Lesson 533

(Lesson 533)(01-31-13) Philippians Chapter 3, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

In today's lesson, Paul first warns the Philippians to beware of the "dogs" and "evil workers". Then he says, "beware of the concision". That word "concision" describes those whom are circumcised, referring to the Jews. Therefore, Paul warned the Philippians to beware of the Jews.

He warned of the Jews because even some of the Apostles, Peter and others, were trying to impose the restrictions and demands of the old Jewish law on all those who would convert to Christianity. This is very important to todays bible student because the vast majority of the "churches" still teach that in order to maintain ones salvation, he/she must live a perfect, sin free life according to the rules set out in the old Jewish law. That premise is a false one.

Read carefully what Paul is saying in this lesson and you will learn how a true Christian cannot, and need not live above sin in the flesh as is defined in the old law. Paul said, that at one time he was a devout practicing Pharisee Jew who strictly adhered to the law (lived the perfect life) while persecuting Christianity.

After his encounter with Jesus, on the road to Damascus, Paul expressed his thoughts about the law, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"

Paul states that he had given up a good and rich life, according to the standards of the times, and counted it as crap (today's term for dung) to serve our Lord Jesus Christ with every fiber of his being.

The warnings Paul made in the beginning of this lesson should be taken to heart by todays bible student. You, as a bible student, are warned of those who would try to have you "work out your salvation".

Whether or not one attains or maintains eternal salvation is in no manner tied to his physical actions here on earth, salvation comes by faith alone.

Are we to behave ourselves, and conduct our lives in a manner that reflects our faith and honors God? Absolutely! Does our eternity depend upon whether we do or do not commit "sin" after we have accepted Christ? Absolutely not!!!

Romans 4:4-8, "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."~

Lesson 532

(Lesson 532)(01-30-13) Philippians 2:19-30, "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."

In the beginning of this lesson, Paul, with his characterization of Timothy, established how hard it was, even in the days so close to the life of Jesus Christ, to find someone upon whom you could depend to truthfully deliver the word of God in it's purest form. Even then,while the true word of God was historically so close at hand, there were those who desperately tried to distort and confuse its true meaning.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Paul relates the devotion of Epaproditus as one of those who did diligently adhere to the gospel, even when he was very sick.
Its good to carefully scrutinize those upon whom you rely for your knowledge of what God's word actually says. Compared to listening to what someone else has to say about the gospel, do you believe its be better if you take the time to study it all and learn the undisputed truth for yourself?

We should continually encourage others to study, 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."~

Lesson 531

(Lesson 531)(01-29-13) Philippians 2:1-18, "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me."

In this lesson Paul exhorts the Philippians to continue doing the work of the Lord with the same zeal as they did in the beginning when he was with them. He instructs them to care more for those around them than they do themselves. Paul explains how Jesus came, in human form, to give all of us the means by which we could become the children of God. He tells us that every one of the saved will be made to confess, before Jesus, all of the things we have done in this life, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Paul said, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." There are many who profess to believe that this statement means that we are to earn our salvation by living sin-free lives, or to continually demonstrate, by our complete abstinence from "sin", that we are worthy of salvation. That perception the above statement however, is a false one. If one merely reads the very next sentence one finds that the actions of the saved, no matter what they are, are the actions of God, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." 1 John 3:9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."~

Lesson 530

(Lesson 530)(01-28-13) Philippians 1:21-30, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."

In today's lesson, Paul exposes his innermost feelings concerning his obligation to constantly attend to his duty as an Apostle of Christ. It appears there were times when he wished he could end his daily suffering, die and go on to be with the Lord. He knew he would be going to a far better place. However, he could not allow it because he knew his work was not yet done.

Those of us whom have tasted the heavenly gift, have the blessing of eternal life, and know the divine truth, are bound by the same obligation as that which burdened Paul. We should never waver in our efforts to teach the "operation of God", His plan for eternal salvation.

If there are any who doubt the need, they should simply read the obituary section of the daily paper. There are millions, both young and old, who die daily having never known the amazing grace of God. It is our duty, as Christians, to teach as many as we possibly can until that day God sees fit to call us home.~

Lesson 529

(Lesson 529)(01-27-13) Philippians 1:1-20, "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

In today's lesson, Paul and Timotheus express there love and encouragement toward the Christians in Philippi.

Paul takes us into some of the details of things that were happening within the Church during that time and how the Jewish hierarch was still trying to stop him. It appears that there was, just as today, those who were teaching the gospel of Christ for their own personal purposes along with those who were only trying to get Paul into more trouble with the authority. However, Paul didn't seem to condemn them for that, as a matter of fact, he said, "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
Paul didn't seem to care what their motivation was so long as the gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached. ~

Lesson 528

(Lesson 528)(01-26-13) Ephesians Chapter 6, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."

Today's lesson is Paul instructions as to how Christian people are to conduct themselves in their everyday lives.

There is nothing I can add to what is said here except to advise that every one of us continually study, constantly reminding ourselves that everything we do is seen by those who are lost. We should always be diligent ambassadors for the gospel of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 527

(Lesson 527)(01-25-13) Ephesians 5:17-Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."

In the first portion of today's lesson we are instructed, as Christians, to celebrate, and enjoy, our salvation. Paul said, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;", this means that we are to refrain from consuming so much alcohol so as to lose control, instead we are to "get high" on the fact that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ. In the words of an old Merle Haggard son, "You don't have to be high to be happy", instead be drunk with the joy of the Lord.

Today's lesson covers another topic that in my opinion is not stressed nearly enough among Church members today. That is marriage, what constitutes it, and how the man and woman who are married to each other are to conduct themselves within that marriage.

Paul very clearly establishes the husband as the head of a marriage, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:".

However, Paul also lays out a very distinct set of rules for the husband to follow as he leads the marriage. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" In other words, we husbands are not to consider ourselves controllers of our wives, but instead we are to cherish our wives, considering them first in our every action involving the union.
In a perfect marriage, a man and a woman become as one person, both minds striving for identical results. Married people should remember "there is no I in team". A marriage is the definition of "team".
I recommend that every person even considering marriage should read the fifth chapter of Ephesians over and over again.~