Philippians 1 - Fight Together

        Paul is encouraging the Philippians to grow.  And to remember that it is Jesus Christ who will return to earth and judge every person (Romans 2:16).  The Bible says that, “there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good - for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.  For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:10-11).

        God’s standard of responsibility has been consistent from day one, “He will repay all people as their actions deserve” (Proverbs 24:12).  Sounds kinda ominous, and it is.  But it is good news.  People who trust God, people of faith in Jesus Christ, have all the resources they need to live as citizens of heaven.  And in this passage, Paul encourages us to live that way and to take the assignment seriously.  Let’s do that.  Why not!

        The world has incredible turmoil right now (as it has for millennia).  There is a refusal to call out evil.  Ethics, and moral standards, are God’s domain.  He made the rules.  Sadly, the church, God’s prized possession, seems insular and full of sin backbiting, and infighting (as it has for millennia).

        The Gospel is clear and yet we make it murky.  We are told to fight together against evil, to be unified.  And yet we see Christians fight for power, position, and possessions.  I pray for revival and unity, moral clarity, and godliness in the Church.  Let's get the logs out of our eyes.  And conduct ourselves as worthy citizens of heaven.

        The Church needs to step up.  And we shall.  We are to grow as Christians.  We see that in this passage.  Growth is similar to progress, yet different.  It is progress indeed when we grow; but, like a tree, we don’t move per se.  We grow up and out.  We have aspects of our lives that God prunes (thankfully) and aspects that when connected to God thrive and grow and develop as God planned and designed.

        Paul says that above all Christians must worthily conduct themselves.  What a shame to have scandal and abuse and fighting amongst ourselves.

        Of course, believers in Jesus Christ still sin.  We are human.  Yet we are not to make a pattern, a practice of sinning.  What are you known for?  What is your reputation, dear Christian?  What is your practice?  Genuine Christians are guided by the Holy Spirit as they grow.  They have no interest in manipulating others for greed or power.  They are citizens of heaven and have no claim to earthly gain.  They see its futility.  Those guided by the Holy Spirit have a desire for unity in the church.

        But don’t mistake this desire for unity and togetherness for weakness.  Christians are willing to fight, but we must fight for the right things.  Unified.  Together.  This passage says that the Church will have enemies.  We are not to be intimidated.  Instead, we are to be unified and fight well, together, against evil.

        You may see the rot in the church and be disgusted.  Good.  You may see the way the powermongers clamor for more and how they teach false doctrine and twist Scripture beyond belief.  Good.  Recognize it, and oppose it.

        Dear God, please bring revival today.  May the Church stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the only way to the Father, faith in Jesus Christ.  The Gospel.

        Do not be intimidated by the wealthy professional preachers.  The prosperous false teachers spin tall tales of the end times to enhance their favored positions and to preserve their position and their dynasties.  God sees it all.

        The real church has a different priority.  We are not here for selfish gain.  Servants of Jesus Christ have the privilege of trusting in God and suffering for Jesus Christ, the One who suffered shame and lashes, piercing by spikes, and death by crucifixion to give sinners new life.  Thank God for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

        Believers in Jesus Christ are in this struggle together (1:30).  Be humbly confident today.  Be convinced that God will allow you to work for Him and to let His glory shine through what you do.  He will.  And you will indeed shine as you love and serve people well today.

        May we agree wholeheartedly with each other, love one another, and work together with one mind and purpose to oppose evil and to grow in Christ.  Amen.

With the Grandsons at the NC Zoo.