Philippians 2:1 - If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
It says, "If there be," and the word if in each one of these four phrases is what is called the first-class condition assumed to be true. It can be translated more accurately, since therefore there is consolation in Christ, and the word consolation means encouragement.
Since there is comfort of love. This is the kind of comfort that is given to somebody who is grieving. Since there is fellowship of the Spirit. And since there are bowels, and this would be genuine affection, and mercies.
Since all of this already exists, he then gives us instructions. Again, since there is encouragement in Christ, since there is comfort of love, since there is fellowship of the Spirit, and since there is affections and mercies.
Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, and that's the word TAPEINOPHROSUNE which is the word humble mindedness. It's the word frame of mind with the word humble with it.
But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Well, that's a tough one! He's really starting to introduce to us the "nitty-gritty" of fellowship. It's having the attitude of choosing the low road. That is unheard of in Christianity in most places.
Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
That's not the word brain. Again, that's the word frame in the verbal form. Let the same frame of mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Let the same attitude be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:2 - Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
He says beware of dogs. The term dogs in this text is actually making reference to a religious phrase. The Gentiles were considered dogs by the Jews. There are two words in the New Testament that have to do with a dog. KUNARION is a household pet. And then we have a Kuon. A KUON is a wild scavenger. And that's the animal used here.
Gentiles were called KUON'S, wild scavengers, impure, and grungy. It was an insult to call somebody a KUON. And so, he's using the word KUON. He says beware of the dogs. That's the false teachers that come in.
Beware of evil workers, beware of the concision, which literally means mutilation. PERITOME, to cut around, is the Greek word for circumcision. KATATOME, to cut off, is the word for mutilation. And Paul is using the exaggerated mind picture for us to say that people that go around cutting themselves in any way, shape, or form in order to better themselves spiritually, that's all they are doing is mutilating themselves.
Beware of those false teachers that say that you can come in and receive Christ, but you have to be circumcised. Beware of the evil workers. Beware of the dogs. And they know exactly what he meant!
Philippians 2:25 - 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.
The word "wants" in this verse is the word needs in the Greek. Epaphroditus brought him the love offering. Epaphroditus stayed with Paul and ministered to Paul through all of his hardships.
Philippians 3:1 - 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.
The word finally, TOLOIPON in Greek, means in summary. It's not finally as in this is my last teaching. This is in summary, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. I cannot emphasize too much about that phrase. We see it again in Chapter 4 Verse 4. Paul's going to say that's one of the commands, one of the elements that's needed for fellowship, rejoice in the Lord.
Before I share my understanding of its meaning, you should know that it's a Present Imperative, which means continue to rejoice in the Lord. As I said earlier, the word rejoice, the verb form of the word joy, it has nothing to do with a happy feeling.
In the Greek, the word CHAIRE (pronounced Kah-rah) for joy, and CHAIRO (Kah-roh) the verb form has to do with satisfaction. If every time you see the word joy or rejoice and you put in the word satisfaction, from a spiritual standpoint it makes more sense.
He says that one of the keys in having fellowship together is that you find your satisfaction in the Lord. Not in you getting your way, but when you want what the Lord wants. Then there's no problem with fellowship! It's in a command form. Be continuously finding your satisfaction in the Lord.
Philippians 2:12 - 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.
Please notice this literal translation: Be continually working out your own salvation with fear and trembling. It's a process. It sounds like we have to work for our salvation, but this has to be taken with the very next verse.
Philippians 2:13 - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I have shared this before but will share it again. The phrase "works in you" is the word energizing. For it is God who is continually energizing in you both to will, and to energize of His good pleasure whatever He thinks best. It's His energy, whenever He wants to energize my spirit for His Spirit to work in me. It's all according to His good pleasure. It doesn't have anything to do with my good pleasure. I'm just a vessel. So, we are to be continually involved in having our salvation worked out because it's God who is working it out.
Philippians 2:19 - 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.
This has nothing to do with these Greek perspective studies, but I thought a little humor might be okay. Where it says, "when I know your state," that doesn't mean California or Texas. He's talking about their condition.
Philippians 2:20 - For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For I have no man likeminded. This word mind is the word PSEUCHE. I have no man who is likeminded, who follows along with the same understanding and teaching that I do.
I've heard some good ones before but never heard that one. That was too funny! I'm glad to hear that you are relieved. Now you don't have to pack up and move!
Ephesians 2:6 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Who, being in the form of God, and the word being means while existing in the form of God. That's who He is. He thought it not robbery to be equal with God: He did not rob God by proclaiming Himself and presenting Himself as equal to God. So, Jesus is not part of who God is. He's God. That's to highlight His lowliness!
Philippians 2:7 - But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
But made himself of no reputation, literally, it is translated but He emptied Himself. What, of being God? No, of coming here and taking on human flesh. He emptied Himself of the presentation of "I'm God, and I'm here and you should worship me!" His approach to this earthly life in His first time coming here was He chose the low road. When He had a choice, He chose to sleep in the garden.
That is not very enticing for some people to say, "Where does your pastor live." Well, he lives out in the park. "Where was he born?" In a cave. All of the things associated with the Lord's path in His approach to this life was I don't want any glory from man. I don't want to be made a king from the earthly standpoint. I don't want to be treated for who I am. I want to be the servant of all.
God Himself taking the low road!
Philippians 2:11 - And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and again, that last phrase "Jesus Christ is Lord" in the Greek text, it's literally Lord Jesus Christ. It's not a statement. It's the expression of someone who has a personal relationship with Him. Even after everything is over, people are going to say Lord Jesus Christ. But for some it will be for destruction because they rejected Him in this earthly life. And this is all going to be done to the glory of God the Father.
I know our understandings differ on this and I hope you don't mind my reply. I am grateful for this site and the brothers and sisters on it.
The word of God has a message from the beginning.
The message; the word of life and the eternal life that God the Father alone possesses, 1 Timothy 6:16 was revealed in the flesh of His only Son, Jesus. What is eternal has been manifested in this world and is now available to us. Those of us who share in Christ's death can now have fellowship in eternal life through Jesus, the Son of God.
The eternal life that existed with the Father came to earth so that God, who cannot be seen, could be revealed through Jesus, Emanuel, God with us. This eternal life, which was with God before anything was created, is now accessible to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Father sent Him, sacrificed Him, and raised Him from the grave as the only begotten from the dead.
God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit without measure, affirming Him as the Messiah. Jesus served as God's agent, known in Hebrew as Shaliah, which means God's emissary who performs actions of legal significance for the benefit of the sender, rather than for himself. Jesus repeatedly said, not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him.
In Philippians 2:7, it states that Jesus, fully empowered by the Holy Spirit, humbled Himself and was obedient to the Father, acting as a servant. This is further illustrated in John, where He washed the disciples' feet, teaching them the importance of humility. I know we have different perspectives, but I just wanted to share this.
Your reply is always welcome by me, so no worries there. And yes, we do have different perspectives, but I do appreciate and respect the things you have to share.
Thank you. I understand that many interpret the verse as Thomas refers to Jesus as God. However, there are other verses, one in the same chapter that offer additional perspectives. For instance, in John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary, "I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God and your God." To me, the entirety of Scripture makes it clear that the Father is the one and only God, and Jesus is His Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Mary. I do not want to offend anyone, and I hope and pray that I do not.
The first Apostles Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Another way of thinking about Jesus emptying Himself is that He humbled Himself. Though He is God and cannot stop being God, He humbled Himself by incarnating (becoming flesh). He did not come in a blaze of glory and power as He will at the end of days. He did not walk around transfigured as He did on the mountain with the three apostles. He did not demand to be esteemed over other men, seeking fame. He had a lowly spirit, born in a cave. Mary and Joseph were common people for the time, not royalty or rich. He grew up in seeming obscurity until He was baptized by John who then declared Him to be "The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world" and the Messiah. He walked in total obedience to the Father, everything He did was for the sake of those who would believe in Him and for the Father's glory.
I completely agree, amen! What a great illustration for us. As believers, we must never think of ourselves as more than who we are. If we would just follow the example Jesus set, I think that fellowship amongst believers would remain strong and united. Great to hear from you and I pray that the Lord will continue to draw Kevin and Vivian to Himself, that He will continue to work in their lives, giving them a hunger to be fed spiritually, along with the rest of your family.
Philippians 2:1 - If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
It says, "If there be," and the word if in each one of these four phrases is what is called the first-class condition assumed to be true. It can be translated more accurately, since therefore there is consolation in Christ, and the word consolation means encouragement.
Since there is comfort of love. This is the kind of comfort that is given to somebody who is grieving. Since there is fellowship of the Spirit. And since there are bowels, and this would be genuine affection, and mercies.
Since all of this already exists, he then gives us instructions. Again, since there is encouragement in Christ, since there is comfort of love, since there is fellowship of the Spirit, and since there is affections and mercies.
Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, and that's the word TAPEINOPHROSUNE which is the word humble mindedness. It's the word frame of mind with the word humble with it.
But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Well, that's a tough one! He's really starting to introduce to us the "nitty-gritty" of fellowship. It's having the attitude of choosing the low road. That is unheard of in Christianity in most places.
Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
That's not the word brain. Again, that's the word frame in the verbal form. Let the same frame of mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Let the same attitude be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:2 - Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
He says beware of dogs. The term dogs in this text is actually making reference to a religious phrase. The Gentiles were considered dogs by the Jews. There are two words in the New Testament that have to do with a dog. KUNARION is a household pet. And then we have a Kuon. A KUON is a wild scavenger. And that's the animal used here.
Gentiles were called KUON'S, wild scavengers, impure, and grungy. It was an insult to call somebody a KUON. And so, he's using the word KUON. He says beware of the dogs. That's the false teachers that come in.
Beware of evil workers, beware of the concision, which literally means mutilation. PERITOME, to cut around, is the Greek word for circumcision. KATATOME, to cut off, is the word for mutilation. And Paul is using the exaggerated mind picture for us to say that people that go around cutting themselves in any way, shape, or form in order to better themselves spiritually, that's all they are doing is mutilating themselves.
Beware of those false teachers that say that you can come in and receive Christ, but you have to be circumcised. Beware of the evil workers. Beware of the dogs. And they know exactly what he meant!
Philippians 2:25 - 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.
The word "wants" in this verse is the word needs in the Greek. Epaphroditus brought him the love offering. Epaphroditus stayed with Paul and ministered to Paul through all of his hardships.
Philippians 3:1 - 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.
The word finally, TOLOIPON in Greek, means in summary. It's not finally as in this is my last teaching. This is in summary, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. I cannot emphasize too much about that phrase. We see it again in Chapter 4 Verse 4. Paul's going to say that's one of the commands, one of the elements that's needed for fellowship, rejoice in the Lord.
Before I share my understanding of its meaning, you should know that it's a Present Imperative, which means continue to rejoice in the Lord. As I said earlier, the word rejoice, the verb form of the word joy, it has nothing to do with a happy feeling.
In the Greek, the word CHAIRE (pronounced Kah-rah) for joy, and CHAIRO (Kah-roh) the verb form has to do with satisfaction. If every time you see the word joy or rejoice and you put in the word satisfaction, from a spiritual standpoint it makes more sense.
He says that one of the keys in having fellowship together is that you find your satisfaction in the Lord. Not in you getting your way, but when you want what the Lord wants. Then there's no problem with fellowship! It's in a command form. Be continuously finding your satisfaction in the Lord.
Philippians 2:12 - 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.
Please notice this literal translation: Be continually working out your own salvation with fear and trembling. It's a process. It sounds like we have to work for our salvation, but this has to be taken with the very next verse.
Philippians 2:13 - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I have shared this before but will share it again. The phrase "works in you" is the word energizing. For it is God who is continually energizing in you both to will, and to energize of His good pleasure whatever He thinks best. It's His energy, whenever He wants to energize my spirit for His Spirit to work in me. It's all according to His good pleasure. It doesn't have anything to do with my good pleasure. I'm just a vessel. So, we are to be continually involved in having our salvation worked out because it's God who is working it out.
Philippians 2:19 - 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.
This has nothing to do with these Greek perspective studies, but I thought a little humor might be okay. Where it says, "when I know your state," that doesn't mean California or Texas. He's talking about their condition.
Philippians 2:20 - For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For I have no man likeminded. This word mind is the word PSEUCHE. I have no man who is likeminded, who follows along with the same understanding and teaching that I do.
"For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state" Philippians 2:20
Thanks for clearing that up!
What a relief! I thought for sure this scripture was talking about Georgia!
Thanks and God bless.
I've heard some good ones before but never heard that one. That was too funny! I'm glad to hear that you are relieved. Now you don't have to pack up and move!
God Bless!!!
Ephesians 2:6 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Who, being in the form of God, and the word being means while existing in the form of God. That's who He is. He thought it not robbery to be equal with God: He did not rob God by proclaiming Himself and presenting Himself as equal to God. So, Jesus is not part of who God is. He's God. That's to highlight His lowliness!
Philippians 2:7 - But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
But made himself of no reputation, literally, it is translated but He emptied Himself. What, of being God? No, of coming here and taking on human flesh. He emptied Himself of the presentation of "I'm God, and I'm here and you should worship me!" His approach to this earthly life in His first time coming here was He chose the low road. When He had a choice, He chose to sleep in the garden.
That is not very enticing for some people to say, "Where does your pastor live." Well, he lives out in the park. "Where was he born?" In a cave. All of the things associated with the Lord's path in His approach to this life was I don't want any glory from man. I don't want to be made a king from the earthly standpoint. I don't want to be treated for who I am. I want to be the servant of all.
God Himself taking the low road!
Philippians 2:11 - And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and again, that last phrase "Jesus Christ is Lord" in the Greek text, it's literally Lord Jesus Christ. It's not a statement. It's the expression of someone who has a personal relationship with Him. Even after everything is over, people are going to say Lord Jesus Christ. But for some it will be for destruction because they rejected Him in this earthly life. And this is all going to be done to the glory of God the Father.
I know our understandings differ on this and I hope you don't mind my reply. I am grateful for this site and the brothers and sisters on it.
The word of God has a message from the beginning.
The message; the word of life and the eternal life that God the Father alone possesses, 1 Timothy 6:16 was revealed in the flesh of His only Son, Jesus. What is eternal has been manifested in this world and is now available to us. Those of us who share in Christ's death can now have fellowship in eternal life through Jesus, the Son of God.
The eternal life that existed with the Father came to earth so that God, who cannot be seen, could be revealed through Jesus, Emanuel, God with us. This eternal life, which was with God before anything was created, is now accessible to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Father sent Him, sacrificed Him, and raised Him from the grave as the only begotten from the dead.
God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit without measure, affirming Him as the Messiah. Jesus served as God's agent, known in Hebrew as Shaliah, which means God's emissary who performs actions of legal significance for the benefit of the sender, rather than for himself. Jesus repeatedly said, not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him.
In Philippians 2:7, it states that Jesus, fully empowered by the Holy Spirit, humbled Himself and was obedient to the Father, acting as a servant. This is further illustrated in John, where He washed the disciples' feet, teaching them the importance of humility. I know we have different perspectives, but I just wanted to share this.
God bless,
RLW
Your reply is always welcome by me, so no worries there. And yes, we do have different perspectives, but I do appreciate and respect the things you have to share.
Blessings to you also my brother!
I was reading the gospel of John just now and I noticed:
John 20:28, "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
Thank you. I understand that many interpret the verse as Thomas refers to Jesus as God. However, there are other verses, one in the same chapter that offer additional perspectives. For instance, in John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary, "I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God and your God." To me, the entirety of Scripture makes it clear that the Father is the one and only God, and Jesus is His Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Mary. I do not want to offend anyone, and I hope and pray that I do not.
The first Apostles Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
*Catholic means universal.
God bless,
RLW
Another way of thinking about Jesus emptying Himself is that He humbled Himself. Though He is God and cannot stop being God, He humbled Himself by incarnating (becoming flesh). He did not come in a blaze of glory and power as He will at the end of days. He did not walk around transfigured as He did on the mountain with the three apostles. He did not demand to be esteemed over other men, seeking fame. He had a lowly spirit, born in a cave. Mary and Joseph were common people for the time, not royalty or rich. He grew up in seeming obscurity until He was baptized by John who then declared Him to be "The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world" and the Messiah. He walked in total obedience to the Father, everything He did was for the sake of those who would believe in Him and for the Father's glory.
I completely agree, amen! What a great illustration for us. As believers, we must never think of ourselves as more than who we are. If we would just follow the example Jesus set, I think that fellowship amongst believers would remain strong and united. Great to hear from you and I pray that the Lord will continue to draw Kevin and Vivian to Himself, that He will continue to work in their lives, giving them a hunger to be fed spiritually, along with the rest of your family.
Blessings to you in Christ Jesus!
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