Devotions

Preach the Word

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Paul comes to the close of his letter to Timothy and turns Timothy’s focus so that it is not on “pointless chatter” of those that oppose but instead, guide “the word of truth along a straight path”. And he will do this as he orders his own life by being kind, and tolerant and skillful in teaching. Paul encourages Timothy, and it is a good word also for us, to follow the example of those that have gone before us as they have have demonstrated revelation and experience in the things of God. But in the end, 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable” and it is God’s Word that we follow. And now comes Paul’s final charge in

2 Timothy 4:2 “preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction.

 

Present Yourself Approved to God

2 Timothy 2:14–26
In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul says to “make every effort to present yourself approved to God” and by this he specifically means that we should guide “the word of truth along a straight path”. And in 2 Timothy 2:16-17 he also says “avoid pointless chatter” because:

  • “it will progress to greater ungodliness”
  • “their message will spread like gangrene”
  • and from 2 Timothy 2:14 “leads to the ruin of the hearers”

There is an admonition for us in

2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

And this is the initial step in preparing ourselves. Then in 2 Timothy 2:23-25 “avoid foolish and uninformed controversies”, “be kind”, “skillful in teaching”, “tolerant”, “correcting”. But this “correcting” is not the shaking of the finger in someones face that comes with a religious condemnation. This “correcting” recognizes that people that oppose the things of God are in 2 Timothy 2:26 in “the trap of the devil, being held captive by him to do his will” and if there is any hope for them, they must come in 2 Timothy 2:25 “repentance to a knowledge of the truth” and our skillful teaching, tolerance, and kindness are the only way to reach them.

In the Last Days Difficult Times Will Come

2 Timothy 3:1–9

 

All Scripture is Inspired by God and Profitable

2 Timothy 3:10–17
Paul commends Timothy because “you have faithfully followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance” in 2 Timothy 3:10 and admonishes him in 2 Timothy 3:14 “continue in the things which you have learned and are convinced of, because you know from whom you learned them”. And it is right and good for us to learn from elders in the faith who have revelation and experience in the things of God.

But Paul does not leave this only to the teaching of an elder, even one as Paul, an apostle. Paul reminds Timothy that it is the word of God that is unerring, unchangeable, the way and truth that in 2 Timothy 3:15 “you have known the holy writings that are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” and in

2 Timothy 3:16–17 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 17 in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

 

Preach the Word, Be Ready in Season and Out

2 Timothy 4:1–8
Paul gets serious and gives a charge to Timothy in

2 Timothy 4:1–2 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, 2 preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction.

because there is coming a time when in 2 Timothy 4:4 “they will turn away from the hearing of the truth”. But even in this time when others are turning away, Timothy is to:

  • “be self-controlled”
  • “bear hardship patiently”
  • “do the work of an evangelist”
  • “fulfill your ministry”

And for Timothy, as for Paul and for in 2 Timothy 4:8 “all who have loved his appearing”, “the crown of righteousness is reserved” for those that can say as Paul does in

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith.

The Lord Helped Me and Strengthened Me

2 Timothy 4:9–22

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 2 Timothy 2:14-26
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-17
  • 2 Timothy 4:1-22
Devotions

That They Also May Obtain Salvation Which is in Christ Jesus

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Paul’s admonition to Timothy is very much applicable to our lives today. Paul tells Timothy, the circumstances of your life are not the most important thing. The strife and constant wrangling, the drama that some people seem to thrive on, is not the most important thing. All of this is secondary to this one thing, “that they also may obtain salvation which is in Christ Jesus”. Everything is for this purpose, salvation in Christ Jesus as Paul said in

1 Timothy 2:3–6 “This is good and acceptable before God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time” 

Fight the Good Fight of The Faith

1 Timothy 6:11–16
Paul turns from talking about false teachers who he describes in

1 Timothy 6:4b-5 “from which come envy, strife, slanders, evil suspicions, constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain”.

which is a section we often read over because everyone knows 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all evil …”.

But, if we can get past “the love of money”, Paul says:

“But you, O man of God”, “pursue”, “fight”, “take hold”, “I command you”, in

1 Timothy 6:11–14 But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I command you, in the sight of God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you observe the commandment without fault, irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rather than being overcome and worn down by the strife, and slanders, and constant wrangling, we are to overcome, we are to stand and “fight the good fight of faith”. Or as Paul also wrote in

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be Rich in Good Works

1 Timothy 6:17–19
In the world, people want to have “riches”, but in 1 Timothy 6:19 “what is truly life” is in the satisfaction of doing good. Are you able to have faith in God? Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:17 “put … hope … in God, who provides us all things richly for enjoyment” and in

1 Timothy 6:18 to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, sharing freely,

Guard What Has Been Entrusted to You

1 Timothy 6:20–21
We live in a age where knowledge is increasing at an ever faster pace, yet, what eternal value does it have?

1 Timothy 6:20 “Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge”

or as Paul said in

1 Corinthians 2:2,5 For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 5 in order that your faith would not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

 

Rekindle the Gift of God That is in You

2 Timothy 1:1–7
Paul reminds Timothy of his heritage. Faith in Timothy’s family began in 2 Timothy 1:5 “which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice”.

We all may wish to have had that storybook perfect family, but it doesn’t often happen in our generation that we reach our adulthood with both parents living and serving God. And, this was so with Timothy where his mother, “Eunice—(was) a believing Jewess; but his father was a Greek, that is, a heathen (Ac 16:1). The faith of the one parent sanctified the child (2 Ti 3:15; 1 Co 7:14). She was probably converted at Paul’s first visit to Lystra (Ac 14:6)”.1

But our life with God is not determined by our family line, our DNA, or the faith or lack of faith in our parents. Our life with God is determined by our acceptance and love for God. But even our relationship with God can wain so as Paul encourages Timothy so let it be in you that you “rekindle the gift of God”.

2 Timothy 1:6 for which reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.

But, you may say, no one has laid hands on me to give me a gift. Well, laying on of hands is one way that God confirms his word in your life but also know that in

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

And it is Jesus Christ who gives the gifts and He knows exactly what He made you and equipped you to do with your life so even if no man ever lays hands on you, allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you to your place in the body of Christ. So, in

Ephesians 4:8 Therefore it says, “Ascending on high he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men.”

I Know in Whom I Have Believed

2 Timothy 1:8–18
If we have believed, we have come to a revelation of who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for us through his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. So, “There is one deposit (His revelation) committed by God to us, which we ought to keep (2 Ti 1:13, 14) and transmit to others (2 Ti 2:2); there is another committed by God to us, which we should commit to His keeping, namely, ourselves and our heavenly portion”.2

So, the result of His work is that we can entrust our life, and how we live the rest of it on the earth, into His care “until that day”, “the day of His appearing (2 Ti 1:18; 2 Ti 4:8)”.2 As it says in

2 Timothy 1:12b “and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted until that day”.

Be Strong in the Grace That is in Christ Jesus

2 Timothy 2:1–7
Paul instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1 to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” and in 2 Timothy 2:2 to “entrust these things to faithful people who will be competent to teach others also”. Many believe that they are doing Gods perfect will if they are preaching the gospel, but there is more than that. Jesus told his apostles to “make disciples” and this is exactly what Paul is also telling Timothy. In the end, it isn’t how good we are at preaching or teaching or ministry in spiritual gifts. The end is in our ability to “entrust these things to faithful people”. But it isn’t so much about the people as it is about being able to trust God to do a work in their life just as he has done a work in our own.

Are you willing to “entrust these things to faithful people”? If so, then,

Have you been able to “entrust these things to faithful people”? If not, maybe it is not an issue with the people around you. Are you willing to trust God and help them develop even through their missteps? 

That They Also May Obtain Salvation Which is in Christ Jesus

2 Timothy 2:8–13
This was always Paul’s mission, that others would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The message is not complicated, Paul summarizes it in

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David according to my gospel,

Paul also puts his imprisonment in perspective in 1 Timothy 2:9-10:

  • “the word of God is not bound”
  • “I endure all things for the sake of the chosen”

God’s word will go forth, the gospel of the Kingdom is being preached, people are coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ even if we seem to be imprisoned. And our imprisonment can be by chains as Paul was, or by circumstance, or by peoples words against us, or by limitations of resources we think we need, or even by our own inability but even so, in 1 Timothy 2:13 “he remains faithful”.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 1 Timothy 6:11-21
  • 2 Timothy 1:1-18
  • 2 Timothy 2:1-13

References

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 422). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 423). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Devotions

Train Yourself for Godliness

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Paul offers Timothy instruction in the administration of his gift as a teacher and leader in the body of Christ. And though there are many needs around us, we are most effective when we are diligent with our gift. All of us are first an example to people around us. As teachers and leaders we are also to recognize and combat false doctrine. And, we are to establish the right order to care for those that have need which begins with teaching people to take care of those in their ow families. 

In the Last Times Some Will Depart From the Faith

1 Timothy 4:1–5
We tend to focus, and rightly so, on the goodness of the gospel and on the right doctrine we are given (see Hebrews 6:1–2 and others). There are though, some other doctrines and behaviors that we learn to identify as contrary and in opposition to the things of God. In

1 Timothy 4:1–2 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience,

There are some that believe that everything in the spirit realm is good and from God but clearly that is not what Paul taught. Paul identifies “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons who”, and I am sure this is not intended as an all inclusive list, but they:

  • “forbid marrying”
  • “insist on abstaining from foods”

Jesus also taught that there were evil spirits that do not honor the natural boundaries, that will possess and oppress people. One example is found in

Mark 5:7–8 And crying out with a loud voice he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore you by God, do not torment me!” 8 (For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”)

 

Train Yourself for Godliness

1 Timothy 4:6–16
Paul instructs Timothy in

1 Timothy 4:6 By teaching these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed faithfully.

Then tells him again in

1 Timothy 4:11 Command these things and teach them.

Paul goes on with emphasis telling Timothy to:

  • “be an example”
  • “pay attention to the public reading,d to exhortation, to teaching”
  • “do not neglect the gift”
  • “practice these things”
  • “be diligent”
  • “fix your attention on yourself”

Being a teacher and leader in the church is very much like being a parent because as a parent, your children learn maybe more by your example than they do by what you say. It may seem odd that Paul would tell Timothy to “fix your attention on yourself” but there are several reasons why this is important for any teacher or leader:

  • First, we must live the Christian life ourselves.
  • Second, there are natural communication skills we can learn and practice that will enhance the gift God gives us.
  • Also, people don’t always respond the way we think they should so we must keep our eyes on God.

 

The Widow Who is One Truly Is Left Alone

1 Timothy 5:1–8
Some who are widows have children and may have grandchildren and these will care for her in 1 Timothy 5:4. Paul though, talks about the true widow, the one left alone, the one that has “put her hope in God” in

1 Timothy 5:5 But the widow who is one truly, and is left alone, has put her hope in God and continues in her petitions and prayers night and day.

Let a Widow be Put on the List

1 Timothy 5:9–16
It is right for the church to care for those that need care, and Paul defines that in a fairly narrow way. In 1 Timothy 5:9 -10 he gives three criteria:

  • “not less than sixty”
  • “the wife of one husband”
  • “well attested by good works”

This may seem too restrictive for some, but the intent is clear in 1 Timothy 5:16 “the church must not be burdened”. In fact, today, many say that this is a social problem and government must deal with these issues. And, in many countries, there are social programs to take on the needs of people that are not able to support themselves. God has always included the widow and the orphan and the stranger in the land as a responsibility of the priesthood, to be supported from the tithe.

Deuteronomy 26:12 “When you are finished giving a tithe, all of the tithe of your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, then you shall give to the Levite, to the alien, to the orphan, and to the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and they may be satisfied.

But there was also provision for these in the way a harvest was gathered. The gleanings of the field belonged to them, for them to gather in

Deuteronomy 24:20-21 When you beat off the fruit of your olive trees you shall not search through the branches afterward, for it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow…

Today, in many countries, we are so mechanized that there is nothing left to glean in the field. But we may find ways, donations from food suppliers for example, that are then available for those in need. But we, the church, has accountability here, this is not just a government social welfare problem.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 1 Timothy 4:1-16
  • 1 Timothy 5:1-25
  • 1 Timothy 6:1-10

References

Devotions

The Goal of Our Instruction is Love

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Paul instructs one of his faithful disciples giving him positive encouragement in the prophetic word spoken over his life. Paul also offers guidance for overseers and deacons. And, Paul instructs Timothy to combat the false doctrines that some are “speaking confidently” and there is a key truth here, just because someone is speaking boldly and even with passion, doesn’t mean they are right. Paul himself admits his blasphemy and persecution of the church was done in ignorance and it was the “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” that saved him and set him in the ministry.

1 Timothy Introduction

Paul writes to give positive instruction and guidance for the offices of the church, overseer, deacon, teacher. He also combats “a dangerous heresy which was threatening the welfare of the Christian Church … characterized by speculative intellectualism. It produced questions (1 Timothy 1:4); those involved in it had a craving for questions (1 Timothy 6:4); it dealt in stupid and senseless questions (2 Timothy 2:23); its stupid questions are to be avoided (Titus 3:9). The word used in each case for questions is ekzētēsis, which means speculative discussion … It was characterized by pride. The heretics are proud, although in reality they know nothing (1 Timothy 6:4). There are indications that these intellectuals set themselves on a level above ordinary Christians; in fact, they may well have said that complete salvation was outside the grasp of the ordinary man or woman and open only to them. At times, the Pastoral Epistles stress the word all in a most significant way. The grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all (Titus 2:11). It is God’s will that all should be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4)”.1 

The Goal of our Instruction is Love From a Pure Heart

1 Timothy 1:1–11
When we think about, what Paul calls “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” in 1 Timothy 1:11, we often think of what Paul called the “elementary message about Christ” in

Hebrews 6:1–2 Therefore, leaving behind the elementary message about Christ, let us move on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God, 2 teaching about baptisms and laying on of hands, and resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.

Certainly, these things are foundational and constructive teachings that we all require as we come into a saving faith in Christ. But Paul also instructs Timothy to teach against the false doctrines where some have “turned away into fruitless discussion” in 1 Timothy 1:6. And, he names the “other doctrine”, myths and genealogies in

1 Timothy 1:4 and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith.

Then he also lays out their motivation, in

1 Timothy 1:7 wanting to be teachers of the law, although they do not understand either the things which they are saying or the things concerning which they are speaking confidently.

Jesus had spoken about this in Matthew 23:1-7 and it is these who “love the place of honor” that Paul is warning about here. These are “The Judaizers … (named) in the Epistles to the Galatians and Romans, who made the works of the law necessary to justification in opposition to Gospel grace … (and) The Judaizers here meant corrupted the law with “fables,” which they pretended to found on it … abusing it (the Law) by fabulous and immoral interpretations of, and additions to, it”.2 

Christ Jesus our Lord Considered Me Faithful

1 Timothy 1:12–17
Paul gives us not only the heart of the gospel, but the hope of the gospel for all who recognize their sin. We were all separated from God and even worse, ignorant. But, Christ Jesus came in

1 Timothy 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

and Paul says “because of this I was shown mercy” in 1 Timothy 1:15. And not only did Jesus come to save sinners, but he also “considered me faithful, placing me into ministry” in 1 Timothy 1:12. Paul is not saying this to exalt himself, instead it is to recognize the great work that Christ Jesus has delivered to us. And not just to Paul, but as John would say Jesus “made us a kingdom, priests to his God” in

Revelation 1:5–6 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and released us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

 

In Accordance With the Prophecies Spoken Long Ago About You

1 Timothy 1:18–20
Paul reminds Timothy of the things that were spoken about his life. God always shows us things to come. And now Paul is speaking specifically to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1 18 “in accordance with the prophecies spoken long ago about you, in order that by them you may fight the good fight”.

What God speaks to us doesn’t always happen in a day, or a year but that doesn’t mean God has forgotten or that we have foiled God’s plan. As Paul says to Timothy, we must “fight the good fight” of faith because in

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the realization of what is hoped for, the proof of things not seen.

And we know how God operates and that in

Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and is a rewarder of those who seek him.

So, we must hold fast and have faith in God to perform his word.

That We May Live a Tranquil and Quiet Life

1 Timothy 2:1–8

Continue in Faith and Love and Holiness With Self-Control

1 Timothy 2:9–15

If Anyone Aspires to Supervision, He Desires a Good Work

1 Timothy 3:1–7

Holding the Mystery of the Faith With a Clear Conscience

1 Timothy 3:8–13

Great is the Mystery of Godliness

1 Timothy 3:14–16

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 1 Timothy 1:1-20
  • 1 Timothy 2:1-15
  • 1 Timothy 3:1-16

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, pp. 5–6). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 405). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Devotions

Rejoice in the Lord Always

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Paul reminds the people of the church in Philippi that “our commonwealth exists in heaven” so we should not walk as the world does, but hold on to what we have attained. But not everyone is getting along in this church and Paul gives them the solution for dealing with this kind of contention. It begins with “Rejoice in the Lord”, then be gentle, don’t be anxious, and “… think about these things”. When we have a thought, and particularly a bad one, we can’t just stop thinking it. We must replace it with something else. We must turn our attention to the outcome that we want instead of thinking about what might go wrong. So Paul says “… whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things.

Sincerely Concerned About Your Circumstances

Philippians 2:19–24

Consider Such People Highly Honored

Philippians 2:25–30

Worship by the Spirit of God

Philippians 3:1–4

I Press on Toward the Goal for the Prize

Philippians 3:5–14 

Our Commonwealth Exists in Heaven

Philippians 3:15–21
Paul often used the local culture to make a point as he did in Acts 17:22-31 when in Athens where he preached a message about their altar “To an unknown God”. Here in Philippi, he is writing to people of a Roman colony where they were very of their citizenship. Paul uses this to describe in Philippians 3:19 “destruction (of) … the ones who think on earthly things” and then reminds them in

Philippians 3:20 For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Paul is telling them ‘You are a colony of heaven’ (Authorized Version), Paul wrote to the Philippian church (3:20). Just as the Roman colonists never forgot in any environment that they were Romans, so the Philippians must never forget in any society that they were Christians. Nowhere were people prouder of being Roman citizens than in these colonies; and Philippi was one such colony.1 

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Philippians 4:1–9
Paul tells them in Philippians 4:1 to “stand firm in the Lord” and then addresses a specific problem between to women in the Church. These are in Philippians 4:3 “fellow workers whose names are in the book of life” but somehow they are not in Philippians 4:2 “in agreement”. The truth is that we may not like every person that we meet. We may have a different view and a different way of getting things done. And it seems between these two, this was a long standing problem, significant enough that Paul has heard about it. Paul answers this by telling them to keep their eyes on God and rejoice in him in

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.

Then he tells them not to strive or fight but to be gentle in

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be made known to all people. The Lord is near.

And, he tells them not to fret or be anxious but pray, ask God, and be thankful in

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And finally, to keep their minds right by thinking on the right things in

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things.

Then before turning to another subject, he says in Philippians 4:9 “practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you”. It really is up to us to allow the God to have first place in our lives. Is there any issue or problem that is more important than this? No, it is just our pride or self-will that gets in the way especially when we start imagining this other person is somehow against us.

Zechariah 8:17 (KJV 1900) And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.

My God Will Fulfill Your Every Need

Philippians 4:10–20
God always seems to give a vision that is bigger than we can fulfill and Paul is not shy about asking for help. He says that giving to help accomplish God’s work will cause increase in their account with God in

Philippians 4:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek for the profit that increases to your account.

And it is God that will supply for them in

Philippians 4:19 And my God will fulfill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 

All the Saints Greet You

Philippians 4:21–23
These three little closing verses may seem insignificant, but look at who is included here. “those of Caesar’s household”. Jesus had appeared to Paul after he was imprisoned in Jerusalem and said in

Acts 23:11 And the next night the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

While Paul is writing this letter to the Church in Philippi, he writes with chains as he is still imprisoned in Rome. We might think that being in chains would prevent the spread of the gospel but Paul wrote earlier in

Philippians 1:12–13 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have happened instead for the progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in Christ has become known in the whole praetorium and to all the rest,

Now as Paul closes this letter, we find that the gospel has gone even beyond the praetorian guard to “Caesar’s household”.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Philippians 2:19-30
  • Philippians 3:1-21
  • Philippians 4:1-23

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 5). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
Devotions

The One at Work in You is God

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Paul recounts the fellowship that has developed with the church at Philippi as they not only accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also became partners with him in the work of the ministry. Paul encourages them to continue, to stand together, and in Philippians 2:16 to hold “fast to the word of life”. There is a unity of the spirit, a unity of purpose that comes as we grow and mature with the fruit of righteousness and God is working in us.

Philippians Introduction

Paul’s first encounter with Philippi is in Acts 16. It was a Roman colony and leading city as it says in

Acts 16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of that district of Macedonia, a Roman colony. And we were staying in this city for some days.

As a reward for their service, Roman soldiers were given a place in these colony cities and they became something like we would call our National Guard or at least a cultural anchor for the area with strong ties to Rome. “It was the custom of Rome to send out parties of veteran soldiers, who had served their time and been granted citizenship, to settle in strategic road centres. Usually, these parties consisted of 300 veterans with their wives and children. These colonies were the focal points of the great Roman road systems, which were so engineered that reinforcements could speedily be sent from one colony to another”1

“The story of Paul’s (first) stay in Philippi is told in Acts 16; and an interesting story it is. It centres round three people—Lydia, the seller of purple; the demented slave girl, used by her masters to tell fortunes; and the Roman jailer. It is an extraordinary cross-section of ancient life”.2

But it is the reaction of the people that is most informative about the culture of the city and the kind of opposition Paul faced there in

Acts 16:20-21 “these men … being Jews, 21 and are proclaiming customs that are not permitted for us to accept or to practice, because we are Romans!”

Get more about Paul’s initial encounter: Come Over to Macedonia and Help Us 

The One Who Began a Good Work Will Finish It

Philippians 1:1–8
This letter is written after Paul had not only planted the gospel in Philippi, but long nurtured a close relationship with the saints of this city. Their relationship began when “Paul, with Silas and Timothy, planted the Gospel there (Ac 16:12, &c.), in his second missionary journey, A.D. 51. Doubtless he visited it again on his journey from Ephesus into Macedonia (Ac 20:1); and Ac 20:3, 6, expressly mentions his third visit on his return from Greece (Corinth) to Syria by way of Macedonia”.3

In his opening remarks, Paul doesn’t just talk about their acceptance of Jesus Christ, but he mentions in Philippians 1:5 “your participation in the gospel from the first day until now”. Others participated in the work of Paul but “The Philippians actively participated in Paul’s mission to spread the gospel by their prayers for him in his affliction (1:19), by their own suffering for their faith in Christ in the face of opposition (1:27–30), by their radiant witness (2:15–16), by the mission of Epaphroditus on their behalf to care for Paul’s needs while in prison (2:25–30), and by their regular financial support of Paul (4:10–18)”.4

Filled With the Fruit of Righteousness

Philippians 1:9–11
Paul’s prayer for them is that, in Philippians 1:9-10 “your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is superior”. There is a growing and learning process that we go through and as we learn more of Him, Jesus Christ, we “approve what is superior” and are in Philippians 1:11 “filled with the fruit of righteousness”.

The Progress of the Gospel

Philippians 1:12–26
See 13 August 2018 Monday: The Progress of the Gospel

Lead Lives Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

Philippians 1:27–30
This admonition in Philippians 1:27 to “lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” might be thought of as an individual effort, but here, Paul is encouraging them to stand together, “standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel”. In Ephesians Paul told them to take on the armor of God and used the Roman soldiers armor as a type. And every Roman soldier would have understood “contending side by side” because as they locked their shields and stood together, they were much stronger and able to fend off the attack of their enemy. 

United in Spirit, Having One Purpose

Philippians 2:1–11
Now, in Philippians 2:2 Paul pushes this concept of standing together even farther saying “having the same love, united in spirit, having one purpose”, with your shields locked together, in Philippians 2:4 “looking out … for the interests of others”. We aren’t in this simply to make sure that we stand, although we must. We are also looking to make sure those around us can also stand. In Philippians 2:7 he says that like Jesus, “emptied himself by taking the form of a slave”, so also should we humble ourselves and serve those around us for their good. 

The One at Work in You is God

Philippians 2:12–18
There is a lot we can do together, and Paul has already emphasized being “united in spirit” in Philippians 2:2 but that must always begin with our individual relationship with God. As Paul says here in Philippians 2:12 “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” because in

Philippians 2:13 For the one at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure, is God.

Then Paul says in

Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without grumbling and disputing … shine as stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life”

We are here in this world to be an example, to stand in the power of God as a witness to all around us.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Philippians 1:1-30
  • Philippians 2:1-18

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 4). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 2. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 5). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 3. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 359). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 4. Hansen, G. W. (2009). The Letter to the Philippians (p. 49). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.