Author Archive for: meiling

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Philippians 1:22-30.  Let’s go!

One of the big themes of Philippians is putting the needs of others, or the needs of the team, ahead of your own.  We see this theme played out in various ways in today’s passage.

Philippians 1:22-26 (NIV)
22  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
23  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
24  but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
25  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
26  so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

On verses 22-26:  Facing the possibility of execution, Paul is torn between the thought of dying and going to heaven and the thought of continuing to live and serve God on earth.  For the sake of his own happiness, Paul would prefer to die and go to heaven (“which is better by far” – v23).  But Paul senses that God still has more work for Paul to do on earth with his churches (v24).  Paul believes God wants to keep using him to help his churches grow (v25) and to experience the joy and encouragement of seeing him again (v26).  For these reasons, Paul is convinced that his time to die has not yet come, even though a part of him would love to leave and go to heaven right away.

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Philippians 1:12-21.  Let’s go!
 
Philippians 1:12 (NIV)
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 
 
On verse 12:  Paul’s imprisonment could easily have been seen by him, his church and his critics as a setback. But Paul chose to see it as a step forward, something “to advance the gospel”.  Paul points to 4 ways that this “setback” was actually a step forward.
 
Philippians 1:13 (NIV)
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
 
On verse 13:  Here’s the first benefit Paul identifies from his imprisonment:  everyone in the palace guard and everyone who heard about Paul’s imprisonment now knew that Paul was there because of his faith and ministry in Jesus Christ (v13).  This would stir the curiosity of many people and give Paul more opportunities to share about his hope in Jesus.

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Philippians 1:1-11.  Let’s go!

Hi GAMErs,
 
Today we begin the book of Philippians, a letter Paul wrote to his church in Philippi while he was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the Gospel in approximately 61 AD.  This book is packed with valuable lessons and verses worth memorizing.  I look forward to studying it with you.  Today’s passage is Philippians 1:1-11.  Let’s go!
 
Philippians 1:1-2 (NIV)
1  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

On verses 1-2:  Here Paul addresses all the believers at his church in Philippi as “saints” or “holy ones”.   Contrary to popular belief, the word “saint” or “holy one” in the Bible is not a term reserved for especially good people.  As long as you have placed your faith in Jesus, in God’s eyes you are a “saint”, a “holy one”.  That’s not because you are a good person in and of yourself, but because Jesus’ blood covers your sins and makes you holy and blameless in God’s sight.  

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Ephesians 6:10-24.  Let’s go!

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) 
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

On verses 10-12:  Through these verses Paul reveals an important truth:  Whenever you find yourself fighting with other people, remember that beneath the surface our ultimate struggle is a spiritual one — not so much against flesh and blood, but against Satan, whose goal is to steal, kill and destroy your life (John 10:10).  Spiritual warfare is real.  But as we can see in the verses that follow, God has given you everything you need to stand up against every attack of the enemy.

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Ephesians 6:1-9.  Let’s go!

Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV) 
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 
2 “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– 
3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 

On verses 1-3:  Here Paul refers to the children in the church of Ephesus.  The fact that Paul addresses children shows that children are as much a part of the church as adults.  When verse 1 tells children to “obey your parents in the Lord”, what does “in the Lord” mean?  It’s saying that children are to obey their parents as an act of worship and trust in God.  Paul gives two reasons children should obey their parents.  First, it’s the right thing to do (v1). Second, God promises that it will lead to blessing in a child’s life (v2-3).