Category Archives: Bible Study

PAUL’S HAPPY LETTER…OVER AND OUT – 18a

Bible Study, ,

“Give my greetings…(“salute”, ie, embrace, wrap in your arms)… to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ NLT

Finally…after the finally’s that were, in the end, not incidental postscripts after all, Paul has to end his letter.  Despite his great love for the Philippians, his gratitude for their partnership, his confidence in their faithfulness…and the snippets of counsel, encouragement, and teaching he passed on to them, he had to say goodbye and, possibly, for the last time. He knew that his days on earth were coming to an end in Nero’s clutches. 

In true Pauline fashion, he sent greetings from far and wide…not only from him to them, not only from those with him to them, but also from and to everyone he classified as “God’s holy people”. Everyone under the banner of “believer in Jesus”, whether the Philippians knew them or not, was “with him”. 

Paul sent to each of them, all included, not just a friendly “hello“ but a warm embrace, enfolding each one as totally loved and accepted…and he asked them to do the same. 

Why is this important for us to know as well? “God’s holy people”is a bold classification. Everyone who has been born of the Spirit…transferred into the kingdom of God…washed in the blood of the lamb…and become a citizen of the “age to come”…belongs to the unique, worldwide group of people Paul called “Gods holy people”. 

This special category of men and women stretches around the world and across every generation from the beginning of time…a supernaturally chosen, redeemed, and perfected family of God…recreated in the image of Jesus…saved by grace… separated from sin to God…highly favoured…deeply loved…and eternally blessed. 

No matter what the world thought of them…no matter how the Roman government treated them…no matter how much the  religious Jews hated them, persecuted them, cancelled them…they belonged to God. In those three little words, “God’s holy people”, Paul encapsulated their status and standing before God, their eternal security despite temporary peril, their destiny in Christ, and all the resources of heaven at their disposal to reach their heavenly goal. 

Paul’s greetings to and from the whole family of God was like the wrapping paper around a very valuable gift. Within the parcel was God’s treasure…His people…the ones in whom He had invested His very best…His own Son. These are the ones He delights in, watches over, cares for, protects ands provides for…and shapes through careful discipline…for an eternity with Him. 

They were God’s children. Paul loved them, prayed for them, taught them, carried them on his heart…and wrapped them in a parcel of greetings to be received by those to whom he wrote. Now he entreats them to do the same. “Greet them…wrap them all up in your love and acceptance.”

Paul’s final prayer…

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

…is more than a general wish. It’s a world of prayer in itself. “Grace”…all that we are and will ever be…all that we ever receive from God…all the promises we ever hope for…all our dreams and desires…flows from one source…God’s grace that comes to us through Jesus…His unmerited, undeserved, unearned, without a cause, “just because He is who He is” favour. 

…and so, we join with those who gladly received Paul’s ministry by reading, believing, and following his instructions with teachable and obedient hearts. 

Thank you, Paul, for the legacy  you left for us as well. 

To be concluded

PAUL’S HAPPY LETTER…SECOND CONDITION – 17e

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“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Now, here’s another promise that has a condition attached. Taken out of context, it looks like another “blank cheque” from God to be cashed in at any time and in any circumstances but…this is far from the truth. 

Jesus made clear, on more than one occasion, that there is a condition attached to freedom,  fruit-bearing, answered prayer…and, yes…even the “all things”, good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, in which He works for our good, and that make up life. 

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

…and this one…

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul learned to be contented in all his circumstances, whether he had little or plenty, enough or not enough…without flinching…quietly trusting God…because it was from God’s hand that everything came to him. 

The context is all-important to understand what Paul meant…not victory, success, prosperity, applause…or any of the things that are attached to name, frame, or self-effort. Paul’s affirmation goes much deeper than that…right to the trust in God that refuses to celebrate only good fortune and chooses to complain about adversity. 

This contentment of which Paul testifies is a deep, God-empowered trust in and satisfaction with every situation he found himself in. He was convinced that his entire life was orchestrated and controlled by God, motivated by His love, and designed for one purpose. Of course, it was that purpose towards which he was striving…the goal of his existence…and the prize he was determined to win…becoming a replica of Jesus in his character and behaviour. 

“In the Bible, contentment is an inner peace and satisfaction with God’s provision. It does not depend on having an easy life or lots of money. Instead, it comes from trusting that God is in control and that Christ is enough for every need.” (Google AI)

That’s it, in a nutshell. 

Can you see that Paul’s contentment was not dependent on his outward circumstances but it was about his inner attitude and demeanour. His contentment was a settled inward condition of the heart, based on his trust in God and unmoved by adversity. 

How could Paul be so happy in his circumstances? How could he be so contented…chained day and night to a Roman soldier in a cold, dirty prison cell? How could he rejoice in such suffering? The answer was not in his effort…not even in his decision…but by the power of Jesus in him. 

For Paul, his ability to take the good and bad in his stride came from the roots of his life which grew in the soil of God’s love and drew its life from “Christ in me!”

So, he could testify…

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For Paul, this meant…not only his salvation but also his daily dying  to himself and…his settled standing in God’s grace. He didn’t dip in and out of contentment depending on his circumstances. Contentment was his home address…where he lived…in sunshine or rain, calm  days or stormy weather…

…ands he shared his secret…

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Where do you live?

To be continued

PAUL’S HAPPY LETTER…CONTENTMENT -17d

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“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For Paul, contentment was not spiritual gift but a lesson learned. This means that, at some stage in his life, he was discontented. He had to go through the process of suffering want…going without…experiencing unpleasant or dangerous circumstances…coming to terms with situations he could not control…repeatedly…or sometimes being overwhelmed with plenty until…gradually…he learned to take everything in his stride without reacting. 

This must have been tough for him…especially since he was  always on the road. He could not settle down to a routine life where he could work, earn a living, and take care of his own needs. He had to rely on God through the thoughtfulness and generosity of others. His life was always unpredictable. His “pantry” and his “purse” were either empty or full. 

So, how did Paul cope with asituations like that?

He learned! 

Paul opened his heart to understand new things…about God and himself. He learned that God loved him…always…unconditionally…in every circumstance. He learned that God was in control of everything about his life…and that nothing happened outside of God’s will. He learned that God was his source…and that He knew about his needs. 

Paul learned that contentment was about trust…about letting go of his compulsion to be in control. He learned that he had to make a choice…to complain about everything he didn’t like or…to be thankful for what he had and to  trust God for what he needed. 

For Paul, the outcome of the lessons he learned was…contentment…a quietness in his spirit that accepted everything he experienced as part of his preparation for the life to come because…God wanted it that way. 

Now, that’s a winning attitude! So, Paul could counsel the Corinthians…

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you…”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Let nothing move you…” because he had learned…that God is utterly faithful, reliable, and trustworthy…to keep His word!

To be continued

PAUL’S HAPPY LETTER…FIRST CONDITION …17c

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“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Now, here’s another verse that people love to quote out of context…like it’s a guarantee that God will supply every need regardless… In way it is but…the promise also has a context which makes all the difference. 

Paul has spent some time helping his readers to understand the deeper meaning of their generosity to him. Although the money stood at the centre, it was not the money under discussion. It was what the money…and God… said about the Philippians’ gift. 

Their gift…and their repeated generosity to Paul…spoke volumes about God’s grace at work in their hearts. The greed of the old nature had been replaced by one of the heaviest parts of God’s own nature…His compassionate, lavish generosity to His children. God is a giver. They were also becoming true givers and, in their giving, they were getting in on God’s system of providing for His family’s needs. They were learning to keep the supply circulating through giving and receiving. 

Not only that! These Philippians were also being enriched in their spiritual growth…their obedience tapping into the flow of grace…righteous…praise…worship…glorifying God…as the givers and recipients, by their obedience to God’s instructions and the outcome…equality, celebrated God’s goodness together. 

Now, said Paul, in this way (understood), you stand in line for God’s goodness to you. Having, through your generosity to others, tapped into the system of God’s supply, “My God will (also) meet your needs, just as you have met the needs of others (understood).”

Can you see, then, that Phil 4:13 is not an unconditional promise…a blank cheque…but a gracious promise to those who echo the Father’s heart?

Paul didn’t suck this idea out of his thumb. He was teaching his readers what Jesus taught His disciples in His thumbnail sketch of life in God’s kingdom. 

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“In Matthew 6:33, “righteousness” (dikaiosune in Greek) means living in a way that pleases God. It is not just about following outward rules. It means having a pure heart, loving others, and doing what is right, fair, and true according to God’s standard.” (Google AI)

In simple words, if we look after God’s business, He will look after ours. 

Jesus said that the Father knows our needs before we ask Him. So why, then, do we keep nagging God about our needs as though He has neglected to be a Father to us. 

When we get into the flow of God’s system of supply in His kingdom…circulating His resources by giving and receiving…we also begin part of the receiving as well as the giving. 

If we don’t show evidence of this grace of giving in our lives, how can we expect God to do for us what we are not prepared to do for others? Why does God meet our needs in this way…because…and here’s the crux of the matter…He has designed this system to work through people…people sharing with people. 

This grace of giving is the way that the fruit of our union with Jesus grows and matures. 

To be continued

PAUL’S HAPPY LETTER…AND RECEIVING – 17b

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“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only…”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Giving and receiving…I wonder why Paul wrote about giving and receiving. Learning to give, we understand…but… is there something about receiving that we ought to know?

In our last post, we learned about some of the considerations Paul mentioned about the Philippians’ gifts of money to him…things like… it was not about the money but the message the money carried… about their love, care, and consideration for him when they were the only people who took care of his needs more than once. 

Their gifts were about what God thought about them…He saw their gifts as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice…an act of worship to Him. 

Why was the way these Philippians received help, if at some time they did, as important as the way they gave help to Paul? 

In a previous post, I explained that God’s economic system creates a current. Unlike the world system, which is strictly tit-for-tat…for example I sell, you buy…God teaches us to keep money circulating by giving and receiving.  Since He is generous…giving us liberally whatever we need…we must, in turn, be generous towards others. Again, giving and receiving is a faith partnership with Him. When we give, God gives back but…always through people because that’s the way He has chosen to work. 

We learned that like everything else we do, no matter how mundane it may seem, we do it first to Jesus and then to one another. In this way, we show our love for Him. 

So, He wants us to receive the generosity of others in the same way as we give…not resisting…not reluctant or protesting as some do, thinking that we are being humble or that we really don’t need help when we do. 

Receiving is as much an act of grace as giving because…first, we are part of the circulation of resources. If we are reluctant or refuse to receive… we break the cycle. 

Second, we dishonour God because He is the one who prompts the giver to be generous. 

Third…we rob the giver of the blessing that follows generosity. 

Fourth…and this one really matters…we rob God of the glory due to Him because giving and receiving reflect Him when we keep the resources circulating. God desires equality in His family. We can only experience true equality when we co-operate fully with His plan. 

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Can you see the outcome of generosity? Both giver and receiver are righteous and blessed, and God receives the praise. 

Paul said something at the end of this teaching that is mostly taught and understood out of context. 

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”

What was the gift Paul referred to? Most people immediately think of God’s gift as Jesus but…let’s look at the context. Surely, Paul must have been referring to the grace of giving and receiving as God’s gift to us.  Why? 

Greed, not generosity, is the characteristic of people in the world. People don’t like parting with their money. They want more, not less. They don’t think of money as seed or “currency”, increasing as they sow it or keeping the cycle going so that everyone has enough. The world’s way doesn’t work like God’s way because God is never in the mix. 

Generosity, giving and receiving, is God’s gift to us, marvellous because it involves a change of heart. When we get in on His way, we enter the flow of what the Bible calls “righteousness”. Especially in the Old Testament, righteousness, generosity and mercy are all attributes of God and are interconnected. 

“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously (they are full of mercy and give), …I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous (Hebrew-full of mercy), and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭21‬, ‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Another interesting point…the word “children” in verse 25, 26 is actually translated from the Hebrew word for “seed”. 

Our children are our seed for the next generation. In the same way, our money is our seed for the next harvest. If we don’t have children, there will be no seed for the next generation. Likewise, if we don’t sow our “seed”, our money now, we will not have seed for next year…nothing to eat and nothing to sow. 

Paul likened generosity with our money to sowing seed and reaping a harvest of more seed…and righteousness in our hearts and behaviour. 

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Consider these verses…

“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 Is Paul not issuing this warning in the context of “the law of the harvest”? What is “sowing to the flesh” here? Is he not referring to greed or stinginess if people fail to support their teachers. He has just instructed his readers to be generous to those who teach them. After all, they depend on the generosity of those who are taught for their income since teaching is their “work”. 

In this context, if they fail to sow, according to the law of the harvest, they will not reap a harvest because this is the way God works. The way we use our money is one of the clearest ways of revealing what is in our hearts. 

Jesus put it like this…

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…not “money” but “Mammon”…greed…the attitude behind money. 

Now, let’s pull this together. 

Giving and receiving are part of the same process…keeping the circulation of God’s resources going… which is the way God distributes His gifts through people, to provide for everyone’s needs. 

We are in partnership with God, both by eating what we need and sowing the seed He provides to keep the seed multiplying so that everyone has enough. This “law of the harvest” from the natural world demonstrates God’s “righteousness” at work in us, contributing  to our righteousness in response to God, and to God’s glory. 

To be continued