The Six Days of Christmas (Day 1) Once in Royal David's City

   Photo by Lynda Hinton on Unsplash

One Carol in Six Days

Over this advent season, for the six days leading up to Christmas, we take a closer look at the Christmas carol, "Once in Royal David's City."

The author is the well-known hymn-writer Cecil Frances Alexander who penned All Things Bright and Beautiful, There is a Green Hill far Away, and this beautiful carol. Any one of these three hymns would have secured her memory in history.

Inspired to make high doctrine simple for children, Once in Royal David's City was published in "Hymns for Little Children" which appeared in 1848. So we are singing a carol written over 170 years ago.

Cecil Frances Alexander

Here is Verse 1:

Once in Royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for his bed:
Mary was that Mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.

Royal David's City?

Cecil is thinking of Bethlehem, the place where Jesse and his sons lived (1 Samuel 16). When the prophet Samuel came by to annoint the next king of Israel, David was the last son anyone imagined would be God's choice. 

He was the youngest and a "mere" out-in-the-fields shepherd.

And yet this is so often God's way, is it not? He chooses the things - and the people - and the methods - the world despises. Let's never write anyone off.  Jesus himself would one day be called the stone which the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42). 

As great a king David was, he was only the forerunner of God's True King who's kingdom would never end, the King who would one day be born in David's hometown, Bethlehem.

From Nazareth to Bethlehem

Joseph and Mary were obliged by law to make the trip to Bethlehem to get their names into a census the Roman Empire was conducting. It was not the best time to travel, for Mary was expecting a child. Not Joseph's child, but the divine Son of God. 

How they made that trip no-one knows. Christmas cards place Mary on a donkey and for sure that could have been the mode of transport.

The Scriptures do not dwell on details that make it into gossip columns, so all we know is that when they arrived they took up residence in a less-than suitable place of abode. Not surprising since the town would have been packed out with other census goers.

The mere fact that Mary and Joseph were obeying the law of the land speaks to their run-of-the-mill godliness and integrity. Does God ever entrust mighty works to those who do not prove themselves in smaller duties? I think not.

"Placed him in a manger"

We read that after Jesus was born, Mary wrapped him in cloths and "placed him in a manger."

No mother would by choice deposit their precious newborn in the dirty trough of an animal. Instead mothers and fathers spend good money to make their child as comfortable as possible - especially if it is their first.

What did Mary think of this arrangement, we wonder? Did she tick Joseph off for not finding better habitat? Did she complain to God that he had not ordained more suitable accommodation? In her disappointment did she doubt - for a moment - the whole account Gabriel had given, wondering how the God of heaven could possibly allow the the King of heaven to be born in a stable? It would be strange if Mary did not have questions and doubts like these.

If only she knew

If only Mary knew that the world her Son came to save was poor and being born among the animals would fit him to be the ideal Saviour of that world.

We live in a radically rich-poor world divide. 1% of the world's population hold 45% of its wealth, 10% own 82% of it. Many of the world's huddled masses are materially poor. Around 10% live in extreme material poverty. Covid has driven another 100 million people in the same direction. 

True poverty, of course, has nothing to do with possessions or wealth. True poverty is a spiritual matter. And the whole wide world without Jesus Christ is bankrupt, lacking a Saviour who can provide them with the riches of God's mercy  and lacking purpose in life.

When Mary laid her precious child into that animal trough, she was unwittingly identifying her child with the impoverished world He came to save. 

He became poor not only to identify with the poor but to make them rich.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

A Prayer for the Day

O Lord God, your ways are higher than our ways, just as your thoughts are higher than ours. Our ways would have placed the Messiah in a golden crib, guarded by Roman soldiers and sited in a palace. 

But then, O Lord, few could have identified with him. Instead you ordained that he would be born of an ordinary nobody, Mary, in backwater Bethlehem, and most especially in a stall belonging to animals.

We thank you for this strange detail of the story and worship you because in all of our lostness and poverty we have someone who can both empathise with us and save us.

We thank you for your Son and we thankyou for the manger.

In the Name of Jesus

Amen

The Six Days of Christmas Blogs: Monday 20th - Saturday 25th December

 

 Photo by Lynda Hinton on Unsplash

Starting on Monday 20th December, six daily Christmas blogs, working through the verses of "Once in Royal David's City"

Join us each day!

Christian Contentment - A Study through Philippians (12)

 

Today's blog was written by Martin Davids

Unlocking Christian Contentment.

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:10-23)

So we come to the end of Philippians and the final blog in the series on Christian contentment.  

The seven ‘keys’ to Christian Contentment.  

First, the contented Christian is secure in God’s providence. Paul writes in verse 10, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” The Philippian believers had great concern for Paul, but because he was constantly on the move, and also because there was no WhatsApp or email, they often did not know where Paul was located.  The point to be made is that Paul was utterly secure in God’s providence. He knew that God would provide for him at exactly the right time. Do you want to be content? It starts with a secure confidence in God’s providence.

Second, the contented Christian is satisfied in whatever situation. Paul writes in verse 11, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” This statement flows from the previous one. Paul was chained to a Roman soldier, living in tiny quarters, and subsisting on a meagre diet. Nevertheless, he could affirm his complete contentment, in spite of his circumstances. True contentment comes only from God, and enables believers to be satisfied and at ease in the midst of any problem.”

Third, the contented Christian is fulfilled in every circumstance. Paul elaborates on verse 11. He writes in verse 12, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Paul had wonderful highs, and he had miserable lows.  Yet, in every circumstance, he was content. However, it did not just happen. He says that he “learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Contentment was not a personality attribute. It was not a character trait. No. Paul learned to be content. Few Christians experience the trials and difficulties that Paul did. Let us learn to be content in every circumstance.

Fourth, the contented Christian is strengthened through Christ. Paul writes in verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This is one of the most misinterpreted verses in all of Scripture. It is used as an inspirational verse to mean, “I can do anything through him who strengthens me” or “I can do everything through him who strengthens me.” But that is not what verse 13 means.  As with any passage of Scripture, the context governs its meaning. Paul is saying that in every circumstance in which he finds himself, whether facing plenty or in hunger, whether in abundance or in need, he will be divinely strengthened to do anything and everything that God calls him to do. He is convinced that as he goes about his ministry, Christ will give him the strength to accomplish his calling.

Fifth, the contented Christian is resting in God’s promise. Paul writes in verses 14-16, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.” He affirms the Philippians for their support of him. In fact, in verse 18 he writes, “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” In verse 17, Paul says that his joy was not because of the material benefit that the Philippians’ gift brought to him, but because of the spiritual benefit their gift was to them, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” And so Paul concludes this section with a wonderful affirmation in verse 19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  Of all the promises in God’s word, Philippians 4:19 is the most precious. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Whatever your need, not your wants, God will supply it. The contented Christian is resting in God’s promise.

Sixth, the contented Christian is consumed with God’s glory. Paul writes in verse 20, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Paul would affirm the answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” He was consumed with the glory of God. And that should be our goal too. True contentment lies in being consumed with the glory of God.

And seventh, the contented Christian is filled with God’s grace. Paul writes a final greeting in verse 21-22, “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.” And then Paul concludes his letter with verse 23, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Paul understood that the Christian life, from start to finish, is a life of grace. We are the recipients of God’s grace, and contentment is found in knowing and experiencing the grace of God every moment of every day in our lives.

Summing it all up.

John Piper is well known for his statement, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” That is really a statement about contentment. True contentment is found only in God. So, let us find all our satisfaction in God, and we will discover true and lasting contentment.

Prayer for the day.

Our Gracious God,

We thank you for your Word, that we might learn through it and through the example of your faithful servant Paul what it means to be content as a Christian.  This last year has brought us many new challenges and when we look at our circumstances it is easy to feel overwhelmed and far from content.  May we take encouragement through what we have learned today and apply it to our lives that we might find true contentment in you. 

We ask in Jesus’ name and for His glory.

Amen.   

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Christian Contentment - A Study through Philippians (11)

 

Today's blog was written by Martin Davids

Stand Firm

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have laboured side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:2-9)

Contentment comes from standing firm

When it comes to doctrine, there are lines in the sand which we must defend. However, when the problems are personal or relational or secondary, Paul wants believers “to agree in the Lord.” Euodia and Syntyche apparently had some kind of disagreement. Paul does not say what it is. I don’t think it is a doctrinal issue, because if it were, Paul would have addressed that as he always did in his letters. Paul notes that the women are believers. Indeed, their names, along with Clement and the rest of Paul’s fellow workers “are in the book of life.”

The vast majority of church splits are not over doctrine. They are over personal and relational issues. People break fellowship about a program, or hurt over a comment, or frustrated over something secondary, and they leave the church. Paul’s point is that to stand firm in the Lord we must agree in the Lord.

Next, to stand firm in the Lord we must rejoice in the Lord always. Paul writes in verse 4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” The joy that appears in Philippians is a particular kind of joy—the joy of contentment even in difficult circumstances. Keep in mind Paul is awaiting his sentence, which could be a death sentence. It is in this particular setting that he is encouraging the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord always.” So, to stand firm in the Lord we must agree in the Lord, and we must rejoice in the Lord always.

Third, to stand firm in the Lord we must be reasonable. The Greek word in verse 5 is the opposite of being contentious or self-seeking, which is why the ESV opts for “reasonableness.” We all struggle with self, don’t we? We want to be known for our work ethic, or our looks, or our humour, or our wisdom, or our Bible teaching, or our prayer life, or, for preachers, our preaching. We all struggle with self.  Paul goes on to say why we must be reasonable. He writes, “The Lord is at hand.” That could mean that we should live in light of the Lord’s second advent. But, I think it more likely means that the Lord is with us wherever we are. He sees where we go, he hears what we say, and he knows what we think. So, to stand firm in the Lord we must agree in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord always, and be reasonable.

To stand firm in the Lord we must not be anxious about anything.  Now, the difficulty for most of us is that when we hear the command not to be anxious about anything, we don’t know how to do that. Hasn’t that been the challenge for us for the last year of Covid? How do I stop being anxious? Paul goes on to tell us how. He writes in verse 6, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” The remedy for anxiety is prayer. You are anxious about something. So, Paul says, pray about it. Pray about it fervently. Pray about it until you have the peace of God in your heart and mind. So, to stand firm in the Lord we must agree in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord always, be reasonable, and not be anxious about anything.

Finally, to stand firm in the Lord we must think holy thoughts. We need to keep in mind that God not only knows what I do and say, but he also knows my thoughts. When I first learned computer programming in school, we learning the acronym “GIGO,” which means, “garbage in, garbage out.” That is true for our minds as well. If we put garbage into our heads, then we can expect garbage to come out. However, if we think holy thoughts, we can expect to grow in holiness. Paul goes on to say in verse 9, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Practically, Paul wants us to imitate Christians who are further along than we are. Find godly Christians to imitate and from whom to learn. And, as you do so, as you “practice these things, the God of peace will be with you.”

Summing it up

How do we find contentment in an ever-changing world?  We do so by standing firm.  In a battle, to “stand firm” is a defensive action. It can be very hard and difficult. It does not just happen. Soldiers must be well-trained, and they must work well together in order to hold the ground they have won. The Christian life is also a battle. We battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The battle is, at times, very hard and difficult. Standing firm takes hard work and discipline.  Brothers and sisters, let me encourage you to stand firm. Let me encourage you to be disciplined and work hard at standing firm in the Lord. According to Paul, to stand firm in the Lord we must agree in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord always, be reasonable, not be anxious about anything, and think holy thoughts.

Prayer for the day.

Our Father in heaven,

Ad we face the battles of our day; from the world, our flesh and the devil help us to stand firm.  Let us never be swayed by petty squabbles or gossip that would seek to disrupt the fellowship – let us flee from such divisive people and be quick to reconcile with those we ourselves have offended.  Help us to rejoice in all circumstances and not be overcome with anxiety.  Finally, we ask for the aid of the Holy Spirit to guard our minds against impurity that we not sin against you. 

For we ask all this in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.   

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Christian Contentment - A Study through Philippians (10)

 

Today's blog was written by Martin Davids

Running the Race

12 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. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.  19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. (Philippians 3:12-4:1)

I know a number of people at Manor Park are runners.  I’m not, well at least not long distance.  I was however, at school, very good over a short distance (100 and 200 metre sprints).  When practising and training for these events our PE teacher would drum into us; focus just beyond the finishing line.  Never turn your head to see who is coming.  At speed and over such a short distance that would cause us to run a wonky line or trip up.  

Face to face

Most commentators would say that Paul uses sporting analogies in his writing and here we can imagine him thinking about a long-distance runner pursuing the finishing line. However, Paul applies this to his life and pursuit of Christ. He writes in verse that he wants to “gain Christ” and “know him.” Paul wants to behold Jesus face-to-face. That is why Paul says that he has not “already obtained this” or is “already perfect.” Paul knows that this will only happen when he beholds Jesus face-to-face.  It seems that Paul’s driving resolve was to see Jesus face-to face. That is why he goes on to say “…but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

Actually, the language in the Greek is a little more colourful. Paul says, “…but I am pursuing, if indeed I may seize (it) for I was seized by Christ Jesus.” Paul is thinking of his Damascus Road experience, where Jesus “seized” Paul for himself. Now, Paul says, his life resolve is to “seize” Jesus. He lives for him. He serves him. He suffers for him. His entire life is to seize the one who seized him.

Pursuit is involved in straining toward the goal.  Paul is very conscious that he has not yet arrived. He is not yet perfect. He is certainly a new creation in Christ, but he does not yet see Jesus face-to-face. Paul has a single-minded goal: “But one thing I do….” Paul was clearly involved in all kinds of ministry. He was a preacher, teacher, author, pastor, counsellor, evangelist, and so on. But, all those roles and functions flow out of his supreme ambition.  Paul forgets the past. He strains forward to the future. And presses on toward the goal in the present.

In verse 15, Paul was writing against the false teachers. They believed that it was possible to attain perfection in this life. Paul did not believe that. Mature Christians know that they are still on the journey toward.  Paul wants the Philippians to continue pursuing Jesus. He wants them to continue running the race that they had started. We do not believe in sinless perfection in this life. We know that the Christian life is a journey, a race, toward the time when we will behold the glory of the Lord and enjoy perfect and sinless communion with him.

A warning.

Sadly, though, not everyone who professes to be a Christian is in fact a Christian. The Bible is full of warnings to false professors (verse 18). We must never think that just because a person prays the “sinner’s prayer,”, gets baptized, and so on, is necessarily a true Christian. In verse 19 Paul goes on to give four brief warnings of those who make a false profession of faith.  Paul’s warning is simply that the way we live, the things we desire, the things in which we boast, the things that occupy our thinking tell whether or not we are true Christians. Interestingly, in this warning, Paul says nothing about faith. Instead, he is saying that our lifestyle reveals whether or not we have true faith.

Our future hope and summing it up

Paul wanted to assure true believers about their eternal destiny and status. So, he said in verses 20-21 that when Jesus returns, he will transform our bodies into glorified bodies. This will, of course, only take place at the Second Coming of Jesus. When we die, our bodies go into the ground and our spirits go to heaven. It is in that moment of death that believers will see Jesus face-to-face. And then we will wait for the consummation of all things, when Jesus returns a second time, and inaugurates the new heaven and the new earth.

Exhortation is involved in straining toward the goal. Paul concludes this section in verse 1 of chapter 4, “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” Paul’s final exhortation to mature believers is simply, “…stand firm thus in the Lord.” In other words, believe that you will see Jesus face-to-face. Know that he has seized you. Therefore, live your life so as to seize him. Pursue the Lord with purpose and passion.

Prayer for the day.

Lord,

As we go through each day help us to keep our eyes focused upon you.  We long for the day that we see Jesus face to face but Lord, we are so aware that you have much for us to do in our journey.  Forgive us when we do not live up to the standards that you have set and may we be always repenting when we fail.  Give us strength through your Holy Spirit to run the race set before us.  Give us greater love for you and for each other.

We ask for the sake of Jesus.

Amen. 

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Christian Contentment - A Study through Philippians (9)

 

Today's blog is written by Martin Davids

Contentment in being a true convert.

 

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:1-11)

 

Characteristics of Those Who Have Right Standing Before God.

Paul wanted the Philippians to know that a characteristic of believers is that they “rejoice in the Lord.” It is important to notice that this rejoicing is not a disconnected joy, but it is a rejoicing “in the Lord.” In other words, Paul connected rejoicing with a relationship. As John MacArthur says, “The sphere in which their joy exists is in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Second, they look out for false teachers. Paul wanted to warn the Philippians about false teachers. The false teachers were teaching that in order for a person to be saved he had to be circumcised. In other words, he had to obey the Old Testament law regarding circumcision. But, they did not understand that outward circumcision was not a requirement for salvation. God wanted a circumcised heart, their insistence on circumcision did nothing to provide salvation; it only mutilated the flesh.

Third, they worship by the Spirit. Any person can go through the outward form of worship. But, only a believer is enabled to worship by the Spirit of God, because true worship is supernatural in origin.

Fourth, they glory in Christ Jesus. The word “glory” has the sense of “to boast” or “to exult in.” Those who have right standing before God know that it is not because of anything within themselves; they stand before God because of what Christ Jesus has done. So, they glory in, they boast about, they exult in Christ Jesus.

And fifth, they put no confidence in the flesh. Those who have right standing before God know that they were utterly incapable of earning or meriting salvation. They know that their confidence—their only confidence—lies in what Christ Jesus has done for them and not in what they have done to earn salvation.

Advantages That Do Not Contribute to Right Standing Before God

Paul’s point in stating his ancestral advantages is that sacrament “circumcised on the eighth day”, nationality “of the people of Israel”, and family “the tribe of Benjamin” do not contribute anything at all to right standing before God. But, what about achieved advantages?

First, the achieved advantage of tradition does not contribute to right standing before God. Paul went on to write that he was “a Hebrew of Hebrews”.  Second, the achieved advantage of religion does not contribute to right standing before God. When Paul got old enough, he was so zealous that as to the law, he became a Pharisee.  Third, the achieved advantage of zeal does not contribute to right standing before God. As further evidence of his zeal, Paul was a persecutor of the church.  Fourth, the achieved advantage of outward righteousness does not contribute to right standing before God. Paul wrote in verse 6, “…as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”  Yet, none of this brought Paul peace or contentment for he wrote, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” In other words, whatever supposed advantages Paul had, they counted for nothing when he encountered Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. The things that Paul once thought so important to his right standing before God were actually loss.

Benefits That Belong to Those Who Have Right Standing Before God  

One could take all the advantages in the world, all the riches in the world, all the religions of the world, and it would never make us content in fact just the opposite; it is all a loss in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. Nothing in the entire world compares to knowing Jesus. That is why Paul could go and write, “For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him”

Paul realized that his own righteousness was as filthy rags in God’s sight. Paul’s righteousness counted for nothing. Christ’s righteousness counted for everything. All he had to do was trust that Jesus credit Paul with Christ’s own righteousness.

Summing it up.

Let us be sure that we are in Christ. Let us not be deceived about our spiritual condition. We are not right with God because we were baptized, or born into a Christian home, or had family members who were Christians. Nor are we right with God because we go to the right church or denomination, serve in church, try to obey the Ten Commandments, or are zealous for the Lord. There are many ‘religious’ people who run after these things for years and never find happiness or contentment.

We as Christians find our contentment in the fact that we have come into a right standing before God. And there is only one way in which that happens (repentance and faith), and it is when the righteousness of Christ is credited to us, and we believe it. Our righteousness is worthless, but Christ’s righteousness is acceptable to God. So, let us trust in Christ alone and his righteousness for our salvation. That is the only way we may have right standing before God. Amen.

Prayer for the day.

Father,

We confess that so many times we have tried to serve in in our own might.  Have, like Paul sought to find the source of our right standing with you in our own deeds and perceived works of righteousness.  Help us to see that without the righteousness of Christ that we are lost and without hope.  Let us boast only in the finished work of your Son and find our contentment only in him.

We ask in Jesus’ name

Amen.  

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Christian Contentment - A Study through Philippians (8)

 

Today's blog is written by Martin Davids

Imitate Those Who Serve Others

 

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honour such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. (Philippians 2:19-30)

The cult of celebrity

We live in a celebrity driven world.  Our TV’s are saturated with ‘celebrity’ shows from ‘Celebrity Bake Off’ to celebrity quiz shows.  Of course, what passes as a ‘celebrity’ is questionable – with most of us thinking “Who?...You’re famous for what?”.  However, it does illustrate the need we all have to look up to someone – which is not wrong in itself – if we are looking up to someone for the right reasons.  In the passage above Paul asks us to do just that, however he provides us with the qualifiers with which to do so.  

The qualities of those worthy of imitation.

First, those who serve others have a caring heart. Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was awaiting the outcome of his appeal to Caesar. He could receive visitors, but he was not free to leave his house. He wrote in verse 19, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.” Timothy was a young pastor, and Paul was going to send him to Philippi so that he would receive news about how the Philippian Christians were doing. The reason Paul wanted to send Timothy to Philippi is because Timothy had a caring heart, (vs 20-21). Timothy really cared about the welfare of God’s people. The second person we read about is Epaphroditus.  We know very little about him, he was not a pastor or an elder or a deacon. He was a simply member of the Philippian Church. However, at the time Paul wrote this letter, Epaphroditus was ill, yet he was not distressed over his own illness. He was distressed because the Philippians had heard that he was ill. In other words, he was concerned about their concern for him! Let us be people who are concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of others.

And second, those who serve others have an excellent character. Over the course of time, Timothy had proven himself faithful in his service to Christ and the people of God. Paul viewed Timothy with great affection, as a father viewed his son, and commented that Timothy had served with Paul in the advancement of the gospel. He was hoping to send Timothy soon, and Paul himself was hoping to come to the Philippians as soon as his legal case was resolved. Timothy was a pastor with an excellent character. He had, in the words of Paul, “proven worth.” Likewise, Epaphroditus (vs 25) was a brother, a fellow worker, a fellow soldier, a messenger, and a minister to his need. In other words, Epaphroditus was engaged in advancing the gospel. Neither man was a “armchair general” they both ‘served in the field’ for the advancement of the Gospel.

Thirdly both men suffered hardship for the sake of the Gospel.  Paul’s missionary journeys were not easy and we read of his sufferings and persecution in Acts.  Paul calls upon Timothy to endure suffering in 2 Timothy but added to this there were physical illness to endure.  We know that Timothy had constant stomach illnesses and here we read of Epaphroditus (vs 27) being ill to the point of death.  Paul writes to the Philippian church (and us by extension) that those who suffer hardship for the sake of Christ have a proven track record. They serve Christ and his gospel in various ways. They show a real concern for the wellbeing of others. And they are willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.   

Summing it up (and a word of warning)

Paul clearly hold up these two men as examples for us to imitate and it is right for us to hold them in high esteem.  There is nothing wrong with having role models in the Christian faith yet we are not to turn them into ‘celebrities’.  We are all sinners, but some forget that and if their ‘celebrity Christian’ should fall it causes them to doubt the faith.  Paul holds up these men because the Philippian church knew them and knew their character.    

Therefore, having analysed the concept of imitation in Philippians 2:19-30, let us keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example of Christ. We can find Christian contentment knowing that there are Christians within our own fellowship who are living a Christlike life even through difficult times.  Furthermore, we grow in contentment and Christlikeness when we imitate worthy Christians. Let us imitate those who serve others. Let us imitate those who have a caring heart and have an excellent character.

Prayer for the day.

Our Father,

We thank you that you have given us examples of Godly men and women throughout the Bible.  We bring before you the men that faithfully serve in our church, may your Holy Spirit constantly guide them and uphold them as they seek to serve you and the Gospel.  We pray that you will protect them and their witness.  Lord. Let us be encouraged by their character that we may imitate them as they imitate Christ. 

For we ask in Jesus’ name

Amen   

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