Philippians Bible Sketches

What do you love about inspiration and encouragement?

 

Have you been consoled so you are equipped to comfort others?

 

Are you grateful for warmth radiating from participation in a church family?

Are you extending and appreciating affection and sympathy?

Philippians 2:1-2

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

The King of Unchanging Love is born for us!

Christians don’t only go to church, we are the Church. The faith is important—we depend on it. Good news of great joy comes to us! We get help we seriously need to trust and honor Jesus. His sacrificial love and mercy provides power for us to repent. We come whether things seem to be well or we’re sad, tired and hungry. Craving the Word preached—we’re filled. Air is light. Voices sing poetic hymns. Fed with tangible gifts, we’re absolutely forgiven and strengthened. For wisdom, bright smiles, simple “good morning” greetings, plus many more beautiful reasons—we come together as often as possible. 

The Bible won’t disappoint. 

Believers have an awesome certain hope of the future. There’s guidance for living moment-by-moment, plus, clarification of exactly why we may let go of worry. We praise the self-forgetful obedience of Jesus, who for our sake, willingly endured the punishment for all sin. Gratitude motivates us to share what we may, one-day-at-a-time, by the grace of God. The Holy Spirit does the rest, so we can rest.

Curious? 

Check out this church locator. Introduce yourself to people. Ask questions. We all forget… don’t be afraid to ask again and again.

Philippians 2:9-10

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-10

Love shares Truth; it does not affirm what is false.

Eventually, everyone will be raised from the dead, bow to Jesus, and be judged according to reception or rejection of the faith available for everyone. 

Philippians 2:14-15

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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, Philippians 2:14-15

No grumbling or disputing?

None? Tell that to an infant who’s hungry and needs a diaper change. Maturity is a process. Thankfully, Jesus died to cover our lack of contentment during trials and difficulties. Our Heavenly Father is the author and perfecter of faith which patiently cooperates with others. It’s purpose makes us glow like the moon in darkness, reflecting the love of the Son!

Thank the Lord for love that shines! 

My family traveled to spend time with me! As I held my 20-month-old granddaughter on my hip, the tiny beauty mark on my neck was right in her line of vision. Her sweet little arms, dimpled hands, perfectly positioned tiny fingers pointed out my mole. Even toddlers notice differences that don’t seem right. We may wish our spots, blemishes, needs and differences would disappear; however, they’re part of who we are. Unique are our purposes in this life together. We depend on our all-knowing Creator who made each of us to function within His plan that’s higher than we know. A bit later, this darling little girl came to me with non-verbal sounds and an inquisitive look which begged me to ask if she wanted to show me something. She nodded yes, grabbed my finger and walked me places to explore. Twice, she stopped to look at the graduation portraits on my shelves. As she pointed to her dad’s cousins one-by-one, I was delighted to introduce her to each of my nieces and nephews by name. I’m blessed for opportunity to play and interact with this wonderful child, a gift from God. Memories washed through me of her great-great-grandmothers, my mother and my own precious children at this age. Similar to how her parents taught her to say, “Iowa” on their way home, God lovingly teaches us and desires we all be saved by abundant grace in Truth of the Gospel.

In this world, it is easy to slip into grumbling. 

Chronic complaining and sinful criticism are as annoying as a leaky drip that just won’t stop. Putting ourselves in another’s shoes, acknowledging their pain, lovingly setting boundaries and practicing patience, often, aren’t first-response actions that come to our human minds. The devil tempts us to doubt anything having to do with God’s good law of grace. Ignoring problems, retaliating injuries, minimizing fault and blame-shifting responsibility are evil lies to aggravate bad situations and oppose the blessed discipline of the Gospel.

Faith allows us to pour our complaints out in prayer.

Confident that correction, healing and growth come from outside ourselves, in Christ, we prayerfully dive deeply into the Word’s wisdom. With practice, its broad light and blessings become our own to share. Everyone fails, but Jesus never does. He covered everyone at the cross. Cherish the magnitude of His patience with us—the pure effectiveness His love has over consequences of sin in this world. Things don’t go as we expect, but then we must remember that what we expect may not be in the plan for the goodness God has in store for us and others. We pray, listen and wait.

Jesus is God. We are not.

By faith, we’re impacted by grace loving, kind, gentle, humble, reasonable, teachable and caring people who are pleasant to be around. We can take them seriously. 

The arrogant and harsh—not so much. Look out for worldly and spiritual conceit. It is grossly problematic to rely on human rules, desires, education, wealth, status, age or position in life more than the God of peace. 

Truth is all about Jesus, who by the essence of who He is, supplies us with every need of ours and confidence in the excellent knowledge of his will.

“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. 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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:12-16

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord.

Honesty, warmth and hope—God’s plan of mercy in Jesus points those who love Him to an undeserved, promised nonetheless, blissful eternity! Rejoice always surrounded by people who rejoice! Celebrate being united in the supportive body of Christ!

Philippians 4:6-7

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Breathe in grace, exhale repentance. Repeat. Relax.

Pray alone and with others. Immerse yourself in Scripture. Go to church. Listen to Christian podcasts, Bible studies and sacred music. As you are able, take a walk; bundle-up in cold climates. Praise God for the marvelous complex beauty of His creation.

Our Savior listens when we tap into powerful prayer for

• establishing a habit to pray continuously to Our Father in Heaven
  
• inspiration to set excellent goals that are helpful to others
  
• mindfulness of if/what/how/when/why to plan/say/do
• vision to fully comprehend and confess our own failures, both to God and to anyone we come to realize we’ve hurt 
  
• courage to conform to God’s will
  
• willingness to admit our own mistakes
• thanksgiving of complete forgiveness
  
• ability to forgive others

Thankfully, there’s peace in God’s presence. Christ took on the sin of the world and defeated it for us at the cross.

• His scarred hands hold what’s beyond ours to control or accomplish while He preserves our faith and protects us
  
• He hears heartfelt confessions, removes guilt, and replaces emptiness with comfort
  
• He enlightens us with gifts to share with others by actions that reflect His love
  

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

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. Philippians 4:8

The Holy Spirit untwists deception, puts a positive spin on Truth, uplifts attitudes and prepares us to reflect the Light of Christ.

Glorious things belong to us who are covered by the grace of Jesus. Faith stirs hearts into action. God’s abundant peace and blessing help us listen carefully. We enjoy opportunities to worship regularly. Undeserved, unearned by us—faith frees us!

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

We aren’t crushed and destroyed because the power belongs to Christ. 

When we hurt and face tough times, the Holy Spirit’s nudges remind us what He is giving us to do with the help of God. He tells us to pray and promises to deliver us from evil. His life-saving mercy comforts. His patience essentially protects and preserves our body, soul and sanity in the midst of human confusion, suffering and sorrow. God has special ways of cheering us on, reminding us of many blessings in our lives!

At the cross, our Redeemer innocently suffered as our Substitute for the joy of saving us. He willingly took the wrath and punishment we deserve for our sins and the sins committed against us. He defeated death and the devil. After Jesus rose from the grave, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene and then others in a locked room where He spoke to them of peace. Before He ascended to sit with our Father in heaven,

he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

God’s design of salvation doesn’t measure success by our perfection, quality of work, or decision. He sees us through Jesus-goggles, measuring success by Christ’s merit. Mercifully supplied with contentment in His Word and Sacraments which nourish, open eyes/hearts/minds, strengthen and guide—we trust God’s love for us not only forgives—Jesus also removes what separates us from Him. The Holy Spirit disciplines us to grow up and trust, not ourselves, but Jesus who guarantees life with Him when He returns! So, we share this good news of opportunity to be gathered by the Lord of Creation in eternal paradise! Since we know it’s possible to miss out on that promise when someone rejects gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for opportunities and courage to lovingly warn friends, family and anyone who is not worshiping Jesus.

More

• Video summary
• Read or listen to Philippians (4 short chapters)

Pray

“Lord, forgive me when I forget that all people are precious to You. When personal prejudices and poor first impressions turn me away from loving my neighbor, remind me that, in Christ, we are one. In His name I pray. Amen.” Mustard Seed

2 Corinthians Bible Sketches

How does power in weakness work?

Can God’s “no” have purpose?

What’s beyond control to change?

Who or what keeps you humble? Emotional, relational, spiritual, mental and physical strengths sometimes turn to weaknesses. Confronting and trying to fix problems may aggravate, not solve matters. Our Creator knows how uniquely we each look at and interact with situations. We can’t perfectly fix everything for ourselves or for everyone else. Do you know why? It’s because we are not God.

Jesus cares and protects. 

Faithfully hearing those who trust Him and making messy prayers presentable, Christ’s humility is humanity’s answer to peaceful living. This combination of God Himself becoming man—His perfection of innocence, endurance of unjust cruelty and crucifixion, then resurrection and ascension to heaven— provides us with repentance, forgiveness and salvation. The faith given to us makes opportunity to be healed by Spirit of Truth’s encouragement to crave His Word, the precise tool He uses to build up the souls of sinful people. Rich instruction and promises instill insight for living safely and patiently while waiting for Jesus to return. Correction and comfort flow from God’s supportive people who are mercifully forgiven, trained and strengthened to share gratitude, experience and understanding.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Forgiveness is God’s fix for the brokenness of the world. We’re free to share the joy of humbly receiving and applying Christ’s generosity of grace.

so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. … Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8,10-11

“2:11 outwitted by Satan. To misuse the process of discipline as some legalistic punishment or some method of humiliating a repentant sinner would turn Christ’s Church into a cesspool of self-righteousness. Paul warns against this satanic twist. his designs. Satan plans and purposes to destroy congregations. ‘He provokes the world against us, fans and stirs the fire, so that he may hinder and drive us back, cause us to fail, and again bring us under his power’. (LCIII63)” The Lutheran Study Bible     

Surpassing power belongs to God.

Acting on temptation makes messes which cling to us in the chaos of this world. Inability to make change, convince others of a better way, sort out thoughts, correct mistakes and refine choices to the state of perfection God designed for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden cause frustration, knowing time is short and death will claim each of us. Our battle isn’t with people; it’s with the devil who wants to bring us down, tear us apart so to wreck faith which would help us live harmoniously. Motivated to eternally separate us from God, demons are always tempting and distracting us. Careless human nature listens to Satan’s lies. Falling for the temptation to base salvation, partially or fully, on self-reliance denies the saving Truth.

Jesus will have the last word on the Last Day. 

We are created to instinctively know what Christ taught is morally good and right.

We should repentantly be disgusted by every error, including reluctance to rely on God’s grace that allows us to adore Him above all else. Jesus teaches us what to say when we pray.

“Christian life is not a practice in perfectionism. Rather, it is a life of dying and rising, lived under the cross of Christ, in the continual forgiveness of our sins” Read, or listen, more by Kyle G. Jones

We’re called to act on the nudges of our Almighty God who offers the power of saving faith through opportunities at Church and in daily devotions. God’s eternal perspective desires that each of us would turn to Him regularly to get a supply of strength which trusts Christ’s work sets us apart for forgiveness, protection and rest. Peace flows from the wounds of Jesus, our brotherly advocate who pleads our case before our Father in heaven.

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

“Don’t let Satan use trivial quirks or quarrels to close your ears to the glorious and powerful Word of your Savior, the One to whom the ‘power belongs.’” Read more by Dr. Jane L. Fryar

Our Creator supplies forgiveness for us.

God knew we’d need it and designed how forgiveness happens. He’s not satisfied with what we mistakenly think will make us right with Him. Jesus actually became sin for us to perfect us by giving us His own righteousness and calling it ours. For our sake, God considers Jesus, who never sinned, to be the greatest sinner.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. .… For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19,21

“Forgiveness Is Not a Layaway Plan … forgiveness does not originate from repentance; it originates solely from Christ. … Should you repent of the wrong you’ve done? Of course. You must. Should you continue to repent as you struggle to un-love that ex-sin? Of course. You must. You will never repent enough. You will never repent sincerely enough. But forgiveness is not based upon having enough repentance or having sufficiently sincere repentance. Absolution is based entirely upon the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His atonement is enough. His sacrifice was perfectly sincere. His blood covers not only the sin of which you repent, but your imperfect repentance for that sin.” … Read more by Chad Bird

On being told the Gospel, genuine faith

• reaches out the hand for more
  
• rejoices
• accepts it as Truth
  
• puts confidence in it
• draws comfort
• by grace becomes righteous in the sight of God
  

2 Corinthians 6:2

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Now, not later!

We pray we won’t take God’s offer for forgiveness lightly. Our Creator loves us and for our good He was born to sacrifice Himself to save the world. In baptism, He adopts us as His own. Gifts of Word and Sacraments increase our love, warm and soften our hearts. Talk about an encouraging win-win situation! Gratitude has us wanting to share the Gospel with other struggling friends and relatives so they might receive the Holy Spirit and be saved, along with us, in eternity with Jesus.

The source of Christian hope is not by chance based on us or someone else—it is certainly based on Jesus. 

Walking with Jesus, we share His love, forgive and make the best of situations with His help. We prayerfully commend to the Lord’s care those who do us harm, stubbornly refuse to forgive us and reject our love. We cannot, yet Jesus clearly sees within hearts. He faithfully removes sin and directs the path of those who trust Him. We pray, Lord have mercy on us all.

2 Corinthians 6:18

and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

 

Children depend on a capable adult to bring them up with a healthy mind, body and spirit through disciplines of instruction and grace. 

All God’s children depend on their Heavenly Father for righteousness to live in the world, while not of the world. The Great Teacher Jesus was born to save us, supplies confidence that, by the faith given and received, we’ve been separated from the unbelieving world. The Almighty One wants a loving relationship with us, yet allowing us to think for ourselves, He doesn’t force us to believe His Word. He knows the difference between, “I’m sorry” and “I’m sorry I got caught”. Jesus teaches us to love—not only those who are easy to love—but also our enemies by praying for those who reject and hurt us.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Has God said, “no” to a prayer request of which you expected a “yes”? 

He works in mysterious ways, higher and more complex than our own. His Word does two things:

1. Shows us our sin
2. Shows us our Savior Jesus

We may trust He always answers prayer according to His good and gracious will.

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grace is sufficient.

The thorn of weakness benefits when Truth is made known and received. While conceit and pride keep worry alive, hardships reveal that we don’t control things, God does. 

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10   

Life’s challenges, including helplessness to overcome death, lead us to lean on Jesus in prayer.

Concerns, failures, sorrow and grief of losing loved ones to death—or for whatever reason we can’t understand—we bring it all to the Lord in humble honesty. Though not deserving grace, we are free to ask to be forgiven, calmed and refreshed with new confidence. 

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians:19-20

Are you looking for opportunities to help others within the family of faith?

First, remember our help comes from the Lord who encourages us by the Gospel. From Christ’s Church, we take home a dependable boost of power, rest and peace in being fed at His House, His Table, week after week getting a glimpse of what’s next while we patiently wait to behold the full glory of God when Jesus returns! 

It’s not about us, it’s all about Jesus who is preparing a place for us in paradise and keeping us secure in gladness and joy that looks forward to eternity.

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.…The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:11,14

Check out more on 2 Corinthians: 

• Intro
• Forgive the Sinner
• Godly Sorrow – Worldly Sorrow
• Reconciled Reconcilers
• Forgiveness Is a Choice
• What was Paul’s ailment?
• God’s Grace is Sufficient
  
• Faith is … Living Life as a Procession of Triumph
  
• Delays in the life of Paul 
• Let’s Take a Walk
• The Race of Faith: Continuing to Train … A God-Pleasing Aroma

How to be humble. 33 thoughts on the virtue of humility.

Humility means not being proud or arrogant, but being modest and courteously respectful. How attractive is an attitude of meekness and gentleness!

1. Listen more than talk. Follow the words of the other, without being overly concerned about sharing your ideas.
2. Ask people for their opinion.
3. Be ready to give credit for another person’s idea, even if you are the one to carry it out.
4. Count to five before adding to a conversation. Be sure that the other person has finished his thought, and reflect on what he said.
5. Provide positive feedback.
6. Say, “I’d be honored” when asked to help.
7. Say, “It’s my pleasure” when thanked.
8. Admit when you don’t understand or know something.
9. When you screw up, say, “I was wrong.”
10. Teach someone what you know.
11. Cautiously use criticism, constructively and sparingly.
12. Give God the glory for skills, talents, blessings and successes.
13. Understand that timing is important.
14. Prioritize your time.
15. Think less about money for self, more about money for charity or for the building up of important things.
16. Think of others first, before yourself.
17. Pass on thanks to those who help you achieve something for which you were thanked.
18. Be quiet about your goals.
19. Be quiet about your achievements.
20. Look for potential in others.
21. Help others with their goals.
22. Value other people’s time.
23. Remember you have faults and are a sinner—you are no better than anyone else.
24. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
25. Pray for humility.
26. Seek wisdom by choosing wise friends.
27. Be willing to learn in all areas of education, especially about moral issues. Spiritual knowledge is found in church, Bible study and personal devotions.
28. Keep calm and carry on.
29. Be willing to accept new ideas and change.
30. Graciously accept praise with a sincere and simple, “thank you” without expounding upon it.
31. Don’t compare yourself to others.
32. Stick with your convictions. Recognize differences in others, but don’t conform if it doesn’t respect your values.
33. Forgive others who’ve wronged you without responding in revenge. Then move on.

These ideas are easier said than done, however, God is pleased when we try. The pleasure the Lord takes is not because of what we do, but because of the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to earn our redemption. Teach us, oh Lord, to have a humble spirit.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation.—Psalm 149:4 ESV
Teach us oh Lord. 
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Four ©Elizabeth B. Knaus

The Savior Redeems

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