The Place to Be #61

Philippians 4:21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul has had a lot to say to this church at Philippi. Twice he has given a benediction and blessing, so some people may have stopped listening by this time. But for those of us who like to stay at a movie for the credits, these closing words are important, as they help us see deeper into the heart of Paul and the glue that held the early church together.  Paul wanted EVERY believer to know that they were valued in his eyes. He also did not take for granted those who had come to care for him while he was in prison. We see here also that Paul had made inroads for the gospel into Caesar's household, the most powerful palace of the day.  But what especially united them and was to give them (and us) hope for the future is the grace - the God-given ability in Christ to do what we cannot do on our own.  That should encourage our spirits to keep us going and growing in Christ, no matter what our situation is currently. He has much more in store.

The Place to Be #60

 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

We saw yesterday that Paul was joyful because he had learned to be content in every situation, and that it was by the strength of Christ alone that he could have that attitude.  But he did not want to belittle the gift and the support that this church had shown him.  They needed to know that they were unique in their steady support of him.  They also needed to know that not only had Paul noticed, but even more so God had. He was not promoting some sort of "give-to-get" scheme, but reminding them that the same God Who was faithful to provide all of his needs would also supply their needs.  In Christ Jesus there is plenty to go around.  Paul then invites them (and us) to join him in joyfully praising God as our loving provider. 

The Place to Be #59

 Philippians 4:10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Having demonstrated a life of joy and calling the Philippian believers (and us) to the same kind of joy, Paul now mentions another cause for joy in his life: their loving support of him while in prison. Since he had no means to support himself, he was at the mercy of others to bring him food, news of what was going on, medical support, and most of all, compassion. They had sent financial support with representatives of their church which was enough to make a grown man cry. Though Paul was extremely thankful for their gifts, he was also not dependent upon them, but upon Christ alone. He had and would supply all he needed. Christ gave him joy in every circumstance - no matter where he was, what he had, or how long he had to wait on God.  Joy was not something Paul earned or fought hard to obtain; it too was a gift from God. We can trust him to provide us joy as we too accept His will for us.

The Place to Be #58

 

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

We have seen in this chapter Paul's final plea for joy.  It is how God wants us to live. Paul had seen that in Christ and pursued it himself. He now wants us to experience it, and to deal with anything which would hinder the flow of that joy in our lives and in our churches. As we have seen that means dealing with any unresolved arguments that divide us from fellow believers, as well as any anxieties which disturb us and our relationships with one another. In these verses he goes even deeper to the things upon which we meditate, we dwell upon.  As Paul tells us elsewhere, there is a battle doing on in our minds, where we need to "take every thought captive."(II Corinthians 10)  Rather than dwell upon our worries and anxieties, we need to focus our thoughts (and energies) on those things that move us and the church forward in our pursuit of Christlikeness.  Once again, Paul has the courage to invite them to examine his own life - not as a point of bragging, but as a way of saying: "Look what God can do through Christ working in you." When we allow Him to do so, we will experience His peace, and the joy that accompanies it. 

The Place to Be #57

 

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul finally gets to what he has building toward in the whole letter: he wants them (and us) to know the Joy of the Lord.  In order to do so, he calls on us to remove any barrier which restricts the flow of joy. In verses 1-3 it was the disagreements and divisions within the local Body of Christ.  Here it is the anxieties and ingratitude that often fill our hearts, individually and corporately.  The list of "What ifs" in this life is endless. We let our minds run away with us. We forget that "The Lord is at hand."  We make prayer a last resort rather than our first line of defense. We fail to give thanks to God for everything good, which serves as a reminder to ourselves of how great and good He is.  We rob ourselves, and our churches, of the peace of God and the Joy of Christ which accompanies it.  May we take our anxieties head on and live with joy. 

The Place to Be #56

 

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Paul has shared with this church (and us) the key to true joy - the joy he has learned to experience when he lives through every situation - no matter how difficult or dangerous, by trusting in God's plan and presence. He wants them (and us) to have the same. He has found that joy in Christ alone. In this last chapter he wants to deal with anything that may rob this church of their joy, beginning with feuding members.  He begins by calling them "brothers", which for Paul means "fellow-believers," and that they, as ones who have trusted Christ through his ministry are what brings him joy.  They need to stand firm in this brotherhood and joy. Division robs us of joy and of spiritual stability.  These women at odds are not to have to figure it out themselves, but are to be assisted by their fellow-believers.  This is everyone's issue, because it affects the whole body.  They are to do this with respect for Christ, Paul, and all those who had invested so highly in them.  If we don't deal with division and discontent it soon spreads throughout the whole body, robbing everyone of their joy. 

The Place to Be #55

 

Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

We have seen Paul share his journey of turning from self-righteous religion to trusting in Christ. He had left behind any claim he had to being good enough for God in exchange for following Christ, the One Who had "emptied Himself" to carry out God's will in His life.  He now calls on his readers (and us) to join him and others in following Christ.  There are many who are calling out for us to follow them as they seek lives of happiness, but the way of Christ leads to true joy.  Just as Christ kept His eyes on the Prize of His Father's approval and presence, so also we should remember where our "citizenship" is, where we will find our final fulfillment; it is in God's presence with Christ and all those who have loved His appearing. 

The Place to Be #54

 Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Paul had just shared the change he had experienced in his life: moving from trusting in his self-righteousness to the righteousness of Christ.  He had chosen to follow the humble example of Christ, Who had laid aside all the manifestations of His glory to come and carry out God's plan for man's redemption. If Christ did this, we should be willing to submit ourselves to God's will and see Him work through us in every and any situation.  In today's passage he goes on to say that this is not just another self-righteous trip he is bragging about.  He had not and would not reach spiritual perfection. It was not that he had grabbed ahold of Christ, but that Christ had grabbed ahold of him.  Paul's pursuit was to follow Christ as closely as possible, and he challenged these believers at Philippi (and us) to follow that same path faithfully.  No matter what the struggle or situation, keep running together toward Christ and the path will get clearer. 

The Place to Be #53

 

Philippians 3: 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

In chapter 2 We saw the example of Christ, Who, for the joy set before Him, humbly chose obedience and death on the cross to fulfill God's plan.  Paul has since that statement been working up to this point, calling on this church (and us) to follow in suit.  Having listed all his religious "credentials" in the preceding paragraph, he now announces that he denounces all those things a useless in the pursuit of godliness.  He views them as unprofitable rubbish (sounds like a sophisticated Brit) in order to obtain true righteousness, which is only found in Christ.  Having done so (and by way of implication, for all who will do so), Paul has found the power of Christ at work in his life now, and to be the hope we have for the life to come.  The church is to be a place where we all have this attitude and common conviction - where we all are on the same page. 

The Place to Be #52

 

Philippians 3:4 ...though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 

In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul began to warn this church (and us) about those false teachers who promote any kind of self-righteousness, going back to some kind of religion of works and rites, instead of Christ.  He now lists all his "credentials" for self-righteousness which he had abandoned and refused to depend upon for his salvation or continuation in the Faith.  His physical lineage, mental training, social standing, and religious activity made him appear to be a spiritual superstar. But Paul knew who he really was, and that none of these things made him righteous - not even close.  We need to do the same type of checklist in our hearts and say "no, that will not do at all." Our only hope of salvation and fellowship with God is in Christ. 

The Place to Be #51

 

Philippians 3:1  Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—

When a preacher says "finally", that means he's about half-way through his message.  The end of chapter 2 did sound like he was wrapping things up, as he talked about his hoping to see them soon, sending Timothy even sooner, then saying he would be sending Epaphroditus even sooner than that with this letter. What he is doing is shifting gears, giving warnings and exhortations, applications for what he has said. First, and foremost, he would rather be safe than sorry, and warns them to beware false teachers. There were various groups of them the early church had to beware.  There was, and still is a tendency for two major errors: syncretizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our old beliefs, religions, and lifestyles, or going back, at least partially, into trusting our old "saviors."  In more than one of the churches to which Paul wrote, there were some who wanted to go back to Jewish ceremonies and laws as a requirement for salvation and/or sanctification.  For others, there was difficulty "letting go" of old sinful lifestyles or idols. Both boiled down to "Christ and...", but the Gospel demands "Christ alone" as God's means of salvation, as well as spiritual growth and fellowship with God.  Anything else is depending on ourselves instead of Him. 

The Place to Be #50

Philippians 2:25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

As we have seen, Paul is making every effort to let the church at Philippi know that not only is he okay with being in prison, but that he joyfully understands that God is still very much at work through him. He realizes that this letter will help, but that the personal touch is needed.  Since he cannot come immediately, he plans to send Timothy, his right hand man, but even that will not be immediate, so he would be sending Epaphroditus back to them with this letter and firsthand testimony of how Paul was doing.  The church was also concerned about him and his health, so there was even more reason to send him back quickly. This too would be a sacrifice on Paul's part, as Epaphroditus had been a great comfort and encouragement to him, but they needed him more.  Once again, the bottom line is "how can I increase fellow believers' joy. May that question resonate in our hearts and minds today. 

The Place to Be #49

 Philippians 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

Paul had been telling this church to not lose heart and worry about him because he was in prison. Rather, they were to rejoice with him, because the Gospel was still being spread - by him with those who were his "captive" audience, and by many others outside the prison walls.  He had challenged them as the church to choose to focus on following Christ, who Himself, "for the joy set before Him"(Hebrews 12), set aside His glory to come and do what needed to be done to bring us salvation. There was only so much encouragement that Paul could give by letter, so he planned on coming in person to see them. For now, he was making a more immediate plan of sending Timothy.  This would get news there sooner, and also show this church how much Paul cared for them, being willing to give up his closest assistant to send to them. To not make them feel bad about this, Paul also reminded them it would be beneficial to him when Timothy brought back an update from them.  Church functions best when everyone is willing to give up something they want for the mutual encouragement of others in the body.  This actually leads to a "return on investment" as we all get to see God at work in one another and in the church as a whole. 

The Place to Be #48

 

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

As we have seen that past two days, the Church really will be "The Place to Be" if we will all follow Christ's example of humility and submission to the will of God.  Paul now moves on to break that down for us. First, we must have a heart of obedience toward God and His will, just a Christ was "obedient to the point of death." Second, we must not be selfish complainers or arrogant arguers, creating disunity and commotion within the Body.  Third, we must live as shining lights by our lifestyle.  (Notice how in verse 16 Paul takes to heart his own personal part in this, lapsing into the first person, something we all must do.) Finally, we must help each other maintain this Spirit of Joy as we jointly allow the Holy Spirit to work within each one of us.  Christ has made the Church "The Place to Be." We need to do our part to keep it that way. 

The Place to Be #47

 

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage is one I have found myself going back to over and over again in life. Paul is sharing with us his driving force - the why and how behind his viewing even suffering in prison for the gospel with joy as his passion.  He had, and called on these believers and us, to have the same mind: the mind of Christ. He did not view Christ did not view His incarnation, persecution, humiliation, rejection, and crucifixion as something to avoid, but to embrace, as He know He was perfectly doing what His perfect Father willed. He knew that His humiliation would ultimately lead to his exaltation.  In like manner, we know that any trials we face in this life for Christ will ultimately lead towards us accomplishing the most in this life that really matters, will only increase our overall joy and fulfillment, and will of eternal value, bringing glory to God. 

The Place to Be #46

Philippians 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

In chapter 1, Paul has sought to encourage and challenge this church concerning his current condition. He was in prison for sharing the Gospel. Rather than be disheartened by that, Paul had learned to see things from God's perspective, who had put him there for a reason in His plan.  Paul found joy in knowing that his being in prison was not a hindrance to the gospel, but actually another opportunity to share it. He wanted them to know that same joy.  So, as he begins this paragraph, he calls on them to pull out all the resources God had given them: Christ, His love, the Holy Spirit, and their concern for him (Paul) and "be of the same mind." This was not just his generic call to unity, but a call for them all to have the same view of facing adversity as he had. They were not to be selfish in what they wanted out of life, or to think they were too good to suffer.  Just as they had shown concern for him while in prison, he wanted them all to show concern for their fellow members as they struggled.  They were not to fall into an individual mindset or faith.  That would not be Christlike at all.  Joy is found in faithfulness to Christ and one another.

The Place to Be #45

 

Philippians 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

We ended yesterday's passage noting that Paul did everything he could, by letter or in person, to encourage this church to view life and ministry from his perspective: that every and any situation was an opportunity to see God at work and be a part of it.  He now challenges them to have the reputation for the same - that whatever sense he used - hearing or seeing - he would have evidence of them striving to stand strong. This was a joint effort on their part: something they needed to do together.  It would be easier to suffer with fellow believers than alone.  Paul knew that. Sometimes he had the support of fellow believers while in prison; sometimes he was abandoned and alone.  Shared suffering is still suffering, but we can help one another see the good that God is doing in a way that is more difficult on our own.  When we stick together we are able to see that suffering for the Gospel, like our salvation, is a privilege given by God through Christ. 

The Place to Be #44

 Philippians 1:18 Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Paul wants to make it very  clear that his standing strong as a witness for Christ in the face of adversity is not being done by His own strength.  Their prayers, and the especially the power of the Holy Spirit were carrying him through.  It was Christ all the way.  Paul was not even afraid to die for the sake of Christ. For him it was a win-win situation. Either he could be strengthened by Christ within and witness for Him, or He could lose this life for Him and be with Him.  But the fact that he was still around was best for them, so he could both write this letter and come see them upon his release.  Whatever happened Paul was determined that Christ be lifted up.  Are we that determined?

The Place to Be #43

Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. 

We saw yesterday that Paul considered his circumstances as inconsequential. No matter where he was or how difficult life might become, God had a plan for him to be there in that situation. He, and we, just need to be willing to be used by Him and obedient to Him, and we will see how and why He will work things out. Paul now considers motives.  Paul could get envious or resentful that others were "out there" in the free world preaching Christ, while he was chained to his "pulpit," but he refused to think that way. He did not even get upset, knowing that some were doing so to seek wealth and fame, and looked down on him, thinking he must deserve to be in prison. Paul demanded of himself that he rejoice because the Gospel was being preached, and that was the purpose of his life and calling.  That goal overshadowed all else. When we get to Paul's repeated call to rejoice in every and any circumstance, we must understand that it all starts here with his own resolve to rejoice no matter what.  He is not calling on them to do something he does not. 

The Place to Be #42

 

Philippians 1:12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

As we saw yesterday, Paul wanted to speak encouragement into the lives of this church. As we will see, one of the major themes in this letter is joy.  Being in prison could very well be viewed as a "joy-killer." Paul wants to make sure that this is far from the truth.  Being in prison for the name of Christ had actually had positive effects in the spread of the Gospel: Paul had a "captive audience" with all those soldiers who had to guard him, and the fellow believers in Rome were challenged and encouraged by Paul's boldness.  Paul was not trying to recruit fellow believers to join Him in prison, but he was challenging them to view any situation for the potential of what God is doing to bring people to himself. God is able to use any and every situation to accomplish His plan, even if they seem overwhelmingly negative.  With those situations God will bring us people who either need to be introduced to Christ or encouraged in their walk with Him.  Paul continue this thought in the next chapter, but for now, consider who God has brought into your life because of something deemed negative.  Has someone encouraged you or been encouraged by you? Are there unbelieving medical staff, financial officers, court officials, or people in crisis God wanted you to encounter?  Has he brought blessing from something we have viewed as a curse?

The Place to Be #41

 

Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Yesterday we began looking at Paul's greeting and opening prayer and praise for the believers at Philippi.  We ended with verse 6, which expresses his confidence that God will complete the work He began (through Paul's ministry) there.  We find immediately here that Paul had a great affection for and positive attitude toward this body of believers.  Not only had he been there to teach, worship, and fellowship with them - they had demonstrated care and concern for him when they found out he was in prison, sending support and representatives to visit him.  He wants to visit them as he did other congregations he had established, but obviously with a deeper affection than others.  As great as this church seemed to be, he still kept praying for more - for more wisdom, love, and spiritual fruit.  We get no hint that there is something terribly wrong, but that there are places they need to be stronger in love, discernment, and holiness.  It is clear that Paul desires nothing but the best for this church and her members. 

The Place to Be #40

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

As we think about the Church being the "Place to Be" - the place it ought to be, all of Paul's letters to the churches contain some helpful information -positive and/or negative - for principles of doing church right. Here in Philippians, we find hints to that in the opening words: Paul and Timothy were writing this together, and Timothy was Paul's right hand man when it came to working out problems in congregations. They address their letter to "the saints... with the overseers and deacons," another sign of how they were to view themselves in the church and as a church. Then, in their opening prayer of thanksgiving, they speak of their "partnership in the gospel," as well as God completing the good work He had begun in them as a church.  Paul and Timothy wrote to encourage them on as a church, commending what was going well, yet helping them see ways to do things better, to remain The Place to Be.

The Place to Be #39

 

Titus 3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

In these final instructions of Paul to Titus, there is one phrase that almost blends into the background that really sets the atmosphere for the health of the church. Verse 14 begins "and let our people" - there is no sense of us-versus-them, but a comradery of faith with fellow believers across the world.  That sets the stage for the movement of different people, words, and actions involved in the instructions here.  Paul was apparently sending a substitute to Crete so Titus could join Paul nearby for fellowship and further instructions.  Paul had also sent Zenss and Apollos there to help with the ministry there, but they needed to move on to other places.  There were also words of greetings between different parties from Crete and the church were Paul presently was ministering. Believers knew each other. Finally, there was sense of giving that was to characterize the church in caring for one another which would also extend to fellow believers across the world.  This generosity would be seen by their fellow Cretans and encourage others in the body, creating a spirit of thanksgiving appropriate for God's people. 

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 Titus 3:8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Whenever, in Timothy and Titus, Paul pauses to say "The saying is trustworthy", he is stopping to say: "look, we all know this is true; just do it."  The Gospel is all about Christ changing peoples' lives from "unprofitable" living to "profitable" living.  He is not talking about financial profit here, but what will bring God's people together to move forward in godliness.  Satan loves to throw debates, distractions, and division into the Church, and when people give into that, it weakens the Body and the believer. These things need to be addressed promptly (though lovingly) so God's people will walk in a manner worthy of Him.  

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Titus 2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. 3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

As we saw yesterday, Paul had charged Titus to remind the believers in Crete that the Gospel of Christ was founded on His grace, which carried with it a challenge to change. It was to affect their attitudes: they were no longer to be rebellious in spirit. It was to affect their speech: they were now to be respectful in every way.  It was to affect their living: they were to be committed to holiness and purity.  Again, this is all based on good doctrine: Christ did not save us because of our righteousness, but our of His mercy and grace, with His Holy Spirit entering into our lives to cleanse us and renew our spirit, preparing us to receive the inheritance of eternal life with Him. Without a changed life there has been no conversion.

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Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Having given the exhortations that Titus was to use in the circuit of churches in Crete, Paul then gives the theological base for his call to godly living: The Gospel is founded on God's Grace, which inherently has a call to change.  These changed by Christ will renounce ungodliness and run toward godliness, denounce their former out-of-control and under-the-control of sin, to lives of self-control enabled by Spirit-control. There will also be a change in orientation from the present to the future.  Rather than looking for all the fulfillment one can get now, there will be a focus on what one will receive when Christ returns. We will be looking to Him, remembering that He came to by us back from all this ungodliness to purify us as a people who pursue godliness, who want to do God's will and God's work, just like He did while here on earth. 

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Titus 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

In our passage yesterday, we saw that Paul addressed every age group of men and women concerning living a life of godliness, ending with young men. At this point Paul pauses to focus on Titus himself, still a young man, yet serving as a leader in the Church.  He needed to realize the huge impact he has as an example to others.  What he said would be carefully listened to and weighed.  Those searching for truth would notice the lack of it, while those resistant to it would look for every opportunity to criticize. The names of Titus, Paul, the church at Crete, and Christ Himself would have their reputation evaluated by the words and actions of Titus.  Paul then turns to address servants/slaves as to their lifestyle in word, actions, and attitude so they could be a testimony to their masters, fellow bondservants, and a watching world. Honesty, submission, and trust in God should shine for all to see. 

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 Titus 2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Having instructed Titus to appoint elders in every town in Crete, Paul then gives him a "sermon series" on applying sound doctrine to daily living, addressing the different age categories of men and women. Older men are to have a stability about them, in thought word and action. People depend on them for wise advice and their example.  Older woman also should be those who could be counted on to not gossip and have a clear head to advise younger women on family life and running their household well.  Younger men need to learn one lesson well as a foundation: self-control of their minds, mouths and bodies. They often have no thought of how much their words and actions can affect those around them, especially in a negative way.   

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Having addressed the need to appoint elders in every town as the first and foremost issue Titus needed to attend to, Paul goes on to tell why this issue was so pressing: 

 Titus 1:10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Paul did not tread softly. The false teaching was disturbing the peace within the body of Christ and leading people away from the work of Christ. They were preaching "good works," instead of His work, and the "works" they were doing were nothing but good.  Paul addressed not only their methods, but their motives. They had evil, selfish, empty motives which came from impure minds and an evil conscience, if you could call it a conscience at all; it had been immobilized by their lusts and their lies.  They needed to be rebuked and silenced and called to repentance.  They obviously did not "know God."

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Titus 1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Paul had left Titus in Crete just like he had Timothy in Ephesus - to set things in order.  Obviously there were some issues there that needed to be attended to, as Paul says Titus was to put into order "what remained." There were some pieces that needed to be repaired, set right.  For Timothy, the first priorities were to make clear the Gospel in addressing false teaching, get the people praying, quiet down rebellious women, and then establish new elders.  For Titus the first order of business was to "establish elders in every town."  The setting here was different. Timothy was at a large church in a large city, with problems contained.  Titus was in a more rural setting with scattered, smaller fellowships, and timeliness demanded that he get help promptly so he could address the issues of false teaching through them in each location. The qualifications for these elders are pretty consistent with those in I Timothy 3, though stated in different order.  The overriding character quality is that they be "above reproach" so as to not bring shame on themselves, the church, or Christ. Their occupation was to maintain sound doctrine in the congregation. 

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We have just seen in his letter to the Ephesians Paul's picture of the church as "The Place to Be" to grow in our relationship with God through Christ.  Since the Church is inseparable from Christ, and God's Plan, we are to do our part in it and to do everything we can to protect its purpose, purity, and peace.  Coinciding with our studies in Timothy, whom Paul sent to Ephesus to address problems there, is Paul's letter to Titus, whom Paul had left to establish the churches in Crete.  The teaching here compliments what we find in Paul's letters to Timothy:

Titus 1:1  Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

The introduction here is a little more detailed than in Timothy, giving us some insight into the problems he needed to address at this church. Just as false teaching was an issue at Ephesus, so it was in Crete and the surrounding islands.  Here we find similar phrases like "Christ Jesus" and "God our Savior," which tells us they needed a clear view of Christ. In particular, Titus needed to firmly establish the doctrine of Christ's incarnation - that He is the hope of our eternal life.  Once we understand that, we are led to understand that we are chosen by God to live "with godliness" lives that are different than the world around us.