Phil 3 says we should rejoice in the Lord, put no confidence in the flesh, and "press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me". Paul says there is nothing that compares to the "greatness of knowing Christ" and the "righteousness that comes from God". Remember that "we are citizens of heaven, where our Lord Jesus Christ lives" and He will one day "take our mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own". Be encouraged that though we will not reach perfection on earth, we will receive the "heavenly prize" for which God has called us. We can be glad that it's His race and we don't have to run by our own strength. Our confidence is in His promise that we will indeed "win the race".

Philipians 2 Paul instructs us to be like Christ , united in spirit and love, intent on one purpose. We are told not to be selfish, but to act with humility, being concerned more about others. "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."

The book of Philipians explains that true joy comes only from Jesus. In chapter 1, Paul discusses the joy of suffering for Christ that comes with the privilege of believing on Him. Paul says in v.4 that his heart is full of joy for those who have labored and suffered along with him from the beginning and he is "confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". Paul prays with affection and love for those who are his partners in the gospel, encouraging them to continue to speak the word of God courageously and fearlessly. Paul rejoices that they are preaching Christ and doing so with good motives. He says he will continue to rejoice through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit, for "to live is Christ and to die is gain". Suffering for God will be fruitful labor and will cause them to overflow in joy from Christ Jesus. He encourages them , saying " whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...in one spirit and as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you".
Let us have the same ambition as Paul, to live in eager expectation and hope that we will never do anything that causes shame, but will always be bold for Christ and that our lives and our service will always honor Christ.

Ephesians 6 (New International Version)

Ephesians 6

Children and Parents

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves and Masters

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

The Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Ephesians 5 first gives some life instructions to all believers and then gives some more specific life instructions for wives and husbands. First, Paul says we all should live godly lives of thanksgiving, sacrifice, and love, doing whatever we can to please the Lord. We need to be careful how we live , always acting wisely and seeking to live in accordance with the Lord's will, being filled with the Spirit, continually encouraging and submitting to one another, and giving thanks to God for everything. Next, Paul specifically addresses wives and husbands. Wives are instructed to reverence their husband, be in subjection to him, respecting the husband's headship position over the wife. "Wives should submit to their husbands in everything". Paul then instructs husbands to be united with their wives, considering them with tremendous care and love, like as their own bodies, feeding , caring, washing them through the word to encourage them towards holiness, presenting them blameless before the Lord. Husbands are to love their wives sacrificially, "just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her".

Ephesians 4 is a call to live the life God has prepared for us --- that is to live a life "worthy of the calling" we have received. In this way, the body of Christ will be built up in unity of faith and mature in the knowledge of God and "attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ". As each part does its work, the whole body grows and builds up in love "into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ". We have been made new in the attitude of our minds and put on our new self, speaking the truth to our neighbors as members of one body. Paul says God gave a variety of gifts to us, some as teachers, some as evangelists, etc. to prepare us for works of service. Paul concludes by encouraging us to be kind and compassionate to one another, speaking only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.

In Ephesians 3, Paul explains God's "secret plan", which was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. The revealed mystery was that "the Gentiles would have an equal share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God's children". Paul says this was His plan from all eternity, to show his wisdom in joining together the nations together in His church. All who have faith in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, can now come boldly before God, assured of His welcome. "By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

Ephesians 2 explains more about how we got to be where we are in Christ. Paul says that we all were living full of sin under Satan’s leadership, refusing to obey God and following only the passions and desires of our own evil selfish hearts. He describes our wretched condition as “dead”, since our many sins had destined us for a state of eternal doom. BUT because of His amazing love for us, our richly merciful God gave us the gift of eternal life with Him when he raised us up with Christ Jesus. God chose us for salvation not because of any thought, intention, or action of ourselves, but only by His mercy and grace. Paul says God saved us when we believed, but we can’t take credit for that either because even our faith is a gift from God. Paul says that God did all this for us “so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”. Because of the blood of Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike are united in the body of Christ, the church. Paul says, “Now all of us may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us”.

Ephesians 1 explains who we are as believers and how did we get where we are now. Like Paul's apostleship, we who are faithful in Christ are so "by the will of God". We were chosen by Him according to the kind intentions of His will, predestined to be His sons, redeemed by grace through Christ's blood, and "blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ". This position that we are now in has been "sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise", by the surpassing greatness of His power. I pray , with Paul, that the eyes of our hearts might be enlightened, so that we would know what is the hope of His calling, and understand the riches of the glory of His inheritance for us. We need to both 1) understand the position God had put us in and all that is ours in Christ, and also 2) be aware of our need for all that He has given us in Christ.

In Gal 6, Paul teaches us to examine your own work and test your own actions. Keeping in mind that we will reap what we sow, we should always sow unto the Spirit. We should always do good to all people, in a spirit of gentleness, bearing one another's burdens, and helping to restore those caught in any trespass. As Paul says, though, "may it never be that (we) would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ". Because of the cross, our interest in the ways of this world has been crucified. We have been transformed into a new creation with a new nature, by God's mercy and grace.

Gal 5 is about the freedom we have in Christ, no longer relying on obedience to the law in order to be made right with God. Our confidence is in the righteousness we have through faith in Christ, which allows us to live by the Spirit in eager anticipation of our inheritance promised by God. We have "been called to live in freedom--not freedom to satisfy our sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love". Paul advises to live according to our new life in the Holy Spirit, who gives us desires that are opposite from what our sinful nature desires. He says, "when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law". When the Spirit controls our lives, He produces in us love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As Paul says, "let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives" and rely on the Spirit's power to work through us, continually presenting ourselves and submitting ourselves for His purposes. Amen.

In Gal 4, Paul continues his defense of justification by faith, not works or obedience to the law. He gives an illustration of how young children are in the same position as slaves even if they are heirs to great wealth. They have to obey their guardians until they reach adulthood. Paul says it's the same way with us before Christ came. "But when the right time came, God sent his Son... to buy freedom for us who were slaves the the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children... and everything He has belongs to you." Paul asks the Galatians, then, "why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more? ... trying to find favor with God by what you do or don't do ?" Paul says once more, "we are not obligated to the law, but are acceptable to God because of our faith". Life can be discouraging and even depressing if we dwell on thoughts of guilt or inadequacy because of our inability to perform perfect obedience to God. Rejoice in God's grace and know that our status before God depends only on our faith in Christ's greatness, not our ability to live up to the expectations or demands of the law or other people.

In Gal 3, Paul teaches that the true gospel proclaims justification by faith in Christ, rather than obedience to the law. Paul first appeals to the Galatians' personal experience, asking "Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing?". Then, once they acknowledged that they had begun with the Spirit, Paul asks them what are they now trying to attain then by their human effort? Next, Paul appeals to the scriptures to further explain justification by faith. He reminds them that Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith, and those now who have the faith of Abraham will also be equal heirs of the blessings God promised to Abraham. Paul says, "the scriptures declare that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe". Before Jesus came, we were held under the law, but now by God's grace we are made right with God through faith in Jesus and are no longer under the law.

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me.”

Gal 2 revisits a point made by Paul in chapter 1 that he is not a people-pleaser, but seeks only to please God. Paul seems to be implying that the church leaders in Jerusalem ( Peter, John, and James) were not dealing with the false teachers, due to popularity risk. Paul spoke boldly and confronted their false teaching. Again now in chapter 2, Paul is addressing the "false brothers" who "had infiltrated.. to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves" to the law again. Paul was concerned that this false teaching might turn some ( i.e. Titus) away from the true gospel that he was preaching to them ( "for fear that I was running my race in vain"). But, he says they "did not give in to them for a moment" and therefore "those men added nothing to my message". Paul then discusses Peter's hypocrisy over separating himself from the Gentiles when in company of Jewish leaders, in keeping with Jewish law. Paul reminded Peter that " a man is not justified by obedience to the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ". Paul says that we died to the law so that we can now live for God. In conclusion, Paul explains that if it were possible to attain righteousness through obedience, then there is no need for God's grace and Jesus died for nothing.

Thank you God for sending Jesus to die for our transgressions, so that we might be saved by your grace.

Gal 1 teaches that the source of the Good News is God, not human wisdom, logic, or feelings. Paul said that the message he preaches is from “direct revelation from Jesus Christ himself” and is not based on human ideas or thought. Paul says our peace and grace in free living are results of the cross of Jesus, which acquitted us from all penalty of sin. He says , “this is why all glory belongs to God” , since He is the one who planned it to happen this way and He alone is responsible for “rescuing us from this evil world in which we live”. So, he warns not to be fooled into turning away to “a different way that pretends to be the Good News... which twists and changes the truth concerning Christ”.

In 2 Cor 13, Paul says that just as Christ is powerful when he deals with us and works in our lives, we are alive with Him and have His power when we deal with others. He says that if you have "genuine faith" , Christ will be among us and we will not oppose the truth, but will always stand for the truth. Humility in weakness will lead to strength and maturity. Paul encourages the brethren to "be joyful, ... encourage each other, live in harmony and peace... then the God of love and peace will be with you". Paul blesses the brethren in closing with wishes of the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

In 2 Cor 12, Paul speaks of his remarkable vision from God of being "caught up into the third heaven", but he is careful not to boast about this experience. Paul next describes his "thorn" which God placed in his body to "keep (him) from getting proud". Whatever it was that was keeping him humble also reminded him of his constant need for God. He pleaded with God to take away the burden, but God said "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness". Paul then explains that he is "content" with his weaknesses, which allows the power of Christ to work through him. He says that "for when I am weak, then I am strong", meaning that he is actually much stronger when God is the power working in him rather than relying on his own minuscule strength. Next, Paul explains that all his efforts have been for the brethren, with a pure motive of love for them. He says that he will continue to give himself for their spiritual good, even though it seems that the more he loves them the less they love him. Finally Paul explains that he is saying all this as "Christ's servant" to them, and everything he is doing is all for their edification.

In 2 Cor 11, Paul gives reasons to trust in his teachings, rather than " be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ". He warns those who would "believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus... or a different kind of gospel". In this passage (and others) Paul describes himself as a weak speaker. So he asks not to be judged by his presentation abilities, but rather the content of his teaching. In this way, He "cut off opportunity" from those who desire to be regarded as doing the same work of the Lord in preaching the gospel. Paul warns believers not to be impressed and easily deceived by the fancy talk of such false teachers. Regarding himself, Paul boasted in his weakness in order to bring glory to God.

In 2 Cor 10 , Paul models before the brethren "the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use" and encourages them to use divinely powerful means ( prayer, faith, and love) to overcome rebellious ideas and disobedience. He says God's power can "break down every proud argument" and "lofty idea" that keeps people out of fellowship with Him. Paul says that in this way, we can "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ".

2 Cor 8-9 discuss generosity in giving to the Lord. Paul encourages the eagerness and enthusiasm that was demonstrated by the church, despite their recent testing by many troubles. He commends their abundant joy and gracious attitude in giving. Paul boasts that not only did they consider it a privilege to help those in need, but they were prepared and ready to give cheerfully. Paul says those receiving their generous gifts "will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them" and they will "pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you". Lord, help me to have this same eagerness and generosity to "excel in this gracious act of giving" that I might serve to help share the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In 2 Cor 7 , Paul explains that God uses us to show tough love towards our brethren to bring about cleansing from "all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God". We do not condemn our brethren, but hold them close in our hearts especially during their times of temptation and affliction. Though we may bring them to sorrow when we help them confront their sin, it is not "for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended", but that their sorrow would lead further into full repentance, "according to the will of God". We can rejoice together following this time of godly repentance, in renewed earnestness to obedience.

In 2 Cor 6 , Paul explains the importance of living in such a way that we do not "hinder" others from finding the Lord. Instead, we need to make it clear to unbelievers that we serve God, by being steadfast in troubled times, with sincere love and truthful speech, through glory and dishonor, good report or bad report, and being genuine at all times. Paul said to the Corinthians that he was speaking freely and opening wide his heart to them, not withholding his affections, and encouraged them to respond likewise. Paul had conveyed his true feelings, even harsh words, from his love for them. He wanted them to accept his exhortations in love.

Paul next warned them not to "partner with unbelievers", since fellowship with the lawless may weaken their Christian commitments to righteous behavior. Pall calls them to "be separate", so that He can fellowship with them and they can live as "sons and daughters of the Lord".

In 2 Cor 5, Paul says we should always feel fully confident in the promise of eternal life. Though our earthly body makes us grow weary, groan, and sigh, we can look forward to the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies. God himself has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Holy Spirit to guarantee what is to come. Our goal , then, should be to live our lives to please Him. Since we are aware of God's power in us, we should share the truth from a sincere heart, knowing that Christ's love controls us and the glory will be God's. We no longer live for ourselves but for Christ, and will stand before Him one day and receive both our reward and wages. But we know that the free gift of God is eternal life, for he brought us back to himself through Christ. This reconciliation that God has done through Christ is being appealed to the world through us. We need to speak for Christ as "ambassadors" to plead with people to "come back to God" . "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sin against them." I pray God will help me to embrace the privilege He provides us to encourage others to believe in Christ.

2 Cor 4 teaches that it is by God's mercy and grace that we are able to continue serving as ministers and stewards of the Lord's work and not lose heart. Paul says that by sharing openly and sincerely the truth of the light of our faith, others will be sure that we can be trusted. But, the minds of unbelievers are blinded, even if there is nothing hidden about our message. Though God shines in our hearts to let others know his glory, our hearts are frail and weak so that there can be no confusion that the glory is from God.... that "the excellence of the power working in us may undeniably appear to be of God" . Paul says that "outwardly we are wasting away, but inwardly we are being renewed day by day". There is hope in knowing that one day all the stress and heartache of this world will end and we will enjoy rest and rewards in Christ. Therefore, Paul says to live above the pain, knowing our daily troubles and trials are "getting us ready for an eternal glory". So, keep our minds focused not on what is seen, but on this unseen future hope, which is eternal.

2 Cor 3 answers the question posed in chapter 2, " Who is adequate for such a task" of representing Christ?". Paul says, "not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant". Next, Paul compares the new covenant of grace with the old covenant of the law. He explains that living under the new covenant of grace is much more glorious, since it is "not of written laws" that condemns and ends in death, but "of the Spirit" giving life and making us right with God. Paul says the new covenant gives us "such hope" and confidence, "that we can be very bold". We also receive liberty and freedom from the Spirit under this new covenant, by which He enables us to live for him, "so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord". Paul concludes by explaining that "as the Spirit works within us", we are "being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord", becoming more and more like Christ.

2 Cor 2 has two topics of discussion. First, Paul describes the heart-brokenness that we share with those in the body who are experiencing consequences of their sin. Confronting wrongdoing, though vitally important, is not the end. There comes a time after the difficult discussions "to forgive him and comfort him". Paul says, "otherwise he may become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover". After confrontation, conversation, and course correction, then there must also be restoration, comfort, and encouragement. As Paul says, "now show him that you still love him".

Second, Paul teaches us to give thanks to God for leading us into victory wherever we go, using us "to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume". Paul describes our lives as a "fragrance presented by Christ to God". But the "fragrance of the knowledge of Him" that is spread everywhere through us depends not on our competence. Paul asks , "who is adequate for such a task as this?" Paul explains that we are not like those "hucksters", who probably had terrific speaking abilities and marveled their audiences with their fancy talk, but instead we speak "with sincerity and with Christ's authority" and as "like men sent from God".

In 2 Cor 1, Paul reminds us that God "is the source of every mercy and comfort". In speaking about the hardships that he has endured, Paul explains that "for just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." Paul says this process produces patient endurance, "that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God". Therefore, we will set on Him our hope and confidence, "that He will continue to deliver us". Next, Paul boasts in God as the power enabling him to conduct himself in holiness and sincerity in his relationship with the church. Paul says he has depended on God's grace, not on his own earthly wisdom. Paul concludes by clarifying his instruction of "standing firm". Paul explains that God (the author and perfecter of our faith)is He "who makes you stand firm in Christ" and "it is by faith you stand firm". This seems so simple, yet so many people get it backwards. Our faith is a gift from God that allows us to stand firm. Paul says this instruction is "straightforward and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you cannot understand". Amen !

In 1 Cor 16, Paul offers five final thoughts of encouragement and instruction: 1) Be watchful, on the alert, and guard the truth. 2) Be fixed in and stand true to the faith. 3) Be courageous and keep your ground when faced with temptation. 4) Be strong and act like men (yes-that's exactly what Paul said). 5) Do everything with charity, kindness, and love. No problem, right? How are you doing?

In 1 Cor 15, Paul provides instruction and clarification regarding bodily resurrection. The current Greek culture of Corinth ( and some even in the church at that time) believed that only the soul had any existence beyond death. Paul reminds the church of Corinth how important it is to "hold firmly" (=believe wholeheartedly ) the Good News which their faith is built on, namely "that Christ died for our sins, ... was buried, and was raised from the dead"(v.4). Paul explains that there were numerous witnesses , including all twelve apostles, more than 500 of His followers, James, and even Paul himself. All of these people were eye witnesses of Jesus resurrection to life. Paul is very extensive in providing historical facts and evidence of the truth of Jesus' resurrection, since faith in Jesus is futile otherwise. Paul says it is the power of His resurrection that "works through me by His grace". "Whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me. I have worked hard(er), yet it was not I but God who was working through me" (v.10). For further emphasis, Paul concludes by reiterating the importance of believing wholeheartedly in the truths of the Good News and to continually present yourself for the work of the Lord.

1 Cor 14 deals with the use of spiritual gifts, specifically tongues and prophesy, in the church. Paul again says that acting with love is a vital part of employing spiritual gifts. Throughout this chapter, Paul repeatedly makes reference to the purposes of these gifts: so that the church may be edified(v.5), to build up the church ( v. 12), to instruct others (v.19), to demonstrate God's presence among you and to convince unbelievers of their sin so they will fall down and worship God (v. 24-25), for the strengthening of the church (v.26), and that everyone may be instructed and encouraged (v.31).

There seems to be a current problem that Paul is addressing regarding disorderly conduct in the use of spiritual gifts in the Corinth church. Paul gives extensive guidelines as to the use of spiritual gifts in the church ( v.26-40). Paul says in summary, "When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord." (v.26). Paul calls for orderly conduct in the church to facilitate the effectiveness of the Spirit's manifestations, saying "God is not a God of disorder, but of peace"(v33) and "everything should be done in a proper and orderly way"(v40).