Monday 24/2/14

Philippians 2:3 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

As Christians, we must always check our heart. Are we doing for our selfish gain? Are we doing to gain recognition? We must be absolutely honest with ourselves, because we cannot deceive God.

The key to avoid such pitfall is to stay humble, counting others more significant than ourselves. We ought not to seek things for ourselves, but think of others, care for others, build up others, serve the greater good. God will bless us and take care of us.

Friday 14/02/14

Philippians 1:25-26 ESV

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Paul was in prison. He knew that to die is much better, as he would be with Christ in heaven. However, remaining in the flesh, although full of suffering, would enable him to serve Christ for the benefits of other Christians. This is his conviction, to remain and continue, so that he could help others to progress and have joy in the faith, so that in him, people can find ample cause to glory Christ.

Similarly, as Christians, no matter how much suffering & hardship we have to endure in the flesh, we must remain & continue, just like Paul. We can enjoy eternally in heaven with Christ. But now we live for Christ's work, to witness & evangelize, to support & serve others, to help people progress in the faith... So Christ will be glorified in our work.

Monday 10/2/14

Philippians 1:21-24 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Christians ought not to fear death, but to concern on what good they can do for the glory of God. Here Paul was sharing his view on living (be in the flesh) and dying (be with Christ). Being with Christ in heaven is far better. No more persecution, no more tear and heartaches, no more trials, sufferings & temptations of the flesh... However, being in the flesh allowed him to labour for Christ. Paul needed to stay in this world, in his flesh, to do God's work, which is necessary and important to all Christians.

In the same way, we ought not to seek comfort & enjoyment in this world. We will have them when we are with Christ in heaven. Our purpose in this world is to do the work of  Christ, sharing the Gospel, building the church, for the good of other people.

Sunday 19/1/14

Philippians 1:19-20 ESV

for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul was in prison. Whether he will die or live is uncertain. Paul certainly hoped for deliverance. His Christian friends also prayed for this. Nevertheless, the future was grim and Emperor Nero was persecuting Christians with death. Despite this, Paul was full of courage. He didn't want to live, but to bring honor to Christ with his body, whether in living or in dieing.

We know that Paul eventually martyred under Nero. But does it mean Christ has failed him? Not at all. Paul lived till 60s, full of age and finished his work. His death brought glory to Christ and demonstrated Christian unbending spirit. It was not his shame, but his crowning moment of glory.

Friday 17/1/14

Philippians 1:21-24 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

A Christian ought not to fear death. To die is to depart from the flesh and be with Christ in heaven, which is far better. No more temptation, pain and suffering of the flesh. However, to remain in the flesh and in this world means we can do fruitful labour for Christ. It's necessary for the work of the Church & helping others.

As a result, we must keep in mind that the purpose God let us stay in this world is for building our character, preaching the Gospel, helping others, and serving the Church. We can relax and enjoy eternally when we are with Christ in heaven. For now, just for a short while, we are here in this world to do fruitful labour for the cause of Christ. So minimize our enjoyment and focus on our work

Monday 13/1/14

Philippians 1:15-18 ESV

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

What does it affect us when others proclaim Christ out of self ambition? Or not sincerely but to afflict us in our difficulty? They do us no harm at all, as long as we sincerely do our work and proclaim Christ. Good people will see our good work and our good will. Therefore, we ought not to be troubled by selfish people who want to bad mouth & afflict us. Instead, we ought to rejoice because they help us proclaim Christ to everyone. Good people will recognize our good will & disregard their bad mouth. God will vindicate us

Friday 10/1/14

Philippians 1:14 ESV

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

When we are in perilous situation and the Lord sustains us, others can see His power & faithfulness. The experience strengthens their faith and make them trust in the Lord more. The more they are willing to rest in His providence, the bolder they become in speaking the word & acting according to His commandments, the less they fear the world and its worldly principles.

Therefore, the righteous shall walk by faith and not by sight. When we are right with God and following His commands, with faith & a lot of prayers, we can act against worldly wisdom and accept perilous situation, and trust in His providence & protection. When people see our victory in Him, they will be encouraged.