#philippians 1:1‭-‬2

[walkswithmyfather]

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

—Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 (ESV)

“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

—Philippians 4:21‭-‬22 (ESV)

“Find Joy In All Things” Devotional (Day 3 of 5) - “Part of the Family” By Melissa B. Kruger:

“In his introduction to Philippians, Paul identified himself as a servant of Christ Jesus and he wrote to the saints in Christ Jesus. His word choice here is significant on both counts. All throughout the Old Testament, the leaders of the Israelites were given the distinction of being called servants of God.

When Paul introduced himself, he made one slight change. Paul didn’t call himself a servant of God or a servant of the Lord. He said he was a servant of Christ Jesus. This word choice has an important implication: he equated Jesus with God.

While this might be old news to you and me, it’s significant from a historical perspective that Paul believed Jesus and God are the same. The understanding that Jesus is God isn’t a legend that developed hundreds of years after His death, when people had forgotten the real person. Those who followed Him and knew Him personally believed Jesus was both fully God and fully man.

It’s also encouraging to note that Paul addressed the Philippians as saints. In fact, this is the term he regularly used in his letters when referring to fellow believers. (Paul never wrote to the “sinners in Rome” or anywhere else for that matter.)

Once we’re part of the family of God, we’re considered saints, not sinners. Being a saint doesn’t mean we’re perfect. It’s who we become when we believe. Our identity doesn’t mean we are free from our fight against sin. We’ll make mistakes all our lives. However, there’s a big difference between being a saint who struggles with sin and being a sinner who’s trying to be a saint.

Be encouraged today: you’re a beloved saint of God! You may not feel like one, but your identity is unchanging, rooted in God’s disposition toward you. By faith in Jesus, we’re adopted by God and we’re part of His family.

Spend some time in prayer, asking God to renew and refresh your heart with this good news. It’s easy to become discouraged by mistakes and failures. Certainly we should mourn and confess our sin. But we also need to rejoice in our new identity. Go to the Lord now, freely, expectantly, boldly, and full of hope. He sees you as His child, and you can bring all your hopes, fears, and failures to Him.

Why is our identity in God something in which to rejoice?”

[pistol247]

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/php.1.1-2.NKJV https://www.instagram.com/p/CjLR_eruPP5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[the-drokainian]

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 ESV

[timdcook4]

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, fulfill my joy, that you think the same way, by maintaining the same love, being united in spirit, thinking on one purpose, doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves, not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1‭-‬11 LSB

[chawsl]

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 NKJV

[woven-in-christ]

**Do Not let your heart grow cold**

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Romans 12:1‭-‬2 amp

It really does not matter much how much time we spend in the Word as long as what we read truly renews our minds. Most serious born again believers in Christ know they need to renew their minds every day but we (yes, myself included) are sometimes carried away by our daily lives, our problems or need of distraction. We can neglect our time in the Word of of God, which means we neglect to renew our minds. I have learned by my own experience that when we do that, we starve our souls and minds. We begin to feel God is far away from us, and we can’t feel His presence anymore.

That is when we put ourselves in serious danger. While our souls and minds are starving our hearts grow colder. Pretty soon after that we will start thinking this and that sin is not that bad and we will fall into temptation a lot easier. We always have to make sure our hearts are burning for Jesus. Burning for Him means total surrender of ourselves to Him, total trust in Him (no matter what our circumstances are), total relying on Him, obeying all His commands and abiding in God all the time. Jesus did not give a lot of commands to follow, He had only 2:

Then one of the scribes [an expert in Mosaic Law] came up and listened to them arguing [with one another], and noticing that Jesus answered them: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another”

John 13:34 amp

Loving others includes all these:

Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] 1 John 4:7-8 amp

Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit; and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]. Peter 3:8-9 amp

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 amp

Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 amp

For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others].

Mark 11:25 amp

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith–conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope–joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love–true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ampc

Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence,

1 John 3:18‭-‬19 ampc

If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [believer] also.

1 John 4:20‭-‬21 ampc

And there are many more Scripture on how to relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Renewing our minds is essential because it is working out our salvation:

“So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].”

Philippians 2:12 amp

Working out our salvation is done in collaboration with the Holy Spirit. It is when we allow Him to transform us from the inside out in order for us to produce His fruit. It is also called the sanctification process. It simply means we work with the Holy Spirit to become more and more Christlike.

Finally, I will leave you with the ultimate danger of letting our hearts grow cold (not renewing our minds). Consider this carefully! Even some born again believers will not make it to heaven!:

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. Revelation 3:15-16 amp

[walkswithmyfather]

“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” —Hebrews 2:17 (NIV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” —John 1:1‭-‬2‭, ‬14 (NIV)

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” —Philippians 2:6‭-‬8 (NIV)

“Jesus—100% God And 100% Human” By Craig T. Owens:

“Oh! that the power of God would set my heart and pen at liberty while writing, and fill your hearts while reading, that we may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (John Newton)

“On paper it seems so simple: “We believe in the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s Son, Jesus was both human and divine.” But trying to wrap our finite human minds around the concept of the full humanity and the full deity of Jesus is challenging!

First off, Jesus was fully human. Both Matthew and Luke record details about Christ’s physical birth, and the writer of Hebrews says that Jesus was made every bit as human as us (Hebrews 2:17).

But Jesus was also fully God. John records how God became flesh in the Person of Jesus (John 1:1-2, 14), and Paul tells us how Jesus chose not to use His deity when He came to earth as a human (Philippians 2:6-8).

I know that anytime we say, “God is like…” we’ve already sold ourselves short, but I’d like to try one analogy that’s been helpful for me.

Imagine a coin that has two distinct sides. While we are looking at one side (heads), we cannot see the other side (tails) but that doesn’t mean the other side has ceased to exist. In fact, if we were able to split that coin in half, so that there was only a heads and a tails, we haven’t cut the value of the coin in half, but we’ve made the coin of no value at all!

In the Greek language of the New Testament, there are a couple of words for “knowing”: one is gnosis and the other oido. Together these words combine head knowledge and heart knowledge, or knowledge by study and knowledge by experience.

C.S. Lewis captures the idea this way: “It is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true Word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with the guidance of good teachers, will bring us to Him.”

Just as Jesus was both God and Man, we are to use both our mind and our heart to know Him.

To focus on the “heads” side—the deity of Jesus—is to pervert gnosis into gnosticism, and deny the humanity of Jesus. To focus on the “tails” side—the humanity of Jesus—is to pervert gnosis into agnosticism, and deny the deity of Jesus. True gnosis keeps both sides in mind: Deity and humanity.

To truly know THE Word of God (Jesus) in all His humanity and in all His deity, we need to study the Word of God. We also need the help of the Holy Spirit. I like the Old English wording of this verse—Ye have an unction [charisma] from the Holy One, and ye know [gnosis] all things (1 John 2:20).

So read your Bible, but not just to read your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to make THE Word known to you. Live in the balance of gnosis as you get to know Jesus more deeply and personally.”

[There is more in this Web Article, with some interesting replies: here.]

[walkswithmyfather]

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:1‭-‬6‬ ‭(ESV)‬‬. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”

“Who Is Greatest?” By In Touch Ministries:

“Christ’s followers find purpose and joy when they trade their earthly mindset for an eternal one.”

“If you’ve spent time around little children, you can attest to the innate human desire to be best, fastest, strongest. “Watch me run! I’m the fastest in the world!” sounds adorable coming from a little boy—but those same words from a grown man would be unsettling. For better or worse, most of us learn to hide our hubris from the world.

Yet when Jesus’ disciples asked, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matt.18:1), it seems they were trying to one-up each other, thinking as a child would. Am I the greatest? Or is he? Why is he better than me? How could I surpass him?

Jesus responded to the juvenile question with a necessary rebuke: None of them were greatest. Yes, as adult men, they held legal and social status that women and children couldn’t attain. Yet in God’s kingdom, this sort of privilege would not only fail to gain them power; it would also be a roadblock to true greatness. However, there is a childlike quality God values: To be “great” in His eyes and in the kingdom, we’re to divest ourselves of power and status and become low, as Jesus Himself did (Philippians 2:5-8). In this way, believers are meant to become like little children.

As followers of Jesus, we too are invited to set aside any earthly status we’ve achieved and become humble and childlike. In so doing, we just may find the kingdom of God in our midst.”

[Photo by No Revisions at Unsplash]

[walkswithmyfather]

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” —Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

“Find Joy In All Things” (Day 1 of 5) Devotional By Melissa B. Kruger - “Our Greatest Longing.”

“Money, fame, relationships, and success—these things we chase after— are really just means to an end. Our greatest longing is for joy. Peace. Contentment.

We’re hoping money can buy us peace or relationships will bring us joy. But life doesn’t work as we think it should. Stuff piles up all around us and fails to satisfy. The closest relationships can bring the greatest turmoil. So often these longed-for good desires—joy, peace, contentment—seem just beyond our reach.

You and I both need something much greater than we can muster up on our own. We need something outside ourselves, something stronger, something secure. This thing we’re searching for, this thing we’re hoping to find? Well, it’s not really a thing. It’s a person.

Spoiler alert: it’s Jesus.

I know that may sound simplistic. It’s too easy, right? However, there’s so much more to Jesus than we realize. He’s the creator, sustainer, and source of every good thing, and in His presence is “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). The more we know Jesus, the more we know joy, peace, and contentment. Studying Philippians helps us understand how knowing Him more makes such a difference.

Philippians is an invitation to joy, written by an imprisoned apostle Paul to believers in the early church who were suffering from opposition. His continual refrain throughout the letter is “Rejoice!”

His joy was unshakeable. His peace was secure. His hope was abounding. Where did he find such depths of riches in the midst of such dire circumstances? From what source did he drink that filled him so fully? How did he learn the secret of contentment? Can I learn it too?

All these questions linger in my mind as I read Philippians time and again. The more I study, the more I recognize how different Paul’s joy was from the happiness I usually seek. Too often I set my heart on fool’s gold and false treasure rather than on the riches found in Christ. Worldly items—the perfect home, a dream job, an amazing vacation, or financial security—may provide momentary happiness but repeatedly fail to satisfy. It’s not wrong to enjoy any of these items; they’re simply insufficient for lasting contentment. All too quickly, they lose their luster. My hope and prayer is that we will become women of abiding joy. What brings you the most joy in your life right now?”

“Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow. They will all confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and this will bring glory to God the Father.” —Philippians 2:1‭-‬11 (ERV)

[the-drokainian]

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:1‭-‬8 ESV

[the-drokainian]

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1‭-‬11 NLT

[pistol247]

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/php.1.1-2.NKJV https://www.instagram.com/p/CpSVahTuKOB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pistol247]

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/php.1.1-2.NKJV https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm4DyQiOlAM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pistol247]

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/php.1.1-2.NKJV https://www.instagram.com/p/CjffmkyOlxl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[walkswithmyfather]

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” —Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

“I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realize that our true help and protection is only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall. God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me. He will never slumber nor sleep; he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel. Yahweh himself will watch over you; he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as he continuously watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home, and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and he’ll protect you forevermore!” —Psalm 121:1‭-‬8 (TPT)

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” —2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV)

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” —Psalm 139:17‭-‬18 (NLT)

There isn't a moment of the day when you're not on God's mind and He thinks countless thoughts about you (Jer 29:11, Ps 139:17-18). He knows where you are right now and He loves you far too much to leave you as you are and where you are.

God is ALWAYS working all things in you and around you for your good (Phil 1:6, Rom 8:28).

No, it isn't all plain sailing. This is not an easy journey we're on. There are hazards everywhere in this sinful, fallen world. There will be storms, mountains, pitfalls, temptations and many other things to negotiate; but through them all, God is with you and He is working. God neither slumbers nor sleeps (Ps 121:4) and all the time He's weaving details into wonders.

“God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Phil 1:6)

By the time God is finished, you and your life will not be the same as now. Everything will be better. More blessings, more peace, more wisdom - better as only God can make things.

Friend, God didn't bring you this far to leave you! Remember that when the going gets tough. God is with you, He is mighty to save and He is faithful. Amen! 🙌

[pistol247]

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1‭-‬2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/php.1.1-2.NKJV https://www.instagram.com/p/Chj0plUudd1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=