The Way, the Truth and the Life

“Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6a)

Not only is He the way to God in salvation, Jesus is the way to God in prayer. The Bible says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (I Timothy 2:5) Jesus is the believer’s high priest at the right hand of God, having ascended into heaven following forty days of resurrection appearances. He is there making intercession for us. We have the possibility and privilege of prayer because of the priesthood of Jesus. See also Romans 8:34.

Jesus continued His dialogue with Thomas by saying, “I am the truth.”  Jesus is the truth about God and about creation. He is the truth that sets men free. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)  He sets us free from sin and Satan. He frees us from false gods, false religions, false prophets and false philosophies.

Jesus said also, “I am the life.” When Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who had died, approached Jesus coming to Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)  He said also, “Because I live, ye shall live also.”(John 14:19)

Jesus is the Way

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

It was Thomas who had asked the question of Jesus, “How can we know the way?” So Jesus directed His answer to Thomas. Jesus saith unto “him…” not the others, although they were probably hearing the dialogue between Thomas and Jesus. Our Lord has time for each of us individually. We cannot ask Him a question too difficult for Him to answer. In His answer Jesus said, “I am the way.” He is not one of many ways. He is the only way to God.

A missionary in a distant land needed to go to a remote tribe deep in a jungle. Vegetation had grown over any sign of a trail. There was no path to be seen. There were no posted arrows showing the right direction. “Will someone please show me the way,” begged the missionary. A man who had been sent from the remote tribe came to him and said, “I cannot show you the way.” With that he turned his back to the missionary and said, “Get on my back. There is no trail. I am the way. I am here to take you to your destination.”

Jesus does not show us the way. He IS the way. He will take us to our heavenly home, our destination. There is no other Way. Trust your soul, your life and eternity to Him.

What Made Thomas Doubt?

“Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)

Just three days from this scene and conversation Jesus would appear in His resurrection body to the ten. Judas Iscariot had committed suicide and Thomas was not present. So when the others saw Jesus they told the absent Thomas. Thomas responded by saying, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

One wonders how many other times Thomas may have missed assembling with the others. It seems he had missed what Jesus had said about where He was going and how they could get there. “We don’t know where you are going or how to get there.” Somehow Thomas had missed that bit of news. Or maybe he had just forgotten.

What assurances, challenges and spiritual instructions have you missed along the way? We always miss something God has for us when we miss the fellowship of other believers and the message from God’s Word. I wonder what Thomas’ excuses were for missing? What are your excuses? Someone said, “Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.”

Keep Telling the Old, Old Story

“And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” (John 14:4)

Often when I am preparing a message to deliver to a small group or a large crowd, I realize they have heard all of it many times before. If someone attends church faithfully and regularly, instead of something new they hear reassurances of their faith every time they assemble with the other believers.  They hear the songs of assurance.  The message from the pulpit solidifies their faith. The testimonies of fellow believers are an encouragement to their faith. For those reasons we are “not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together with other believers.” (Hebrews 10:25) 

Vacation Bible School had ended on Friday. It was Sunday night, VBS Commencement or Family Night. A precious little five year old named Bonnie had been called on to recite her part. She stood on the platform and proudly said, “We just tell the old, old ‘tory.”  That’s what we Christians do.

Jesus was saying in effect, “I’m not telling you something I have not told you before. You know where I am going and you know the way.”

Coming to Receive Us

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)

“If I go…” is not to be interpreted as though He might not go, but rather, “seeing that I am going …” There was no question that He would be going away to prepare a place for His own. And, since that was true, He would come again and receive us.

I once knew a man who believed that the second coming of Jesus was the same as death for a child of God. For him, death and the second coming were one and the same. At death He does indeed come for us. But, that is not at all to be equated with the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus. At the Second Coming all the bodies of all the Christians who have died will be raised in resurrection. Immediately afterward the Christians who are alive will be taken up, snatched away, at what we call the rapture, (I Thessalonians 4:15-17)

In either case, when He comes for us at death or when He comes for us at His second coming we will be with Him. He longs for us to be with Him. I believe that is one of the reasons the Psalmist wrote, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)  He will enjoy our presence while we enjoy His presence.

A Prepared Place for Prepared People

"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

An old song says, “Lord, build me just a cabin in the corner of Glory Land.” At least two translations say, “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places.” One version has “resting place” here. And one I have seen has the word, “nests.” I don’t think I would enjoy sitting on a nest for all eternity. Nor would I enjoy living in a cabin when He has promised me a mansion.

He would have told us to be prepared for less if less were what He promised. A mansion would be a fitting place to welcome the King of Kings and other guests from the population of heaven over for a good Bible study and a time of singing and rejoicing. He has gone to prepare the place. We can be sure that whatever it looks like, it will be better than anything we could imagine down here. It’s a prepared place for prepared people. I encourage you that if you have not done so to make preparation for heaven by receiving Christ Jesus.

As Trustworthy as God

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

We often hear this passage of scripture read at funerals. It is very comforting and consoling in times of bereavement. However, these verses are appropriate any time.

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples on the evening before His crucifixion the next morning. They had heard Him speak of His death. They were troubled at His announcement that one of them would betray Him. They even questioned,“Master, is it I?”(Matt. 26:22)

When He said, “Ye believe in God, believe also in me,” He was reminding them that He was God in the flesh. (John 1:14)  He was verifying that He and the Father are one. (John 10:30)  God was totally trustworthy and so was He. Through His crucifixion, resurrection, post resurrection appearances and even through His ascension He was reassuring His disciples of His total trustworthiness.

Are you going through a difficult time?  We worship with fellow believers today and have been doing so for centuries because His followers believe He is trustworthy. You can trust Him completely.

Opportunities

“Do thy diligence to come before winter…” (II Timothy 4:21)

We have been experiencing temperatures in the nineties along with very high humidity. It doesn’t seem there should be any particular reason to be in a hurry to prepare for winter. From the way the young squirrels are scurrying about in our yard evidently they know something a lot of us humans don’t know.

Paul was in his final imprisonment. He is sending his last letter to Timothy, requesting that he come and when he does to bring some things he needs. Winter is coming and soon there will be no more ships coming that way until after spring and the passing of the winter storms. If Timothy waits until spring comes there will be no reason to make the journey. Paul will have been executed by then. So Paul is encouraging Timothy to come before winter while the opportunity exists.

You and I also have passing opportunities. The door of opportunity to be saved is one of those. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. Speaking a kind word to someone, sharing the gospel with a lost person, forgiving someone, apologizing to a family member are all passing opportunities. There are many others. We must do as Paul urged Timothy and use our opportunities for good while they exist. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

Give Heed to God’s Word

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (II Timothy 4:2)

These words were originally directed to the young pastor, Timothy. Some old preacher from years ago said, “The way to preach and not bring conviction or conversion is to preach against sin but don’t mention any sins of your own congregation.”

We live in a time when it seems many folks don’t know right from wrong and they don’t want to be told what’s right and wrong. Can you imagine Nathan the prophet going to King David’s house to confront him about his night with Bathsheba? David confessed his sin, was forgiven and his joy was restored.

We preachers are to preach hell as a place of torments, heaven as a wonderful place of sweet peace and Jesus, the Son of God, as the only way to miss hell and go to heaven. If we preachers are to preach the Word, reprove, correct, instruct, rebuke and exhort, then the folks in the pews are to give heed to and live by the Word of God. Don’t be like the fellow who was dying with cancer and changed doctors for one who would tell him everything was alright.  

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:2)

The most common sin for most churches as well as most individuals is not the sin of lust, greed, covetousness, hatred, adultery, theft or drunkenness. It is the sin of prayerlessness. The greatest privilege we Christians have is prayer. Prayer is also our most neglected resource for living the Christian life.

We need to be taught two things according to our verse. First, we need to ask our Lord to just teach us to pray, to call on Him. We must stop putting off praying. Second, we need also to learn HOW  to pray.  He gives us the Model Prayer, known by many as the Lord’s Prayer. These are probably the two greatest things you and I can learn: learn to pray and learn how to pray.

Grow

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever.” (II Peter 3:18)

Many years ago I was acquainted with a family in which there was a son who was about sixteen years old. He could not feed, bathe nor dress himself. He could not speak except in squeals and grunts. He wore a diaper. He had never played with other children nor participated in sports. The excitement of bringing home a new baby from the hospital was replaced by the sad reality of this child’s condition.

In practically every church there are children of God who have experienced the “new birth.” But they have remained babes in Christ. Our text is addressed to all believers, since the subject is “ye,” which is plural in number. We are to be always growing in the Lord and showing some evidence of Christian growth.  The verb “to grow” is in the active voice which means each one is responsible for his own growth. It is in the imperative mood which means we are commanded to grow.

Let us graduate from the church nursery, clothe ourselves in the whole armor of God, feed on the Word of God, get proper exercise by walking in the Spirit and by running with patience the rest set before us and rest at the feet of Jesus. Grow!!!

Amazing Grace

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” (Philippians 4:23)

The word “grace” means unearned or unmerited favor. God’s grace is the unmerited favor of God to man. The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)  When Paul was struggling with his “thorn in the flesh,” he prayed three times that God would remove it. God responded by saying, “My grace is sufficient for thee…” (II Corinthians 12:9)

In all thirteen of Paul’s letters the word “grace” is used in the first verse or near the first verse. In this epistle he extends his desire for grace upon them in 1:2 and then again here in verse 23. He excludes no one from his desire for God’s favor to be upon them.

Indeed, none of us is excluded from God’s grace and favor. I look all around and I see His grace abounding toward me. I look back and I see His grace at work saving me, keeping me and calling me into the ministry. As you and I look toward the future we see His grace in abundance preparing us for heaven and then taking us to be with Him.

Greeting the Saints

“Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:21-22)

There are no second class citizens in the Kingdom of God. Every believer, every Christian, every saved person, every person who has received the New Birth is classed as a “saint.” The word, “saint” comes from the same word as “sanctify” which means, “to be set apart.” Believers are set apart from the world system to the Lord. Paul addresses the Philippian letter in 1:1, “to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi.”

In the closing verses of this letter all the saints back home in Philippi are to be greeted. None are excluded. The brethren with Paul in prison are saints. They send their greeting along with the saints in Caesar’s household. Saints in Caesar’s household would be the slaves, servants, prison guards, cooks, field hands, dignitaries and anyone in Caesar’s employment who had received Christ as their Savior.

One can see God’s hand upon the great imprisoned apostle as, from his cell, he leads one, then another and another to Christ. And those won to Christ tell a fellow servant and he tells another, and he tells another and another and another…

Hard times, difficulties, imprisonments and threats cannot stop the spread of the gospel.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

“Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)

Many times the singing of the doxology in the Sunday morning worship service is a meaningless ritual performed with little or no thought or enthusiasm. Not so with Paul’s doxology recorded in our text.

It is part of the inspired text along with the entire epistle to the Philippians. The theme of the letter has been the joy of knowing the Lord and the joy of loving one another. God has called us to rejoice in the Lord always. Then we are reminded that no gift, however large or small, will go unnoticed by the Lord. Finally, we are told that God through His abundance will supply our need as we serve Him.

This doxology comes from the pen of one who cannot contain himself as he thinks of the overwhelming goodness of God. May that be our attitude and exuberant praise the next time we sing the doxology.

God is Not Bankrupt

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

There is a big difference between “needs” and “wants.” Jesus had no earthly possessions of His own, even though He created all things. Birds have their nests and foxes have their dens, but the Son of man had no place to lay His head. When He died on the cross He had no tomb or grave of His own, but was buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb.  

The context of our Scripture verse is that Paul had been thankfully acknowledging the Philippians’ sacrificial gift. They had given beyond their ability. (II Corinthians 8:3) He now assures them that God would supply their need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God always knows what we give. He also knows what we need. You and I cannot out-give God. He will be debtor to no one. When we sacrificially give and serve Him, He will supply our needs and many times even our wants. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is not bankrupt. Walk in faith trusting Him to supply your needs.

Let Your Giving Be a Sweet Sacrifice to God

“Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate (share) with my affliction.” (Philippians 4:14)

When I was a pastor when offering time came on Sunday morning I made it a point not to call attention to the bills as a reason for giving. Rather, I would encourage the folks to give because they loved Jesus. I believe that raises our giving to a much higher and nobler purpose.

Paul had said that he could live on meager fare but that they did well in sending their gift. In the next verses through verse eighteen he lets them know that they were the only church that shared with him.  “Your gift to me was as a sweet sacrifice to God,” he said.

When you and I give to our churches or to a legitimate ministry, we should give it as if it is a gift to God.

Strength for Living

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

This verse, when taken out of context, has been interpreted to mean that if one is a Christian he can do as was said of the fictitious character Superman in the comic books. He was “able to leap tall buildings with a single bound.” 

In its context, which is the way all Scripture should be interpreted, the verse is saying, “I can face both fullness and hunger through the power of Christ living in me. I can face whatever comes my way through Christ.”

Any child of God, living in the will and purpose of God, can do whatever God calls on him to do in the will of God. He can withstand Satan’s temptations to do evil. He can live a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness and temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23)  He can rejoice in difficulties, trials and hardships in the power and strength of the indwelling Christ. The secret is to be surrendered to Christ Jesus and to walk with Him at all times. 

Contentment

“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.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

Experience is an excellent teacher. Paul had learned from experience, not a little study course, how to be content. We are told that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” and, “having food and clothing let us be content.” (I Timothy 6:6, 8) 

Paul’s words to the Philippians were not to be taken as a further appeal for help from them. Our deprivation in the lean times as well as our abundance in the good times can teach us how to be content with God’s provision, however large or small it may be.  The lesson is that we must learn to lean on Jesus in the best of times and the worst of times. “Give us this day our daily bread,” is not a popular prayer these days, but it is a genuine prayer of faith.

A Worthy Jail Ministry

“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 you lacked opportunity.” (Philippians 4:10)

A jail ministry is not necessarily a dozen or so people with an electronic keyboard going to the local jail and singing and preaching, although that is a legitimate jail ministry. In Paul’s case jail ministry was provided by the church of Philippi sending a gift to sustain him. Apparently they had helped him before but the opportunity to help had changed.

One wonders where was the assistance from the other churches the great apostle had helped?  Where was the Jerusalem church in particular? When the opportunity came again, there were the saints of Philippi giving beyond their means.  (See also II Corinthians 8:1-5) Their help was seen as “flourishing.”

I am reminded of the Biblical admonition which says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)  Opportunities to help fellow believers are all around us. We need not wait for a special autographed invitation to lend a hand to saints in need.

Invite the God of Peace to Dwell Within

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise think on these things. Those things, which ye have learned, and received, and heard and seen in me do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

What we are witnessing today on our televisions, on social media, in magazines and the movies is comparable to backing a garbage truck up to our front door and inviting the driver to dump the entire load of filth and garbage on our living room floor and then asking him to, “bring us another load of your worst filth each day from now on.” If you don’t want to think about garbage, don’t load your mind with it. One does not stop thinking evil, sinful, lustful and terrible thoughts by saying, “I’m not going to think about that anymore.” He is then thinking about what he is trying to avoid thinking about. The Bible gives the formula: think the good thoughts and don’t allow room for the bad thoughts.

Our text lists eight areas where we should let our thoughts dwell. The only way to keep the thoughts of dirty talk, filthy jokes and ungodly books from the past out of our minds is to dwell on the good things about which Paul speaks here. Walk with the Lord today, and be a blessing.

Are You Full of Care

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Someone said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: a whole lot of action but you get nowhere.” Instead of being “full of care,” we are encouraged to turn everything over to God in prayer while thanking Him. An old hymn says, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”

Elizabeth Cheny wrote:

                        Said the robin to the sparrow:

                        “I should really like to know

                        Why these anxious human beings

                        Rush about and worry so.”

                        Said the sparrow to the robin:

                        “I suppose that it must be

                        That they have no heavenly Father

                        Such as watches you and me.”

When we cease worrying and turn our cares over to Him we will have peace beyond understanding.

The Lord is Near

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)

The word “moderation” in the KJV used here, means “gentleness” or “graciousness.”  Here are two Christian women, Euodias and Syntyche, in the same church, dedicated to the Lord and to His work. Apparently they are expressing the opposite of gentleness and graciousness, just as many believers today are capable of doing in unguarded moments.

The writer reminds all who read these lines that “the Lord is at hand.” Two truths are evident here. First, the Lord’s return is near or imminent or at hand. Secondly, “the Lord is at hand” means that He is always present in the believer. What better way to draw us to our senses and to cease bickering with fellow believers than to remind us of these two basic Christian beliefs. He is always near. Let us live that truth.

Rejoice in the Lord

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

It’s easy to rejoice when all is going well, when we are on the mountain top, when the children are well, all the bills are paid and the car is running correctly. But, what about when our health is failing, the children are sick, you can’t pay your bills and it just seems as if life is falling apart?

Our text admonishes us to always rejoice in the Lord. The Psalmist said he “rejoiced at God’s word as one who finds great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162) Jesus told His followers to, “rejoice because their names were written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) When King David’s joy was gone because of his sin, he confessed it and asked God to, “restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.” (Psalm 51:12)

When you feel there is nothing about which to rejoice and you don’t feel like rejoicing, follow the command and rejoice in the Lord. Give Him praise always.

Clement Who?

“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.” (Philippians 4:3)

Often times we need help doing the Lord’s work. I am reminded of the four unnamed men who carried their paralyzed friend to see Jesus. Unable to get to the door of the house, they lifted the man up to the roof, broke a hole in it and lowered the man into the presence of Jesus. The man was healed, thanks to their unified faith effort.

The “yokefellow” mentioned in our text was probably his real name. His name described his workability. The women were Euodias and Syntyche, who although at odds with each other now, had labored with Paul in the gospel. “The women” perhaps include some women from Lydia’s household, the first converts in Philippi. There is Clement who is mentioned nowhere else in the Bible, but a co-laborer just the same. And then there were those whose names we will not know until we get to heaven. Their names are written in the book of life.

You may have strong opinions about how the Lord’s work and the church should be done. But remember, there are some dear precious saints who love the Lord as much as you do. We must enlist their help in the gospel effort.

The Ripple Effect

“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2)

In my memory there is a large farm pond as clear as crystal, which is unusual for a farm pond. In those days there were dead, sun-bleached chestnut trees standing around the edges of the pond. Buddies of mine and I arrived there one day for a swim and we all noticed how smooth the surface of the water was until someone skipped a flat rock across the surface. The ripples went all across the pond.

The church of Philippi, when heeding the Biblical writer, had the same placidness as that pond. But, two women had an unnamed problem between them, not important enough to mention in the Bible, and the ripples had reached the attention of Paul in prison in Rome. Through their differences they were threatening the fellowship of the church and it had to stop. Left untended people would start taking sides in the conflict.                                                                            

We tend to make our differences with fellow church members of more importance than they are. We’ve all heard them, what color should the new carpet be? What should the new chandeliers look like? And so on.

Hopefully, the admonitions and directives in this letter brought an end to their dispute. The directives in this letter can bring peace to any church.

Therefore

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Philippians 4:1)

The word, “therefore,” ties the first eighty-one verses of this epistle to the last twenty three. The word answers the “so what” or “why” of that which came before.

The apostle has told us that he thanks God for every remembrance of the Philippians. (1:3) He has reminded them that God began the work of redemption in them and that He will complete it. (1:6) He admonishes them to stand firm and to be united in the church. (1:27) He reminded to let the mind of Christ be in them. (2:5-8) He told them of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (2:8-11) He encouraged them to put the past behind them. (3:4-10) Paul tells them of the enemies of the cross of Christ. (3:17-19) Finally, in chapter three He reminds them that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are looking for the return of the Lord Jesus. (3:20-21)

The labels he uses here in our text tell us how deeply he loved these saints in Philippi. With more yet to be said, and on the basis of what he has said to them in the first three chapters, he tells them to stand fast or firm in Christ. Loving someone, be it a family member, a friend on the job or a fellow believer, does not excuse lax living for them or for us.

When He Shall Appear

“…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.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

Everyone on earth, since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, lives in a cursed and corruptible body, or as our text says, a “vile” body. We are subject to sickness, disease and all sorts of infirmities of the flesh and mind. But we are looking for and anticipating the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. John says, “When He shall appear we shall be like Him.” (I John 3:2)

It will be wonderful to “be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality. (I Corinthians 15:51-53)

What ailments are plaguing your body? It’s going to be much better when Jesus returns. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.

Citizens of Heaven in a Sinful World

“For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

Today is “Independence Day” in the United States of America, the time when the nation’s citizens celebrate our independence from Great Britain. I am proud to be an American Citizen.  As citizens we are to abide by the laws of the land, pledge our allegiance and carry out that allegiance in daily living. Let’s wave our flags, shoot our fire-works and have our picnics. It’s time to celebrate.

Paul has declared that the enemies of the cross have destruction awaiting them. (Philippians 3:19) On the other hand, our text says that we Christians are already citizens of heaven even while living here. Someone said “Our citizenship is in heaven, but we still have to live down here.” We have a “dual” citizenship. Just as an American citizen owes his allegiance to America, so we citizens of heaven owe our allegiance to heaven. We are not independent from God. Our King is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We anticipate His return to this earth to claim His own. The Christian’s life, unlike the life of the enemy of the cross, does not end in destruction. Our lives end in heaven. Live as a friend of Jesus.

Where is Your Leader Leading You

“…The enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” (Philippians 3:18-19)

The Bible is a book of contrasts. There is the contrast of darkness and light, of good and evil, of peace and war, of heaven and hell. The Bible contains contrasts that are too numerous to mention here.

The Bible also contrasts examples of people who have followed Godly leaders and of others who have followed ungodly leaders.  The Apostle Paul encourages his readers to follow him as he follows the Lord. On the other hand, there are the enemies of the cross of Christ that folks may follow. But he declares up front the final outcome of the lives of the enemies of the cross of Christ. Hell awaits the enemies of the cross of Christ and those who follow them.

He gives descriptions of the enemies of the cross of Christ. First of all, their God is their belly or fleshly appetite. They live to satisfy the flesh. And secondly, whereas Paul said in Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…,” these enemies’ glory is in their shame, their licentious lifestyle. And third, their attention is given to earthly things such as houses, lands, money, things, entertainment and sports events rather than heavenly things.

Enemies of the Cross

“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.” (Philippians 3:18)

The most horrendous execution by which any thief or murderer would ever be put to death was that of crucifixion on a Roman Cross. It was the choice of the enemies of the Son of God to rid themselves of Him once and for all. It was the means which God chose to let the world know how much He was willing to give to save sinners from hell.

That someone would be the enemy of the love shown at the cross and the price God was willing to pay for man’s salvation and redemption is beyond all comprehension and understanding. Paul said that telling his readers about those enemies of the cross brought weeping. He said there were “many” who were enemies of the cross. The descendants of those first century enemies of the cross abound today.

Leaders and Followers

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.” (Philippians 3:17)

In another place the great apostle told his readers, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” ( I Corinthians 11:1)  Whether or not we realize it, there are people observing us and following our example.

A “shade tree mechanic” friend of mine was working on his car in his front yard. Every time he went under his car his four year old son did the same. When he went to his tool box to look for a tool the son went also. An old Christian man was observing this from across the street. The old man went over and greeted his neighbor and said, “Your little boy wants to be just like you and is taking every step you make. You have a responsibility to be saved and live for Christ in front of the little fellow.”  That was more than forty years ago.  Today the dad and his son are actively involved in the church.  The old neighbor is now with Jesus.

Paul says, “As long as I am following Christ, follow me.”  Where is your example taking others who follow you?