What Is Religion?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Jeremiah 7:1

Jesus said many hard things to the religious leaders of His day. He described them as the blind leading the blind (Mat. 15:14). Just as then, too often we make religion a man-man affair of certain trappings, styles, and activities that have little or nothing to do with God or His will for us.

Our first mistake as always is to put the emphasis on ourselves instead of God’s will. To focus on people instead of Jesus. Throughout my life when God is brought up or Jesus is mentioned the reaction is predictable. The response: “I try to be a good person”, “I feel like I’m doing what I should”, “I go to church”,  “I do alright”. How funny it is when God is brought up the focus turns only to humans. Others have responded not by mentioning themselves when it comes to God but other people: “That church hurt me”, “That preacher offended me or made me angry”, "I was a believing person until I saw what happened with that TV Preacher” etc.

How human to put all the focus on us when it comes to God. Even in what appears to be better circumstances, the case of true believers, how often we get sidetracked by our efforts instead of relying upon God. Some Christans have a long resume of good activities helping at church, helping the poor, even going overseas to help those in dire need. And that is all awesome until you lose focus of relying upon God and instead get fixated upon your own accomplishments.

Charles Spurgeon was perhaps the greatest Preacher England ever produced or ever will produce. And no wonder. On his way to the dais to preach he would say over and over: “Help me Holy Spirit”. A visitor to his church was met by Spurgeon and Spurgeon asked the man if he would like to see the church furnace. The man was surprised by the question, but not wanting to offend, he agreed to Spurgeon’s suggestion. Spurgeon led the man to the basement and to the man’s surprise when the door was thrown open he saw a room filled with praying people. That was indeed the furnace that fired Spurgeon’s church and sermons.

The American Preacher Charles Swindoll wrote a book about “Grace” years ago. I remember him saying that every Christian should read the book of Galatians at least once a year. It only takes about twenty minutes, and it has the great effect of reminding us that it is God’s grace and power and not our own that accomplishes God’s will on this earth. 

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3

Even in the Old Testament we are reminded of what “our religion” is worth:

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6

And yet once more from scripture we are reminded of the danger of being too religious without acting in the power of God's Love:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Then what is true religion? In my own humble opinion I believe it begins with Jesus and is the act of relying upon God’s Holy Spirit, Christ within us, to overcome our selfish, self-centered nature, and to put others first. Not focusing upon “religious acts” but everyday acts of kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and simply being guided by God’s Love in our actions and reactions. All the while keeping in mind the Grace of Jesus Christ that Saved Us. His Love that Sustains Us. If we do that, all the while holding fast to humility which delivers us from the pride of our self-righteousness, God may be able to use us to accomplish some good on this earth. 

We can feel pretty good about going to church, giving an offering, taking communion, and any number of religious activities. Religion is a good word, but we have it treated religion badly by making it completely dependent upon us.

I don’t know about you Christian, but I praise God that my eternal security is locked up in Jesus and not dependent upon my useless acts of piety or more frequent acts of sinful stubbornness. I’m right there with the Apostle Paul when he described himself as the Chief of Sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). I have felt that way too many times in my life. My hope is that the older I get the more my awareness of and dependence upon God and His Holy Spirit grows.

I will end with another word of wisdom from the Apostle Paul as the Spirit led him to write this:

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

Prayer: Dear Lord, You did not have much use for the religious people of Your day. Help us to avoid being like them and instead to be like You. May Your Spirit and Power and Love grow in us more every day. Amen.

Spiritual Warfare Is No Joke

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

For any non-Christian who might be reading this I cannot emphasize enough that you had better get Saved. For Christians do not always survive Satan’s attacks much less unbelievers.

When Satan sets his sights on you–you are in trouble. Spiritual Warfare is a joke to unbelievers. But to Believers who have experienced it, you will never forget it.

The enemy can bring circumstances to bear that can test you, often working through other people, but his primary method of attack is in the area of your thoughts. He is an opportunist. He will come at you when you are physically weak and/or feeling mentally and emotionally unstable.

Spiritual attacks are not a one time event. And when you get old enough you can look back and see events where you have been tested to your limit. That was my case in 1991.

I had been struggling with secondary depression on the heels of the collapse of my physical health. Suddenly I found suicidal thoughts assailing me, backed up by panic attacks. This was something I had never experienced before and I knew it wasn’t me. Certainly not the normal me, and it was sinking me deeper into depression. I went to my doctor and explained the situation. He immediately put me on Prozac. Later I found out that I had a bad reaction to SSRI medications as some people do. Indeed, the number one thing Prozac did to me was to vastly ramp up my anxiety levels. Satan started having a party in my head.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:16-17

Those fiery darts spoken of above are aimed right at your head and can go into your mind. I was having the fight of my life. I was fighting for my life. After speaking to a therapist I realized I was getting weaker, and the therapist was concerned my ability to withstand those constant suicidal thoughts was going to weaken more over time if I did not get help.

I voluntarily went into a mental health facility. I spent about two weeks there. It was surprising the number of believers I met there, we even had a Bible Study. And I’m pretty sure I met a lady who was possessed, the things she was screaming sent a shiver down my spine. Just more evidence that Satan is alive and well.

I was no spiritual novice. Saved in my teenage years, growing up in a strong Bible believing church, reading my bible and memorizing scripture since childhood, you would have thought I was more than prepared for what Satan had in store for me. 

A change of medicine in the hospital helped. But I was still in the throes of depression. Satan was not just telling me I was going to die in my thoughts, but illustrating how I was going to do it. I did what any Christian should do, along with praying, I opened my Bible to see what God had to say about it all. This is the first verse I found:

I will not die but live,

    and will proclaim what the Lord has done. Psalm 118:17

I held tightly to that verse and had prayer warriors praying for me and I was constantly praying. I was 28 years old. I was in my prime when Satan tried to destroy me, and things looked and felt grim. No one who has not been through this sort of thing can fully comprehend it. 

I don’t judge those who have succumbed to depression. Without the grace of God and hanging on by the skin of my teeth I would not be here today. God protected me, but again, I had been at this awhile and knew the importance of prayer, that I needed the prayers of others, and that I needed all the help I could get. Nevertheless, no one wants to admit they are in trouble and in need of serious help. I wouldn’t and didn’t until I knew I absolutely had to. After all, I was a Christian and had been for many years. This sort of thing doesn’t happen to Christians, Right?

I’m here to tell you that Christians, just like everyone else, are not immune to mental health issues. And the Christian needs to understand we walk around daily with a target on our back. If Satan can’t get you with depression, he is more than happy to get you to commit adultery, or theft, or some other foolish and dangerous activity. It all begins with a thought. One of those fiery darts mentioned above.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 

If you really think you are immune from temptations and dangerous thoughts, then you are saying you are better than Jesus. Do you realize Satan tried to tempt Jesus to commit suicide by throwing Himself off of a building?

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,

    and they will lift you up in their hands,

    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Matthew 4:5-6

I’m sharing all of this with you because not only do most churches never mention such things as Spiritual Warfare, many preachers are simply clueless. But if you read your Bible, you find it reminding us to be strong in the Word of God, to beware of our enemy, to stay armed and ready for battle. For friends, this side of heaven we are in a battle. If Satan can’t get you to destroy yourself while in the throes of depression, he is just as happy to turn you into an alcoholic, drug addict, someone who cheats, steals, is filled with bitterness, resentment, hate, unforgiveness, and the list goes on. 

Prayer is one of the greatest weapons the Christian has in their spiritual arsenal.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 15:16

And the smoke of the incense ascended from the angel’s hand with the prayers of the saints before God. Revelation 8:4

Satan wants to set up spiritual strongholds in your mind. Strongholds of fear, doubt, dread, disbelief, filthy thoughts, dangerous thoughts. He shoots them into your mind hoping you will make them your own. His thought-darts get the ball rolling. How do you combat this? First off by being aware of it. Not every stupid thought that comes into your mind should be acted upon. Indeed not every stupid thought that comes into your mind is your own thought!

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve grabbed that verse and taken captive stupid thoughts and ideas the enemy has cast my way.

You can also use faith to deflect such thoughts.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

And how do we have that faith?

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

And as mentioned, prayer is a mighty weapon to withstand the enemy. Jesus spent time in prayer, how is it you think you don’t need to pray, or can simply toss up a prayer and go about your business? Prayer is constantly being in communication with God.

And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and prayed there for a time. Mark 1:35

Jesus told us not to judge for one simple reason: We are all subject to temptation and will be tempted. As I mentioned, even Jesus was tempted, so how do you expect to escape it?

As I was coming of age there were lots of “Name it and Claim it” preachers on TV. And they were not all wrong, but they were wrong enough to be dangerous. God blesses His children and protects them, but we end up tempting God when we think we are, or should be, strong enough to withstand the devil just by saying so. Sometimes Christians need help. Medication, therapy, treatment of a physical ailment or mental disease. We have flesh and blood bodies and brains that are very much subject to the decay and diseases of this world. We are still waiting for our heavenly body to house our new spiritual birth.

For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1

The Christian is dangerously foolish if they expect to simply ‘believe their way’ out of a problem. Consider what I did. I got medication and treatment and prayed and believed and held on to the Bible for dear life. I did everything right, and barely made it. Yes, I should have gotten treatment earlier, but like many young guys in the prime of life it was hard to admit I needed help. I also ran my physical health into the ground which didn’t help. But in the end I did the right things and it saved my life. Sadly, not everyone comes to these realizations in time or are far enough along in their Christian walk to stand strong in the face of the enemy. The answer in those situations is to call upon prayer warriors, spiritual warriors, not a few of which are in wheelchairs or using walkers. You need people who know how to pray down strongholds because they have been in the battle and have the scars to prove it.

Not everyone is so lucky. So do not judge. I’ve been there and it could have gone the other way for me. And as I mentioned, it isn’t always a mental health thing, but often a physical temptation that is acted upon and brings a person or entire families down. And it all begins with a thought.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for rescuing us from our enemy. Deliver those who are mentally under attack from the enemy, and heal those who have suffered much due to those who have fallen sway to temptations of all kinds. Have mercy on us all, Lord. Amen.

Does God Laugh?

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2:4

You have heard the saying: Laughter is the best medicine. 

"I made the joyous discovery that 10 minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep," –Norman Cousins.

Norman Cousins actually put that saying to the test and credits humor and laughter for healing him of a life threatening illness.

Years ago two sisters broke out in laughter while attending their father’s funeral. I was a teenager at the time but even I understood sometimes we must laugh at the absurdity of life–and death. Laughter often comes out of our pain, suffering, and even our foolishness and stupidity. We laugh at ourselves and others. We laugh at the absurdities of both life and death. And the pain that comes from them.

But does God laugh? I have often wondered about that question. We know from scripture that God laughs at fools who deny Him and ridicules those who scoff at God.

The fool says in his heart,

    “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1

but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. Psalm 37:13

This line of thinking brings me to Jesus, who is God manifest on earth. We know Jesus attended banquets. We know He attended at least one wedding. Of course Jesus was here on a very important mission and to teach His disciples, so it is not surprising that we don’t see much of the humorous side of Him in Scripture.

Nevertheless, I suspect Jesus had at least an ironic sense of humor. And we know He used hyperbole in His teachings to drive home His point. You can imagine some in the crowd smiling when He told them if their hand causes them to sin, to cut it off. Matthew 18:8. While sin is no joking matter, Jesus’s admonishment with its imagery must have seemed a bit humorous. They got His point or we would see Christian amputees everywhere we go today.

Then there is one that always sticks out in my mind when I question whether Jesus had a sense of humor.

James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Mark 3:7.

It is speculation, but I can’t help but wonder why He called them “sons of thunder”. His nickname for them. I suspect we get a tiny glimpse of Jesus’s ironic sense of humor in fixing that name upon the brothers. Were they loud and boisterous? Hard to keep quiet? Noisy in general? One of the mysteries that will be interesting to discover one day.

Humor often comes from pain. And God in His kindness does not laugh at our pain and misery, even though we often do so for our own sanity. I think there is a stronger force that supersedes laughter that God not only expresses, it comes as a gift from Him: Joy.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, Psalm 30:11

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Psalm 43:4

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts:13:52

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:7

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22

I can’t remember the exact date I became a born again Christian. I was either 13 or 14 years old, or perhaps in between those ages. But one thing I will never forget was the joy of my salvation. I was overwhelmed with joy, a joy I had never experienced before. It reflected an eternal change in me that I will forever be grateful to God for. And joy upon salvation is not surprising as the Holy Spirit imparts joy to believers.

Does God laugh? Yes, at those who are foolish and wicked who believe they can either outsmart God or simply deny Him altogether. Did Jesus laugh? I strongly suspect so, but not much is recorded as Jesus was focused upon our pain in a different way. He was focused upon how to remove pain and to cure it by removing sin from our lives. One day we will receive that complete promise of being free from pain altogether in heaven, but He gives us joy to strengthen us now here on earth.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Not The Best And Brightest

 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

According to this world’s standards you may not find that the majority of believers are the so-called “best and brightest”. It is your average Joe, the everyman and everywoman who most often find their way to God. Sure, occasionally a few of the so-called elite will become believers, but more often than not it is your “regular person” who stands up for the Faith and calls themselves Believers in Christ.

Just by observation and common sense I have seen the truth that average, or even below average, people become believers. Over the years I have learned that those I grew up with, old friends, co-workers from the past, are now believers when years ago they were anything but a believer in Jesus Christ.

Today I heard of another person I once worked with that now goes to church. I can say I never imagined him going to church back then, but it doesn’t even surprise me today.

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:20-21

In the early years of the Internet I would often argue with so-called “smart people” online. They often had high sounding arguments and based their ideas on a certain system of philosophy, or merely hedonism, atheism, any “ism” that supported what they wanted to believe or whichever argument made them appear smart. Indeed, they were so smart that they were stupid when it came to important truths. I soon got tired of debating them as I realized it’s fruitless to argue with foolish people for they will not stand for common sense arguments or truth that does not fit into their sacred box of knowledge.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

    or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4

Fools find no pleasure in understanding

    but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

    but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

I take great joy in not being among the elite of this world. Like your everyman/everywoman sinner I’m pleased to put my faith in a Living God who changes hearts and minds and scoffs at the world’s wisdom. A God who takes sinners and changes them by degrees into those who will become citizens in heaven, not by anything we did or could do, but by His Grace and His Goodness and Mercy.

So if you are like me, one of the lowly sinners who recognized their need for a Savior–congratulations! You are a member of the only “truly elite club” headed for heaven. But if, sadly, you are one of those who think they are “too wise” to believe in God, above such “lowly thinking”, you have my sympathy and pity. I hope and pray that you will one day join the rest of us “lowly folk”.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for saving lowly sinners like me. Amen.

Who Has Bewitched You?

 

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. Galatians 3:1

Years ago I listened to Pastor Charles Swindoll's radio program. He did a teaching on Galatians and grace. Pastor Swindoll said every Christian should read the Bible book of Galatians at least once a year to remind them to avoid legalism. I agree. Legalism creeps up on you.

Too many churches and Christians are captives of legalism. The "do's and don't's of religion". Some churches have actual lists of rules and regulations for its members to obey. Many of the rules are completely outside of anything Biblical. One that comes to mind is a church I grew up in that insists all its members only read the King James Bible even though its language is quite dated and difficult for its members to understand.

Beware of Jesus plus. Jesus Plus Anything else is a warning sign that you are getting into legalism. At its core legalism suggests, or even promises, that to be a "real Christian" you must work for it. You should follow certain rules or traditions, and fall into line with everyone else.

Of course when you begin to speak of depending upon Christ, His sacrifice, and His righteousness accredited to our account, the super religious say: Aha, you think you can just live like the devil and go to heaven!

Yet the Apostle Paul had an answer to that statement:

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

Paul explains we are given the Holy Spirit and through the Spirit we will bear fruit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Sometimes the problem is that we get into the mindset that we are already good enough without God. Many times people who are not Christians, or even those who are Christians, seek to justify themselves and explain how they are good enough on their own aside from God or anything He does.

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6

Without Jesus we are lost, both here and in eternity. When we begin to think of a list of rules or certain practices and behavior to qualify us, to earn us the right to go to heaven, we deceive ourselves. There is no way we will ever be that good on our own.

For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:28

Our faith, trust, and dependence upon Jesus will help us to become better people. But make no mistake, nothing can qualify us for heaven apart from Christ. The criminal hanging on the cross beside Jesus at His crucifixion merely asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus promised the man that he would enter heaven with Jesus. What good works did the criminal do? How was he good enough? How was he righteous enough? Nothing could be done from that cross as he hung there beside Jesus except to believe, to offer a seed of faith. That was enough to save him and for him to enter the kingdom of heaven. All because of Jesus and the sacrifice Jesus made on that cross.

We are often tempted to get into the mindset that we are good enough. We do a few good works and become proud of ourselves. Somehow we even foolishly can begin to believe that God owes us something for our actions. Nothing we did or will do can save us. The only things that matter are trust in Jesus and faith in His goodness and grace.

Prayer: Dear Lord, whenever we become righteous in our own eyes, remind us of You hanging on that cross and the high price You paid to redeem us. Amen.

 

 

The New Temple Of God

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34-35 NIV

The Bible book of Exodus has the fascinating story of the Jews deliverance from slavery to freedom. It has plagues, miracles, and interesting characters. Even Hollywood has been caught up in the story and made movies about it.

But toward the end of the book of Exodus the story is seemingly bogged down by lists of materials for the portable temple, or tent of meeting, being built. There are lots of details that can make it hard for the reader to stay engaged. This temple/tabernacle is a place for the jewish priests to sacrifice animals for the sins of the people, and a place where God dwelt with the jewish people. It was portable because the Jews had not yet entered and settled into the promised land. Later the Jews would build a permanent temple in Jerusalem, but this tabernacle preceded that later structure.

 

To appreciate Exodus fully, and the rest of the Old Testament, you need a “Christ centered viewpoint”. It is easy to get into the mindset that since we have a New Testament the Old Testament is no longer relevant. And when we see lots of lists and details like at the end of Exodus that viewpoint can be reinforced. 

The point of the building of the temple was because of human sins. God didn’t need a place to live, nor did He need a showy place to impress humans. God was helping us to find redemption, forgiveness, for our sins. 

After I finished reading the book of Exodus I felt God nudge me to open up the book of theology I had been sporadically reading. The book is: What Is Reformed Theology? By R.C. Sproul. I was at the section where it describes Christ as Priest. As the book says: The Old Testament work of the priest centered mainly on two functions: offering sacrifices and prayers in behalf of the people. Jesus undertakes both of these tasks….

The book of Hebrews in the New Testament goes into detail about how Jesus is now our High Priest and that He supersedes the Old Testament requirements of sacrifices and a tabernacle/temple for God to dwell among His people.

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brothers so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 NASB

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NASB

Not only is Jesus our High Priest, through Him we are made priests:

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 NASB

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9 NASB

and He made us into a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6 NASB

When Jesus came to earth He fulfilled the requirements of Old Testament law and set us free from our sins. When Jesus died on the cross the Old Testament temple veil was torn in two (Mark 15:32). So we have seen that not only was the old tabernacle/temple done away with, so was the old priesthood and its high priest. We have now a new High Priest in Christ, Someone better than the old temple:

Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. Matthew 12:6 NKJV

And we have seen that not only is Jesus our High Priest who intercedes for us, through Him we are also made priests of God.

In the book of Exodus we have the image of God resting upon and entering into the temple that the Jews built. But with the New Covenant made possible through Jesus we see that the born again believer becomes the New Temple where God enters in to dwell forever:

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:9 NASB

God is both good and amazing. Kind and generous for He not only saved us from our sins, sending Jesus, God in a human body, to clear the pathway for not only our redemption, but for a Kingdom where we will reign as priests and kings forever with Him:

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6 NKJV

Yes, the Old Testament can at times seem tedious to read with its lists and rules and requirements of the law. When we feel that way reading through those Old Testament passages let’s remember that God had something better planned all along. Those scriptures were foreshadowing the arrival of Jesus who would fulfill all the righteous requirements of the law. Yet much more, Jesus made a way for us to be one with Him and the Father through the Holy Spirit because of all our Lord did for us. 

You are a new temple of God as well as a priest because of what our High Priest Jesus Christ did through His sacrifice of Himself for our sins. If you accept Jesus as your sacrifice for your sins you have so many great and precious gifts and promises from God. If you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior what are you waiting for? Call upon Him. Ask Jesus into your heart and He will make you a new temple where God dwells.

Philippians 4 Rejoice

 Philippians 4 Rejoice

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

The Bible book of Philippians is amazing. It is one of the most positive books of the Bible and chapter four is the gemstone of the book. It offers joy, freedom from anxiety, soundness of mind, and the happiness that comes from both giving and receiving. Add to that the power of prayer and the strength of Christ through and for all things. It also has personal restoration and grace. It is a Bible chapter impossible not to love. As we delve into chapter four of the book of Philippians the wealth, wisdom, and goodness of God fills us.

Philippians 4:1 Stand Firm

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

When the storm arrives, the wind is howling, lightning flashing, and multiplied troubles come with it, we must stand fast in and through the power of the Lord Jesus. What follows tells us how to do so.

Philippians 4:2-3 Trouble And Dissention

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

The Church is not always a trouble-free refuge. People bring their issues from outside of the church within its walls. Euodia and Syntyche are two ladies who appear to have locked horns like a couple of stubborn rams. The Apostle Paul, who God used to write this wonderful book, understood that without peace in the ranks no peace in the collective heart of the Church was possible. Reconciliation was necessary to restore Christian unity.

Philippians 4:4 Keynote Of The Book

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Rejoice! Again Rejoice! As if the Apostle could not contain the joy within himself he repeats the word, driving it home for emphasis. Our rejoicing comes from the Lord. He is the source of it, and Christian Joy is of course impossible without Him. Keep in mind the Apostle Paul is writing this letter from prison. His surroundings are not conducive to happiness, but joy depends neither upon our feelings nor our surroundings. The Christian takes joy in the Person and Presence of Christ in our life.

Philippians 4:5 Moderation

Let your gentle spirit be known to all people.The Lord is near.

Back at the beginning we have a battle between the wills of two Christian ladies. Gentleness, or as some translations have it, moderation, is not found in being stubborn and hardheaded. It comes from gentleness and frankly, a bit of humility. No human who ever lived except Christ Himself has always been right in every regard. Something we all should keep in mind as it makes that above mentioned joy possible. Our gentleness and humility is made possible through Christ’s Spirit.

Philippians 4:6 Don’t Be Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

I know, I had you up until this point. How can anyone be free of anxiety and fear? It is the albatross that hangs about our necks. Our lives are filled with fear and worry. Again, Paul is writing this from prison, do you think he was in the most worry-free circumstances? But Paul knew how to dispel anxiety and fear. Prayer. Prayer kills fear, worry, and anxiety. How? It gets our eyes off of our troubles as we hand them over to Jesus and we fill our thoughts with Him. Once we give our problems to Jesus it frees us to begin thanking Him. Our mind is reset. Instead of counting up the difficulties in our lives we start adding up the blessings. Faith takes the place of fear as the Object of our faith fills us with Himself.

Philippians 4:7 Peace

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

This verse should not surprise us. Once we have put our anxiety and worries into the arms of Jesus and let them go we have turned from fear to thanksgiving. Then peace is sure to follow. Christian Peace is a powerful force from God, a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). The peace of God protects our hearts and minds from the fear of the enemy and the general fears and anxieties that try to steal God’s peace from our lives. Peace was proclaimed at the birth of our Lord by God’s angels (Luke 2:14). True peace arrived on earth with the birth of our Lord, and continues in the hearts of His followers as we look to Him to meet our needs, and help us through all of life’s challenges.

Philippians 4:8 Think On Good Things

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 has been of such practical help to me over the years. Whenever I feel depressed, discouraged, and generally find my mind is traveling down dark paths that lead to nothing but trouble, I stop and remember this verse. I consider whether I am following its advice. Then I apply its principles. Of course there is nothing so true, noble, honorable, and lovely as Jesus. Reading and meditating upon God’s Word is the place to start. Applying Holy Scripture as a healing balm to our troubled souls is the first step to driving away gloom and discouragement. There are also wonderful works of art, literature, and music. Though not as common as in the past you can still find movies and TV shows that are decent, some even virtuous. And do not forget God’s own artwork–the beauty of the creation around us from the flowers beneath our feet to the blue sky overhead, and the vast and amazing creatures God filled this earth with. Good things abound if we only look for them and open our hearts to receive them.

Philippians 4:9 Practice What He Preached

As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The verse speaks for itself. Do what is written in the Word of God, and live like the good saints of old. We might also look around us at the faithful people in our lives and emulate their good actions and behavior. But above all, be like Jesus. We have the entire New Testament filled with His teachings and telling about His Life, and within every believer the Holy Spirit guides and teaches us how to live godly lives. Doing these things allows peace of God to flow and remain within us.

Philippians 4:10-14 Giving And Receiving

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my difficulty.

I have clumped these verses together for a purpose. There is a gem within, especially verse 13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. That has long been one of my favorite Bible verses. I carried it written on a card in my pocket when I was a salesman. I remember reading Norman Vincent Peale’s book on positive thinking and that verse was used to cheer the Christian on toward reaching goals and accomplishing great things. And there is truth in that idea, but that is not the whole truth. Not only can God help us accomplish much in good times, He helps us through some very bad times. Look at the verses above, whether rich or poor, suffering need, going hungry, in every circumstance, including the very bad circumstances of life. This verse about doing all things through Him grows to include surviving terrible circumstances. Rather than being just a “cheerleading stanza” the verse becomes an answer to our difficulties. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Who? Jesus. How? His Strength in you and me.

    The scriptures here cover the generosity of fellow Christians supporting the Apostle Paul and his gratitude, but these verses encompass so much more if we pay attention. Be generous, give in whatever way you can to others, and especially toward the work of Christ on this earth. Then be content with what God gives you, including the strength He gives us in and for all circumstances. For in Him we all ultimately thrive and are rich in ways beyond counting.

Philippians 4:15-20 We Meet The Needs Of Others And God Meets Our Needs

You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

These verses amplify the previous ones and add a promise. When we are generous and give to others in need God will certainly meet all of our needs. This is not the prosperity gospel, this is The Gospel. God takes care of His kids. Sowing and reaping, planting and harvest applies to the spiritual world as well as the material world. You have heard the saying “you can’t outgive God” and it is true. But what you need in return for your generosity may not be money or material gain, but a spiritual need, or for some family member in need. Do not limit God in your imagination, and never look at your giving as God merely being a Banker who gives you back $100 for every $10 you give to the ministry. Rather consider your giving as investing in God’s kingdom, for even a cup of cold water given in the Name of Jesus will pay eternal dividends (Mat. 10:42).

Philippians 4:21-22 Final Greetings And Grace

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.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

What a great ending to this chapter and the book of Philippians itself. Grace. The grace of God permeates the Christian. From the moment He calls us to Himself and we accept, until the day we die and enter into that eternal place of His love and grace. 

Conclusion

Phillipians chapter 4 is a wealth of Biblical wisdom and practice. And the key to understanding the chapter is rejoicing–joy. If we follow the wisdom and teachings found here, joy is the result.

Praying with thanksgiving gives us an object to take us beyond our gripes and frustrations to consider what God has already done for us. Then we can let go of our anxiety as we consider that we serve a faithful God who has come through for us time and again. We maintain our joy and equilibrium as we think about good things, beginning with God and our relationship with Him and the blessings He has poured upon us all. Placing everything into perspective we realize that we can indeed do all things through Christ, survive and endure all things, and even place the end of our days into His capable Hands.

A chapter that began with reconciling and creating peace with two church members takes us on a ride that brings peace back to our own hearts as we realign our needs with giving to others. We learn to let go of our anxieties, and find strength to endure and accomplish God’s will for us. And we stand in the grace He has given us rejoicing in Jesus. This single Bible chapter is yet again a reminder that God’s word is not only rich in wisdom, but that we will never fully plumb its depths. It is His Word that brings us joy and so much more.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for the riches of Your Word! May we all grow wiser as we grow in Your grace. Amen.