Tag Archives: the book of Philippians

October 28
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“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”.  (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

The thought in today’s verse doesn’t end with the “:”.  Paul goes on to specify the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, which are:

a. Regarding gifts as opportunities. . . (Verse 6)  Some gifts you have, and some gifts you are!  Each are given to us for service, not for status!

b. . . . in servitude. . . (Verse 7) “Service” is an act.  On the other hand, “servitude” is a condition.  Do you and I maintain an attitude of servitude in our interactions with others?

c. . . . through humble obedience. (Verse 8)   A star athlete falls short of his or her potential when the coach is not obeyed.  Likewise, we must do, go, and be as the Holy Spirit directs; not for our own glory, but for the glory of God.

Are you cultivating “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in your relationships with others?  – Luther

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October 3
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“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”  (Philippians 3:16, NIV)

We are accountable to God only for what we know, not for what we don’t know.

If we thought only for 60 seconds of all that we’ve been “taught,” whether formally, or through life experience; first-hand, or through the experience of others: we should be amazed how much we already know.

All of us — to some degree — have attained knowledge of what is right, good, true, and edifying.  We have attained knowledge of how good it feels to be treated with love and grace; and we have opportunities every day to live up to that knowledge — and the knowledge we’ve acquired beyond such basics.

Are you living up to the knowledge you’ve attained?  – Luther

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September 30
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“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”  (Philippians 3:17, NIV)

Every person is a “model.”  Some people are examples of what to do; and others are examples of what not to do.

Paul encouraged the disciples in Philippi to follow his own example, and to follow others in the community who live similarly.

Righteous living needs to be encouraged because it often requires making choices that are contrary to the culture; such as, eschewing the love of money, loving our enemies, and being kind to the poor.

If you are discouraged because it seems that you’re alone on the narrow path of righteous living, look around!  When you find a fellow-traveler, keep your eyes on him or her, even if from afar.  – Luther

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