Empathy in Actions

Philippians 4:14-20    
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Sharing is not just meeting monetary or sustenance needs, but also comfort in distressing times and empathy in action.  The Philippians shared in all these with Paul and his work in the gospel as he ministered both to them and to others, even when they were the only ones supporting him at times.  But Paul points out that he was looking to their reward of good fruit, not what he was getting.  The giver received good and they bore godly fruit as they selflessly and generously met his needs while ministering elsewhere.  These gifts are described as incense of pleasing sacrifices to God, a picture of worship and loving obedience.  In the end, they would also have their own needs met by God for their faithful service of worship in meeting his needs.  This gives glory to God!  Therefore we can heed these examples in serving others as worship and thankfulness to our Lord when we are ministered to as well.  We trust God to meet our needs as we do all we can to meet those of others, especially those engaged in the work of the gospel, showing empathy in our actions of worship. 

Grace Abounding for Everything

Philippians 4:10-13    
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Paul was overjoyed with how the Christ followers at Philippi were always looking for opportunities to meet the needs of God’s servant messenger.  He made it clear, however, that it was not about his needs.  He expressed his complete reliance on Christ, no matter what the circumstances were.  Godliness with contentment was the greatest gain for him as he wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6.  You see, Paul learned to accept much or little, knowing that every want and abundance came from the always good hand of the Almighty creator and sustainer of all.  Whether he was starving while shipwrecked or abounding as others supplied him with more than he could take, he looked to Christ to be able to live and do the work he was called to.  He pioneered Hudson Taylor’s saying, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”  We can learn from the example God gives us in working this out in Paul, trusting instead of complaining, rejoicing in place of asking for more ease in bad situations, and not forgetting His grace in times of abundance.  This is how we glorify God by doing all we are called and command to do with unwavering trust in His goodness and power in bad and good times. 

True and Lovely Meditation

Philippians 4:8-9    
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

What are we to think of and to dwell on at all times?  To begin, think of what is true.  If something cannot be verified as factual, it is a guess at best and slander or self deceptive at the worst.  Truth ultimately stems from what God says in His word.  Things which are worth considering in light of eternity and God’s holiness and are pure in God’s eyes are mentioned next.  Is it god-pleasing?  Are the things we think of pleasant to God and our created purpose?  Are they looked upon by God and man as good by His standards?  Are these full of good virtue and worthy of our adulation in God’s eyes?  These are what we must fix our heart and mind upon.  We see these things in godly examples and can further learn from those setting the example by imitating Christ, with the promise that God is with us and His peace on us as we do so.  Meditate on these things of God’s word by the Spirit, not those of the old man we are putting to death inside.  

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Philippians 4:2-7   
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.   4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!   5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.   6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Unity in the things of Christ and in all things for His sake.  Helping each other in His work, because we are all signed, sealed, and delivered by Christ.  We are His!  These things lead to rejoicing in Christ who has saved us with such a great love, and so we love each other.  Therefore we are also to be patiently gentle to all, especially since we know He is near in our hearts and coming back for all of us who are His.  And because He is returning, we can confidently and calmly pray with trust and hope for His good and best will to come.  This assurance alone gives deep and lasting peace, a peace we cannot grasp or even feel to the fullest.  He keeps our thoughts and feelings in the firm grip of His mighty hand which cannot ever let us go, so how can we fret and doubt the sovereign and gracious Lord?  And how can we not work in harmony as His body, the church, as we seek unity in His truth and not our own agendas?  He is at hand.  

Stand Firm, Run Well

Philippians 3:17 - 4:1    
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.   1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

God through Paul implores us all to follow his (and others like him) example as a pattern for the Christian life in pursuit of this heavenly goal.  Too many live for their own sinful desires and glory, earthly things, instead of what God calls us to in Christ, and we are not to imitate or condone that.  Why?  We are citizens of heaven, of the Lord of heaven, our deliver who is Jesus the Christ.   We dare not shame the work done on the cross by failing to conform to His image by the scriptures and godly examples.  We instead look forward to our consummation, our resurrection and acceptance into God’s very presence, knowing He will judge the earth righteously and eternally.  This is why we follow to holiness and stand fast, rooted to the Rock on which we stand secure and unmoving. 

Already and Not Yet

Philippians 3:12-16    
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

The journey of becoming more like Christ until we die, progressive sanctification, takes us from our positional standing of righteousness and sanctification in Christ to the working out of that salvation’s change in us.  Paul echoes this by not having arrived yet, so he is already righteous yet not yet fully until that day standing before God in a new body.  Because we have not arrived yet, we don’t dwell on past failures of sin, but reach toward eternity in how we live by our choices and reliance on His Spirit’s working in us (Phil.2:12-13).  We press into the race to finish well in the end, bringing glory to the God we aim to please as the goal.  He calls us upward to Himself and holiness.  If we don’t grasp this or believe it, we see here that God will open our eyes to the truth, so we live in light of eternity as best we know, yet strive to know Him more as He reveals more by His word to us that we might be ever more transformed as we gaze into His face. 

Eternal Gain or Garbage?

Philippians 3:7-11    
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

All we have in this life seems as necessary and vital gain, but is really loss in light of knowing and following Jesus Christ into eternity.  Knowing Him is of infinite value, and makes losing our affection and grip on pursuits of this life vital and in some ways, easier.  If things are difficult to put last, we remember Paul’s life and how he here put this perspective on it - if not for Christ and His kingdom, it is to be seen as if it were a useless rotting pile of garbage.  He saw this view as the only way to keep Christ first against the backdrop of the righteousness of Christ alone by faith alone in light of the resurrection of the cross and the suffering shared in Him.  Paul demonstrated to us what it means to conform to His death of the self denial and suffering which ended in a new life in the eternal presence of the Father.  Knowing Jesus Christ is the reason for existence and its unending, crowning joy.  We gain everything in Him and lose nothing of real value. 

Confident Rejoicing

Philippians 3:1-6    
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Above all concerns, issues, and labor in Christ, we should be rejoicing for who He is and all He has done (and continues to do forever).  This is why Paul kept instructing, warning, and encouraging the churches.  He points out those who tried to add works of the Law to the gospel as ravenous dogs amidst the sheep, reminding in particular that circumcision of the body is not the intent of God, but the cleansing and protecting of the heart as a spiritual circumcision.  It all comes down to inward versus outward changes.  Our confidence is inward, that of true worship and joy in Christ alone and His work, no matter how much we could boast in worldly standing or upbringing.  Paul uses himself as the prime example of worldly religious credentials as from the highest academic religious schooling as not something to boast nor have confidence in.  We must also find reliance and grounding in the anchor of our souls and eternal life, Jesus Christ.  Not our learning or cultural achievements.  We then rejoice in Christ as our Lord and we as the servants of grace. 

Honor and Service

Philippians 2:25-30   
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Not only did Paul plan to send like-minded Timothy to the church at Philippi, he also sent Epaphroditus who was another co-laborer, brother, and soldier in this fight for men’s souls.  This messenger was sent by those he wrote to see after Paul’s needs, and now he was being sent back for theirs.  This coworker was ill and worried because the senders worried about him.  There was a mutual and reciprocal care for each other, the sender and the sent, the servant and the served.  Due to God’s mercy, Epaphroditus got well and the senders were going to have him back; this was surely cause for rejoicing.  Paul reminded the Philippians to honor this servant who nearly gave his life for God’s messenger to make sure all Paul’s needs were met so that he could effectively bring the gospel.  We also should help, pray for, and honor those who serve others and meet their needs, no matter the cost to themselves.  And we should give of ourselves in such a way to further the gospel as well. 

Like-Mindedness

Philippians 2:19-24    
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Paul trusted God, even as to whether he would be able to send a trusted brother in Christ to those in the church at Philippi when he wanted to go himself but was detained in prison.  The qualities of Timothy were crowned by the like-mindedness, the alignment of understanding the gospel and commitment to the Lord and His work.  Timothy cared as Paul did for the flock.  Timothy also was sincere in looking after others’ needs.  This tested and observed character made him like a son to Paul, and was the reason he would be sent until Paul himself was able to come as well.  What we learn here is faith in action, trust in character, and sincere serving.  These are qualities we all should pursue, whether we minister in a calling or called alongside to help.  

Living Offering of Sacrifice

Philippians 2:17-18    
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul poured his life into those he ministered the gospel to as he poured out his life and safety and reputation.  He was glad that he was able to do so, not complaining or becoming bitter.  Paul’s life was the living sacrifice from Romans 12:1-2, an example to imitate in laying our lives down for our friends.  He even encouraged these to also find joy with him in this great privilege of serving in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  This should be our attitude that sets the direction of our minds and lives as well, joyfully suffering for Christ instead of demanding our rights and an easy run over the grueling race towards glory.  

Contentment

Philippians 2:14-16    
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

We are told to do everything with contentment and godly reasoning, not by complaining and arguing.  Why?  So that we might grow in holiness, standing right before God and man in doing good.  In this world we are to shine Christ’s light as the adoptive children of God Almighty, demonstrating the straight and narrow way of righteousness in Him to the world in honor of the Father.  These lights we shine outside of the bushel basket, clearly putting forth the truth in love from His word.  To do this, we must both hold fast to that word and hold it out to the world.  Mere lifestyle will have little effect without the word that brings faith, yet our obedience should back up the change His word makes if indeed the Spirit of God loves in us.  Then we will not have lived empty lives, but worked and run this race for eternal things.  

Obedience

Philippians 2:12-13    
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Obedience to Christ begins when no man is watching so that it is not for show or proof, but sincerely in response to God for all He has done for us in Christ.  What are we to do?  We are to work out our salvation.  Note we are not to work for it, but work it out in practice to live as we are called to, pleasing and glorifying God as He has called us out to.  This is to be done fearfully and should shake us when we willingly fail to pursue holiness. Why and how?  Because we know God works first in us to make us willing, to desire to please and obey willingly and out of love and never compulsion or fear of eternal torment.  Also He works in us to be able to do what He calls us to, by His Spirit giving ability and strength to choose well and be changed as a result by His working in us for His glory and our good.  This is sanctification.  

Empty

Philippians 2:5-11   
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus was God’s word made man who also laid aside His rights and form of God to walk with us as Emmanuel.  We are to consider ourselves empty of our rights in a similar sense, as a slave servant of Christ, not demanding heavenly rights as His children.  Jesus as a man was humble to the point of obedience that led to suffering for us without retaliation, and He died on a cursed tree (cross) in our place to buy us rights of reconciliation and forgiving mercy to the point of eternal adoption as His children.  Because Jesus did these things, our Father in heaven requires us to worship at Jesus’s feet and proclaim He is Lord of all.  We all will confess He is Lord and God, either now or after death; only confessing and trusting before death will save us from our sentence of judgment after death, however.   

Likeminded

Philippians 2:1-4    
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

As we live an obedient walk out of love for the grace of God in Christ, we must be likeminded with other believers, for we all know His comfort and consolation in His love for us before ours for Him.  We should strive in the gospel and word to understand the truth together, and live that toward each other as Jesus taught and the apostles wrote about.  But humility needs to drive us or we will only live for ourselves instead of serving as Jesus led by example.  This means looking to each other’s needs with compassion and true fellowship.  This is how we console each other as Christ does us.  This is the battle for most of us as we daily struggle to humble ourselves and help each other grow toward the image of God seen in the face of Christ.  

Life Matters

Philippians 1:27-30    
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

How we live matters.  Our testimony of behavior reflecting Christ in us is of secondary importance to glorifying God by living in ways which please Him.  This willing obedience to imitate Christ and others who imitate Him is what allows us to see clearly God’s hand gripping us forever in His grace and to then stand firm in Him.  We then strive to keep and share that faith in God’s work in and through us, not fearing those opposed to Christ and us, but in our suffering and persecution proving our salvation to our enemies.  The life of a follower of Christ is faith and suffering, though the sufferings should not be because of our sin, but the conflicts should be due to our testimony of His judgement and grace resolved through the gospel.  

Hard-Pressed

Philippians 1:19-26    
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Prayer looks toward deliverance, but relies on God’s Spirit working.  Whether we live or die, our aim should look like the example here - we should never be ashamed of the gospel or our resulting suffering, but hold nothing back in glorifying Christ in us.  We suffer because He suffered; we rejoice because He is our gain and alone makes us fruitful.  There are then these hard and trying times where we long to be home with our Lord, yet we stay the course in this life to minister the gospel to others.  Our hard-pressed and compelling, confident resolve brings growth and joy to others, and increases their glory to God and our joy in Christ for their progressive sanctification in faith.  We choose life, but also welcome death.  

Motives

Philippians 1:15-18    
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Paul identified those who went about telling of Christ with the wrong motives, selfishly competing and fighting to look better or gain greater numbers of followers.  These thought to antagonize him while held captive in prison, unable to respond in person.  Yet he knew others proclaimed the gospel of life, driven by love for God and others, not themselves.  He knew that they knew why Paul suffered - as Christ did, for the good news to reconcile many to Him.  Either way, however, he still had joy in knowing that the good words of life were being spread.  Whether from true hearts or pretended reasons, Christ was still preached, and Paul knew that it was God’s Spirit who convinced and convicted anyway, so it was the message and not the messengers that gave him joy.  

Fear or Glory?

Philippians 1:12-14    
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul realized that his suffering and imprisonments were not cause for complaining, but rather were opportunities to bear witness to the good news, the words of life, to those God brought him near to.  Even in prison the gospel message of reconciliation with God in Christ was able to reach the other prisoners as well as all those over the prisoners.  He truly had a captive audience for this witness.  For what is a martyr but a witness by sheer definition?  This martyrdom in action strengthened the other Christ followers then, and should do so now if we complain less of our rights and comfort in order to demonstrate the living hope in life or suffering, even to death if required.  Do we speak with fear, or with confidence in His good will and for His glory? 

Pray for Each Other

Philippians 1:9-11    
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Prayer for each other who are in Christ should include this driving desire to well up in us, to ever increase our love with knowing more from God’s word about Him and all other things, and the discernment to rightly apply all He tells is in love toward God and man.  Why?  So that we all see and choose what are the best things in God’s eyes, and to sin less as we sincerely follow Him in freely loving obedience.  We pray that we each then will be fruitful in Christ’s righteousness worked in and out in us to glorify God in Jesus Christ until His return.  

Caring Grace

Philippians 1:3-8    
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Paul first thanked God for the fellowship of the saints, the Christ followers, in Philippi.  He told how he constantly prayed for them, asking for God’s work to continue in them.  He trusted God explicitly that He would finish the work from salvation through a lifelong conforming sanctification in them till Christ returns, but continued to petition God for them in that as well.  This was not based on Paul’s effort of prayer, but on God’s promises and faithfulness, which gave the confidence to them all.  He had them in his heart, knowing how they supported him as he suffered in and for the gospel’s sake.  Paul recognized the grace toward each of them and expressed his affection as Christ’s for them.  Therefore he longed very much for them and their spiritual welfare.  This example is for us to follow, caring based on God’s grace in Christ and loving as He does through prayer and ministry to each other. 

Philippians - Joy from Jail

Philippians 1:1-2    
1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul writes with Timothy to the believers in Philippi.  The believers include the overseers (elders) and deacons, the leaders of the churches.  Paul and Timothy also identified themselves as Christ’s slaves, showing they were sold out to Him above all else, and then committed to the gospel and the saints in Christ whom they served.  This is why they began the letter by offering and praying for God’s grace and peace of the Father and Son on those in Philippi.  The beginning of this letter shows the care in Christ, remarkable since it was written while in jail.  Do we care and serve, do we minister with joy to others even in adversity?  Here is our example.  

Grace. Love. Faith. Peace

Ephesians 6:21-24 
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.   23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Paul sent a brother in Christ to let the church of Ephesus know how God was using him and how he was doing. This man was considered faithful and was well regarded, and so was the right choice to bring news of the work and men in order to allay any fears and bring comfort in knowing more than this short letter could tell. Therefore, Paul ends this message by praying for peace from God, love and faith, and grace to the true and sincere followers of their Lord and his. This pattern is an example for us, whether as speakers, pastors, missionaries, or on our own business as we go about our Master’s business. We are to bless and encourage by faithful messengers who represent Christ in us and for us with the grace, love, faith, and peace of God who has reconciled us together as His church. Amen.

Stand in Motion

Ephesians 6:14-20    
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

To do all God calls us to and remain standing with the last Adam, we need to keep these truths in mind and habit.  Truth must hold us together and Christ’s righteousness must change us in daily sanctification, transforming us into His image to protect our hearts in the battles.  We are to put gospel feet into motion, always ready to give the reason why and how peace in reconciliation to God is found.  Faith, trust in all He is and does and will do, that faith shields us from doubts and lies hurled upon us, and puts out the flaming accusations of our enemy.  Knowing our certain and eternal salvation, our minds are safe from attack while we pick up the word of God to cut through the lies and deceit we fight through daily.  Paul knew these things and so asked for prayer to take that armor further into battle with opened lips holding nothing back to be able to fight this good fight as Christ’s bondslave, ambassador, and soldier.  

Strength

Ephesians 6:10-13    
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Where does our strength come from?  Our effort, our ability, our cleverness, our influence?  No, it comes from God in Christ alone.  Only trusting and relying on Him will enable us in battle against the scheming attacks of our adversary.  The war that is not within ourselves against our sinful nature is the war of unseen powers of spiritual evil set against God’s people.  This is why we wear God’s armor which He provides for us, and not our own ineffective uniform of self will and determination.  By fighting God’s way and doing all He called us to do, we stand to the end, secure and victorious in eternity, no matter what happens to us outwardly.  Spiritual victory is not health, wealth, nor possessions, but Christ gospel and God’s glory. 

Working Like a Slave

Ephesians 6:5-9   
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.   9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

The slaves in the time of Christ were most often either captives of conquests or willing slaves (Bondslaves) who sold themselves to survive or for debts. But though different than those of our time in the recent past, these were still serving masters who owned them.  Yet we see here that they are called to be obedient and serve as though serving Christ.  We are also to “serve” our employers from the heart, as unto the Lord as a testimony.  Taking the parallel further between slaves and workers, employers must not be threatening, but act as their Master in heaven.  God is impartial toward us, and we are to imitate this.  

Joyful Obedience

Ephesians 6:1-4    
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Children are to obey their parents.  Fathers are to rear and teach how to love and fear God by following Him in heartfelt obedience.  Obedience is the common teaching here, and the promise for that answers with a well pleasing life to God and man.  This in no way promises a trouble free or easy life, but one glorifying to God by honoring His order and design for families and relationships that echo our relationship with our Father in heaven.  What we do towards each other here honors Him in our willing and joyful obedience.  

Husbands and Wives

Ephesians 5:28-33    
28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

In a marriage, the husband is to love his wife and care for her as himself, at least equally.  This means to hold her very dearly, to help her grow and flourish, just as Christ does with us as His body.  As that body, the church is part of Him, similar to the man (and woman) who leave their parents when married to be part of that new union, we are to leave the world and be joined to Christ as His bride.  As stated here, this parallel of marriage and the church with Christ is beyond complete comprehension, but we do know some elements (though not the depth) of this relationship.  The bottom line here is for the husband to love his wife and he wife to respect her husband.  This honors God and helps us as the church in our relation to our Lord as well.  We are His beloved, and He is ours.  

Submission as a Service

Ephesians 5:22-27    
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.    25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Submission and serving go hand in hand.  In the roles of husband and wife, there is authority and headship, but never enslavement or forced servitude.  The submission here is a willing one of the positions in a marriage, reflecting those of the church and Christ.  This is too often misused for power or control, but the scriptures show a loving and willing orchestration of a synergetic working for God’s glory instead.  Wives then submit to the husband who in turn submits to Christ as head, and husbands give themselves to their wives sacrificially out of love as Christ did to the death for the church.  The end is to glorify God together as a couple and as a body of believers who reflect holiness as cleansed and perfected in Him.  

Children of Light

Ephesians 5:15-21   
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.   17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

As children of light, we must walk carefully and observantly.  This is spiritually practical wisdom in this present evil age set against God and His Anointed.  Being wise requires us to comprehend God’s will, which principles and examples are set down in the scriptures for us to search out daily.  We then can yield rightly to God and follow the lead of His Spirit living in us, praising Him together instead of drinking or otherwise wasting away the days.  This brings us to a thankful heart that appreciates His grace and mercy as we submit not only to God in Christ, but also to each other.  This life we walk then brings the first and second greatest commands to our walk and glory to God in the process.  

Awake!

Ephesians 5:8-14    
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:  “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

Since we inherit the kingdom of God by Christ’s righteousness and are called to follow and imitate Him in holiness, we must understand that we are no longer in darkness.  As we are children of the light of God’s glory and righteousness, we need to live openly and not hide sin in the dark anymore.  This is His work in us by the Spirit of God who lives in us and enables our right choices which are acceptable to God.  We are even to point out the dark things, exposing them to the light of His word for what they truly are, for His light penetrates sin’s darkest recesses and shows truth.  We ourselves have awoken from darkness by His work in us to see the light of His righteous glory, as this old hymn reminds us here.  We are children of light and new life in Jesus Christ, and are reminded now to daily choose to keep in step with His Spirit to live to please Him.