Archives for February 2016

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. When Paul was saved and until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

The title for the chapter is KNOWING CHRIST.

The key verses are 10 and 11.

10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 3

No confidence in the flesh (1-6)

Warning about evil workers (1-2)

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not           grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

Paul gives reasons why he could trust in the flesh (3-6)

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and  rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in  the law, blameless.

Paul challenges his readers to beware of evil workers. Today we have individuals, groups, and even churches that try to disrupt the work of God. They never want you to speak the name of Jesus. They are afraid of the Son of God they say they do not believe. We must be aware and be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us.

Then he tells the Philippians who he was. He had a very prestige’s pedigree. He was at the top of the religious Jews.

Tomorrow he will tell us what he thinks about his former life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The content of this devotion will jump start your week. It reminds us that the Lord delights in us.

Is it possible?

(By James Smith)

“The Lord delights in you!” Isaiah 62:4

Is it possible, that such poor, depraved, unworthy creatures–can be the objects of Jehovah’s delight? Yes! The infinite love of God has been fixed upon us from eternity! Because He loved and chose us, He sent His only-begotten Son to die for us! He sent His Holy Spirit into our hearts to regenerate us!

“You have loved them–AS You have loved Me!” John 17:23
Yes, the Father has loved us–just as He has loved Jesus–with an infinite love!

Every believer, though . . .
his faith is weak,
his fears are many,
his corruptions are strong,
his troubles are great, and
his temptations are sore–
is the object of Jehovah’s delight!

Let us therefore endeavor to pass through this day, yes, and every day–believing and realizing: 
“I am Jehovah’s delight!
I am the object of His highest love!
I am the subject of His sweetest thoughts!
I am His portion for evermore!”

O incomparable privilege!

Wondrous source of comfort, holiness, and love!

You have more cause for gratitude than an angel!

What a blessing that God delight’s in us. Meditate on that today, and then share that with someone else.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Role models are important in life. We remember individuals who were role models to us. This week we will look at Philippians 2. Four men serve as good role models for us. We will look at specific characteristics that make them good role models.

Today we will look at Epaphroditus.

EPAPHRODITUS’ EXAMPLE (Philippians 2:25-30)

 ²⁵ Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. ²⁶ For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. ²⁹ Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: ³⁰ because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

 Paul tells us that Epaphroditus was a brother, companion, fellow soldier, and messenger. He ministered to Paul. He is portrayed as a faithful servant. Paul tells the Philippians to receive with gladness in the Lord.

Can these character qualities be attributed to us? As we conclude this study, look at the character qualities and ask yourself, are these part of my life? Then ask God how He wants to develop these qualities in your life.

 CONCLUSION

• Love
• Fellowship of the Spirit
• Mercy
• Likeminded
• One accord
• One mind
• Look on the thing of others
• Humble
• Obedient
• Bow the knee to Christ
• Confess Christ with your words
• Do not murmur or complain
• Shine as lights to this sin sick world
• Proclaim the gospel
• Minister to the brethren

 Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

Role models are important in life. We remember individuals who were role models to us. This week we will look at Philippians 2. Four men serve as good role models for us. We will look at specific characteristics that make them good role models.

Today we will look at Timothy.

TIMOTHY’S EXAMPLE (Philippians 2:19-24)

 ¹⁹ But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. ²⁰ For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. ²¹ For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. ²² But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. ²³ Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. ²⁴ But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Paul praises Timothy. He states Timothy is:

•  Likeminded v20
• Will take care of them v20
• Served with Paul in presenting the gospel v22

Paul tells the Philippians’ that he is sending Timothy to them. Timothy was highly trusted by Paul. They had ministered together. Timothy knew Paul’s heart and was ready to lead the Philippian believers.

Although most of you are not in pastoral or missionary service, would someone commend you this way for your service for Jesus? Paul placed a tremendous amount of confidence in Timothy.

The gospel ministry requires like-mindedness to the Bible. That means we read it, believe what it says literally, and obey all of its precepts. We cannot pick and choose what we want to believe.

Then tell others. When they believe teach them the Bible. Although very simplified, that is exactly what Christ taught us to do. He set the example.

I encourage you to evaluate where you are in your walk with the Lord.

Need help? Contact me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Role models are important in life. We all remember individuals who were role models to us. This week we will look at Philippians 2. Four men serve as good role models for us. We want to look at specific characteristics that made them good role models.

We will begin with Paul.

PAUL’S EXAMPLE (Philippians 2:12-18)

 ¹² Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. ¹⁴ Do all things without murmurings and disputings: ¹⁵ That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; ¹⁶ Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. ¹⁷ Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Paul sees himself in the Philippian church. The following characteristics are what Paul is doing and what he is seeing in the Philippians.

Paul and the Philippians are:

• Obedient to God v12
• Working out their salvation with fear and trembling v12
• Doing all without murmurings and disputings v14
• Blameless and harmless v15
• Shine as lights in the world v15
• Holding forth the word of life v16
• Laboring for the Lord Jesus v16
• Rejoicing in the Lord v17-18

Can this be said of us? Are we standing firm like Paul and the Philippian church? Do we care to?

May the Church, the body of saved believers, stand firm in the example of Paul and the Philippian church.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Role models are important in life. We all remember individuals who were role models to us. This week we will look at Philippians 2. Four men serve as good role models for us.  We want to look at specific character qualities that made them good role models.

We will begin with Jesus.

JESUS’ EXAMPLE (Philippians 2:1-11)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Paul begins by challenging the Philippians to be:

• Likeminded v2
• Having the same love v2
• Being of one accord v2
• One mind v2
• Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory v3
• Esteem others better than themselves v3

Paul then challenges the Philippians to follow the example of Jesus.

• Let the mind of Christ be in you v5
• Let us not try to be equal to God v6
• Let us be of no reputation v7
• Let us serve v7
• Let us be humble v8
• Let us be obedient v8

The characteristics above should be our goal as Christians. Unity, love, humbleness, and obedience are central to the victorious Christian life.

Meditate on Paul’s challenge today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

I do not know what season of life you are in today. However, each of us will be able to relate to this allegory.

Some years ago I heard an allegory which I have never forgotten

(George Everard, “The Home of Bethany” 1873)

“He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.” Psalm 107:7

Some years ago I heard an allegory which I have never forgotten. It often comes back to me when I think of the way in which the Lord leads His people.

The fable runs that a few ears of wheat were growing in the corner of a field, and it was promised to this wheat that it would one day be brought before the Queen. But by-and-by the mower came with his sharp scythe and cut the wheat, and feeling the sharpness of the scythe, it said, “I shall never stand before the Queen!” Presently it was laid in the wagon, and pressed and borne down by the other sheaves, and again arose the cry of distress and despair. But, more than this, it was laid on the threshing-floor, and the heavy flail came down upon it. It was taken to the mill, and cut and cut and cut; then it was kneaded into bread; and at last it was placed in the hot burning oven. Again and again was heard the cry of utter, hopeless despair. But at length the promise was fulfilled, and the bread was placed on the Queen’s table!

There is a great spiritual truth beneath the fable. Christians are God’s wheat, sprung from the incorruptible seed of His Word, and from the precious seed of the crucified, buried body of our Lord–and He purposes that one day they shall stand before Him! But there needs much preparation.

There comes the sharp scythe of bereavement–the loss of child or parent or spouse.

There comes the oppressive burden of care.

There comes the severe tribulation (the very word signifies threshing), seasons of adversity and disappointment.

There comes the mill, the trial that utterly breaks us down, and fills the whole spirit with distress.

There comes the hot furnace of agonizing pain or fear.

All these are doing their appointed work, stirring up faith and prayer, humbling to the very dust–and yet lifting up the Christian, by leading him nearer to God, and enabling him at length to say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted!”

What has God taught you?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

How are we to live the gospel? Paul tells us what he plans to do and then exhorts the Philippians on what they should do.

 Living for the gospel V 21-30

a) Paul’s commitment to the gospel V 21-26

²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. ²³ For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: ²⁴ Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. ²⁵ And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; ²⁶ That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

b) Paul’s exhortation to live for the gospel V 27-30

²⁷ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ²⁸ And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. ²⁹ For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; ³⁰ Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

So in conclusion, what should we do? Proclaim the gospel. Tell whomever will listen about the good news in Jesus Christ. Live the gospel. Let this sin sick world see Christ in you. When they ask why your life is so different, tell them the gospel. Pray for the success of the gospel outreach around our world. Missionaries, Pastors, and other believers need our prayers.

Make a difference, preach the gospel!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Paul was called to defend the gospel. Others were less bold because of the persecution and imprisonment. Paul’s boldness to preach the gospel, even in prison, encourages the believers to boldly speak the word without fear.

 Defense of the gospel V 12-20

 a) Furtherance of the gospel V 12-14

¹² But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; ¹³ So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; ¹⁴ And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

b) Preaching Christ V 15-16

¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: ¹⁶ The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

c) Defense of the gospel V 17-18

 ¹⁷ But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸ What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

d) Prayers of the Philippians V 19

¹⁹ For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

e) Boldly proclaiming Christ V 20

²⁰ According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Today we are challenged to boldly proclaim the word of God to whoever will listen. Remember how the gospel changed your life. Share that message with others.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today we are looking at the fellowship in the gospel. To understand our study we need to understand the meaning of fellowship in the context of chapter1. Pastor Steven J. Cole helps us.

True Christian fellowship means sharing together in the things of God.

There are five strands of true fellowship in these verses:

1. True fellowship means praying for one another (1:3, 4).
2. True fellowship means serving God together (1:5, 7).
3. True fellowship means trusting in God’s sovereign working in one another (1:6).
4. True fellowship means partaking together of God’s grace (1:7).
5. True fellowship means heartfelt affection for one another (1:8).

 Fellowship in the gospel V 1-11

a) Greetings of joy and thanksgiving V 1-4

Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ² Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

b) Why? Fellowship in the gospel V 5-7

⁵ For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ⁷ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

c) Encouragement and genuine love V 8-11

⁸ For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; ¹⁰ That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. ¹¹ Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Paul loved the Philippians. He appreciated their service in preaching Christ. He encourages them to continue on in Christ.

Tomorrow we will look at the defense of the gospel.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001