Philippians 2:3

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Philippians 2:3 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Paul in this section, and especially in our focus verse is addressing something that was prolific within the church and thereby being the reason he mentions it; this being pride which ultimately leads to division.  In our focus verse, Paul tells the Church in Philippi not to do anything for the purpose of lifting themselves up and being conceited.  He then continues in the next verse with, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.  They were to be focused on meeting the needs of those who they taught and discipled, and not on their own interests.  And they were not to be in competition with the others who taught in the church. 

This was said in order not to have division within the body.  This is a very important idea, for I have seen so many churches today who have found themselves in this situation.  Division comes when different ideas are taught in the church and the teachers attempt to get the church to agree wholeheartedly with their belief.  This causes splits in the church which can cause arguing and competition.  Nothing is to be done through strife.  And we should never allow the church to be separated into sects that then work against each other in order to become more popular and influential than any other.

And this is not healthy for the church.  This can cause churches to split and may cause many to drift away because of the dissention caused by the split.  This is not what God wants in the church.  Paul writes to the Church in Corinth the following regarding unity, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10.  Paul is saying the church needs to be in unity, and when I say church, I mean not just individual churches but also the  church corporate.  Unfortunately, the enemy has creeped into the Church and has divided the people, often through differences of beliefs.  I have attended a church where some believed in the doctrine of Calvinism which states God has selected some people to be saved and others not to be.  And it is not their choice, for God has predestined some to salvation, while the rest cannot be saved.  Others would speak against this doctrine declaring it to be heretical.  Unfortunately, these differences would be discussed in Bibles Studies which caused confusion in the class and caused new believers to question their decision. 

He then tells the Church “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:5.  We need to take on this attitude as well.  Christ labored to promote no separate interest; as man he studied to promote the glory of God, and the welfare and salvation of the human race.  He ministered in humility, focusing on the Father and His purpose.  This was His focus and it should be ours as well.  “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8.  This is the way that Christ spread the good news here on earth.  He did not consider, as a man, equality with God something to be grasped.  Instead, He emptied Himself, being humble and obedient to the point of death, where He gave His life to give everyone the opportunity to be saved.  This is the Son of God who knew no sin but died for ours.  In essence, He put us ahead of Himself.  This is true love He and the Father had for us.

As He humbled Himself to serve us, we should humble ourselves to serve others.  This is our calling and our purpose here.  We must humbly witness to the lost and in training the saved, not looking at how we can look good and impress others, but how we can put other’s interests and needs above our own.  When we do this, we will do the work God just as Christ did.  And we will be amazed at how God will work through us to do His good pleasure.   

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Philippians 3:3

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 3:3   

“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” – Philippians 3:3

It is quite amazing to me how much truth is revealed to us by the Lord into one simple short Verse of Scripture.  Within the context of these words is hidden a reality that probably most sincere believers in Jesus’ deal with and maybe are not even aware of it.  Preceding this Verse, Paul warns the believers in Philippi to “…Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” (VS2).    Back then, just as today, there are more than enough ‘religious’ teachers and so-called ‘Christian teachers’ that are like spiritual watchdogs and actually evil in their work ‘in the name of Christ’ and they probably don’t even know it.   How can that be?  In a nutshell, within all their sincerity and conviction, I think they ‘add’ many things to the completed work of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and promote those ‘works’ to be absolutely necessary in all regards towards a person, both in considering one’s salvation and in their being in right standing with God on a daily basis.  In very practical terms they just honestly do not believe that what Jesus did for us was enough. 

In the Philippians case, one of the sincere teachings they were hearing from the pulpit and within the larger circle of Christians was to ‘be physically circumcised’ if you REALLY want to be pleasing with God.   But this is not the truth.  “Indeed, I Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing” (Galatians 5:2).  These believers in Philippi were hearing from people within their own congregation the opposite of what Paul had taught them!  And those well-meaning law-abiding religious teachers were wrong.  Circumcision in Christ is of the heart, not of the flesh, and the surgery is done by Christ’s power – not yours.   In Christ, circumcision is a spiritual cutting-off of the power of the flesh nature.   Physical circumcision for a believer profit nothing at all to change a heart or have the possibility of being a ‘new creation’ in Christ.  If you are truly circumcised within your heart by the Lord, the next two statements in this Verse become a reality and a consistent desire within your life.  Be encouraged greatly by these two statements.

Number one, you will “…worship God in the Spirit…”.  Did you know that it is possible to try and worship God apart from the Spirit?   Unfortunately, I think we fall into this trap more often than admitted.  You sincerely just want to do better ‘next time’ and so you pull up your bootstraps and hunker down a little more and make a few more ‘I Promise’ statements to yourself.   I have fallen into this trap more than once, believe me. But folks, any attempt to being a worshipper of the Lord apart from the Spirit’s presence, leading, guiding, and prompting will be of the flesh.  “Are you foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3).   We do not have to walk in the Spirit – we GET to!    By God’s power in Christ and by His grace, we GET to and that is a cause for great rejoicing.  

Number two, you will “…rejoice in Christ Jesus…”.    Your times of rejoicing will not come about because of your successes compared to your failures throughout a day or week.  Your times of rejoicing will come about when you recognize that any and all of the good things that develop out of your life in Christ are BECAUSE of Christ.   Just because of Him.  Of Who He is.  You will rejoice within your heart in what He has already done for you in His completeness.   You are already spiritually blessed in Christ beyond calculation and imagination.   “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HAS blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3).  Yet thousands of well-intended Christians are seeking more spiritual blessings – from proclaimed Christian leaders leading the masses falsely saying you can have ‘more’.  Ummmm?  Yet, God in His Word has already told us that in Christ, the Father HAS (past tense) already blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing!    Oh, how wonderful this is!   This is why Paul can say to the Philippians to rejoice in Christ Jesus.  You do not have to jump through additional religious hoops to attain God’s favor anymore!    Therefore, Paul instructs these Philippians in a very pointed, direct, profound, life-changing and universe-altering statement what they must be aware in their Christian walk: “….have no confidence in the flesh…”!    Do you hear that??   Do you ‘really’ hear that?   “BUT what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Vs 7).   Doing religious (Christian religious) “things” in the flesh is simply loss.  The ‘more’ of whatever it is that you might be seeking is already in HIM.    Be encouraged and admonished.  Do NOT place any of your confidence in your flesh.   Place your confidence in the completely work of Christ that He has done for you already.    Be with Him.   Spend time with Him.  Talk with Him.   Listen to Him.         

Jaca Kier, Board Member, True Devotion Ministries, Inc. 

Philippians 1:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 1:21  

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Paul in this verse is declaring his devotion to Christ.  He starts with “To live is Christ”.  His sole aim in life was to glorify God through Christ.  This was his reason for living.  His aim was not honor for himself, nor was it learning, riches, or pleasure.  It was only to glorify the Lord Jesus.  His purpose in life was to know Christ as completely as possible: to know His character and plans so that he would be able to live it himself and teach others this same thing.

This would allow him to imitate Christ as much as it was possible for him.  It is important to understand that people look at us to see if we are living the same life we are proclaiming to them.  It was through this that he was able to reach many and help them give their lives to Christ.  His goal was to truly be like Christ.  As the theologian Albert Barnes proclaims in his commentary on the book of Philippians, “a purpose to which he devoted himself with as much singleness and ardor as ever did a miser to the pursuit of gold, or a devotee of pleasure to amusement, or an aspirant for fame to ambition.” As much as anyone else sought fortune and fame, he sought a solid relationship with Christ whereby he became like his teacher.

And secondly, to die is gain.  This idea is frequently used by the Greek and Latin classic writers.  With them, the sentiment had its origin in the belief that they would be freed from all their suffering and sadness and would find themselves in a happy world beyond the grave.  However, what they believed with conjecture and uncertainty, Paul along with all Christians believe with assurance.  John in the Book or Revelation puts it this way for us.  “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” Revelation 14:12-13.  When we die, we do not remain in the grave.  On the contrary, we are freed from this body and can now rest from all our labors.  We will no longer be working and becoming physically weary in our goal of doing good and promoting Christ by evangelizing all we come into contact with. 

Do we live in this same manner?  Do we believe to live is Christ and to die is gain?  What a beautiful way to see our life here, where we live in the presence of God through Christ, where His Spirit resides in us and we are in constant fellowship with Almighty God here on earth, knowing that when we die, it is actually a gain for us.  We will be freed from sin.  Here, we are subject to its sorrow, but in heaven there is no sin at all.  And we will be set free from the power of temptation.  We will be delivered from our enemies as well as our sufferings.  Indeed, this will be truly a gain for us all.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Philippians 4:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: 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

Have you ever just sat somewhere and thought about something that was bothering you, or caused you pain?  Or maybe someone hurt you or did you wrong.  It is easy to just sit and reflect on these things, but it is not healthy to do so.  Do you think you are alone during these times?  You know you are not, for God has promised to be with you.  “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.  We must remember we are never alone, and that He will bring us through all that happens.  In fact, He goes ahead of us to address these issues.  “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8. 

Because He is with us at all times and goes ahead of us to protect us, we will be fine.  And the fact He knows all things corroborates this idea.  “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” Isaiah 46:9-10.  So, if God has everything take care of, then our thoughts should be elsewhere.  We, as Paul states in our focus verse, must keep our thoughts focused on good things and not allow ourselves to worry or think about things that are not worthy to dwell on.

Paul says there are eight things to look at to determine if something is worth contemplating.  Lets look at each of these briefly and see what God desires us to focus on.  First, whatever is true.  Not what we want to, or wrongly believe is true, but what is true.  Whatever God has declared as truth is what we need to focus on, not necessarily what man declares as truth. 

Second, whatever is noble.  That which is honorable and worthy of respect: honest words of a reverent nature.  Many things are not worthy to be talked or thought about.  However, what is should be where our mind is focused.  Third, whatever is right.  That which is defined by God and His character as right, not what we deem as right based on our understanding of the word.  In a broad sense, thoughts that are upright, righteous, virtuous and in keeping with the commands of God. Fourth, whatever is pure.  This word pure has as its original meaning that which had been sanctified for the temple.  A related word that has similar meaning is holy. 

Fifth, that which is lovely.  This does not refer to the outward appearance, but what is inside.  It has the connotation of that which is dear and amiable; that which is pleasing to address, such that one can love thinking about it and not something that is contrary to Christian thought and beliefs.  Sixth, that which is of good repute or report.  This speaks of things that are thought of as good by pretty much all in the world.  These are virtues which all people agree are commendable, such as  kindness, respect for parents, purity between brothers and sisters, as well as courtesy. 

And the last two, if there be any excellence or praise.  Paul knew he had not given a complete picture, which would be difficult to do, so he gives two overarching thoughts.  First, if there be any excellence.  Another way to express this is virtue or moral excellence.  If there was anything that had the nature of true virtue in it should be looked at and adhered to.  And lastly, anything that was worthy of praise such as incredibly good deeds, or that ought to be praise such as God Almighty. 

These are the things we are to think about and focus on.  I encourage everyone, and I include myself in this, to spend some time studying this verse and if there are areas where we need to adjust our thinking, then ask God to help you in this process.  Get rid of those things that are not listed here and focus on those things that are. There is peace and joy that floods our being when we do.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Philippians 4:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 4:6 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 

Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi is encouraging them not be worried about things of this life.  He is not saying for us not to take care of any matters we need to address.  We do need to take care of our property and provide for our families.  As Paul wrote to Timothy, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8.  We are to take care of what God has given to us.  However, as the theologian Albert Barnes put it, “but that there is to be such confidence in God as to free the mind from anxiety.”  Jesus Himself put it this way.  “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:32-33. 

Paul goes on to say, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6b.  We are to trust God in everything; our needs and wants, everything regarding afflictions, embarrassment, trials, hurts and persecutions.  There is nothing we cannot go to our God with, whether it be regarding our bodies or minds, our hopes, dreams, conflicts, or fears.  And also, for anyone; ourselves, friends, families, strangers or even enemies. 

The Lord wants us to come to Him in everything.  We are to come to Him in both prayer and supplication.  The word ‘supplication’ is a stronger word than prayer.  It is the type of prayer which especially comes about from need or want in our lives.  And there is an especially important inclusion in this verse regarding prayer, with thanksgiving.  Whenever we lift up our requests to God, no matter what for, we need to be thankful.  Whether it be for needs, wants, or afflictions.  A good example of this is Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail.  “The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;” Acts 16:22-25.  They were beaten with rods, their feet placed in stocks and thrown into jail.  However, they were not anxious or complaining, they were praising God in the midst of their suffering.  And what happened?  God set them free. 

And what is the result of following our focus verse?  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. God will give us peace which surpasses our understanding.  And this peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ.  We must trust that God will be with us in all things, and that all He does and allows will work toward our good.  In other words, we must be content in all things.  “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how-to live-in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  God will supply all our needs, no matter what those needs are.  Contentment comes when we believe this and trust He will make it happen.  He promised us this, and He will bring it to pass.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Philippians 3:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 3:13 

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,” – Philippians 3:13            

Paul in this verse is being very real with the Philippians in his encouragement to them.  He tells them that as far as he is concerned, he does not consider himself to have attained anything that he so strongly longs for.  And we see a picture of that in the previous verse.  “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12. He has not attained the perfection that will come after the return of Christ. He has not as of yet been crowned with the crown of victory.  He is showing a deep humility to those in Philippi.  

However, because he has not laid hold of this, there is one thing he does do and that is encouraging them to do the same.  He wants them to continue in the faith.  He does not want them to be bogged down with their past, for there is nothing that can be done regarding it.  Do not look back but look forward.  And there are two ways to look at this and we will examine both.

First, those who look back are seeing the sin and wrong they have committed before becoming a Christian.  Often, people will focus on these things and wonder how can they be worthy to do the work of God.  One thing we must remember is that it was God who accounts us worthy to do His work, not us.  He died on the cross to remove these past sins from us.  We are not accountable to them anymore for the price was paid by Christ, the perfect sacrifice.  And we are not that old person anymore.  “Therefore, from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.” 2 Corinthians 5:16.  We must not recognize anyone who is in Christ, in the flesh, and this must include ourselves.  We must not look back on who we were then, but look at who we are now.  And how can we legitimately do this?  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.  We are not that person anymore.  In fact, that person does not exist anymore.  It has passed away.  And if it no longer exists, then why should we look back?  We are a new creature, we must look at what lies ahead for us, a beautiful and glorious future.

And the second way, looking back at what we were and had and longing for it again.  This is not a good thing.  God does not want us doing this.  Remember what happened to Lot’s wife.  God told them not to look back, however she did.  “But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26. Now I am not saying we can turn into salt but looking back at a former life that is not there anymore is not beneficial.  However, Jesus says if we do, then we are not worthy.  “But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62  If we look back in any way from following Him, then we can end up being unworthy.

Now that we are Christians, our past life is gone.  We are not that person anymore.  Therefore, we are called not to look back, but to look ahead to where we are going and that life which is eternal and glorious.  We are to accept the result of accepting the forgiveness for that past life, and then looking forward to the life to come.  I know I cannot wait to attain that wonderful existence, which surpasses infinitely that which I was before.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.