December 11~Personal Perfection

Philippians 2:12-4:23

We completed Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which was an expression of gratitude for their support of his ministry (4:15). However, as he wrote this letter of thanksgiving, Paul challenged the Philippians to live a Christ-centered life. Paul’s challenges fell into two categories, that of salvation and sanctification.

First, in regards to salvation, “We put no confidence in human effort,” he said. “Instead, we boast about what Christ has done for us” (3:3). Sinners cannot save themselves from sin with sin-ridden activity, no matter how sincere it is. Thus, Paul wrote that all of the trophies that he could boast should be thrown in the trash. He considered them worthless (v.8). If we count anything in our lives, other than Christ, as a gain towards our right standing before God, we are clinging to meaningless trophies.

Second, Paul addressed the topic of personal perfection (3:1-4:1). Becoming perfect does not mean that we somehow become sinless or never make mistakes. The word is better defined as “complete or mature.” Sanctification is God’s work of conforming us to the image of His Son, that we may be on the outside what we are on the inside, a work that will not be finished until we are in heaven (1:6; 4:21). Thus, Paul wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things... No, I am not all that I should be” (v.12, 13). “I look forward to what lies ahead and “strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize...” (v.13, 14). Paul was not passive about his sanctification; he was active. He pursued it and pressed for it.

Daily Reflection

Sanctification is a work of God in you (1:6), but, it is also a process in which you join Him in the work. You play an active role. Sanctification can be described as a seed that Christ has planted in your heart; though you must water it, give it sunlight, and tend to the soil, it is God who ultimately causes the growth. Likewise, though the seed is in you, if you do nothing to encourage its progress, the seed will lay dormant and never grow as it should. That is why every believer is at a different stage of personal growth or sanctification.

What are some ways that you can encourage your “seed” of sanctification to grow?

Paul wrote, “Forget the past” (v.13). Satan will constantly attempt to shame you with your past, your life before Christ, the mistakes or failures after Christ, or the weaknesses and sin traps you readily fall into. Do not pay attention to him. He is simply trying to distract you from the work that God is doing in your life. Also, forgetting the past includes looking beyond your successes, your achievements, your trophies. Satan will use them to cater to your ego and puff you up with pride or self-confidence. You must follow Paul’s example and consider them worthless compared to Christ.

Paul also wrote to “look forward to what lies ahead... “Strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize...” You must never be complacent with where you are in your walk with God. Never stop pressing the accelerator and just coast. You are like a car on an incline; you are either progressing up the hill or rolling backwards. In your spiritual life, there is no such thing as neutral. Strain to reach the end and receive the prize!

BiAY.org | Day 345 — 20 Days to Go

December 10~Life and Death

Philemon 1:1-25

Philippians 1:1-2:11

We continued to follow Paul’s letter-writing campaign, by reading his short message to Philemon and the beginning of his letter to the Philippians. His message to Philemon was simple — “show kindness to Onesimus” (v.10). Evidently, Onesimus was Philemon’s slave, who had run away to find Paul in Rome. While in Rome, he became a follower of Christ and was encouraged by Paul and others to return to his master. Paul’s letter was written to soften the blow of his return, as he would face the anger and possible resentment of Philemon.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was meant to encourage them regarding his situation in prison. He explained that his circumstances “had happened to spread the Good News” (v.12). In that, Paul said, he rejoiced (v.18). Next, Paul described the two options that he saw for his future – discharge or death – both of which he believed would turn out for his deliverance (v.19). He recognized that he would be “free” one way or the other. Either the Romans would find him innocent and he would be freed from his chains, or the Romans would find him guilty, though he was innocent, and execute him, thus setting him free from his earthly chains to go to heaven.

Notice that Paul wrestled with life and death, not knowing which one to choose. In his mind, both were preferable, for “to me,” he wrote, “living is for Christ and dying is even better” (v.21). Paul’s view of life and death is instructive here. For most people, to live is gain and to die is loss. In other words, life is good and death is bad; but, for Paul, it was quite different. While life was good, death was much better (v.23). He did not fear death but welcomed it.

In Paul’s mind, to remain on earth was to live for Christ, to honor Him by his words and deeds, to make Him known and to share Him with everyone; but to die or to depart from this world was to live with Christ, in His presence, by His side, with a host of believers in the halls of heaven. Today, we tend to hold onto this earthly life in such a way that reveals our misunderstanding of what is to come. We act as if we were leaving behind something better for something worse, when, in reality, we are leaving behind something “good” for something much better.

Daily Reflection

This life, as “good” as it might be, pales in comparison to the life that is to come. How so?

With so much to look forward to, do you have to fear death? If you have put your trust in God, then “death has no sting” (1 Corinthians 15:55), rather it is the door through which you must pass to enter into the second, more desirable life that awaits you.

Notice that while Paul knew that he was to remain a little while longer, he was comforted by the fact that it meant more “fruitful service” for him (v.22). He knew that his time on earth was limited and that while he was here, he was not to waste it; he was supposed to labor or work.

You work all the time but for what, a paycheck, groceries, gas? Is that fruitful labor? No, Paul is referring to labor that bears eternal fruit not temporary reward. Do you recognize that your time is limited? Do you understand that you are not to be wasting your time? Does your work produce fruit that is eternal? Are you just making a living or are you making a difference?

BiAY.org | Day 344 — 21 Days to Go

December 9th~Mind Renewal

Colossians 1:24-4:18

We finished Paul’s letter to the Colossians. His focus was primarily on how to live the new life we have in Christ. He illustrated his challenge with the Old Testament ritual of circumcision. “When you came to Christ,” he wrote, ”you were ‘circumcised,’ but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure, the cutting away of your sinful nature... You were dead because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive in Christ. He forgave all your sins” (2:11, 13).

The control-center of our lives is our spirit. Our spirit directly influences our mind, and our mind controls our will, our words, our emotions, and even our body. Therefore, we could say that the spirit of a man is the master of the man. Whatever or whomever controls the spirit of a man, controls the man. Praise God that He chose to “rescue us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son” (1:13, 14). The Holy Spirit has taken residence within us. He now influences our lives, as we surrender to Him.

Though our spiritual nature has been regenerated, our flesh has not; our mind, will, emotions, and body are still rebellious to God. None of these things will be made perfect until we are in heaven; so then, there is a constant struggle between the Holy Spirit and our unholy, sinful flesh. They both vie for control of what we think, what we do, and what we say. We will endure this struggle for the rest of our earthly lives.

Though our spirit (heart) has been changed, it takes a lifetime to sanctify (purify) our mind. Since birth, our mind has been under the influence of sin, and though we are saved from the penalty of sin, we still deal with the presence of sin, which is demonstrated in our self-centered, worldly thinking. Thus, Paul exhorted us “not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2, NASB). As John MacArthur said, “God is in the business of mind renewal.”

Daily Reflection

While Satan must concede your spirit to God, he battles fiercely for your mind, to keep you from living life the way God expects. Thus, God’s Word exhorts you to “love the Lord with all of your mind” (Mark 12:30), to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5), and to think on those things which are “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute (Philippians 4:8). Even in today’s passage, Paul wrote, “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth” (3:2).

It is clear that after salvation, the primary battle for believers is in the mind. That’s why Paul warned us to put on the helmet of salvation, to protect our mind from the schemes of the Devil. What do you think is the best way for you to renew your mind? What would God say?

Paul wrote, “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise” (3:16). If you do not renew your mind through regular meditation on the Scriptures, then your mind is unprotected and vulnerable to the lies, deceptions, and warped philosophies of this world. Scripture is the mind of Christ. To think like Him, you must think like the Word of God.

BiAY.org | Day 343 — 22 Days to Go

December 8th~Armed for Battle

Ephesians 5:15-6:23

Colossians 1:1-23

We finished Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and opened his letter to the Colossians. While much of what we read in Colossians was introductory, we did encounter one of the most profound pas- sages in all the Bible, detailing the doctrines of Christ (1:15-22). For example, Paul wrote, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation... For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and by Him God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of His blood on the cross. This includes you...” These truths are incredible and would take weeks to unpack. The mysteries of Christ are marvelous to consider!

However, the Lord reminded me today of the source of our earthly troubles. We live in an evil world that is under evil management; and the frustrations that we face in the physical realm are often caused by forces in the spiritual realm. We cannot battle spiritual problems with physical solutions; instead, we must face spiritual foes with spiritual weapons. Enemies with spiritual power cannot be thwarted by human strength or wisdom; we must utilize a power greater than ourselves.

Paul said it this way, “Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against the strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world...” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

We are all familiar with the armor of God, but consider today what each piece of armor represents and why it is important. We must be girded with truth, because the enemy will fill our head with lies. We must robe ourselves with the righteousness of Christ, because Satan will accuse us of all our unrighteous deeds. We must be anchored in peace, because he will invent many distractions and discouragements.

We must guard ourselves with faith in God, for the Devil will cause us to doubt God’s existence, His goodness, His plan, and His provision. We must cling to our salvation, our freedom from sin and death, because Satan will tempt us in every way possible, doing whatever necessary to keep us inactive or ineffective. We must hold fast the words of God, which the enemy fears and respects. Finally, we must always be alert in prayer, straining out the myriad of voices around us and striving, instead, to listen to the voice and wisdom of God.

Daily Reflection

What are some of the ways that we try to battle spiritual opponents with physical weapons? Why are these methods ineffective?

Putting on the armor of God is easier said than done. What does this look like in reality? What is the process? What daily steps should you take?

BiAY.org | Day 342 — 23 Days to Go

December 7th~A Light in the Night

Ephesians 3:1-5:14

We transitioned into the second half of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In the first three chapters, Paul reminded his readers what Christ had done for them. Now, Paul challenged them to live in light of what He had done. He set the stage by writing, “Therefore, I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God” (4:1). Simply put, our lives should be a clear reflection of the work of Christ.

First, in regards to our old self, we should “no longer walk as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness. They are far away from God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. They don’t care about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways” (4:17-19).

After describing the unworthy walk of those without Christ, Paul charged believers to live in the opposite way. “This isn’t the way you were taught,” he wrote. “Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness — righteous, holy, and true” (4:20-24). To summarize, our lives in Christ should reflect a genuine change from the old self to the new.

Finally, Paul wrote, “Though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Find what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the deeds of evil and darkness... Where your light shines, it will expose their deeds” (5:10-14).

Daily Reflection

It is our wholesome lifestyle that sets us apart from the world. We stand out as bright spots in our darkened work places, neighborhoods, campuses, organizations, teams, etc. When we shine that light, it causes others to notice and it provides opportunities for us to speak of the truth (Matthew 5:14-16).

The problem is that many of us are not “bright” enough. We look too much like the darkened world, and when the world sees us doing and saying the things that they do, then they notice nothing different. Why, then, would they want to be Christian? The most treacherous tool against Christianity is Christians who claim Jesus with their lips but deny Him with their life- style.

Are you a bright spot in your darkened world? Do your words and actions stand out in contrast to those around you? If not, why not? If so, describe how.

You are not living in stark contrast to draw attention to yourself, but rather to draw attention to the Lord and what He has done in your life? How should you respond when someone notices a difference and asks you about it?

BiAY.org | Day 341 — 24 Days to Go

December 6th~Preaching From Prison

Acts 28:1-31

Ephesians 1:1-2:22

After having to stay three months on the island of Malta, Paul and the others arrived safely in Rome. Though he was technically a prisoner awaiting a trial before Caesar, “Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier” (Acts 28:16). He would live there for the next two years.

For most of us, being a prisoner of Rome would mean the end of all things normal to us, but Paul didn’t let it stop him. His ministry continued despite his circumstances. In fact, “He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ...” (v.30, 31). He even invited Jews from the city to come and listen to the Gospel. “A large number of people came. He told them about the Kingdom of God and taught them about Jesus from the Scriptures...” (v.23).

In his spare time, Paul wrote letters to churches he had started. For example, today we read from his letter to the Ephesians. His letters are rich with spiritual truths and encouragement, priceless pieces from prison. “Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ; and this gave Him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:4, 5).

Paul also wrote these wonderful words, “God saved you by His special favor when you believed; and you can’t take credit for this. It is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (2:8-10). Prison did not keep Paul from ministering to others for the Lord.

Daily Reflection

Most of us, including me, if we landed in prison would consider that to be the end of the line. We would be more concerned about our well-being than the well-being of others. Our attitude would be “Woe is me.” But, Paul viewed prison as an opportunity to meet people he couldn’t have otherwise, just another avenue to influence others for the sake of Christ. Later, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul reported that even the Roman guards were getting saved (1:13). How is it that he could view such a negative situation in a positive light?

Have you ever watched God use a “negative” situation to produce positive results? Explain.

We regularly ask for opportunities to share Christ with others but when the Lord provides them, we are seldom prepared to use them. What can you do to solve this problem?

BiAY.org | Day 340 — 25 Days to Go

December 5th~Strength in the Storm

Acts 27:1-44

After Paul made an appeal for Caesar to hear his case (25:11), the guards made preparation to transport him to Rome. Since they did not have the luxury of flight, as we do, the trip would be by ship and would last several weeks. All 276 passengers on board endured one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

Though our passage was full of nautical phrases and was difficult to understand, it was not difficult to comprehend that the trip was dangerous. “We had several days of rough sailing; and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But, the wind was against us... We struggled along the coast with great difficulty... We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for long voyages by then, because it was so late in the fall” (27:7-9).

What immediately became apparent on this trip was Paul’s impact on the passengers, particularly when the situation became perilous. When things were going smoothly, Paul had the attention of his commanding officer (who treated him kindly, 27:3), but when things grew tense and people’s lives were in danger, Paul had the attention of everyone. It was as if the storms gave Paul an opportunity to minister to every person on board. The circumstances shed light on his character and faith. His words and inner strength encouraged everyone.

“Take courage,” he said. “None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. Last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me... [and told me that] God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone. So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said” (v.22-26). Everyone was encouraged. By the end of the whole ordeal, Paul had become valuable to both the commander and the crew (v.43).

Daily Reflection

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a group of strangers because of some abnormal circumstance (weather event, stalled elevator, black out, wreck, etc.)? How did you react? Was it different than the reaction of others? Did you interact with people? Why or why not?

What is it about Christians, that we can bring calm and encouragement in situations like these, when most people tend to panic?

While most people view situations like these as terrible and inconvenient, Paul viewed the storm as another opportunity to express the difference that Christ can make in one’s life. God simply arranged for him to have the chance to impact strangers for good.

If you believe in a God of providence, that He arranges situations for a purpose, how must you perceive these times when you find yourself in the midst of a “storm” with others?

BiAY.org | Day 339 — 26 Days to Go