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August 31 Think on it...Philippians 2:3 NKJVLet nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3 NKJV We are naturally selfish beings. What are some of the first few words a toddler says? No and Mine. The “No” is a natural rebellion that defies authority. The “Mine” is the natural selfishness of “it’s all mine” thinking. It is every Christians challenge to deny self, carry his cross and follow Christ. One way we deny ourselves is by putting to death the selfishness that comes so natural to us. Galatians 5:19-21 says “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” If any of these things are evident in our lives, then we know we are not walking in the Spirit, but allowing ourselves to be led by our flesh. In Galatians 5:16 Paul encourages the believers saying “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Our focus needs to shift from looking at what’s in it for me to looking at what’s best for others. Think about how you might serve those around you. In the last year, I started thinking this way about my work and let me tell you it changed my whole perspective of work. Work used to be a means of getting by and paying bills. I didn’t really want to be there. Now, with an attitude of servanthood, it’s exciting to go to work, to see who I can help today. But the most exciting part is how I’m more open to God’s prompting throughout the day, simply because I choose to serve for His glory. Check out www.thinkonit.org for more bible studies, links, praise reports and book reviews! August 30 Think on it...Philippians 2:1-2 NKJVTherefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV When we stop to really think about what it means to be in Christ, it should fill us with joy. Christ has paid for our sins and given us an undeserved ticket to heaven and eternal life (Romans 5:8). He has given us His Spirit to dwell in us until He returns (Romans 8:9). By His righteousness we can stand boldly in front of God, Himself, asking for anything in His name and if it aligns with His will, it is done for us (Matthew 7:7). Have we known the comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, affection and mercy of God? Yes, yes, yes. Then Paul says, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 says “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” God draws people together and does not cause division. We are His children, the sheep of His fold, His people. As such we should be of the same love He has for us and same mind. August 29 Think on it...Philippians 1:29-30 NKJVFor to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to
believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same
conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Philippians 1:29-30 NKJV Paul is reminding the believers of the fact that suffering will be part of the Christians’ life. Just as they see him suffer, they also are meant to suffer for Christ’s sake. In Acts 9:15-16 NLT the Lord speaks to Ananias regarding Paul: “But the Lord said, "Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me." Anyone called of God, will suffer. Paul continues in this verse to say “having the same conflict which you saw in me”. What conflict is that? Earlier in this chapter Paul was talking about the conflict of living to benefit others or dying to be with Christ. I believe that’s what he’s talking about here. When the Lord so touches your heart, there’s a constant craving to be with Him. However, there’s work to be done here on earth. Therefore, the conflict exists and it is a form of suffering. August 28 Think on it...Philippians 1:28 NKJV…and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them
a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Philippians 1:28 NKJV Last time we talked about letting our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Paul continues to encourage the believers not to be afraid of their enemies. Any negative reaction from your enemies, when you speak the truth of God, is only an indication of their condition without God. 2 Corinthians 2:12-14 says “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.” No matter how others respond, listen to what Joshua 1:7 says “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” Remember the story of Alisha and his servant. 2 Kings 6:16-18 says “So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.” Therefore, be strong in your walk because you know your salvation is sealed in Christ. August 25 Think on it...Philippians 1:27 NKJVOnly let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am 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… Philippians 1:27 NKJV This is my prayer for all who read this. “Let our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, that He may not be offended by us. May we stand fast in one spirit and one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Paul is always encouraging and building up the believers. In Ephesians 4:28 it says “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” It’s so easy to point out what is wrong. It’s easy to be critical of others. But Jesus Christ calls us to be different from the world. In Romans 12:2 it says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It is our behaving differently that helps us be good witnesses for Him. August 24 Think on it...Philippians 1:25-26 NKJVAnd being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Philippians 1:25-26 NKJV We’ve talked about Paul’s desire to go be with the Lord, but staying instead being more helpful to fellow believers who he was writing to. In this verse, Paul says, again, he is confident that he shall remain and continue with them for their progress and joy of faith. Remember, Paul said earlier “to live is Christ”. This was Paul’s way of saying that he chooses to live as Christ did, concerned for the wellbeing of other’s souls. This was Paul’s great ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 Paul said “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;”. The more he related to others, the easier they trusted him and the result was them believing in Christ. How beautiful! In Proverbs 27:17 says like iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen friends. Paul helped sharpen his friends. How much do you sharpen your friends?August 23 Think on it ...Philippians 1:22-24 NKJVBut if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:22-24 NKJV Living, to Paul, meant that his life would yield fruit for the Kingdom of God. Do you see his conviction? He says “this WILL MEAN fruit from my labor”. He had no doubt that good would come from his ministry and calling. Having to decide between life and death, Paul obviously wanted to “depart and be with Christ”. Paul’s will was to be with Christ, but he yielded or submitted himself to the Lord’s will instead. He continued faithfully to do what the Lord led him to do. He recognized the work that God gave him to do was not finished yet, because he continued on for the sake of other believers. Paul understood Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” He knew his purpose. August 22 Think on it...Philippians 1:21 NKJVFor to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 NKJV Paul had a wonderful way of looking at things. This sentence speaks volumes of his faith. Paul had determination to live for and as Christ. It means that in everything Paul would discipline himself to act as Jesus acted. He would consciously choose to deny self, carry his cross and follow the Lord Jesus Chris (Matthew 16:24). Paul’s life modeled what Proverbs 14:25 says “A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies.” Paul believed Isaiah 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.” Paul knew what awaited him after this life was over. That knowledge did not bring fear, but great joy. He knew that to be absent from this body was to be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Living from this perspective freed Paul from any fear of being killed, because dying meant he would go be with Christ. When we truly believe God, then our lives will show it by how we live. Paul’s life did and so will ours. |
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