We’ve been having our own little small group, this week on Twitter, as we work through the Abiding Fruit study.
He can use social media for His glory!
Are you on Twitter? We’d love for you to join in the #AbidingFruit discussion!
Abiding Fruit :: Galatians 5:16-26 :: The Secret to Fruit-Filled Living
Are you looking for the secret to fruit-filled living? Well, look no further, here’s your answer.
Walk by the Spirit.
That’s it folks. Galatians 5:16-26 does not tell us “Go, be more patient. Learn to be more self-controlled. And, would you stop those fits of anger already?”
There is just one central command. Walk by the Spirit.
In verse 16, the Greek word used here is peripateo, which is derived from the word peri (all around) and pateo (to tread). So, the meaning here is to walk around.
Everywhere, all the time, walk by the spirit.
But Paul uses a different greek word in verse 25. Stoicheo, which means to keep in step with. Like those following their military orders.
“Left, left, left, right, left.”
The Spirit of God is moving and active. We are to follow Him, listening and waiting for our marching orders, ready to conform to His plan for every moment of our days.
If we do not keep in step with the Holy Spirit, we do not just stand still. By default we walk in the flesh.
Walk by the power of the Holy Spirit, and fruit will come.
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
Oh how I get this backwards! I like to focus on the “to-do”s, as if I can produce patience or love through working hard for it. But trying to keep up with any sort of list is exhausting, and ultimately a futile pursuit. My “to-do” list is ultimately the way of the flesh.
I can never do all the “do”s and don’t all the “don’t”s. There is only one thing I can do that will bring any hope for change. Stay needy.
As you and I walk by the power of the Spirit, it is only then we have hope for the fruit we long for in our lives. Because, it is only then we are in step with the only One who can bring fruit.
Seeing the fruit of the Spirit in my life brings assurance of my salvation.
I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God…And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:21,24
The nastiness of the flesh comes easy. I don’t have to exert much effort to have fits of anger when my children push my buttons. The outbursts just happen. I don’t tell myself to be jealous of another’s waist size, most days it seems innate.
But there are days when I can see the fruit and I know that it came from outside of myself. When I get a paycheck, and I want to give as much of it as I can to gospel causes. When I pick up the messes in my house one more time, and find joy in serving my family. When I shut the computer down and get to bed on time, so I can wake at 5:30 to spend time with my God.
My sinful flesh wants to sleep in (and does), it constantly craves more stuff, and it certainly does not want to serve others. So it is in these moments, when I do contrary to what my flesh desires, that I see fruit. It is through seeing this fruit in my life that I can know that there is an all-powerful God who loves me and is working in me to produce this fruit, because I am His child.
Walk by the Spirit = Abide in Christ
This coming week we will be studying John 15:1-11, a passage all about abiding in the Vine. This is just another metaphor for the same thing- stay in His presence.
What did you learn this week through Galatians 5:16-26? Feel free to share any links to posts you’ve written!
Abiding Fruit :: Introduction
It all starts with a seed. The gospel message, planted in the hearts of His people.
From a tender shoot to a strong trunk, the faithful Gardener nurtures this precious seedling. He has a great plan for this seed in us; to grow, strengthen, and bear fruit.
For those of us who have received this good news, we have been given an incredible treasure. While the gospel-seed brings joy inexpressible and life eternal, it is not mainly for those who receive it.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news…that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1,3
All for His Glory
God’s ultimate plan for you and I is not just to receive, through faith, this seed of the gospel. He intends for this seed to grow into a strong, fruit-bearing, God-glorifying tree.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8
As we grow into a firmly-planted tree, fruit will come and this fruit will bring more seeds. Gospel-seeds will be planted into more hearts and these delivered disciples will bring glory to God.
Facing Reality
I don’t know about you, but there are days when I don’t feel like a strong, flourishing tree. Seasons come and the fruit on my branches is small and tasteless. There are plenty of moments where there is little proof of discipleship in my life.
God’s plan for me is to bear fruit, and I want to bear good fruit. But I can’t just resolve to be more fruitful and force the fruit to come. I’ve tried that; it doesn’t work.
So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. Matthew 7:17
I cannot bear good fruit on my own. I am diseased and, on my own, powerless to bear good fruit. Yet, God has charged us to bear good fruit. So, there must be a way!
The Secret to Bearing Fruit
Today we kick off our Abiding Fruit study series. This week, the study guide will lead us to take a deeper look at how we can bear the fruit of the Spirit. As we look at the different layers of Galatians 5:16-25 each day, let’s see if we can find the secret to becoming a healthy, fruitful tree.
…I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide… John 15:16
What are you looking forward to in our study this week?
How is your fruit-bearing lately?
Come back next Monday, when we will take a deeper look at Galatians 5:16-25 together.
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Abiding Fruit
I long for my life to be one which bears the unmistakable mark of a Christian. When people interact with me, I want them to see Christ and His characteristics in me.
But when the baby is crying, my oldest is trying to tell me every detail of his very important dream, my toddler is…well, being a toddler, I’ve lost track of time and we need to be in the car, like NOW, but no one seems to carry the same urgency that I have, and, oh my gosh, I’m still in my pajamas…well, I’m not sure there is much evidence of Christ in me in those moments.
Why is it so hard to do what I desire to do?
If you know this familiar struggle then I’m glad you are reading this. Not (only) because it makes me feel less alone, but because this Fall we are going to take a journey through the Bible to find out how we can have the abiding fruit of Christ in our lives.
We’ve partnered yet again with Inspired to Action’s Maximize Your Mornings Challenge, and have hand-picked thirteen different passages of Scripture to help us understand how the fruit of the Spirit can become evident in our lives. Each Monday, beginning September 19th, we will have weekly Bible study posts for you!
If you are not already diving into a specific study in the Word, we would LOVE for you to join us in making the Abiding Fruit study part of your time with the Lord. You can download the study guide here. Anyone is welcome to join in the study, regardless of whether or not you are doing the Maximize Your Mornings challenge.
This study guide is unique in that we will be guiding you to new passages and YOU will be doing the studying! Each week we will read and study the same passage over the course of five days. Using different study questions, we will observe the passage with a new set of “glasses” each day to help us dig through another layer of Scripture.
If you will be doing the study we’d love to hear from you! Just give us a shout out in the comments and let us know what you are looking forward to as we dive into the fruit of the Spirit. And, if you haven’t already, go ahead and subscribe to Do Not Depart so you can receive the Bible Study posts straight to your inbox!
We are excited about getting to dig into the Word with you!
_______________
P.S. Don’t forget about the AMAZING giveaways over at To Overflowing and Living Devotionally. We’re having a party to celebrate the release of our ebook Savoring Living Water: How to have an effective quiet time. Here is a list of all the greatness you can win:
Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman (a signed copy!)
A “HelloMornings” coffee mug (I LOVE that the verse on the back is Psalm 143:8!)
Parenting from the Overflow by Teri Lynne Underwood
Two “Clipsie Daisy” super-cute hair clips
ESV Study Bible
31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae
Classic Bible Commentary
Warrior Prayers, with Leader’s Guide by Brooke McGlothlin
An embroidered tote bag
The party ends Friday night, and nine winners will be chosen, so run and enter while you can!
Dwelling of the Lord {Guest Post}
David, a man after God’s own heart and a man of war, was not going to be the man to build the First Temple. That task was given to his son Solomon. However, David drew up the plans. He said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands; I will therefore make preparation for it.” David understood the importance of building a dwelling place for the Lord. He dedicated the end of his life to gathering a great quantity of building materials for the Temple.
The building of the First Temple was a monumental task. It was built by 30,000 Israelites; 150,000 Canaanites & even Phoenician artists. Construction began in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign and took seven years (specifics from L. Dolphin).
After reading about the details of the Temple in 1 Kings 6, we learn in the next chapter that it took 13 years to build Solomon’s personal palace.
Did you catch it? I almost missed it the first time I read it.
Solomon spent twice as long building his own palace then he spent building the dwelling of the Lord. He used twice as much of his time, energy, & resources for HIMSELF than he did for His Lord.
This was the beginning of the descent. For many years Solomon pursued a self-centered (proud) instead of a God-centered (humbled) life. He wandered away from fellowship with His God, returning only much later, near the end of the life, to record for us in his book, Ecclesiastes, what he had learned about the emptiness of all of life apart from God.
But can we really judge him? How much of our time, energy, & resources are allocated to our own interests? How much is allocated to serving the Lord?
You may think, “It’s unrealistic for me to spend twice as much time on the Lord’s work as my own!” Is it? Or are we so self-consumed that we choose comfort and convenience over sacrifice and service for His glory?
I’m just as guilty. I’ve found over the last few months that even the small amount of my day that I spend in the Word and in prayer has been cut in half. Yet my time on Twitter and Facebook as more than doubled.
What is a “realistic” solution?
wake up early to spend time in His Word
pray throughout the day
find a new ministry opportunity within your giftedness
teach your children how much God loves them
encourage a friend with God’s hope
count your blessings (1000 gifts)
memorize a section of scripture
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain… It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Ps 127:1-2
Lastly, with the new covenant (Christ’s death on the cross), the Temple curtain was torn. We were given access to the Holy of Holies, the One True God. His Spirit dwells within us…the dwelling place of the Lord.
Choose today where you will allocate your time, energy & resources…On the dwelling place of the Lord. Or on building your own personal, comfy palace.
Heather MacFadyen has been married for 12 years, is the mother of 3 young boys (pregnant with a 4th child) and, in her “free time”, writes for her blog, www.godcenteredmom.com. Her goal is to encourage other moms (and herself) to daily clothe themselves in humility by placing God in the center, so they can serve their families with joy and to bring God glory.
Free Online ESV Student Bible
Happy Monday! Here are some fun tools I wanted to share with you today.
ESVBible.org
Have you checked out esvbible.org yet? It is an online Bible where you can add notes, highlights and bookmarks and access free daily devotionals, reading plans and study tools.
Through esvbible.org you can also purchase the online versions of different study Bibles and study tools which can be accessed online from any computer, through your esvbible.org account.
I love the potential here. I have a few favorite Bibles but if I want to do some studying those big Bibles pile up quick. And forget bringing them all with me on my “retreat” days. Having them all online, in one place, is a very attractive thing! Plus, each Bible module is a fraction of the cost of a paper copy. I’ve been looking into getting an ESV Study Bible with my birthday money, and am seriously considering getting the online version instead of the paper Bible. However, if I do decide to go with the paper version, access to the online version also comes with the purchase!
I’ve also had my eye on the ESV Greek Tools module that can be added…decisions, decisions.
Free Online Study Bible
Ok, so there is an new module out on esvbible.org. It is the ESV Student Bible, and Crossway has a great offer which I am super excited about. You can get the ESV Student Bible for free! All it takes is sharing it with five of your friends or family. I’ve already shared the offer with friends and family and immediately received access to the online version of the study notes, maps and other study tools.
I thought many of you might be interested in this! This free offer is a great chance to try out the ESV Bible and the great study tools in the student version for yourself. Hop on over to Crossway’s blog to read about all the details.
More About the English Standard Version
If you are unfamiliar with the ESV, or the English Standard Version, it is a wonderful translation of the Bible.
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. – About the ESV Translation, esv.org
The bottom line here is that it is a great translation to use for studying while still being very readable. When you want to get into the nitty-gritty of what the author intended the verse to mean, it is important to use a version that was translated word-for-word. The ESV is also the trusted, go-to Bible of most of my favorite preachers and teachers.
ESV Trusted By Leaders from Crossway on Vimeo.
The Breath of God
Have you noticed how many times in scripture God’s power is revealed through Him speaking? He spoke the universe into place. He breathed life into man. He stilled the storm with the command of His voice.
Just last week I was thinking of doing a study on how often God uses his breath to accomplish His will. Sunday night my husband preached a message on exactly this topic. We had not talked about it at all. I thought it was pretty fun that we had the same thing on our hearts!
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Psalm 33:6
Here is the outline from my hubbie’s talk:
The Breath of God…
- Created everything :: Genesis 1
- Gives life :: Genesis 2:5-7
…then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
- Sustains life :: Psalm 119:25, Job 33:4
The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
- Controls nature :: Mark 4:37-41
- Raises the dead :: Mark 5:35-42, John 11:38-44
- Gives the Holy Spirit :: John 20:19-23
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.
- Causes regeneration :: Eph 2:1-5, Titus 3:3-6
…by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…
The word breath is translated from the Greek word pnuema. The cool thing? The word spirit is also translated from pneuma. The Spirit of God is the breath of God in us.
- Reveals scripture :: 2 Tim 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
- Defeats death and sin :: Luke 23:44-47, Rev 5:1-10
- Defeats His enemies :: 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 19
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse…
I hope you can get a moment soon to take a better look at each of these verses. It is amazing to see the thread of God’s action through the breath of His mouth.
God’s breath is powerful. Imagine what would happen if He ever lifted His finger?
Have you noticed this theme of God’s breath in scripture? Which of these actions of God most strike you with awe?
Philippians :: Summer Study Link-Up
Well, its the week for link-ups around here! If you participated in the Philippians study this summer, even if you are not quite finished with it, we would LOVE to hear about what you’ve learned from the study of this great book. Let’s give God the glory for His work in our hearts this summer!
Just write up a post about your experience, and link it up back here! We can’t wait to read your posts, and hear about all the Lord has revealed to you through His word. (Feel free to link-up any of the posts you have written this summer about the Bible study!) If you don’t have a blog or time for a post, just leave a comment at the end of this post.
There is a new Bible study in the works, coming in September. It will be in conjuction with Inspired to Action’s Maximize Your Mornings fall challenge. Be sure to subscribe, if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss a thing!)
Philippians :: Week 11 :: Contentment in All Things
I’m going to perform a brain surgery today. Tomorrow I am going to climb Mt. Everest. After that, I’m going to fly a 747.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, right?
In case you missed the sarcasm: No, this blog has not been hacked.
What Paul really meant.
While I don’t think most of us would ever go this far in “claiming” this verse, I do think it is easy to misunderstand Paul’s heart behind penning these words.
We must pay attention to the context of this verse.
Paul is thanking the Philippian church for their partnership with him. They had been sending him financing for his ministry and gifts to encourage him personally. But he wants them to know that, thought he is thankful for them, he doesn’t need them. He needs Christ.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:11-13
Paul is trying to communicate that, though he has enjoyed their partnership, he doesn’t need their gifts. When Paul stated that he can do all things through him who strengthens, he meant that he has learned the secret to enduring all things: contentment.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
So, before we sport our coffee mugs and bumper stickers with this overly-used-out-of-context verse, let us be sure that we really mean what we are shouting off the rooftops. I can do all things through him who strengthens me is a declaration that Jesus is enough. If my husband loses his job, Jesus is enough. If my child walks away from the Lord, Jesus is enough. When my soul is in turmoil, Jesus is enough.
How has the Lord strengthened you as you strive to find contentment in all things?
There is SO MUCH MORE in this great set of verses. What did the Lord reveal to you through your study of Philippians 4:10-23?
An Announcement:
To wrap up our time together, next Friday we will have a linky open! We would LOVE to hear about how the Lord has used this study in your life. So, get your posts ready and head back here to share your heart with us.
Philippians :: Week 8 :: Are you good enough?
It’s good to be good. I get that. God calls us to do good things so he can be glorified (Matthew 5:16).
But do we carry it too far?
Not in doing good things (let’s always want that!), but by incorrectly thinking that doing good things makes us good.
Immediately after Paul told the Philippians to fill up on joy (Philippians 3:1), he gave them a very stern warning:
“Look out for the dogs!
Look out for the evildoers!
Look out for those who mutilate the flesh!” (verse 2)
Who were those dogs? They were grace-stealers. They were Jews who were trying to pull the fresh Christians away from grace and back into law.
They were the voices we still hear today, whispering and sometimes shouting: “You’re not doing enough. You’re not good enough! Is that the best you can do???”
But Paul gave a confident and reassuring answer that we need to listen to. He said we don’t have to be good enough.
And he should know. If anybody had a beefy spiritual resume, it was Paul (verse 4). He had credentials. His Benjamite blood line was pure, traceable all the way back to Jacob, as far as a Jew could go.
He was a Pharisee on fire for obeying the law, far more zealous than any Sadducee. But…
Was it good enough? Could his credentials earn his salvation?
Can yours? What do you take pride in?
Maybe you have a stellar record of church attendance. Or you teach a Bible class or two. Or you make great sacrifices to homeschool your kids. Ah, great items for the resume, yes?
No.
While those may be good things, they’re still zemia compared to knowing Christ. Zemia is the Greek word Paul used for “loss” in verse 3. As in detriment. Disadvantage.
If you’re relying on your own credentials to build your joy, you’re at a disadvantage. You’re wasting energy trying to be perfect on your own.
Instead, concentrate on knowing better the one who already is perfect. Hang out with him and let his blood rub off on you. His perfection is the only one you’ll ever need.
When we try to be right by our own goodness, we’re wrong. But when we accept the righteousness from God that depends on faith (verse 9), we go all the way through suffering to the other side of resurrection.
It’s painful to try to be perfect on our own. And it’s unnecessary. Christ has already done it for us.
So let’s heed Paul’s warnings and do as he did:
- Rejoice in the Lord
- Beware of grace-stealers
- Put no confidence in our own works
- Know Christ and build faith in him
Because it’s not what you do for him, it’s that you know him.
And that is reason to rejoice!
What have you gleaned from Philippians 3:1-11?
Do you still struggle with trying to do it all yourself?
How do you lean on Christ?
The gateway ~ Psalm 1
As Tara and I entered the garden, we saw abundant plant life, a magnificent sculpture, and a pathway leading beyond. It was my first time to Brookgreen Gardens, and my dear friend was eager to share it with me. Approaching the entrance, the beauty drew me in, stirring my interest to see more, but the gateway itself was only a glimpse of all that awaited.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Psalm 1 is what the ESV Study Bible calls “the gateway” to the Book of Psalms. This week we’ll spend four days lingering at the gateway to this Book, the song book of the people of God. If you want to know some background for the Psalter, I invite you to read here or to go here to note some of the landmarks that will help you journey further into the Book. If we take time to see the elements included in the first of the 150 Psalms, we prepare ourselves to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of what lies beyond the gateway.
To know this passage of 6 verses, it helps to observe the facts. Tomorrow we’ll consider more of the meaning of what we find in this first poem that was and is still meant to be sung.
This Psalm describes 2 kinds of men: blessed men and wicked men.
Blessed men prosper. Wicked men perish.
Blessed men do 5 actions in the first 3 verses:
- walk not … in the counsel of the wicked
- stand not … in the way of sinners
- delight … in the law of the Lord (meaning the Torah, first 5 books, at the original time of writing)
- meditate … on God’s law
- prosper … in all he does
Wicked men do 2 actions in verse 5:
- stand not … in the judgement
- stand not … in the congregation of the righteous
There are 3 “but” statements:
- Blessed men don’t linger in wickedness BUT delight in God’s word.
- Wicked men are not like a prospering tree BUT are like chaff.
- God approves of the righteous BUT the wicked will perish.
2 Similes are used in this poem:
- Blessed man … like a tree that is by a stream, yields fruit, & doesn’t wither
- Wicked man … like chaff blown away uselessly by the wind
Tomorrow we’ll reflect on what some of this means, but for today, let’s recognize that “the Lord knows the way of the righteous.” Since there are 2 kinds of men, it’s important to know that God is fully aware of our hearts.
As I entered through the gate of the southern garden, I saw sculpture, plants, and architecture. I acknowledged the pieces, but uncovering their meaning amplified the beauty of the discovery.
Join me tomorrow as we pear further into the meaning of the facts in these 6 verses shaping the arch through which we enter the Book of Psalms. I encourage you to take time to read Psalm 1 aloud; find it here. Better than that, would you memorize it with me over the next 4 days? It’s not a hard Psalm to commit to memory, and we already know the “pieces.” The rest of the week, let’s look at questions like:
- What makes the blessed man proper?
- Why doesn’t the tree wither?
- Why is chaff useless, and what is it, anyways?
- What does it mean the “the Lord knows”?
- What does it really mean to be “blessed”?
- How in the world can you “meditate day and night”?!?!?!?
- What does the counsel of the wicked and the seat of scoffers look like in the modern world?
- What do you want to know about this Psalm?
I’ll see you tomorrow ….. just inside the gateway….
Philippians :: Week 5 :: Looking at Y.O.U.
{Today’s post is a guest post from Kelly!}
Paul was not a teacher that candy-coated the truth. He spoke truth for what it is. He wasn’t trying to win your heart or get you to like him, he was trying to point you to Jesus:
“Be like-minded. Look out for others’ interests.”
“Respect others; regard them better than you.”
“Be obedient, even die.”
“Every person glorify the Father.”
An “others-focused” theme is present here, because that is God’s heart. In other words, I’m going to turn my attention from me to you. In Philippians 2:2 and 2:5 the word mind is the Greek phroneō which means to have understanding, be wise, to feel and to think. So when I’m responding to you, then I need to apply wisdom in my response. When I think the word YOU, I’m going to think Yielded to Others with Understanding.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 NKJV
What God desires us to do, He did first as the example for us. Jesus became obedient to the point of death. So should we, because it’s not about us. It’s about others. When this humble obedience is brought forth in us, God is glorified and His name is exalted.
“Christianity summed up in one word would be “servant.” Paul would say “slave.” ~ Nelson Searcy
As Christians, we do not think, respond, or feel the way we want, but the way God wants because we are His. We are to die to self and be yielded to others with understanding. God’s heart is unity. It’s much easier to walk in one accord if we live our lives with the attitude of esteeming others better than we are. It’s much easier to avoid strife if we are responding to others with a humble heart. It’s also sometimes easier said than done.
3 Areas to be Yielded to Others with Understanding:
*Interests
We naturally look out for our own interests, but if we are looking out for others’ interests we are going to receive the comfort and fellowship of the Spirit. Showing them this kind of love doesn’t mean we are being nosy, but that our response is with sympathy. A mindset of being considerate in regard to the people we live and work with should be ours.
“Daddy’s sick, so we’re going to be quiet and then bring him breakfast in bed.”
“Jane and I both like coffee at work. There’s one cup left; it’s hers.”
*Opinions
Being like-minded doesn’t mean we change our views to cater to a differing opinion, but that our opinions should line up with scripture. We can’t choose only the portions of the Bible that we like because we belong to God. If all our opinions line up with scripture, then unity will be much easier to attain.
*Beliefs
The area of what we believe is one that needs a true balance of a biblical mindset. When we talk to others we need to be careful that we aren’t unfeeling.
In light of being yielded to others with understanding, consider the following questions:
- How are you to respond when you encounter someone who doesn’t agree with you?
- How can you be in unity with someone when their beliefs don’t agree with yours?
Kelly married her high school sweetheart and homeschools her two boys.
She writes at kellysinging.com to help others walk the road of bearing good fruit.
{Katie here: Thanks to Kelly for sharing her heart with us! Now, what about you? What did YOU learn this week in your study of Philippians? I have been enjoying the discussion each week, and I look forward to your thoughts this week!}
Philippians :: Week 4 :: God’s Purpose
God’s Gospel-Purpose for Us
We know that believing is a blessing. And has purpose.
But suffering? Really, Paul?
The apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. And his Philippian audience knew it. Not only was Paul writing this letter while under house arrest in Rome, but earlier in their very town of Philippi—a wealthy Roman colony—he and Silas had been dragged into the marketplace, stripped, beaten, and locked in stocks (Acts 16:19-24).
So when he writes “it has been granted to you” (1:29) to also suffer, he knows what he’s talking about.
And he expected them to suffer well. For a reason. Us, too?
There is a way to live that shows God’s good news (i.e., gospel) really is good. Stand united; keep the faith; suffer with confidence. Then it will be clear that we’ve been delivered (1:28).
But how?
Do we flinch when danger shows up? Do we get scared at the possibilities of all the things that can go wrong in a life—even “little” things like a stomach bug or a car breaking down or an overscheduled week?
Here are three ways Paul helps us consider it a favor when we face enemies:
1. Don’t be a loner.
Stick with the team.
Can we live in agreement? Can we be so single-focused on Jesus that people will look at the church and think, “That’s amazing!”? Yes, we can!
We’re not designed to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps when troubles come, but rather to lock arms with like-minded believers (1:27).
2. Don’t let enemies intimidate you.
Place your confidence in Christ.
We reflect glory to God when we’re not intimidated by our problems (1:28). Not because we have all the solutions, but because the Lord has and will continue to rescue us. Not from troubles. But through troubles.
God was faithful to Paul in his conflicts. He’ll be faithful to us in ours.
3. Don’t despise suffering.
Consider it a blessing.
This one is hard. But when Paul said that sufferings had “been granted to you,” he used the Greek word charizomai, which literally means “to grant as a favor, gratuitously, in kindness” (1:29).
Paul counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ (3:8), not a curse to shrink back from. The value of knowing Christ is worth it all. We see that throughout Philippians.
So let’s ask the Lord—no, plead with the Lord—to give us more unity, courage, and gratitude so the world will look at us and say, “Wow, God!”
It’s God’s gospel-purpose for us.
How do you overcome fears and sufferings? What truths did you learn in Philippians 1:27-30 about God? About Paul? About your identity in Christ?
Please share what the Lord is revealing to you. It’s one way we can stand side by side for the faith of the gospel (1:27).
Finding Living Water
There is no other way to describe it. I thirst. And in my thirst, I have wasted time searching this world for something to ease the dry. But my thirst goes deep, past the physical, into realms undefinable with mere words.
I entertain the deep down longing for more. More peace. More joy. More life. Then I look to a man or a dream or my closet, desperate for the need to be met. And even after I have some filling—even after the man loves me reckless or the dream takes shape in my now—I awake with the thirst. Again.
I could have been that woman at the Samaritan well, filling her thirst with things of this world. Things that leave us parched. But He graciously gave me a drink of His “living water” and I’ve never been the same.
Over the last few months Lara and I have together been dreaming, planning, praying and writing. The Lord has set our hearts towards putting together a book which will help you in your relationship with Him. Specifically, guidance in how to study the Bible on your own. Our hope and prayer is that through these words you will encounter God in a deeper way as you learn to experience Him through His word.
This book will be available, as an e-book, early this fall. We are incredibly excited about it!
As we continue to put together this e-book, it would be helpful to us to get your input! If you have a moment, will you fill out this quick 1-minute survey? After you fill out the form, please leave us a comment to let us know that you took the survey. If you fill out this form by the end of today, you will be entered to win one of 10 free, pre-released copies of the e-book!
Thank you, friends!
Philippians :: Week 3 :: Paul’s Desire
Paul’s Overriding Desire
In this week’s passage of our Philippians Study, we get a snapshot of Paul’s desires. There is a conflict waging inside his soul. He wants to be with Christ, “for that is far better” (1:23) He longs for Christ and to be rid of his aching, imprisoned body. Later in Philippians we see this longing more clearly: “we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (3:20-21).
Yet he knows that staying on this earth “means fruitful labor” (1:22) and “is more necessary” (1:24) for the sake of the Philippians’ progress in the faith.
But there is yet another desire. An overriding desire: The glory of Christ.
More of Paul’s Desire, and a Study Tip!
This is not the first time we have seen this in the book of Philippians. When I am studying a passage and I start to think there might be a theme present, I will try to take some time to go back and dig a little bit. So, let’s do some digging! Let’s take a look back over the verses we have studied so far, and re-read them, specifically looking for Paul’s desire for the glory of Christ. Here is what I found:
- Philippians 1:9-11: “And it is my prayer that…to the glory and praise of God”
- Philippians 1:12-18: “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (his perspective about being imprisoned)
- Philippians 1:20: “it is my eager expectation and hope that…Christ will be honored in my body”
- Philippians 1:23: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ” (Paul’s desire in death)
- Philippians 1:26: “so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus” (Paul’s desire in life)
This is all just in the first 26 verses of the book! I know that we will continue to see more of this theme; Paul’s desire for the glory of Christ.
Making Application
I just love the wording of Philippians 1:26:
…so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
I pray that my children and husband would have ample cause to glory in Christ because of my presence in their life. I hope that my friends, neighbors and anyone else I encounter can see Christ in me and can praise God for the joy of Christ brought to them through me.
I fear that more often there is little that is praise-worthy in my life, little that gives God glory. But by God’s grace I will press on, even in my failures, because even when I have completely messed up God can be glorified!
What about you? What did you see this week in Philippians? Do you have any questions? Any thing you want to share about what the Lord has shown you in His word?
Top Ten Application Tips
Studying God’s word means nothing if it doesn’t affect our days. Here are some helpful tips, as we focus on what to do as a result of what the Lord is teaching us through His Word.
1. Consider this: You already know more than you can ever obey.
Too often we can find ourselves looking for the “next best Bible Study” to revive our spiritual life. Instead of trying to find something to “fix” you, look and listen to what you have already been taught. Oftentimes God is wooing us to apply something, through a few different people and places but we can be too busy or too stubborn to hear what He is saying. Obey what you already know and you will see life change.
2. Focus on one thing at a time.
Focusing on too many things is a sure way to fail. We can only do a few things well. Prayerfully search for what God wants you to focus on, pick one and move forward.
3. Give yourself time…
Monthly focuses work for me. If I move on to the next thing too quickly, I find myself quickly losing ground I made in the last thing I was working on. Establishing new habits and breaking the old ones take time.
4. …and grace.
Discouragement brings us to a halt in our efforts to apply scripture to our lives. You will fail. I will fail. By God’s grace we can get back up and try again.
5. Take baby steps.
The steps we take towards change must be specific and realistic. Take small, intentional steps towards what God is calling you to.
6. Make a plan, and share it.
Whether it be in a journal, with a friend or spouse, on Facebook, Twitter, or all of the above! Share what God is leading you towards. This helps bring clarity as you process it with others, as well as brings solidarity to your plans. Of course, sharing your plan is also a great source of accountability.
7. Surround yourself with others who are heading in the same direction.
My favorite thing about Twitter is the community that I have found from others who are working on the same thing I am. #HelloMornings has been fuel to my efforts in getting up early to meet with the Lord. #HideHisWord is a great source of encouragement and accountability from others who are memorizing scripture. Of course, you can do this without Twitter. Find two or three others who will commit to praying for you, and invite them to join in on what God has challenged you to.
8. OBEDIENCE is the key.
Regardless of our well-laid plans we must pay attention to the Lord’s leading. He may later lead us to stop, be still, or focus on something else well before we feel like we are “ready” to move on. If our efforts are not out of obedience, then it is impossible to apply scripture to our lives in a way that will bring life change.
9. Pay attention to what is driving your efforts.
Are you driven primarily out of your own strength, or out of an overflow of all the Lord is doing in you through His great grace?
10. Remember who is ultimately the One who brings change.
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:3But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16I am sure of this that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 1:6;2:13
God started the work in you. God is working in you. God will complete this work in you.
Linking up!
and Thought Provoking Thursday
This is an edited repost from the Do Not Depart archives.
