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By David R. Sincerbox|Published Date: May 18, 2013
Philippians 2:19-24
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
The Story: What a sad commentary of the ministers of the Gospel in Paul’s day! Yet how many pastors in today’s world are Timothys? How many instead seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ? Paul uses a phrase that literally means, “I have no one like-souled…” Paul and Timothy were “soul brothers” in the true Christian sense of that phrase. Timothy, like Paul, embodied the mind of Christ (2:5). Timothy possessed a genuine concern for the Philippians; his concern had been proven by his selfless, Christ-centered actions in his ministry to them. Timothy was not only Paul’s soul brother, but also was the spiritual son of Paul, serving Paul as if Paul were his beloved father as Paul established and nurtured new churches.
The Structure: The metaphor of a spiritual father-son relationship is used here to reaffirm Timothy’s bona fides to the Philippians. When Jesus tells us in Matthew 23:9 that we are to call no one “father” except our Father who is in heaven, He is warning us not to assume presumptuous titles for ourselves or to attribute presumptuous titles to others. This prohibition does not mean, however, that one cannot assume an almost paternal or maternal relationship in which a mature Christian takes a younger believer under his or her guidance and tutelage. One can thus become a spiritual father or mother to a younger believer by modeling the Fatherhood of our Father who is in heaven.
How are you to work out your salvation with fear and trembling? Are you following the example of Christ with the utmost reverence? If not, why not?
For more insight to the book of Philippians, order the book, Philippians: Run the Race, by Bill Hybels, from our online store..
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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By David R. Sincerbox|Published Date: May 17, 2013
Philippians 2:19-24
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
The Story: In the opening salutation of Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul mentions two other workers that are with him: Silvanus and Timothy. Later in 2 Thessalonians, Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to “imitate us”. Timothy, indeed, is one worthy of imitation. A native of Lystra in Galatia, Timothy was the child of a Jewish mother and a Greek father (Acts 16:1). Both his mother and grandmother were strong women of faith, so they instilled within Timothy the seeds that would germinate when the Gospel poured over this young man. Timothy travelled and ministered extensively with Paul. In Paul’s letters to Timothy, we learn that Timothy was subject to tears (2 Timothy 1:4), that he was a man of sincere faith like his mother (2 Timothy 1:4), that he was subject to fears (2 Timothy 1:7), and that he was loyal (1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Timothy 3:10). Reading between the lines of 1 Corinthians 16:10-11, it appears that Timothy was also timid. What is noteworthy about Timothy’s appearance in this epistle, the letter to the Philippians, is that Paul is describing Timothy as one who follows the supreme example of Christ as given in Philippians 2:5-11, therefore he exemplifies the principle that if we follow Christ’s example of considering the needs of others as more significant than our own needs, we, too, become people whose lives are worthy of imitation.
The Structure:The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines the verb “imitate” as follow as a model. The “English Standard Version” has six appearances of “imitator” or “imitators” in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 4:6, 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:14; Hebrews 6:12). The ESV has four appearances of the infinitive “to imitate” (2 Thessalonians 3:7, 3:9; Hebrews 13:7; 3 John 11), and one appearance of “imitating” (Philippians 3:7). The ESV translates several Greek words as “example”, using the word in either a positive or a negative sense fifteen times in the New Testament. Paul instructs Timothy, Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). We are therefore to follow the examples of Paul and Timothy and emulate their conduct and faithfulness to the Lord.
Are your conduct, love, faith, and purity such that you can honestly say to others, “Follow my example?” If not, why not? Despite the timidity of Timothy, he nonetheless became a powerful spokesperson for the Gospel. If God can work powerfully through someone as introverted as Timothy probably was, he can work through you, too, if you will only follow the supreme example of Jesus.
For more insight to the book of Philippians, order the book, Philippians: Run the Race, by Bill Hybels, from our online store..
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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By David R. Sincerbox|Published Date: May 16, 2013
Philippians 2:17-18
17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
The Story: I once heard a man preach on this verse who said that the drink offering was the only offering that left no residue. The burnt offerings left ash, but a drink offering became totally absorbed by the earth or by the sacrifice upon which it was poured. He likened this to the attitude that servants of God must have if they are to be true servants of Christ. The true servant of Christ pours his or her life out in service to others, leaving behind no residue, as did Paul, to the point that Paul did everything for the glory of God and nothing for his own glory.
The Structure:Paul again uses allusion by referring to the sacrificial system of a drink offering in which either the wine was poured on the ground or over the sacrifice. In this case, Paul is saying that the servant of God pours his or her life out in sacrificial love for the people he or she serves (see Numbers 15:1-10).
We are all called to be servants in the world. Each of us has a personal ministry field made up of all of the people we encounter as we sojourn through life. How are you pouring your life out in ministry to the people you encounter daily?
For more insight to the book of Philippians, order the book, Philippians: Run the Race, by Bill Hybels, from our online store..
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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By David R. Sincerbox|Published Date: May 15, 2013
Philippians 2:14-16
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
The Story: The word “that” reveals the purpose as to why we should do all things without grumbling or disputing. As we work out our salvation in this manner, we become “blameless”, which means no one can place a charge against us of creating disharmony within the body. We retain an irreproachable integrity. By being “innocent” our motives are not polluted by selfishness or guile, but are pure and undefiled by the world, the flesh, and Satan. When all of us are committed to following the supreme example of Christ’s humbleness, we shine like the stars in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. If we grumble and dispute with one another, we are no different from the non-believers who follow the ways of the world. We can only persevere in humble gentleness and self-sacrificial love by holding fast to the word of life, by clinging tenaciously to Christ Himself Who gives us our eternal life (John 5:21).
The Structure: Sometimes the New Testament writers will not offer a direct quote from Scripture but will nonetheless allude or refer indirectly or informally to an Old Testament passage. In this passage, Paul alludes to Deuteronomy 32:5, “The Song of Moses”, which Moses sang to Israel just before they entered into the Promised Land. Shortly after delivering this Song, Moses died. In this part of the Song, God through Moses accused Israel of having dealt corruptly with him and thus
they are no longer his children because they are blemished;
they are a crooked and twisted generation.
The supreme example of Christ’s humbleness as given in Philippians 2:5-11 means that we can even love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44) which goes contrary to every worldly value. Because the world has chosen darkness (John 1:1-18), it is dumbfounded when it confronts the light. As we grow more and more into our Christian childhood, we become ever brighter stars in the dark sky of the world. Ask God to make you ever increasingly brighter as a witness by becoming ever increasingly gentle and humble.
For more insight to the book of Philippians, order the book, Philippians: Run the Race, by Bill Hybels, from our online store..
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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By David R. Sincerbox|Published Date: May 14, 2013
Philippians 2:14-16
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
The Story: How often do Christians disobey this imperative by complaining and arguing! The word “grumbling” has the idea of murmuring, or muttering. When one grumbles, one often does it in an ill-tempered manner. Grumbling implies either (or some of or all of the following) dissatisfaction, distrust, misunderstanding, or unwillingness. “Disputing” involves argumentation. Grumbling coupled with disputing almost invariably results in hurt feelings, anger and resentment, and even churches splitting apart. In the body of Christ, matters of contention are to be dealt with openly and lovingly. If one has been hurt, one should confront the individual who has done the hurting, but that individual should be confronted with gentleness and, if at all possible, in the spirit of seeking peace and reconciliation. The same principle applies if one disagrees with a decision made by the church’s leadership. We do well to heed Paul’s advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24–26:
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
The Structure: As Paul dictated this imperative, he might well have had in mind the experience of Israel in the wilderness which could well be entitled, “The Grumblers.” Exodus records three episodes of grumbling: the first in Exodus 15:22-27 describes how Israel, despite seeing the miraculous works of their God in the Passover and the crossing of the Red Sea, gave in to their fears that God had abandoned them in the Wilderness to perish from thirst as they encountered bitter, undrinkable water. The second, in Exodus 16, describes how one month later Israel grumbled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, complaining that they had brought Israel into the wilderness to starve. The third episode, in Exodus 17:1-7, describes how Israel again gave into their fears of perishing without water. In all three incidents, God did not rebuke Israel but patiently provided; in the first incident, God directed Moses to toss a log into the water at Marah (Bitter) and the water became miraculously sweet; in the second incident, by providing manna and quail from heaven, which fed them for the forty years they were in the Wilderness; in the third incident, God instructed Moses to speak to the Rock at Rephidim, from which came forth water.
Sometimes God will carry us to the point of desperation so that our faith might be strengthened by His faithful, although postponed provision. When God tests us in this manner, we can choose either to grumble or to trust. What will you choose today?
For more insight to the book of Philippians, order the book, Philippians: Run the Race, by Bill Hybels, from our online store..
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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By David R. Sincerbox|Published Date: May 13, 2013
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The Story: The mystery of godliness is a cooperative enterprise that nonetheless is truly the work of God in and through us. When we humbly determine to be obedient, to work out that which is within us, our salvation, our determination to be obedient is the work of God within us. In light of the theme of this epistle, working out our salvation means letting our manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ (1:27). Paul tells us that this manner of life is to be characterized by doing nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than ourselves (2:3). We are therefore to follow the supreme example of Jesus Himself with the utmost seriousness (with fear and trembling), Who counted our needs as more significant than His own; He willingly relinquished His exalted position in the Godhead and took on the form of a servant, to the point that He died on the cross for our sins. We, likewise, are to follow Him and take on servanthood. This is how our manner of life is to be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Paul will now tell us how we are to do this.
The Structure: The phrase both to will and to work for his good pleasure implies that as we step out in obedience, the work that God is doing in and through us is for His “good pleasure”. The Greek word for “good pleasure” has the idea of “favor”, “good will”, “good intent”, and “benevolence.” It is the unmerited goodness of God that causes Him to do His will in and through us. We are therefore privileged to be able to follow the example of Jesus, because this work is through His grace, or His unmerited favor for us.
Do you understand that when God prompts you to follow the example of Jesus’ servanthood , you are an instrument of God’s benevolence to others? Ask God in what way you might bless someone today by considering his or her needs as more significant than your own.
For more insight to the book of Philippians, order the book, Philippians: Run the Race, by Bill Hybels, from our online store..
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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By Ed Longabaugh|Published Date: May 12, 2013
Romans 1:24-32
… “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts … they exchanged the truth of God for a lie … God gave them up to dishonorable passion … for their women exchanged natural relations … God gave them up to a debased mind …”
The Story: As clearly as any other text in the Bible, we see here the answer to “What’s wrong with the world?” What’s wrong with the world is us—mankind. We make choices that go very wrong. The result is not only the direct consequences of our sin, but a drift toward things that are still worse. Humans are given a huge breadth of free will and choices, but those choices will bear their own kind of fruit. God is not mocked! (Gal 6:7).
This passage also shows how profoundly truth matters. It’s crucial to acknowledge that there is such a thing as truth. And that truth is first about God: what His nature is, and by implication from the sins mentioned, what He requires of us. From that truth all other truth flows: man, nature, culture, and the rest.
Ignoring the basic truth of God ultimately results in supreme degradation, whether over an individual’s life or the lifespan of a civilization. The Gospel promises redemption to any and all, but it seems that the further we go down the path of depravity, the less able we are to discern what is true good, and to choose it.
The Structure: It’s impossible to miss the cycle of human choice and God’s abandonment to that choice. Three times in this text you find that “they exchanged” (something of worth for something debased), and three times that God’s response is eventually to let them have their way: “God gave them up.”
Do you ever find you will in conflict with God’s? How is your track record with conforming your will to His?
For a deeper look at the book of Romans, order the book, Salvation by Surprise: A Commentary on the Book of Romans, by Earl palmer, from our online store.
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When you hear the phrase, "the gospel," what comes to mind? A presentation of the plan of salvation, perhaps? While this is true, it's not remotely the whole truth about all this word entails. Literally, it's "good announcement." It's news that's never been heard before. Perhaps in the ancient world there was a public square where people could assemble and hear news of the world from travelers. And if someone stood up and announced that he had this "gospel" to share, it really was new news. For never before in the history of the world had there been news of a God who had reached out to humankind with a free gift of reconciliation.
God was not requiring sacrifices, or obedience to laws, or secret knowledge, or arcane rites in order to win His favor. He was offering grace instead, also a piece of new news. Through the Gospel of his Son, God was offering something freely, something to gladden the heart, something that couldn't be bought or earned: Himself. Freely. That's the new news, the Gospel of grace. |
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