Picking up at Philippians 4:4-7 we find this.
Philippians
4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and
again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (comes from a compound of
two words one meaning toward
and object
such as time which is unseen and the other to resemble
the yet unseen)
and be known to all men. The Lord
is
at hand (is
near, close).
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.”
What
might need a good old rehashing here is what Christ Jesus' coming was
a signification change in the worlds atmosphere concerning mans
spirituality. With Jesus' death God's light was restored within those
who became receptive of Jesus' teaching and Spirit. In other words
there are now two dominions at play, one for mans total elimination,
Satan's kingdom of spiritual darkness and wretchedness. Which holds
all natural mankind in chains as an evil tyrant does by misdirection
and the promotion of ignorance through blindness of a spiritual
existence. And God's kingdom on the other hand promotes mans coming
willfully to His light (revelation, which promotes our understanding or
discernment), love, truth, grace, and freedom of sins stench and
stain. The
entry into God's kingdom is not acquired by mans works or even his
sufferings, but only through his trusting God, Who has proven Himself
to be the only true and Faithful One. The surprising thing here is
that when we do so our obedience is almost guarantied because we move
from unbelief to faith and this not in our own strength but God's. The
reason for this is the power of the Holy Spirit, Who is the
ontological essence of Christ restored within our soul as promised
first to Adam, and then to those who would become receptive of Him,
Who brings us knowledge of Himself in all Truth, in His Light.
Philippians
4:8-9
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are
honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are
of good report; if there
be
any virtue, and if there
be
any praise, think on these things. Those things, which you have both
learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of
peace shall be with you.”
Philippians
4:10-14
“But (moreover,
now)
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me
has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked
opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therein
to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to
abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full
and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all
things through Christ, Who strengthens me (through
His Grace, His Grace mets all my needs 2Cor.
12:9-10, Eph. 3:16, 6:10). Notwithstanding you have well done, that
you did communicate with my affliction.”
Philippians
4:15-20
“Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the
gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with
me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only. For even in
Thessalonica you sent once and again to my necessity. Not because I
desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of
Epaphroditus the things which
were sent
from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable,
well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to God and our Father be
glory forever and ever.” Amen.
Philippians
4:21-22
“Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with
me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of
Caesar's household.”
Philippians
4:23
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all.” Says The Amen.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
A study on Philippians
Philippians 4, a new study
outline
Chapter 4
Paul here tells us that the hardest thing for all is to stand strong in our trust/faith in the Faithful One. And this Gospel which comes from the LORD because it alone will stand the test of time. Why is this true because to date it has stood for from 6000 to 8000 years the onslaught of all kinds of evils. First with the people prior to Noah, then the people of Abraham on through our own day and time. For the first beginnings where revealed to men like Enoch on through to Jesus Himself as a mystery held close to God's own chest. Then realized in Christ Jesus and opened up to Paul for our learning of Him Who was, Is and Will be again, the person of the LORD, Christ Jesus. It is to this end that Matthew 11:29 (which verse 3 below refers too) asks of us all, “are you willing to take My yoke upon you to learn of Me,” when heard in its proper perspective or perception. This requires the spec or beam being removed from our hearts eyes and the veil lifted from our hearts ears. Which is known as having a pure heart (an innocent heart, a heart that has been circumcised by God's own hand, giving us a heart of flesh, in the innocences and purity of the first man) as spoken of in the Psalms and Proverbs. For this to happen we must understand the proverb, “God is no respecter of persons,” which means, what He has done for one He has the prerogative to do for others. To this Paul said that he would not lay again a foundation on another mans foundation. Which means that we are not to revisit that which we have already known, but are to move forward in Christ with Christ. The foundation is mans own forms of religion and its accompanying institutions, in other wards I cannot build again God's Truths in the Methods faith, Baptist faith, todays Christian faith or any other such earthly religious thing, from which the LORD has called us out of. This Peter said in Acts 10 where he recounts God's actions in Cornelius's house many years earlier as a witness in defense of Paul, which was the true reason for God's placing him in that situation in the first place.
When we hear with clear perception that we are to have the same mind as Christ (as in verse 2) and be of one spirit, one faith, one love, one body, with one LORD and one Father (as here in Phil. 2:2-3, 3:16 and Ephesians 4:1-8) which is what the word LORD means then there will be unity in the Family, Body, and Church under the LORDSHIP of One. This is testified to in Genesis 45:24 where Joseph says this to his brothers before sending them back to their father; “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said to them, See that you fall not out by the way.” This is also known in Psalm 133:1-3 which states it this way; “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, Life for evermore.” We receive the greater blessing the likes of which men like king David and Abraham only saw as a shadow, a thing in a distance as a light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
Philippians 4:2-3 “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat you also, as true yoke-fellows (Mat. 11:29, Ps. 55:22 we do not want to be as Israel was in the last stanza of this passage taken from Jeremiah 6:16 where it states this, “But they said, We will not walk therein.”), help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Chapter 4
Paul here tells us that the hardest thing for all is to stand strong in our trust/faith in the Faithful One. And this Gospel which comes from the LORD because it alone will stand the test of time. Why is this true because to date it has stood for from 6000 to 8000 years the onslaught of all kinds of evils. First with the people prior to Noah, then the people of Abraham on through our own day and time. For the first beginnings where revealed to men like Enoch on through to Jesus Himself as a mystery held close to God's own chest. Then realized in Christ Jesus and opened up to Paul for our learning of Him Who was, Is and Will be again, the person of the LORD, Christ Jesus. It is to this end that Matthew 11:29 (which verse 3 below refers too) asks of us all, “are you willing to take My yoke upon you to learn of Me,” when heard in its proper perspective or perception. This requires the spec or beam being removed from our hearts eyes and the veil lifted from our hearts ears. Which is known as having a pure heart (an innocent heart, a heart that has been circumcised by God's own hand, giving us a heart of flesh, in the innocences and purity of the first man) as spoken of in the Psalms and Proverbs. For this to happen we must understand the proverb, “God is no respecter of persons,” which means, what He has done for one He has the prerogative to do for others. To this Paul said that he would not lay again a foundation on another mans foundation. Which means that we are not to revisit that which we have already known, but are to move forward in Christ with Christ. The foundation is mans own forms of religion and its accompanying institutions, in other wards I cannot build again God's Truths in the Methods faith, Baptist faith, todays Christian faith or any other such earthly religious thing, from which the LORD has called us out of. This Peter said in Acts 10 where he recounts God's actions in Cornelius's house many years earlier as a witness in defense of Paul, which was the true reason for God's placing him in that situation in the first place.
When we hear with clear perception that we are to have the same mind as Christ (as in verse 2) and be of one spirit, one faith, one love, one body, with one LORD and one Father (as here in Phil. 2:2-3, 3:16 and Ephesians 4:1-8) which is what the word LORD means then there will be unity in the Family, Body, and Church under the LORDSHIP of One. This is testified to in Genesis 45:24 where Joseph says this to his brothers before sending them back to their father; “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said to them, See that you fall not out by the way.” This is also known in Psalm 133:1-3 which states it this way; “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, Life for evermore.” We receive the greater blessing the likes of which men like king David and Abraham only saw as a shadow, a thing in a distance as a light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
Philippians 4:2-3 “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat you also, as true yoke-fellows (Mat. 11:29, Ps. 55:22 we do not want to be as Israel was in the last stanza of this passage taken from Jeremiah 6:16 where it states this, “But they said, We will not walk therein.”), help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
A study on Philippians
Continuing
with Jeremiah 31 and our comment for the “Behold” of verse 31,
Philippians
3:17-21
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk
so as you have us for an ensample (we saw this word earlier where it meant example and so it does also here). (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: Whose end is
destruction, whose God is
their
belly, and whose
glory is
in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation (true
citizenship)
is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus
Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like
to His (own)
glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to
subdue all things to Himself.”
*The
word “Behold” signifying something more agreeable and desirable
for all. As the Covenant of Grace with its blessing of the Holy
Spirit and the promises of God's undertaking to do within man what man
cannot accomplish on his own (this is also is His Salvation program at work). Here is a twist on the word “New”
in relation to a New Covenant, the covenant as such is not New
because it started as a promise spoken to the first man and woman on
the scene namely Adam and woman in Genesis 3:15 and continues in
veiled language to David and Abraham in chapter 12 as the term seed
and families of the earth indicate. Christ from the beginning was the
intended Mediator of this covenant. Though more clearly manifested
under/in this the Gospel dispensation. Because of its new mode of
exhibition; not by types, shadows, sacrifices, and similitudes as
formerly exercised by mans works; but by the ministry of the word, and the administration of
Gospel ordinances; and in its distinction from the former covenant,
which is done away with, as to the mode of its application. Because it is
a famous covenant, an excellent one, a better covenant, best of all;
better than the covenant of works, and even better than the covenants
of grace and peace under the former administration; in the clear manifestation
and extensive application of it. In the ratification of it by (through as in passing through a gate or door) the
blood of Christ; besides, it provides and promises new things, as a
new heart, and a new spirit; to which may be added, that it may be
called new, because it is always new; it continues, it stands firm,
and shall not be made void; it will never be succeeded nor antiquated
by any other covenant, or any other mode of administration of it. The
persons with whom this covenant is said to be made are "the
house of Israel and of Judah"; which was literally true of them
in the first stages and times of the Gospel/Church Age. To whom the Gospel
was first preached, and many of them were called by grace, and had an
application of covenant blessings made with them; as mystically to be
understood of God's elect, whether Jews or Gentiles; the Israel after
the spirit; Israelites indeed, Jews inwardly, even all that are
fellow citizens of the saints, and of the household of God. Having
the middle wall of partition being broken down: and this "making"
of a covenant with them intends no other than a making it known to
them and in them as it is in us as well; showing it to them, for
their better interest in it; In God, as their covenant God; and In
Christ, as the Mediator of it; and the application of the blessings
and promises of it within them and also in us as well. Especially
because we are a new generation, now all most 1984-1979 years from
the start of its intended consummation and the completion of the
former dispensation. This New Covenant is renewed, as a quickening of mans fallen spirit to a renewed spirit or a living force of mans original estate, within each new generation of man. This is why it is also known as a progressive revelation to those who become respective of Him Who administers its law.
God
tells us that once we have properly entered into Redemption (the
forgiveness of our sin nature acquired through our parents and His
acquiring the purchasing of us back through death [in the
body/flesh, blood and water which contains the mystery of life within it, which
is the water and life of Jesus, Who is Christ] and our receiving of the initial deposit
of the Spirit of Holiness and Truth) that we through His Holy Spirit
should be on autopilot sort to speak. Because He tells us that we
have no need for anyone to teach us saying 'we are all to know the
LORD,' for all are to know Him. Now the apostate church wants to
direct our learning of Him, which is not part of this covenant and
that is the first deception of grievous error. Because it sets aside
the Holy Spirit and His part within us and this promotes more
self-sufficiency on our part as the teaching, promotion and
declaration of the apostates teach in their treason against God. This
is in the form of the old works religion and the attitude of Judaism,
as both a superior religion and special people of God's choosing.
This has caused many to error and become treasonous enemies of God and the cross of Christ Jesus, by
their ignorance.
Paul here tells us why there are so many who just do not seem to come to understanding of God's word, even though they have a form of godliness they lack the power of which this understanding and knowledge of the LORD Christ Jesus is all about.
Monday, July 14, 2014
A study on Philippians
Continuing Philippians chapter
3
Philippians 3:12-16 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (Paul is here revealing to us the very meaning of the name/title given Moses, when he stood before the bush that burned but was not consumed and was told from it that “I AM that I AM” and it is upon this revelation that the LORD is building His Church/Family/Body). Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (being matured), be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you (what is the promise of the LORD-God to His heirs? For the answer turn to Jeremiah 31:33-34). Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule*, let us mind the same thing.”
*Beginning at verse 27 we find “the same rule” of our texts end, where we find the mention of the New Covenant which is the LORD'S Covenant for His Family/Church/Body, at this point it is still only a promise of a better Covenant than the one given Israel through their forefathers, which covenant they broke, nullifying and making it vain, worthless and void. This rule of law is what both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus taught and proclaimed throughout Israel as their gospel of good news. This new order is hidden within the text of the old order or dispensational period. Here is what it states, lesson closely to it; “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will sow (Ezekiel 36:9, Hosea 2:23) the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man (Genesis 3:15), and with the seed of (mute) beast**. And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, says the LORD. In those days they shall say no more, the fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.**
Continuing in Jeremiah 31:31, where it states this, “Behold*, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant (this is a New dispensational period known as the Church Age, relating to Heb. 8:8) with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah (this new period is own be the Jew (being of the law of trust/faith of this new period*): Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says the LORD (one of the meanings of LORD is husband, signifying closeness of relationship): But this the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it (the law, the direction that we are to take in this life*) in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divids the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:
If these (fixed) ordinances (order) depart from before Me, says the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation (Amos 9:8-9, 10-12) before Me forever.
Behold, the days come, declares the LORD, when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the tower of Hananeel to the gate of the corner. And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath. And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields to the brook of Kidron, to the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more forever.”
Philippians 3:12-16 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (Paul is here revealing to us the very meaning of the name/title given Moses, when he stood before the bush that burned but was not consumed and was told from it that “I AM that I AM” and it is upon this revelation that the LORD is building His Church/Family/Body). Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (being matured), be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you (what is the promise of the LORD-God to His heirs? For the answer turn to Jeremiah 31:33-34). Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule*, let us mind the same thing.”
*Beginning at verse 27 we find “the same rule” of our texts end, where we find the mention of the New Covenant which is the LORD'S Covenant for His Family/Church/Body, at this point it is still only a promise of a better Covenant than the one given Israel through their forefathers, which covenant they broke, nullifying and making it vain, worthless and void. This rule of law is what both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus taught and proclaimed throughout Israel as their gospel of good news. This new order is hidden within the text of the old order or dispensational period. Here is what it states, lesson closely to it; “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will sow (Ezekiel 36:9, Hosea 2:23) the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man (Genesis 3:15), and with the seed of (mute) beast**. And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, says the LORD. In those days they shall say no more, the fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.**
**
"But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eats the
sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” This Hebraism accompanies that spoken in the preceding verse where He said this, "I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beasts."
This places all mankind on equal and level grounds as a soccer field or football field, there is no partiality with God.**
*If
this is speaking of mans rebirth and from it spiritual increase, then
it stands to reason that all things would also increase including the
animal life. The nation and the peoples of Israel were become as
common man in God's eyes because of their actions of denial in
unbelief and the blending of paganism into the fabric of Judaism.
**This
was a proverb which the unbelieving had established to mean that
because of the error of their forefathers the children suffered. This
was in some sense true; they were punished for their fathers' sins in
the captivity, and particularly for the rejection of their Messiah; nor was it unusual with
God to visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children; nor at
all unjust, since they were a part of their parents (in their loins
as seed), and especially since they were guilty of the same sins; nor
is it thought unjust among men to punish children for the treason of
their parents, as every sin is treason against God. But this was not
all that was meant by this proverb; the sense of those that used it
was, that they themselves were quite clear and innocent, and that
they only suffered for their fathers' faults; which was false, of
which they should be convinced, and use this proverb no more, because
this was charging God with injustice. To this the LORD said this,
“every one shall die for his own iniquity.” Then He continues
with, “every man that eats the sour grape, his teeth shall be on
edge” meaning that the child shall be judged for his own actions
and then he is said to bear/carry the guilt of his parents.
Continuing in Jeremiah 31:31, where it states this, “Behold*, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant (this is a New dispensational period known as the Church Age, relating to Heb. 8:8) with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah (this new period is own be the Jew (being of the law of trust/faith of this new period*): Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says the LORD (one of the meanings of LORD is husband, signifying closeness of relationship): But this the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it (the law, the direction that we are to take in this life*) in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Thus
says the LORD,
Who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divids the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:
If these (fixed) ordinances (order) depart from before Me, says the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation (Amos 9:8-9, 10-12) before Me forever.
Thus
says the LORD;
If
heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth
searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel
(Jeremiah 33:20-23, 24-26; Romans 11:2-5, 26-27) for all that they
have done, says the LORD.
Behold, the days come, declares the LORD, when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the tower of Hananeel to the gate of the corner. And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath. And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields to the brook of Kidron, to the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more forever.”
Sunday, July 13, 2014
A study on Philippians
Philippians
3, a new updated study outline
Chapter 3
In this chapter Paul broadens the horizon of his being under the influence of the Law and the power of it to hold one back from the law of God, which is now at work within him and those who have surrendered their own will to His as a form of crucifying of mans flesh to God for their betterment. This he also refers to as mortifying of the flesh in other epistles. In Romans 12:1 he tells us that we are to be living sacrifices wholly onto God for this is our reasonable service.
Philippians 3:1 “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”
Philippians 3:2-11 “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision (the formerly more excellent form of external circumcision, Religious rites, rituals, ceremonies and other forms of Religious holidays, having been set aside by God and are now in opposition). For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus*, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law (this is the Law of Moses), a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (to strike, to throw, to through away), that I may win Christ, and be found In Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law (of Moses in principle or by regulation of), but that which is through the faith of Christ (this replaced the law as Paul describes it herein), the righteousness which is of God by faith (this is what is greater than the law of Moses because even Moses' law has within it these hidden truths in similitudes): That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead** (this is the hope of our calling, a hope not yet seen but only known through trust/faith In Him and His word).”
*Here we must bear in mind what Jesus said, 'that God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth,' this He said to the Samaritan women in John 4. After revealing Himself to her but she at first did not realize Who He was that she was talking to her. He also said this just before telling her this, "Woman, believe Me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. For you worship you know not what:" This is what Paul is also saying here in essence. Because of the change in programs which is the work of God through Jesus who has become our LORD as He also was Israels under the old administration. Or the purely Jewish dispensational period now completed as prophesied by the Law, Psalms and Prophets.
**This is the revelation of the first revealing of this truth as found in Genesis 1 verses 26-28. Where God is speaking to His spiritual man and woman not yet in the world and therefore not in a body of clay which will become as dead (no longer having His Light/Life and Truth within them), separated from Him which will take place in chapter 3 where good and truth are replaced by mere good. This truth can be seen in chapter 2 where man, Adam, names all the things of the earth of Gods creation, having within him both good and truth which enables him as a spirit man to have wisdom (good) and knowledge (truth). John in his synoptic gospel tells us that in Jesus is all Grace and Truth and then continues his revelation of this fact in the following text through the Spirit of Holiness and Truth now residing/indwelling within him. We can only know these things by or through the Spirit of all Truth now restored to us in His Salvation. A gospel that blends and mixes up these things is not a gospel that we want to be a part of, but sadly until the day of Christ we may be part of the problem and deception. This Paul will also reveal in the following passages.
Chapter 3
In this chapter Paul broadens the horizon of his being under the influence of the Law and the power of it to hold one back from the law of God, which is now at work within him and those who have surrendered their own will to His as a form of crucifying of mans flesh to God for their betterment. This he also refers to as mortifying of the flesh in other epistles. In Romans 12:1 he tells us that we are to be living sacrifices wholly onto God for this is our reasonable service.
Philippians 3:1 “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”
Philippians 3:2-11 “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision (the formerly more excellent form of external circumcision, Religious rites, rituals, ceremonies and other forms of Religious holidays, having been set aside by God and are now in opposition). For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus*, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law (this is the Law of Moses), a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (to strike, to throw, to through away), that I may win Christ, and be found In Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law (of Moses in principle or by regulation of), but that which is through the faith of Christ (this replaced the law as Paul describes it herein), the righteousness which is of God by faith (this is what is greater than the law of Moses because even Moses' law has within it these hidden truths in similitudes): That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead** (this is the hope of our calling, a hope not yet seen but only known through trust/faith In Him and His word).”
*Here we must bear in mind what Jesus said, 'that God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth,' this He said to the Samaritan women in John 4. After revealing Himself to her but she at first did not realize Who He was that she was talking to her. He also said this just before telling her this, "Woman, believe Me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. For you worship you know not what:" This is what Paul is also saying here in essence. Because of the change in programs which is the work of God through Jesus who has become our LORD as He also was Israels under the old administration. Or the purely Jewish dispensational period now completed as prophesied by the Law, Psalms and Prophets.
**This is the revelation of the first revealing of this truth as found in Genesis 1 verses 26-28. Where God is speaking to His spiritual man and woman not yet in the world and therefore not in a body of clay which will become as dead (no longer having His Light/Life and Truth within them), separated from Him which will take place in chapter 3 where good and truth are replaced by mere good. This truth can be seen in chapter 2 where man, Adam, names all the things of the earth of Gods creation, having within him both good and truth which enables him as a spirit man to have wisdom (good) and knowledge (truth). John in his synoptic gospel tells us that in Jesus is all Grace and Truth and then continues his revelation of this fact in the following text through the Spirit of Holiness and Truth now residing/indwelling within him. We can only know these things by or through the Spirit of all Truth now restored to us in His Salvation. A gospel that blends and mixes up these things is not a gospel that we want to be a part of, but sadly until the day of Christ we may be part of the problem and deception. This Paul will also reveal in the following passages.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
A study on Philippians
Philippians
2, a new updated study outline
Chapter 2
Philippians 2:1-11 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, for you to fulfill my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (this sounds like what is said in chapter 1 verse 27 and in Ephesians 4:3-7). Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (this is the law of Love when properly applied and is our being in the kingdom as proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus, which is only acquired through Christ Jesus, which is the fruit of His righteousness being restored or grown within us). Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (for a short while, for the sole purpose of acquiring our sin debit and the voice of that sin which resides in the flesh upon Himself): And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross*. Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”
*Because of the voice (lust for), sickness and all manner of disease is in our flesh and is only destroyed by the death of our flesh. Also all oaths, vows and contracts are made void and vain upon the death of our flesh, because they bind the flesh made of clay as a vessel to house mans true being. It is the true being which Redemption is designed and appointed to quicken, awaken make alive again (through death of this voice of sin). Because with it man communicates with his creator through the ontological essence of Christ when He is restored. To His first place as seen and known in Genesis 2:6-7, 21-24. It is upon this revelation that form the bases and stand point that Paul then tells the Philippian believers to stand strong in trusting faith to work out their own salvation, which he later defines as doing as he was also about doing, as an example. In the allowing God through the Spirit of Christ to work within and through him and them, His Will and good pleasure. Paul in his letter to Timothy in 2Timothy chapter 3 tells us of God's use of His word as our cutting reproof in verse 16 and from this we can look also at 1Timothy 6:11-12, and our standing as the Lord stood before His gentile accusers and Pilate in verses 13-16, as we have it worded somewhat differently here in Philippians.
Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, 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 (this is not work as most suppose work to be, because it takes nerves of steel to stand or sit under God listening and disregarding mans well meaning intentions and sharp tongues criticism). For it is God which works in you both to Will and to do of His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:14-18 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of Life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Yes, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I take joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.”
Here is repeated again the phrase "the day of Christ" or what could be called the day of Christ's Spirit having been restored, we have matured in His knowledge. And through it now acquiring His mind in clear perception of understanding of the mysteries of God.
Philippians 2:19-30 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's*. But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh to death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”
*This is a profound statement made here by Paul as it describes our own church age situation as it also did his.
Chapter 2
Philippians 2:1-11 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, for you to fulfill my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (this sounds like what is said in chapter 1 verse 27 and in Ephesians 4:3-7). Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (this is the law of Love when properly applied and is our being in the kingdom as proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus, which is only acquired through Christ Jesus, which is the fruit of His righteousness being restored or grown within us). Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (for a short while, for the sole purpose of acquiring our sin debit and the voice of that sin which resides in the flesh upon Himself): And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross*. Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”
*Because of the voice (lust for), sickness and all manner of disease is in our flesh and is only destroyed by the death of our flesh. Also all oaths, vows and contracts are made void and vain upon the death of our flesh, because they bind the flesh made of clay as a vessel to house mans true being. It is the true being which Redemption is designed and appointed to quicken, awaken make alive again (through death of this voice of sin). Because with it man communicates with his creator through the ontological essence of Christ when He is restored. To His first place as seen and known in Genesis 2:6-7, 21-24. It is upon this revelation that form the bases and stand point that Paul then tells the Philippian believers to stand strong in trusting faith to work out their own salvation, which he later defines as doing as he was also about doing, as an example. In the allowing God through the Spirit of Christ to work within and through him and them, His Will and good pleasure. Paul in his letter to Timothy in 2Timothy chapter 3 tells us of God's use of His word as our cutting reproof in verse 16 and from this we can look also at 1Timothy 6:11-12, and our standing as the Lord stood before His gentile accusers and Pilate in verses 13-16, as we have it worded somewhat differently here in Philippians.
Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, 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 (this is not work as most suppose work to be, because it takes nerves of steel to stand or sit under God listening and disregarding mans well meaning intentions and sharp tongues criticism). For it is God which works in you both to Will and to do of His good pleasure.”
This
is our salvation, wherein He undertakes all for our good in His Truth
as heirs now within the kingdom of promise restored within and to
those who are willing to receive Him, through faith Who is Christ
Jesus. The Living Word of the Faithful One.
Philippians 2:14-18 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of Life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Yes, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I take joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.”
Here is repeated again the phrase "the day of Christ" or what could be called the day of Christ's Spirit having been restored, we have matured in His knowledge. And through it now acquiring His mind in clear perception of understanding of the mysteries of God.
Philippians 2:19-30 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's*. But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh to death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”
*This is a profound statement made here by Paul as it describes our own church age situation as it also did his.
Friday, July 11, 2014
A study on Philippians
Philippians
1:12-20
“But I would that you should understand, brethren, that the things
which
happened
to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel; So
that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all
other places;
And
many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are
much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach
Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one
preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add
affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set
for the defense of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way,
whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein
do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to
my salvation (for understanding of this turn to 1Peter 1:7-9*)
through your prayers, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (is increased),
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall
be ashamed, but that
with all boldness, as always, so
now also Christ shall be magnified in my body (and
yours),
whether it
be
by life, or by death.”
*1Peter 1:7-9 for this I will begin at verse 3 and carry it through verse 16; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith and to a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to the praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, you love; In Whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported to you by them that have preached the (proclaimed this) gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance (in vain imaginations and reasonings of mind): But as He Who has called you is Holy, so be you Holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be you Holy; for I am Holy.”
To this I will continue on with what 1Peter 1:17 which states the following; “If you call on the Father, Who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning (as an alien) here in fear (in terror of our surroundings as being hostile to us): Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (former life style in corruption) received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by Him do believe God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: But the word of the LORD endures forever. And this is the word which by this gospel is preached to you.”
This Gospel is the good news of our total redemption which leads us to His salvation when heard and seen in the right way. This right way is an action on His part not ours as the scriptures bear witness to when properly delineated as with a sharp two edged sword which divides.
Philippians 1:21-26 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Galatians 2:20, this could also be Psalm 37:18, as we have become His inheritance (possession), this is also revealed in Psalm 2). But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (gain*): Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
*Our greatest gain is to be so totally perfected or matured in Christ and He in us that we are in essence lost in Christ, being One. This happens in our being raised as He was raised, in His likeness.
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be 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; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you (the perfecting) of salvation, and that of God. For to you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe Him, but also to suffer (no easy road of health, wealth and prosperity spoken of here) for His sake; Having the same conflict (as in the Olympic games, the struggles of life*) which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
*These are the struggles of God's good and truth being restored within the redeemed person verses the natural good of mere natural man. The only good that can be passed down from parents to the children. Even mans natural love pales in comparison to God's agape Love which always seeks the others good above its own.
*1Peter 1:7-9 for this I will begin at verse 3 and carry it through verse 16; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith and to a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to the praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, you love; In Whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported to you by them that have preached the (proclaimed this) gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance (in vain imaginations and reasonings of mind): But as He Who has called you is Holy, so be you Holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be you Holy; for I am Holy.”
To this I will continue on with what 1Peter 1:17 which states the following; “If you call on the Father, Who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning (as an alien) here in fear (in terror of our surroundings as being hostile to us): Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (former life style in corruption) received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by Him do believe God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: But the word of the LORD endures forever. And this is the word which by this gospel is preached to you.”
This Gospel is the good news of our total redemption which leads us to His salvation when heard and seen in the right way. This right way is an action on His part not ours as the scriptures bear witness to when properly delineated as with a sharp two edged sword which divides.
Philippians 1:21-26 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Galatians 2:20, this could also be Psalm 37:18, as we have become His inheritance (possession), this is also revealed in Psalm 2). But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (gain*): Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
*Our greatest gain is to be so totally perfected or matured in Christ and He in us that we are in essence lost in Christ, being One. This happens in our being raised as He was raised, in His likeness.
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be 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; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you (the perfecting) of salvation, and that of God. For to you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe Him, but also to suffer (no easy road of health, wealth and prosperity spoken of here) for His sake; Having the same conflict (as in the Olympic games, the struggles of life*) which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
*These are the struggles of God's good and truth being restored within the redeemed person verses the natural good of mere natural man. The only good that can be passed down from parents to the children. Even mans natural love pales in comparison to God's agape Love which always seeks the others good above its own.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
A study on Philippians
Philippians
1:1-2
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, To all the
saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops
and deacons: Grace to
you, and peace, from God our Father, and from
the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:3-11 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform* (will finish) it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and with all sound judgment; That you may approve things that are excellent **(discovered, or distinguished between the things which differ); that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
“For there is no respect of persons with God.
For as many as have sinned without Law shall also perish without Law: and as many as have sinned in the Law shall be judged by the Law; (For not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law shall be justified (it should be noted that the brackets used here indicate the change which took place through Christ Jesus' last supper and execution). For when the Gentiles, which have not the Law, do by nature the things contained in the Law, these, having not the Law, are a law to themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts (Jer. 31:31-34), their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts (imaginations/reasonings) the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the Law, and make your boast of God, as knowing His Will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the Law; Are you so confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law. You therefore which teach another, teach you not thyself? you that preach a man should not steal, dost thou steal? You that say a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? you that abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? You that make your boast of the Law, through breaking of the Law dishonor you God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
For circumcision verily profits, if you keep the Law: but if you be a breaker of the Law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the Law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision do transgress the Law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Paul tells us elsewhere that the letter of the Law kills because it has no redeeming or salvation value or power within it. Its only power is condemnation.
I highlighted the term “the day of Christ” and have elsewhere quoted Peters usage of the day star arising within our heart but in 1Thessalonians 5 verse 5 Paul again uses a phrase which compliments both phrases here expressed. Where it states this in 1Thessalonians 5:5, “You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness (look at Luke 16:8, as this may now shed some light on what the Lord is there saying, and Ephesians 5:8).” (John 12:36, and Acts 26:18 where Paul rehearses receiving his commission) Paul is encouraging the believers who have been under attack for their trust in his teaching of the ever ongoing revelation of Christ, within them. Much as we will also suffer at the hands of those professing a form of faith, love and belief, as well as the worlds unbelieving, both operating in the darkness of high treason. For these people remain under the veil which ancient Judaism cast as a distinction of Jewish darkness to Christ's light and likeness which is to reside within mans soul. For Jesus said in John 12:36 this, “While you have light, believe the light, that you may be the children of light.” Thusly signifying the change that was about to take place through Him. Christ's Salvation is the transformation from darkness (in its many forms) to His light restored within mans soul. This is covered in greater detail in The LORD our Passover series which is posted in “Paul's Mysteries Revealed” at www.thegospelofpaul.blogspot.com/.
Philippians 1:3-11 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform* (will finish) it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and with all sound judgment; That you may approve things that are excellent **(discovered, or distinguished between the things which differ); that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
*the
“will
perform
or finish it” is what is known most commonly as Salvation, as the
end of our healing in perfect unity with our Creator in spirit and
truth. This term also lends itself to the "I AM that I AM" of Exodus 3 which has the meaning of I AM progressive revelation. I told someone just the other day that we are not made perfect the moment that we accept Redemption nor we are made perfect after we have passed through the birth canal, or when we pass through grade school, middle school, high school or even college or university. It is the same way in God's school of spiritual growth (known as Salvation) He is busy perfecting the Character of Christ within our will soul and it is this perfecting that at times causes us to be uncomfortable and even hostile to those around us. Because he told Jeremiah that we would have no need that any one teach us in chapter 31 verse 34.
The phrase “good work in you” eludes to the parable of the
fig-tree and the good and truth that now resides within the Sons of
God who are receptive within His salvation having passed through
Redemptions work. The works of the LORD are in progressive revelation
of Christ restored within our souls. It is these revelations or
mysteries that we as pastors are to be in agreement and work in
cooperation of in the bring all to One Accord In Christ's Family. In
the perfecting of them with the work of the Spirit of Holiness and
Truth, the LORD Christ Jesus as He prepares each of us to bear His
fruitfulness.
**
“that are excellent” means this as seen in Roams 2 verse 18 but
as is my usual practice I will begin with verse 11 and continue
through verse 29, I must repeat that chapter 2 first deals with the
moral man up to verse 16 and then the religious man from God's point
of view, Romans 2:11-16, 17-24, 25-29, this reaches through verse 20
of chapter 3 but I will only take it through verse 29 of chapter 2;
“For there is no respect of persons with God.
For as many as have sinned without Law shall also perish without Law: and as many as have sinned in the Law shall be judged by the Law; (For not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law shall be justified (it should be noted that the brackets used here indicate the change which took place through Christ Jesus' last supper and execution). For when the Gentiles, which have not the Law, do by nature the things contained in the Law, these, having not the Law, are a law to themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts (Jer. 31:31-34), their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts (imaginations/reasonings) the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the Law, and make your boast of God, as knowing His Will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the Law; Are you so confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law. You therefore which teach another, teach you not thyself? you that preach a man should not steal, dost thou steal? You that say a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? you that abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? You that make your boast of the Law, through breaking of the Law dishonor you God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
For circumcision verily profits, if you keep the Law: but if you be a breaker of the Law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the Law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision do transgress the Law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Paul tells us elsewhere that the letter of the Law kills because it has no redeeming or salvation value or power within it. Its only power is condemnation.
I highlighted the term “the day of Christ” and have elsewhere quoted Peters usage of the day star arising within our heart but in 1Thessalonians 5 verse 5 Paul again uses a phrase which compliments both phrases here expressed. Where it states this in 1Thessalonians 5:5, “You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness (look at Luke 16:8, as this may now shed some light on what the Lord is there saying, and Ephesians 5:8).” (John 12:36, and Acts 26:18 where Paul rehearses receiving his commission) Paul is encouraging the believers who have been under attack for their trust in his teaching of the ever ongoing revelation of Christ, within them. Much as we will also suffer at the hands of those professing a form of faith, love and belief, as well as the worlds unbelieving, both operating in the darkness of high treason. For these people remain under the veil which ancient Judaism cast as a distinction of Jewish darkness to Christ's light and likeness which is to reside within mans soul. For Jesus said in John 12:36 this, “While you have light, believe the light, that you may be the children of light.” Thusly signifying the change that was about to take place through Him. Christ's Salvation is the transformation from darkness (in its many forms) to His light restored within mans soul. This is covered in greater detail in The LORD our Passover series which is posted in “Paul's Mysteries Revealed” at www.thegospelofpaul.blogspot.com/.
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