence, partnership. Throughout the New Testament, it means sharing. In this verse, it means joint participation and cooperation in the gospel through financial support and prayer support. Sharing with those who labor for Christ was essential in Paul’s day. Nothing has changed. If there is any duty for a Christian, it is this–give generously, until it hurts, and then give more.
December 22
Chapter 4, Verse 16, “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.”
After Paul’s visit to Philippi the first time, that ultimately led to the formation of the mission church in the city, he and his band visited Thessalonica. On at least three sabbaths, Paul explained the gospel and many came to Christ. But, there was a certain group of Jews who felt threatened, thinking they would lose their influence, who rallied a rebellion against Paul. Sensing the unrest, Paul and his group left town. Through all of this, and consistently, the Philippians supported Paul with prayer and financial aid. χρείαν, chreian, “needs,” describes necessity both figurative and physical. I must remember to pray for and support those I have helped in the past, as they continue to serve God, even when I have not seen or heard from them in some time. Needs always exist for those who minister for Christ.
December 23
Chapter 4, Verse 17, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”
ἐπιζητῶ, epizētō, “I seek after,” is a compound of epi, a prefix that intensifies what it is attached to, and zeteo, to seek; the combination means to search for or demand. It is sometimes rendered, craves. Be declaring “not,” Paul was likely defending himself against slander that he was trying to make a living off the gospel. Paul was not a profiteer–at least in regard to himself. On the other hand, like Paul, every full-time, dedicated, honest, minister of the gospel (especially local church pastors), should enjoy financial support from those they serve. It seems to me that people who dedicate their lives to the service of others do without while those who enjoy celebrity from worthless endeavors are showered with wealth. The question is: whose reward will last into eternity?
December 24
Chapter 4, Verse 17, con’t, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.“
While Paul was not seeking something for himself, even though he received and appreciated the gift from the church, he was seeking something significant for the people who had supported him. Fruit, in the English Standard Version and majority of other translations, can also be profit, blessings, or gift. He wanted them to learn the value of giving, both temporally and eternally. When I give to a cause, I certainly feel good and I also understand I am able to give because God has blessed me in my giving with resources to give more. Jesus, himself, said, “…store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Every time we give to others, and we recognize God as the source of our ability to give, we are laying up those treasures that honor God and others. And, of course, we should always remember the greatest gift of all, given to us by God, the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh, who was born, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and arose from the dead to defeat death, hell and the grave. He gave his all that we might have eternal life. The true gift that keeps on giving. . .forever.
December 25
Chapter 4, Verse 18, “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”
Three times Paul has indicated he was not after money. And each time he expressed his gratitude to his friends and to God. Here, he states he has enough and more. I have to ask, why? First, someone gave the gift–on behalf of the church–Epaphroditus. Paul loved him and was glad to see him. Second, someone prepared the gift–this unbelievably generous church who owed their existence to the amazing servant, Paul. Third, someone was honored by the gift, two actually. Paul was move by generosity and God was honored because this gift allowed Paul to continue his gospel work. His preaching would further expand the kingdom, and at the end of the day, that is the goal for all of us. Our efforts should always be focused on sharing the gospel with the lost in the hope they will come to Christ in faith.
December 26
Chapter 4, Verse 19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Θεός μου, Theos mou, “[the] God of me;” When I read this, I am carried back to the scene of the Cross when Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have your forsaken me.” Jesus took the sin of the world, all of it, onto himself to pay the penalty–eternal death. He arose from the grave, victorious over sin and death, offering the free gift of salvation to all who believe. Paul believed (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul knew first hand how the power of God works in life. I do, too. My God, the God of me, Jesus who resides in my spirit by his spirit, is always present. Even when I try to hide or walk away, the small, still voice of God is always there to call me back, to comfort me, to restore my joy, my confidence, my trust. My today, tomorrow, and forever, are bound up in the relationship I have with my God.
December 27
Chapter 4, Verse 19, con’t, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
πληρώσει, plērōsei, “will fill up,” will supply is equivalent to “to fill to the full.” I have worked most of my life to make my way in the world and earn an honest living. As I have aged, giving has become more important than getting. The unexplainable part of that is the more I give, the more I get, far beyond my capacity to earn. 4:19 is about χρείαν, chreian, “needs,” that which is of necessity to live. God guarantees that to believers because his son owns it all and has both capacity and desire to bless. But, do not miss this: God is not just the God of necessity; he is the God of abundance to all who know him, seek him, and serve him. You cannot out give God. Even in sacrificial giving, we do so out of the abundance of his love for us. The riches we enjoy as a result go far beyond money and wealth. They are wrapped up in peace, joy, generosity, and gladness of heart when we see the lives of others changed by God in relationship to Jesus.
December 28
Chapter 4, Verse 20, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen”
Paul’s doxology (ending of praise) comes from his heart being full of joy because of the inexhaustible riches God has bestowed on his life. When I read this, my heart is likewise full of joy and highly encouraged because I know, both from the written word and my own experience, that God keeps his promises to me–and there is much more to come. If I have travail, God will bring peace. If I have need, God will bring supply. If I have heartache, God will be with me to calm my anxiety and give me rest because I trust him. And now Pauls turn from the expression “my God, to “our God,” indicating unity with the Philippians. All believers can function in unity if we choose to do so. Our love for Jesus should overcome our differences to glorify him. When it is hard to give God glory because of our circumstances in the world, we must remember that, in Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) on our behalf. And to that, I say Amen.
December 29
Chapter 4, Verse 21, “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are me with greet you.”
Ἀσπάσασθε, Aspasasthe, “greet” means to wrap your arms around one another and so welcome one another. Paul’s use of the aorist imperative means, “just do it.” And when he said greet every saint, he meant without exception. Paul was concerned for all the Christians, not just those who were his close personal friends. Also, using the singular saint, ἅγιον, hagion, shows his love for individuals. Paul used the phrase “in Christ Jesus” often. Here, it emphasizes the believers union with Christ and the unity which should result. All believers are holy saints in Christ, not through any accomplishment of our own, but because we have trusted Jesus for our salvation, our eternal security, and our home in heaven.
December 30
Chapter 4, Verse 22, “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
ἅγιοι, hagioi, “saints,” refers to members of the body of Christ, all born again believers, not just a select group of people who have been granted an ecclesiastic “degree” from any religious group. No person gets to vote someone to sainthood, just like no one can achieve salvation for another person. A personal act of repentance and faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross and his bodily resurrection is the only response that brings salvation (Acts 15:1-4). In this verse, Paul refers to believers “of Caesar’s household.” This expression was common in the literature of the day referring both to the high and mighty Roman government as well as to the servants employed by the emperor. God can save anyone, anywhere, if they turn to him in faith.
December 31
Chapter 4, Verse 23, “The gracd of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
Each time I get to 4:23, I am a little disappointed because it is the end. But, I am reminded of all the encouragement I take away from reading and meditation. For me, Philippians is a rich text book about life, relationships, and ups and downs. It is not surprising that Paul ends where he began, with grace. In my mind, this is Paul’s prayer for the people of the Philippian church. His desire was for grace, the free gift of God brought to man by Jesus, to envelope the spirit of all believers. Since we know the spirit of all believers is indwelled by God’s spirit, it seems to me his prayer was to remind the people to be fully aware of God’s presence in their lives for protection from evil doers and to guide their lives toward holy living and leading others to faith in the risen savior. Amen.
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