Good morning,

This week we will complete our study of Philippians. Chapter 4 is a book of rejoicing. The key verse is verse 4.

 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Today Paul gives us a great lesson on contentment.

6. Paul’s contentment (10-14)

 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith 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 which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Christians are to be content in every area of their lives. Paul is writing this letter from jail. Paul led a hard life as he testifies to in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

²³ Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. ²⁴ Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. ²⁵ Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. ²⁸ Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

After all this he states in Philippians, “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Have we learned to be content? Personally, and through my own observation, I do not believe the body of Christ is content. We are striving for the next, best, greatest thing. We want the better job, better car, better home, or better life in general. No pain, no heartaches.

He then explains to the Philippians why he is content. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” His total reliance was on the Lord. He understood that the Lord Jesus Christ was in charge of his life. He submitted to God’s plan and went forward. This is what God wants us to do. Submit to His plan and follow His lead.

That’s our challenge.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we will complete our study of Philippians. Chapter 4 is a book of rejoicing. The key verse is verse 4.

 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

 INTRODUCTION

Paul completes his letter encouraging the Philippians to “stand fast”, “be of the same mind”, “rejoice”, “moderation”, “pray”, “do” what Paul did, and that God will take care of your needs.

 1. Salutation (1)

 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

 2. Unity and encouragement (2-3)

 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, 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.

 3. Rejoice (4)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

4. Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving (5-7)

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

5. God’s peace (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 ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Let’s do a little review. Where is Paul as he writes this letter? Why was he there? If you were there, would you be writing letters of joy, encouragement and challenge?

Paul challenges the Philippians to encourage others, rejoice, pray, ask, give thanks, and rest in Jesus loving arms. If we could experientially get a hold of the truths found in verses 8 and 9, it would transform our personal lives, our churches, and our ministries.

Let’s ask God how He would like to implement these characteristics in our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

May this encourage and challenge us to be more like Jesus.

Reading Christians!

(George Everard, “The Yoke of Christ!” 1882)

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle and humble of heart” Matthew 11:29

“Leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

I must not only learn the secrets of divine truth from Christ’s Word–but I must learn the secret of a holy life, by walking as He walked. Among all lessons, none is better than this.

I must copy Christ’s humility.

I must imitate His gentleness, His forbearance, His willingness to stoop even to the cross. 

I must cast to the winds all haughtiness and self-conceit–and be content to be nothing, if only He may be glorified.

And where there is true humility, self-sacrifice and loving charity–purity of heart and life will not lag far behind. For Christ Himself dwells with the humble; and where Christ and His Spirit abide, every Christian virtue will spring forth and grow.

Let the Christian ever remember the strong encouragement which the Master gives to all who take His yoke. It is a yoke lined with love. He who lays it on you is no hard man, no cruel tyrant–but the meek and lowly One, the Savior, the Friend, the Brother, the Bridegroom of His redeemed people.
In love, He bids you take His yoke.
In love, He fits it to the neck of each who bears it.
In love, He stands by you and helps you to carry it, and gives daily grace for daily need.

One, who was an utter unbeliever, was asked why he held infidel views. “Through reading Christians instead of reading the Scriptures,” was his reply.

Oh that Christ might be seen in every one who bears His name! Oh that we might all so learn of Him, that the outside world would see the mighty reality of His grace through us!

“Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.” 1 John 2:6

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. From the time Paul was saved, until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

Today watch for Christ’s coming.

5) Watch for Christ’s coming v20-21

For our conversation 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 unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. V20-21

Finally Paul reminds the Philippians that their conversation (manner of life) is in heaven, that they need to be looking for their Savior and that when He comes, He will take our current bodies and give them glorious bodies.

Do we live our lives like we are citizens of heaven? We are. The Bible calls us ambassadors for Christ. Our home is heaven. God has posted us here temporarily to proclaim his kingdom and glory.

Do we look for the coming of Jesus or do the things of this world so entice us, that we are comfortable here? The next prophetic event on God’s calendar is the rapture. First Thessalonians 4:16-17 states, “¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” It is imminent. Will we be ready? Do we care?

The bodies that we have today will be changed from vile and corruptible to glorious. No more aches and pains. No blemishes. That in itself is worth looking forward to.

Please review what we have learned this week. Spend part of your weekend meditating on who God is and your part in His plan.

CONCLUSION

• KNOW CHRIST
• PRESS FORWARD
• BEWARE OF THE ENEMY
• LOOK FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST
• LAY ASIDE SIN

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. From the time Paul was saved, until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

Today we will look at the following Paul’s example.

Follow Paul’s example v17-19

a) Be followers of Paul v17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. v17

b) Enemies of Christ v18-19

(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: ¹⁹ Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) v18-19

Paul exhorts the Philippians to follow his example. That meant to give up all for Christ, verses 7-9. It meant to know Christ in the power of His resurrection, to fellowship in His sufferings, and be made conformable to His death in verse 10.

Is this the commitment we have? Are we willing to give up all for Christ? Are we willing to suffer for Christ? Would we be willing to go to the cross for what we believe?

He then encourages the Philippians to press on in Christ Jesus in verses 13-14.

The challenge Paul gave to the Philippians almost 2000 years ago is the challenge God is giving us today. What is our relationship to Jesus Christ really worth to us? Are we at least willing to go and serve Him? Tell someone about Jesus? And when the persecution comes to this country will we be willing to stand for Jesus in the face of death?

These are tough questions that deserve a prayerful answer.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. When Paul was saved and until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

Today we will look at the excellency of Christ and knowing Christ.

2) Excellency of Jesus Christ v 7-9

a) Paul counts gains as loss for Christ v 7-8

⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea 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, that I may win Christ, v 7-8

b) The righteousness which is of God v 9

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: v 9

3) Know Christ Jesus v 10-16 

a) Know Jesus, the power of His resurrection, fellowship of His suffering, an made conformable unto His death v 10

¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; v 10

b) Attaining unto the resurrection of the dead v 11-12

¹¹If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. ¹² 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. v 11-12

c) Press toward the mark… v 13-16

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.¹⁶ Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. v13-16

Meditate on these verses and ask yourself if knowing Christ is your number one priority.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. When Paul was saved and until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

The title for the chapter is KNOWING CHRIST.

The key verses are 10 and 11.

10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 3

No confidence in the flesh (1-6)

Warning about evil workers (1-2)

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. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

Paul gives reasons why he could trust in the flesh (3-6)

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and  rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in  the law, blameless.

Paul challenges his readers to beware of evil workers. Today we have individuals, groups, and even churches that try to disrupt the work of God. They never want you to speak the name of Jesus. They are afraid of the Son of God they say they do not believe. We must be aware and be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us.

Then he tells the Philippians who he was. He had a very prestige’s pedigree. He was at the top of the religious Jews.

Tomorrow he will tell us what he thinks about his former life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The content of this devotion will jump start your week. It reminds us that the Lord delights in us.

Is it possible?

(By James Smith)

“The Lord delights in you!” Isaiah 62:4

Is it possible, that such poor, depraved, unworthy creatures–can be the objects of Jehovah’s delight? Yes! The infinite love of God has been fixed upon us from eternity! Because He loved and chose us, He sent His only-begotten Son to die for us! He sent His Holy Spirit into our hearts to regenerate us!

“You have loved them–AS You have loved Me!” John 17:23
Yes, the Father has loved us–just as He has loved Jesus–with an infinite love!

Every believer, though . . .
his faith is weak,
his fears are many,
his corruptions are strong,
his troubles are great, and
his temptations are sore–
is the object of Jehovah’s delight!

Let us therefore endeavor to pass through this day, yes, and every day–believing and realizing: 
“I am Jehovah’s delight!
I am the object of His highest love!
I am the subject of His sweetest thoughts!
I am His portion for evermore!”

O incomparable privilege!

Wondrous source of comfort, holiness, and love!

You have more cause for gratitude than an angel!

What a blessing that God delight’s in us. Meditate on that today, and then share that with someone else.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Role models are important in life. We remember individuals who were role models to us. This week we will look at Philippians 2. Four men serve as good role models for us. We will look at specific characteristics that make them good role models.

Today we will look at Epaphroditus.

EPAPHRODITUS’ EXAMPLE (Philippians 2:25-30)

 ²⁵ 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. ²⁶ For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. ²⁹ Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: ³⁰ because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

 Paul tells us that Epaphroditus was a brother, companion, fellow soldier, and messenger. He ministered to Paul. He is portrayed as a faithful servant. Paul tells the Philippians to receive with gladness in the Lord.

Can these character qualities be attributed to us? As we conclude this study, look at the character qualities and ask yourself, are these part of my life? Then ask God how He wants to develop these qualities in your life.

 CONCLUSION

• Love
• Fellowship of the Spirit
• Mercy
• Likeminded
• One accord
• One mind
• Look on the thing of others
• Humble
• Obedient
• Bow the knee to Christ
• Confess Christ with your words
• Do not murmur or complain
• Shine as lights to this sin sick world
• Proclaim the gospel
• Minister to the brethren

 Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

Role models are important in life. We remember individuals who were role models to us. This week we will look at Philippians 2. Four men serve as good role models for us. We will look at specific characteristics that make them good role models.

Today we will look at Timothy.

TIMOTHY’S EXAMPLE (Philippians 2:19-24)

 ¹⁹ But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. ²⁰ For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. ²¹ For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. ²² But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. ²³ Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. ²⁴ But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Paul praises Timothy. He states Timothy is:

•  Likeminded v20
• Will take care of them v20
• Served with Paul in presenting the gospel v22

Paul tells the Philippians’ that he is sending Timothy to them. Timothy was highly trusted by Paul. They had ministered together. Timothy knew Paul’s heart and was ready to lead the Philippian believers.

Although most of you are not in pastoral or missionary service, would someone commend you this way for your service for Jesus? Paul placed a tremendous amount of confidence in Timothy.

The gospel ministry requires like-mindedness to the Bible. That means we read it, believe what it says literally, and obey all of its precepts. We cannot pick and choose what we want to believe.

Then tell others. When they believe teach them the Bible. Although very simplified, that is exactly what Christ taught us to do. He set the example.

I encourage you to evaluate where you are in your walk with the Lord.

Need help? Contact me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001