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Daily Bible Reading “The High Calling of God” (Philippians 3:12-21)

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The High Calling of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:12-21. We see in this Scripture where Paul shows his humility by saying that it isn’t as though he had already attained. What does Paul mean by that statement? Paul didn’t think of himself as being better than others or as having arrived. He knew he wasn’t perfect and he would never be perfect in this life. He was forgiven because of his salvation, but he was still striving to be what God would have him be. We’re all a work in progress. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, there is still work to be done.

Paul says he forgets the things that are behind him and reaches forward to the things that are before him. Paul states, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That is good advice for all of us. We can’t change what is behind us by worrying about it. We only have a chance to make the future better by living in the present moment and doing God’s will now. Paul knew he had a call on his life from God. He wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do.

Paul exhorts the mature Christians to have this same thought process. He wanted them to be like-minded. Paul urged them to walk in unity. Paul tells them that if they don’t have this same mindset then it is up to God. He will deal with them to change their minds. Paul wasn’t depending on himself to make them see the truth.

Paul set the example by following Christ. Even though Paul wasn’t perfect, which none of us are, he was a good example for the Philippians to follow. Paul also tells them to look at other leaders in their midst who set good examples and follow them.

Paul warns them again that there are those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. These people are bound for destruction. They’re only concerned about earthly things. Their only concern was to please themselves. Don’t let them lead you down the wrong path. Paul didn’t want these people to divide the believers.

As Christians our citizenship is in heaven. Our conversation should be about heaven. Our focus is on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only He can take these sinful bodies that we live in and change them into glorious heavenly bodies like His. This is only possible because God is omnipotent. Only He could cause this transformation.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:12-21

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (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:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 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.

 

Things to think about:

  • What did Paul mean when he said he hadn’t attained?
  • Of what did Paul warn the Philippians?
  • How can we press forward with Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that even Paul Knew he hadn’t arrived. He was still striving to be and do what You wanted of him. Help us to realize that we still haven’t arrived either. You are still working on all of us to transform us into new creatures in Christ. Help us to be on guard against those who would mislead us, just as Paul warned the Philippians. Thank You that You have the power to change these old sinful bodies of ours into new heavenly bodies. We love You, Lord. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

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Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

 

 

Daily Bible Reading “Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1-11)

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Rejoice in the Lord

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:1-11. Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. We can’t base our happiness on our situations or circumstances. If we do, we will be miserable. We can only base our joy on trusting God to work all things together for good as is stated in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Paul warns them by saying, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” What do you suppose Paul means by that statement? Paul was telling them to beware of anyone who would try to devour them by telling them anything other than the true gospel. There were those who were legalistic. They still believed their salvation was based on the law of the Old Testament. They didn’t base their Christianity on faith in God through Jesus Christ.

Paul goes on to remind them that as Christians, we are the circumcision who worship God in spirit; rejoice in Jesus Christ and have no confidence in the flesh. Paul says that if any man thinks he can have confidence in the flesh it would be him. Paul was circumcised on the eighth day. He was a descendant of Abraham from Israel. He was born in the tribe of Benjamin. Paul says, he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews. He was a Pharisee concerning the law. Paul was zealous, he obeyed the law.

Whatever was gain to Paul he counted as loss for Christ. Paul says he counts everything as loss for the knowledge of Christ. Paul suffered loss of everything, but counted it as nothing in order to win Christ. Paul knew his righteousness wasn’t found in anything he did. It was found in faith in God through Jesus Christ.

Paul’s desire was to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and to be made conformable unto His death. Paul was willing by any means to attain the resurrection of the dead. Paul’s desire was to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He suffered a lot for the cause of Christ, but he didn’t put his hope in his flesh or anything he had done. His only hope was his faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross so we might have eternal life.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:1-11

1 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.

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;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

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.

 

Things to think about:

  • Is your hope in Christ?
  • How can we trust in Christ and not our circumstances to make us happy?
  • In what ways do you rejoice in the Lord knowing that He works all things together for good?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see where Paul exhorted the Philippians to rejoice in You in spite of their circumstances. Help us to do this as well. Paul told them to beware of those who might try to mislead them. Help us to be on guard and know Your Word so we will know the truth and not be easily misled. Paul reminds them that the only hope we have is in Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection. Help us to place our hope in Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to …

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me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

– Philippians 3:1

 

Christian Music Video: Rejoice in the Lord (a cappella) – Hamilton Family


Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

 

Daily Bible Reading “Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling” (Philippians 2:12-30)

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Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2:12-30. Paul tells the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. What does Paul mean by this saying? He says that the Philippians had always obeyed God. He wanted them to continue to be obedient to God whether he was present with them or not.

Paul reminds them that it is God who works in them to do His good pleasure. He tells them to do everything without complaining and arguing. Paul wanted them to set an example so they might shine as lights in the world. He wanted them to be blameless and harmless, sons of God. God had done the work of salvation on the inside of them. Paul wanted their actions to match up with the work God had done in them.

Paul’s desire for them was that they stand on the Word of life so that he might not have labored in vain, and would be able to rejoice with them in the day of Christ. Paul says if he is offered for sacrifice and service of their faith, he will rejoice. Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice with him.

Paul says he trusts the Lord to send Timothy to be with them so he can know how they are doing. Paul knew he would be comforted if Timothy was there with them. Paul knew Timothy would care for the Philippians. Paul and Timothy were like-minded.

Timothy had served alongside Paul in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says he is hoping to send Timothy as soon as he knows what is happening with his situation. Paul tells them that he hopes he will be able to go see them as well.

Paul states he is going to send Epaphroditus his brother in Christ, as well. Ephaphroditus was a fellow laborer and fellow soldier in the army of God. Look at all the ways Paul describes Epaphroditus. He says Ephaphroditus was their messenger and he also ministered to Paul. As Christians, we can be all these things to each other that Paul described about Epaphroditus.

Paul tells them Epaphroditus had been very ill and almost died. God had mercy on him and spared his life. Paul asks them to receive him with gladness. Ephaphroditus missed the Philippians very much while he was visiting with Paul. He was anxious to return to check on the Philippians and to minister to them.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:12-30

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 laboured 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.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus 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.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, 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.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why did Paul want to send Timothy to the Philippians?
  • Why was Paul sending Epaphroditus?
  • In what ways have you worked out your salvation?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul tells the Philippians how they should conduct themselves. Help us to conduct ourselves in a manner that would bring glory and honor to You. We see that You provided other Christians to work along with Paul to further Your kingdom. Lead us to the people You would have us to work along with in our service to You. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but …

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now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

– Philippians 2:12

 

Christian Music Video:

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life