<\/p>\n
Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1:1-2:11<\/strong><\/span> Philemon:<\/strong> Today we read Paul\u2019s letter to Philemon!<\/span><\/p>\n ~ Philemon ~<\/strong> Verse 4 stands out to me in Philemon today \u2013 \u201cI always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon\u2026\u201d <\/em>How often do we tell our family or friends that we thank God for them? How often do we tell them that we pray for them? How often do we actually do both of these things?<\/span><\/p>\n Philippians:<\/strong> Today we begin Paul\u2019s letter to the church in Philippi!\u00a0 See # 5 on the map below \u2013 <\/span><\/p>\n ~ Philippians ~<\/strong> Today in Philippians chapter 1 verse 21 we read this powerful statement of Paul\u2019s:<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Philippians titled \u201cPaul\u2019s Perspective on Life and Death\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link.<\/span><\/p>\n Our readings in Philippians chapter 2 today have some powerful verses on imitating Jesus\u2019 humility. In verses 3 & 4 we read:\u00a0 \u201cDo nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.\u201d<\/em> Are you doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity in your life today? Are you humble? Do you consider others better than yourself? Do you look to the interests of others?\u00a0 I realize these can be hard teachings to put into practice \u2013 in fact, it seems almost impossible in our modern world.\u00a0 But, let us remember that indeed all things are possible with Jesus Christ in our lives and hearts.\u00a0 Let us not give up on imitating Jesus\u2019 humility in our lives today.\u00a0 I pray each of us is becoming more like Jesus in some small or significant way each and every day.\u00a0 Don\u2019t stop the transformation process.\u00a0 Don\u2019t quench the Spirit.\u00a0 Let God change you.<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Philippians titled \u201cThe Ultimate in Humility \u2013 Leaving the Comfort Zone\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings remind me of the fantastic song by Mark Harris called \u201cOne True God:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
~ Click here to read today\u2019s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~<\/span><\/em>
~ Listen to today\u2019s Scripture with <\/em>The ESV Bible<\/em><\/span> ~<\/p>\n
Author<\/span>: Paul the apostle
Place<\/span>: Rome
Date<\/span>: A.D. 60 or 61
Content<\/span>: A slave named Onesimus, who was owned by a Christian in Colosse named Philemon, had run away, ultimately making his way to Rome. Here he heard the gospel from Paul and became a believer. This letter was written by Paul to encourage Philemon to take Onesimus back, this time as more than a servant, indeed, as a Christian brother. There is a play on words in verse 11 where Paul says that now Onesimus (the word means \u201cuseful\u201d) will in fact be Onesimus \u2013 useful both to Philemon and the ministry.
Theme<\/span>: This short book is quite important in many ways. Two things stand out. First, we see the way in which the gospel worked. No one is beyond the reach of God. If anyone will trust in Jesus, he will become a new person. Second, the ancient barriers of class hatred are being broken down by the gospel \u2013 Philemon and Onesimus are now Christian brothers. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers <\/em><\/span>\u201cThe One Year Bible Companion\u201d<\/span><\/em> pp. 30-31)\u00a0 <\/em>A great overview of the book of Philemon by Daniel B. Wallace is<\/strong> <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
Author<\/span>: Paul the apostle
Place<\/span>: Rome
Date<\/span>: A.D. 61
Content<\/span>: Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome to some very dear friends in Philippi as a response to their sending some money to him in order to meet his needs. He begins by expressing his confidence in them and then describes dome of the problems he faces in Rome. Whether he will die or not he does not know, but if death does come, he will rejoice in the presence of Christ. If he remains, he will continue to serve God by serving the churches. The example of Christ\u2019s humility is set before the Philippians as an example to follow. False teachings are to be vigorously rejected. Two quarreling sisters are admonished to make up and all believers are admonished to set high ideals for themselves because God will supply all that one needs in life.
Theme<\/span>: In this very personal letter of Paul the theme of rejoicing may be seen throughout. If one lives, he may rejoice because God loves him. Christ died for him, and all things are given to him by God for his life. If one dies, then he may rejoice by being in Christ\u2019s presence forevermore. This does not mean that Christians will have no problems, however. Even as Jesus had to endure the cross, so we must be ready to follow that example of submission to God, if it must be. But we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:2) and should live with that thought constantly before us. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers \u201cThe One Year Bible Companion\u201d p. 27)\u00a0 <\/em>More great commentary on Philippians is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n