The theme of Philippian’s is having joy in Christ.
This means that you can even have joy in spite of things. Paul showed this when he was in jail and he said, “this is good”. He said that it was good because he was in jail for preaching the Word of God. He was glad that he was in jail because he was being persecuted for his faith, and through his persecution he was able to share Christ while he was in jail. This is a prime example of having joy in spite of things. - Sydney and Rachel
This means that you can even have joy in spite of things. Paul showed this when he was in jail and he said, “this is good”. He said that it was good because he was in jail for preaching the Word of God. He was glad that he was in jail because he was being persecuted for his faith, and through his persecution he was able to share Christ while he was in jail. This is a prime example of having joy in spite of things. - Sydney and Rachel
CHAPTER 1
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6
Although this letter was written to the church of Philippi, it still applies to Christians today. This verse explains that as a Christian, God has a ministry for you. He has a plan and purpose for your life, and you may have faith that it will be accomplished.
It is common among teenagers today to worry about college and their future. There are many concerns around what college to choose, whether you will get accepted, and whether you will be able to afford it. Despite our worrying, God has a set plan for our lives and He will open the door for us to go wherever He sees fit. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 - Ella and Chloe
Although this letter was written to the church of Philippi, it still applies to Christians today. This verse explains that as a Christian, God has a ministry for you. He has a plan and purpose for your life, and you may have faith that it will be accomplished.
It is common among teenagers today to worry about college and their future. There are many concerns around what college to choose, whether you will get accepted, and whether you will be able to afford it. Despite our worrying, God has a set plan for our lives and He will open the door for us to go wherever He sees fit. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 - Ella and Chloe
Philippians 1:21-23
In this verse Paul says that death is not defeat for a Christian, but it is a gain. This was something that really shocked the people of that time because they thought life was the most important thing. Paul along with expressing his view of death, also tells the early Christian that his chains are the best thing that could happen. What he means by this is that God is using his struggles to show people that although you can be in any situation and still express God’s love. - Jalen, Lucas, Jackson
In this verse Paul says that death is not defeat for a Christian, but it is a gain. This was something that really shocked the people of that time because they thought life was the most important thing. Paul along with expressing his view of death, also tells the early Christian that his chains are the best thing that could happen. What he means by this is that God is using his struggles to show people that although you can be in any situation and still express God’s love. - Jalen, Lucas, Jackson
We want to talk to you about Philippians Chapter 1, it is about having joy in Christ. In the begging of the chapter Paul the apostle was arrested in Jersuslam and held in prison for two years. He had witness to a roman guard many of years men were brought to Jesus Christ and this was before he was waiting his appearance with Caesar. - Brittney and Phoebe
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body
Paul is conflicted by his call to witness and his desire to be with God. While on earth he understands God wishes him to spread the gospel but he wants to see the glory of God in Heaven - Ben and August
God has told us that he has a plan for each and everyone of us and he won't take you into his kingdom until his plan for you is fulfilled. Philippians 1:23 Tells us that I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. - Ben and B.J.
In Philippians 1:14-18, Paul says, “The important thing is that in every way , whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this is rejoice.” Even though Paul was in chains and in prison, he knew that this gave other Christians a reason to have no fear when preaching the gospel and that God’s word was still being taught without him, whether under good or bad motives. We should do the same as Paul; whether we are in good or bad circumstances, we need to keep our self under control in order to properly influence other Christians in the way that they should act in similar situations.
- Andy and Jake
In Philippians 1, Paul is writing a letter from jail to the Christians in Philippi. In verses 15-18, Paul is talking about sincerity and motives. He is telling the people that they should be genuine in everything they do, and to make sure they aren't a stumbling block for others. Paul is trying to communicate the idea that you will not always be the best at everything, and you should be okay with that. Many people go through life with a competitive spirit, which might help you out in games, but should not be applied to everything that you do. Instead of having a competitive spirit, you should have a humble and loving spirit. For example, say you are at work, and somebody new is hired. This new person catches on quickly, and seems like they might be better at the job than you are. What do you do? Well, what Paul says you should is to be welcoming to them, and keep a cheerful spirit despite the circumstances. You can even offer to help them if they need it instead of trying to always one-up them. Everything will work out as God has planned it in the end, and you just need to trust that He knows best and ask Him for help when you need it. - Abbie and Savannah
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1: 21 The author, Paul, did not care of his sufferings because he was sharing the gospel. Paul's chains in Christ influenced the palace guards to follow Christ. Paul had no fear of dying because he knew he would be with Christ. However, until his death, he will continue for Christ so others be influenced by him. Other Christians became confident and started speaking out for Christ. If your a Christian, He has a plan for you and He will not take you away from this Earth, until His plan is fulfilled. - Olivia and Catherine
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul is showing that if he died, he would see the glory of God. Death should not be feared as a Christian. As a Christian, we can embrace death peacefully.
About 5 years ago, my great aunt Harriet was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was given a few weeks left to live. All of our family was constantly visiting her while she laid in her bed. We were all mourning for her and believed that she was nervous about only having a few weeks left to live. However, she told us that we were wrong, she had come to peace with it. Even though she was in pain from the cancer she knew that she it would end soon and she would be with God. Most people would fear death being confronted with their own mortality. As a Christian, death of the flesh is just the beginning of eternal life with God. - Jalen and Ben
Paul is conflicted by his call to witness and his desire to be with God. While on earth he understands God wishes him to spread the gospel but he wants to see the glory of God in Heaven - Ben and August
God has told us that he has a plan for each and everyone of us and he won't take you into his kingdom until his plan for you is fulfilled. Philippians 1:23 Tells us that I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. - Ben and B.J.
In Philippians 1:14-18, Paul says, “The important thing is that in every way , whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this is rejoice.” Even though Paul was in chains and in prison, he knew that this gave other Christians a reason to have no fear when preaching the gospel and that God’s word was still being taught without him, whether under good or bad motives. We should do the same as Paul; whether we are in good or bad circumstances, we need to keep our self under control in order to properly influence other Christians in the way that they should act in similar situations.
- Andy and Jake
In Philippians 1, Paul is writing a letter from jail to the Christians in Philippi. In verses 15-18, Paul is talking about sincerity and motives. He is telling the people that they should be genuine in everything they do, and to make sure they aren't a stumbling block for others. Paul is trying to communicate the idea that you will not always be the best at everything, and you should be okay with that. Many people go through life with a competitive spirit, which might help you out in games, but should not be applied to everything that you do. Instead of having a competitive spirit, you should have a humble and loving spirit. For example, say you are at work, and somebody new is hired. This new person catches on quickly, and seems like they might be better at the job than you are. What do you do? Well, what Paul says you should is to be welcoming to them, and keep a cheerful spirit despite the circumstances. You can even offer to help them if they need it instead of trying to always one-up them. Everything will work out as God has planned it in the end, and you just need to trust that He knows best and ask Him for help when you need it. - Abbie and Savannah
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1: 21 The author, Paul, did not care of his sufferings because he was sharing the gospel. Paul's chains in Christ influenced the palace guards to follow Christ. Paul had no fear of dying because he knew he would be with Christ. However, until his death, he will continue for Christ so others be influenced by him. Other Christians became confident and started speaking out for Christ. If your a Christian, He has a plan for you and He will not take you away from this Earth, until His plan is fulfilled. - Olivia and Catherine
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul is showing that if he died, he would see the glory of God. Death should not be feared as a Christian. As a Christian, we can embrace death peacefully.
About 5 years ago, my great aunt Harriet was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was given a few weeks left to live. All of our family was constantly visiting her while she laid in her bed. We were all mourning for her and believed that she was nervous about only having a few weeks left to live. However, she told us that we were wrong, she had come to peace with it. Even though she was in pain from the cancer she knew that she it would end soon and she would be with God. Most people would fear death being confronted with their own mortality. As a Christian, death of the flesh is just the beginning of eternal life with God. - Jalen and Ben
In Philippians God gives Grace and Peace. "In all my prayers , I always pray with joy because of partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Those who fully work and follow Gods plan will see His grace in every aspect of life. Until Jesus comes back, our goal should be to share the gospel with everyone we come in contact with.
- Carli and Makenna
Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul knew that death is not a defeat to the Christian. It is merely a graduation to glory, a net gain for the Christian. David Guzik says there are two things Paul would gain if he died: First, his death would glorify God and second, he would be in the immediate presence of Christ. This should be our example as Christians. We should not be afraid of death. We should live our lives for Christ, sharing our faith with others. - Ruthie and Spenser
Philippians is a book that has to do with good coming out of what we view as bad situations. Philippians 1:22 puts it as, “For me, to live is Christ and die to gain.”
Well what does this mean?
Here is an illustration:
In 2016, a forest fire broke out in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It burned down almost half of the whole forest and killed 14 people. What good could possibly come out of that? Well for one, when the trees burned they released the seeds that they had been holding onto for a long time. The soil was also fertilized by the fire, and soon the forest will be grown back. There was also a lot of relief efforts that went out and gave opportunities the minster to people.
This is similar to what happens when someone who lived a Christ-like life, dies. Everyone is sad at first, they are missing a friend or a relative that they care about, but it allows for a group of people to remember the kind acts of someone. This can lead to people being curious about why they were so nice and so loved, and this can eventually lead to someone getting saved.
The reason why Paul was writing this book is because he was in jail. He wanted it to be known that even though he was in jail, God was still using him for His purpose. Paul himself was an example of how something good can come out of something bad. - Nicolas and Sam
- Carli and Makenna
Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul knew that death is not a defeat to the Christian. It is merely a graduation to glory, a net gain for the Christian. David Guzik says there are two things Paul would gain if he died: First, his death would glorify God and second, he would be in the immediate presence of Christ. This should be our example as Christians. We should not be afraid of death. We should live our lives for Christ, sharing our faith with others. - Ruthie and Spenser
Philippians is a book that has to do with good coming out of what we view as bad situations. Philippians 1:22 puts it as, “For me, to live is Christ and die to gain.”
Well what does this mean?
Here is an illustration:
In 2016, a forest fire broke out in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It burned down almost half of the whole forest and killed 14 people. What good could possibly come out of that? Well for one, when the trees burned they released the seeds that they had been holding onto for a long time. The soil was also fertilized by the fire, and soon the forest will be grown back. There was also a lot of relief efforts that went out and gave opportunities the minster to people.
This is similar to what happens when someone who lived a Christ-like life, dies. Everyone is sad at first, they are missing a friend or a relative that they care about, but it allows for a group of people to remember the kind acts of someone. This can lead to people being curious about why they were so nice and so loved, and this can eventually lead to someone getting saved.
The reason why Paul was writing this book is because he was in jail. He wanted it to be known that even though he was in jail, God was still using him for His purpose. Paul himself was an example of how something good can come out of something bad. - Nicolas and Sam
CHAPTER 2
Philippians deals with our sufferings in life and how we Christians can use those to further the Kingdom.
Verses 5 through 8 in chapter 2 tell us to be humble like Jesus was.
He left His Throne in Heaven and became fully man; He came to earth to die so that we could have life. In this way we should humble ourselves so that others can come to know Christ. It is difficult to suffer because of being a Christian, but the Bible affirms that suffering for Christ is for the glory of God. Even Jesus, King of the Universe, made Himself a servant, so why do we find it so hard to do the same? - Kate and Jessica
Philippians 2:5 “In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”
This verse is good for everyone. It gives us a guideline for our relationships. Christ wouldn’t befriend just anyone, He was wise in his decisions and made sure they were good people. Us as teenagers sometimes know somebody's past but still befriend them. Eventually they will drag us down into sin. - Landon and Jackson
Philippians 2:2,3... Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself... THAT IS KINDNESS
Last week in the lunch line, everyone was eager to get their lunch and start eating. The person behind us wasn’t feeling well and needed to eat in order to feel better. So, to show kindness we allowed this person to come in front of us so they would get their lunch faster. We showed humility and put them before ourselves. - Logan & Katherine
Philippians deals with our sufferings in life and how we Christians can use those to further the Kingdom.
Verses 5 through 8 in chapter 2 tell us to be humble like Jesus was.
He left His Throne in Heaven and became fully man; He came to earth to die so that we could have life. In this way we should humble ourselves so that others can come to know Christ. It is difficult to suffer because of being a Christian, but the Bible affirms that suffering for Christ is for the glory of God. Even Jesus, King of the Universe, made Himself a servant, so why do we find it so hard to do the same? - Kate and Jessica
Philippians 2:5 “In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”
This verse is good for everyone. It gives us a guideline for our relationships. Christ wouldn’t befriend just anyone, He was wise in his decisions and made sure they were good people. Us as teenagers sometimes know somebody's past but still befriend them. Eventually they will drag us down into sin. - Landon and Jackson
Philippians 2:2,3... Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself... THAT IS KINDNESS
Last week in the lunch line, everyone was eager to get their lunch and start eating. The person behind us wasn’t feeling well and needed to eat in order to feel better. So, to show kindness we allowed this person to come in front of us so they would get their lunch faster. We showed humility and put them before ourselves. - Logan & Katherine
My family and I went to my aunt's funeral, a sad event. We were broken because she just had passed away, but we also rejoiced because we new that she was in Heaven praising and rejoicing with God.
I heard my pastor talk about how that there is a certain peace to know that the person you loved is know even happier in Heaven. Its important to be able to let go and realize that they are better off enjoying Christ rather than suffering on earth. God will not allow His children to go home before the tasks He has appointed for them are completely finished and he is satisfied. As Christians we all have an underlying joy, a deep contentment that all of us need to develop and work on every day with God. This contentment allows us to deal with and look forward to situations that most people would crumble under. Joy and contentment do not always have to mean happiness; it simply means that we are content.
When times get hard if you’re a Christian you can rely and put all you faith and trust in God. If you don’t know Christ its much harder to keep on going and people don’t know what to put their faith in and they crumble. However, if you’re a Christian you can put your faith on a firm foundation on God.
- Kambell and Blake
I heard my pastor talk about how that there is a certain peace to know that the person you loved is know even happier in Heaven. Its important to be able to let go and realize that they are better off enjoying Christ rather than suffering on earth. God will not allow His children to go home before the tasks He has appointed for them are completely finished and he is satisfied. As Christians we all have an underlying joy, a deep contentment that all of us need to develop and work on every day with God. This contentment allows us to deal with and look forward to situations that most people would crumble under. Joy and contentment do not always have to mean happiness; it simply means that we are content.
When times get hard if you’re a Christian you can rely and put all you faith and trust in God. If you don’t know Christ its much harder to keep on going and people don’t know what to put their faith in and they crumble. However, if you’re a Christian you can put your faith on a firm foundation on God.
- Kambell and Blake
CHAPTER 3
Paul talks about the joys of a Christian in spite of all problems, and urges the church to continue with the Gospel. He shows his passion when he said, “I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (3:8).
Paul talks about the joys of a Christian in spite of all problems, and urges the church to continue with the Gospel. He shows his passion when he said, “I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (3:8).
CHAPTER 4
Philippians 4:12-13 says, know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.
What does this verse mean?
Paul has learned to be content with had. God had supplied with what he needed. Paul had learned that through God he has strength. The first thing needful is to throw off mere self-sufficiency, to know our weakness and sin, and accept the salvation of God’s free grace in Christ; the next, to find the “strength made perfect in weakness,” and in that to be strong.(Ellicotts) We have to accept that God is in control through everything. - Shayna and Tristan
When is was worried about a test that I had to take I was asking God for help. I thought I wouldn’t be able to pass. I was praying to God that night asking him to give strength to do this test. All of a sudden Philippians 4:13 had came into my head. I had learned it when I was little but really didn’t think much of the verse. Honestly, I couldn’t remember what chapter it was in. God giving me this verse had given me strength not only for my test but throughout the week.
v. 13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” As famous as this verse is, it carries a lot of weight. This verse tends to be a lot of peoples life verse, because it gives people lot of motivation and helps them persevere through tough times. About a year and a half ago, my best friend Dakota Best died. I didn’t know how to live with myself knowing that I could’ve done something, knowing that I could have stopped this. But I got blind sided. As time went on I used this verse to help me get through this major trial in my life. This verse helped me get through day-to-day, because I was not motivated to do anything. This verse helped me in my healing process knowing that God was with me through this hard time in my life. - Lucas, Charlie and Jackson
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” As famous as this verse is, it carries a lot of weight. This verse tends to be a lot of peoples life verse, because it gives people lot of motivation and helps them persevere through tough times. About a year and a half ago, my best friend Dakota Best died. I didn’t know how to live with myself knowing that I could’ve done something, knowing that I could have stopped this. But I got blind sided. As time went on I used this verse to help me get through this major trial in my life. This verse helped me get through day-to-day, because I was not motivated to do anything. This verse helped me in my healing process knowing that God was with me through this hard time in my life. - Lucas
Philippians 4:12-13 says, know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.
What does this verse mean?
Paul has learned to be content with had. God had supplied with what he needed. Paul had learned that through God he has strength. The first thing needful is to throw off mere self-sufficiency, to know our weakness and sin, and accept the salvation of God’s free grace in Christ; the next, to find the “strength made perfect in weakness,” and in that to be strong.(Ellicotts) We have to accept that God is in control through everything. - Shayna and Tristan
When is was worried about a test that I had to take I was asking God for help. I thought I wouldn’t be able to pass. I was praying to God that night asking him to give strength to do this test. All of a sudden Philippians 4:13 had came into my head. I had learned it when I was little but really didn’t think much of the verse. Honestly, I couldn’t remember what chapter it was in. God giving me this verse had given me strength not only for my test but throughout the week.
v. 13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” As famous as this verse is, it carries a lot of weight. This verse tends to be a lot of peoples life verse, because it gives people lot of motivation and helps them persevere through tough times. About a year and a half ago, my best friend Dakota Best died. I didn’t know how to live with myself knowing that I could’ve done something, knowing that I could have stopped this. But I got blind sided. As time went on I used this verse to help me get through this major trial in my life. This verse helped me get through day-to-day, because I was not motivated to do anything. This verse helped me in my healing process knowing that God was with me through this hard time in my life. - Lucas, Charlie and Jackson
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” As famous as this verse is, it carries a lot of weight. This verse tends to be a lot of peoples life verse, because it gives people lot of motivation and helps them persevere through tough times. About a year and a half ago, my best friend Dakota Best died. I didn’t know how to live with myself knowing that I could’ve done something, knowing that I could have stopped this. But I got blind sided. As time went on I used this verse to help me get through this major trial in my life. This verse helped me get through day-to-day, because I was not motivated to do anything. This verse helped me in my healing process knowing that God was with me through this hard time in my life. - Lucas
We can all have strength through Christ
What is this supposed to mean?
In Philippians 4, Paul is talking about our relationship with God. He goes through rejoicing in the Lord, having peace in God, and having strength in Him. First, we will talk specifically about having strength through Christ in all circumstances. In verse 13, Paul says, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” This means that no matter what the circumstances, we can trust that God will be there and provide everything that we need to make it through. On the other hand, without Him, we cannot do anything and will struggle through life. We have to remember that He is the one who gives us life, and we need to believe that He will continue to sustain it.
For example…
Four years ago, I went to the hospital for a really bad stomach ache. It turns out, I had an indigestible mass in my stomach and needed emergency surgery the next morning. I was really afraid, but I had to believe I would be okay. After the surgery, I was in bed for four days, and I couldn’t move on my own. The nurses had to come every two hours and turn me over, which caused excruciating pain. Every night, my family and I would pray that I would get better quickly so that I could go back home. We believed that God had the power to heal me and give me the strength I need (both mental and physical). After those first few days, I was able to get up and start walking again. It took a lot of physical strength just to walk down the hallway, but God provided me with the mental strength to persevere through the pain. I ended up making a full recovery, and I continue to believe that God is the one who always gives me the strength I need.
- Keana, Madelyn, and Brandon
What is this supposed to mean?
In Philippians 4, Paul is talking about our relationship with God. He goes through rejoicing in the Lord, having peace in God, and having strength in Him. First, we will talk specifically about having strength through Christ in all circumstances. In verse 13, Paul says, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” This means that no matter what the circumstances, we can trust that God will be there and provide everything that we need to make it through. On the other hand, without Him, we cannot do anything and will struggle through life. We have to remember that He is the one who gives us life, and we need to believe that He will continue to sustain it.
For example…
Four years ago, I went to the hospital for a really bad stomach ache. It turns out, I had an indigestible mass in my stomach and needed emergency surgery the next morning. I was really afraid, but I had to believe I would be okay. After the surgery, I was in bed for four days, and I couldn’t move on my own. The nurses had to come every two hours and turn me over, which caused excruciating pain. Every night, my family and I would pray that I would get better quickly so that I could go back home. We believed that God had the power to heal me and give me the strength I need (both mental and physical). After those first few days, I was able to get up and start walking again. It took a lot of physical strength just to walk down the hallway, but God provided me with the mental strength to persevere through the pain. I ended up making a full recovery, and I continue to believe that God is the one who always gives me the strength I need.
- Keana, Madelyn, and Brandon
Joy from God is a gift
What is this supposed to mean?
Romans 4:4-5 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." We need to be happy that the Lord is coming back for us and get us out of the world's mess. As a Believer, you can be gentle and calm ... and be a great Christian! The Lord is closer then we think, so let's reach out and share Christ. The signs around the world hint the fact that the end is coming soon. So, let us be calm and wait for that time to come, but also be prepared to share the message of Jesus. - Austin
What is this supposed to mean?
Romans 4:4-5 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." We need to be happy that the Lord is coming back for us and get us out of the world's mess. As a Believer, you can be gentle and calm ... and be a great Christian! The Lord is closer then we think, so let's reach out and share Christ. The signs around the world hint the fact that the end is coming soon. So, let us be calm and wait for that time to come, but also be prepared to share the message of Jesus. - Austin
Philippians 4:4-7 says: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
Paul was writing this to the church of Philippi when two women named Euodia and Syntyche were causing a quarrel in the church. He wrote this in order to reconcile the conflict between the women and bring the church back to unity.
Paul wrote this while in jail, and still had a deep contentment. This deep contentment is by definition, true joy. David Guzik described Paul's contentment as a joy that "wasn’t based in a sunny optimism or positive mental attitude as much as it was the confidence that God was in control. It really was a joy in the Lord."
Let us give you an illustration:
About a year and a half ago my dad left my family out of nowhere. Despite all of the chaos, conflict, and anger that this caused within my family, we had a deep contentment, otherwise known as joy, being confident in the fact that God was and is still in control. - Sydney and Bess
Philippians chapter 3: 4-9
"If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal,persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
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."
I want to start by saying that I have never considered myself a competent athlete. Oh, I've played a number of sports and have enjoyed them, but since my youth I have never given myself the illusion that I was a gifted or talented competitor. This is especially true in basketball. While I fancy myself a pretty capable hoopster when I am playing a game of basketball solitaire in my driveway (meaning that I play alone), I find myself recklessly incapable of any ability to do anything worthwhile. In high school I was a starter on a church team that played a twelve-game season in which we won only one game, and that was by forfeit. Some of the games were amazing, in the sense of how bad we got beat. One of the games we lost was by a score of 74-9. I am not making this up.
First of all, I am one of those people who does not have the body for a basketball uniform. If I was to give you a description of myself you could safely say that I look like a Lego with feet, so the slender and agile appearance is not there. Secondly, I am about as limber as an abandoned 1977 Datsun B-210.
You get the idea.
As a teacher I have been asked to participate in student/faculty basketball games over the years, and I have - to obviously hilarious results.
On one occasion at a North Carolina school game - this is in front of a packed house, mind you - as we came down the court, I was lobbed the ball and instructed to pass it to a teammate only seven feet away. While looking directly at him I promptly threw the ball into the stands, nearly knocking out a junior high cheerleader.
On another occasion at yet another faulty/student "all star" game (seriously?) we were in a heated battle and a science teacher threw a three point attempt in a graceful arc toward the basket. The ball hit and rolled around the rim momentarily, so I launched myself energetically toward the basket for a possible rebound. I did not see, however, the school chaplain dart in front of me, readying for the same thing. The ball slowed; and he and I moved two different ways. He assumed the ball was going in (it did) and spun to dash down the court. I assumed the ball was going to slip out (i was wrong) so I dove to get underneath. We smashed into each other with a force that knocked him over. I remained standing up but in the collision my face crashed into his shoulder with amazing force - so hard that I actually lost my vision. I didn't get a concussion, but I actually wandered around the court not knowing where I was going and ended up standing in the paint on the other end while they were attempting a free throw. The math teacher gently guided me over to our bench and when I went to speak to our coach, the whole section of students yelled in horror; blood and a flap of skin fell out of my mouth. The collision caused my teeth to slice razor-like into my lower lip and shred the inside of my mouth. I was in pain for a week, but hey, I was the center of admiration of every middle school boy for a week, and my inner lip became a regular museum display every recess.
So, please understand, I am not being cruel.
I do, however, want to tell you about the worst basketball player I have ever seen in my life, and the reason why I tell you this.
It was in a recreational league that my son Nicholas had joined. His team was about to play its inaugural game in the brightly-lit gymnasium of the large church over on Kingston Pike here in Knoxville. These were kids, middle school age youngsters who were taking to the courts.
(With the exception of my son, the names I use for the others are fictional).
The game started and Nicholas' team dashed off to a quick six-point lead thanks to some well-practiced plays that had the opposing team flat-footed: Scotty would take the ball down, stop, whip a pass to his right to Jerry, who would bounce-pass it to Nicholas or Jordan, and they would make a safe lay-up. Two points. When they got the ball again, they repeated the process: Scotty would take the ball down, stop, sling a pass to his right to good ol'Jerry, who would bounce-pass over to either Nicholas or Jordan, and they would again make a safe lay-up.
Again.
Scotty right-hand pass to Jerry to Nick or Jordan. Our lead increased to eight.
Again.
Scotty right-hand passes it into the group and boom, we score again. By halftime we have a ten-point lead. I glance over at the opposing coach and I see him quietly observing something. He walks over to the huddle of kids and points to the largest boy on their team. Something's going on.
The game resumes.
Scotty comes down the court as the teams set up and he skids to a stop. There, right in the lane where Scotty has made all of his right-hand passes, is the largest boy in the gym, simply standing there. He doesn't have his hands up. Scotty stops and stares at him. The large kid stares back. Scotty stares. The other kid stares. Then with everything he can, Scotty bounce-passes a pass right at the kid, who catches it, lobs it to a boy streaking by him and the opposing team scores. We parents groan. A mistake, but Scotty will get over it...
Scotty takes the ball down the court. Large Kid is already set and staring. Scotty skids to a stop. Looks around. Bounce passes as hard as he can right at the boy. Large Kid grabs it, lobs it to a streaking kid who makes another fast layup. We parents blink at each other.
Scotty bings the ball down again. Large kid is in his passing lane. Scotty looks around at all the other kids frantically waving - and passes to the large kid yet again. The kid grabs the ball, lobs it to streaking kid and another two points.
This goes on for the rest of the game. Our lead evaporates.
I look at Jack, a fellow parent and I shake my head. "Scotty can't process any other play."
Jack nods. "He's got a muscle memory problem. He's been trained to pass that way for so long he has no idea what else to do, " Jack points at the coach, "even though his coach is shouting other directions. Look at how hard he throws it each time. He thinks that by just being more aggressive at the same thing he'll get a different result."
I don't think I have ever seen anything so odd on a basketball court. You could see the anguish in Scotty's face, but he just kept doing the same thing over and over.
We lose by eight points.
That memory has jumped back to me as I consider the deeper walk with Jesus. If I truly want to see Jesus in the powerful way that He can use my life, I need to step away from ritualistic "do it because it's always been done this way" type of practice. We Christians have placed such a heavy importance on practices that the action itself becomes the worship, doesn't it?
I mean, look at what Paul says about being a Pharisee. He notes that he was a spectacular Pharisee as you read this passage, and yet he says that it's empty. Why?
Don't knock the Phraisees as being completely evil; they were pretty good guys at the outset.
During the 400 year intertestamental period between the end of the Old and the beginning of the New Testament, the world had not received any message from God in writing, so the people of Israel got pretty complacent about holy things. Enter a group of men who wanted to bring back respect for God - these were the most radical, devoted people you could ever find. These men were literalists that brooked no nonsense when it came to the interpretation the Word of God, nor would they stand for a liberal way of life. At the time of Christ there were 6,000 of those who were called Pharisees which mean "separatists" - they were a small band of holy men. They knew the law and they were revered because they lived their lives separately from the world with no deviation from the Scripture, They were obsessed with reading and interpreting the Scripture, and confronting those who broke allegiance with God. It started honorably, but by the time Christ arrived on Earth the practice became the power. The ritual became the reverence.
I am not talking about religion in my thoughts today. I am talking about practice within the Christian faith, among us grassroots Christians here and now. Hasn't this happened with us? We've been doing the same thing over and over and have a "meditative muscle memory" when it comes to the worship and walk with Jesus. We actually enjoy the settled routine, and it has become Pharisaical in the way we obsess with rituals. Think of it even in our vocabulary: we are in love with words like fellowship, relationship, devotions, and other Christian buzz words. They're easy, they're fun - and they've lost their importance.
For example, we freely give to our missionaries; do we know who they are and what they do? We are faithful to our Bible classes at our assembly, but we have lost the grip of the music we sing, losing our focus on the lyrics to the desire to hit the right note.
Let me point this at myself as I seek the Duc in Altum, "launching into the deep" to see more of Jesus. I cannot go deep-sea diving if I have all of these helium balloons and foam-filled floats holding me in shallow waters. Those balloons are called Routine. Those floats are called Procedure.
I need to cut them loose, and really, it's not that hard. - Dr. Zockoll
"If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal,persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
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."
I want to start by saying that I have never considered myself a competent athlete. Oh, I've played a number of sports and have enjoyed them, but since my youth I have never given myself the illusion that I was a gifted or talented competitor. This is especially true in basketball. While I fancy myself a pretty capable hoopster when I am playing a game of basketball solitaire in my driveway (meaning that I play alone), I find myself recklessly incapable of any ability to do anything worthwhile. In high school I was a starter on a church team that played a twelve-game season in which we won only one game, and that was by forfeit. Some of the games were amazing, in the sense of how bad we got beat. One of the games we lost was by a score of 74-9. I am not making this up.
First of all, I am one of those people who does not have the body for a basketball uniform. If I was to give you a description of myself you could safely say that I look like a Lego with feet, so the slender and agile appearance is not there. Secondly, I am about as limber as an abandoned 1977 Datsun B-210.
You get the idea.
As a teacher I have been asked to participate in student/faculty basketball games over the years, and I have - to obviously hilarious results.
On one occasion at a North Carolina school game - this is in front of a packed house, mind you - as we came down the court, I was lobbed the ball and instructed to pass it to a teammate only seven feet away. While looking directly at him I promptly threw the ball into the stands, nearly knocking out a junior high cheerleader.
On another occasion at yet another faulty/student "all star" game (seriously?) we were in a heated battle and a science teacher threw a three point attempt in a graceful arc toward the basket. The ball hit and rolled around the rim momentarily, so I launched myself energetically toward the basket for a possible rebound. I did not see, however, the school chaplain dart in front of me, readying for the same thing. The ball slowed; and he and I moved two different ways. He assumed the ball was going in (it did) and spun to dash down the court. I assumed the ball was going to slip out (i was wrong) so I dove to get underneath. We smashed into each other with a force that knocked him over. I remained standing up but in the collision my face crashed into his shoulder with amazing force - so hard that I actually lost my vision. I didn't get a concussion, but I actually wandered around the court not knowing where I was going and ended up standing in the paint on the other end while they were attempting a free throw. The math teacher gently guided me over to our bench and when I went to speak to our coach, the whole section of students yelled in horror; blood and a flap of skin fell out of my mouth. The collision caused my teeth to slice razor-like into my lower lip and shred the inside of my mouth. I was in pain for a week, but hey, I was the center of admiration of every middle school boy for a week, and my inner lip became a regular museum display every recess.
So, please understand, I am not being cruel.
I do, however, want to tell you about the worst basketball player I have ever seen in my life, and the reason why I tell you this.
It was in a recreational league that my son Nicholas had joined. His team was about to play its inaugural game in the brightly-lit gymnasium of the large church over on Kingston Pike here in Knoxville. These were kids, middle school age youngsters who were taking to the courts.
(With the exception of my son, the names I use for the others are fictional).
The game started and Nicholas' team dashed off to a quick six-point lead thanks to some well-practiced plays that had the opposing team flat-footed: Scotty would take the ball down, stop, whip a pass to his right to Jerry, who would bounce-pass it to Nicholas or Jordan, and they would make a safe lay-up. Two points. When they got the ball again, they repeated the process: Scotty would take the ball down, stop, sling a pass to his right to good ol'Jerry, who would bounce-pass over to either Nicholas or Jordan, and they would again make a safe lay-up.
Again.
Scotty right-hand pass to Jerry to Nick or Jordan. Our lead increased to eight.
Again.
Scotty right-hand passes it into the group and boom, we score again. By halftime we have a ten-point lead. I glance over at the opposing coach and I see him quietly observing something. He walks over to the huddle of kids and points to the largest boy on their team. Something's going on.
The game resumes.
Scotty comes down the court as the teams set up and he skids to a stop. There, right in the lane where Scotty has made all of his right-hand passes, is the largest boy in the gym, simply standing there. He doesn't have his hands up. Scotty stops and stares at him. The large kid stares back. Scotty stares. The other kid stares. Then with everything he can, Scotty bounce-passes a pass right at the kid, who catches it, lobs it to a boy streaking by him and the opposing team scores. We parents groan. A mistake, but Scotty will get over it...
Scotty takes the ball down the court. Large Kid is already set and staring. Scotty skids to a stop. Looks around. Bounce passes as hard as he can right at the boy. Large Kid grabs it, lobs it to a streaking kid who makes another fast layup. We parents blink at each other.
Scotty bings the ball down again. Large kid is in his passing lane. Scotty looks around at all the other kids frantically waving - and passes to the large kid yet again. The kid grabs the ball, lobs it to streaking kid and another two points.
This goes on for the rest of the game. Our lead evaporates.
I look at Jack, a fellow parent and I shake my head. "Scotty can't process any other play."
Jack nods. "He's got a muscle memory problem. He's been trained to pass that way for so long he has no idea what else to do, " Jack points at the coach, "even though his coach is shouting other directions. Look at how hard he throws it each time. He thinks that by just being more aggressive at the same thing he'll get a different result."
I don't think I have ever seen anything so odd on a basketball court. You could see the anguish in Scotty's face, but he just kept doing the same thing over and over.
We lose by eight points.
That memory has jumped back to me as I consider the deeper walk with Jesus. If I truly want to see Jesus in the powerful way that He can use my life, I need to step away from ritualistic "do it because it's always been done this way" type of practice. We Christians have placed such a heavy importance on practices that the action itself becomes the worship, doesn't it?
I mean, look at what Paul says about being a Pharisee. He notes that he was a spectacular Pharisee as you read this passage, and yet he says that it's empty. Why?
Don't knock the Phraisees as being completely evil; they were pretty good guys at the outset.
During the 400 year intertestamental period between the end of the Old and the beginning of the New Testament, the world had not received any message from God in writing, so the people of Israel got pretty complacent about holy things. Enter a group of men who wanted to bring back respect for God - these were the most radical, devoted people you could ever find. These men were literalists that brooked no nonsense when it came to the interpretation the Word of God, nor would they stand for a liberal way of life. At the time of Christ there were 6,000 of those who were called Pharisees which mean "separatists" - they were a small band of holy men. They knew the law and they were revered because they lived their lives separately from the world with no deviation from the Scripture, They were obsessed with reading and interpreting the Scripture, and confronting those who broke allegiance with God. It started honorably, but by the time Christ arrived on Earth the practice became the power. The ritual became the reverence.
I am not talking about religion in my thoughts today. I am talking about practice within the Christian faith, among us grassroots Christians here and now. Hasn't this happened with us? We've been doing the same thing over and over and have a "meditative muscle memory" when it comes to the worship and walk with Jesus. We actually enjoy the settled routine, and it has become Pharisaical in the way we obsess with rituals. Think of it even in our vocabulary: we are in love with words like fellowship, relationship, devotions, and other Christian buzz words. They're easy, they're fun - and they've lost their importance.
For example, we freely give to our missionaries; do we know who they are and what they do? We are faithful to our Bible classes at our assembly, but we have lost the grip of the music we sing, losing our focus on the lyrics to the desire to hit the right note.
Let me point this at myself as I seek the Duc in Altum, "launching into the deep" to see more of Jesus. I cannot go deep-sea diving if I have all of these helium balloons and foam-filled floats holding me in shallow waters. Those balloons are called Routine. Those floats are called Procedure.
I need to cut them loose, and really, it's not that hard. - Dr. Zockoll