Put On All the Armor That God Supplies 10 Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. 11 Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. 12 This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. 13 For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days.c Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.
14 So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God's approval as your breastplate. 15 Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. 16 In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies.
18 Pray in the Spiritd in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God's people. 19 Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News. 20 Because I have already been doing this as Christ's representative, I am in prison. So pray that I speak about this Good News as boldly as I have to.
Greetings from Paul 21 I'm sending Tychicus to you. He is our dear brother and a faithful deacone in the Lord's work. He will tell you everything that is happening to me so that you will know how I'm getting along. 22 That's why I'm sending him to you so that you may know how we're doing and that he may encourage you.
23 May God the Father and the Lord Yeshua Christ give our brothers and sisters peace and love along with faith. 24 His favora is with everyone who has an undying love for our Lord Yeshua Christ.
a 1:1 Some early manuscripts omit "in the city of Ephesus."
b 1:2 Or "Grace."
c 1:6 Or "grace."
a 2:5 Or "grace."
b 2:12 Or "covenants."
a 3:1 Some manuscripts omit "Yeshua."
b 3:2 Or "grace."
a 4:7 Or "grace."
a 5:14 Or "and you will shine with Christ's light."
b 5:18 Or "in your spirit."
c 5:22 English equivalent difficult.
a 6:1 Some manuscripts and translations omit "because you are Christians."
b 6:3 The first part of verse 2 (in Greek) has been placed at the end of verse 3 to express the complex Greek sentence structure more clearly in English.
c 6:13 Or "when the evil day comes."
d 6:18 Or "in your spirit."
e 6:21 English equivalent difficult.
a 6:24 Or "grace."
Introduction to PHILIPPIANS.
Paul's attitude in this short letter is amazing-at least to people who think freedom, comfort, and lack of conflict are prerequisites for happiness. Paul is imprisoned in Rome or possibly Ephesus. He isn't in a damp cell or in a dungeon. His room is in the city center, and he is allowed to have visitors. His companions in ministry, church members, and friendly civil servants keep him updated on events in the outside world. But he isn't free, and he knows he stands a good chance of being executed.
To add to Paul's troubles, he's well aware of problems within the church. Apparently some teachers have been taking advantage of his imprisonment to turn people away from him and gain followers for themselves. "Those who insist on circumcision" (3:2)-Jewish Christians who insist that Gentile converts to Christianity also convert to Judaism-continue to trouble the church, just as they were doing a decade or so earlier when he wrote his impassioned letter to the Galatians. And even some of the kindly Philippians-loyal friends of his from the first church planted in Europe (Acts 16:11-40)-are having trouble getting along with one another. Euodia and Syntyche, for example, need to resolve their differences (Philippians 4:2-3).
In spite of his circumstances and concerns, Paul is writing to the Philippians about joy. He is joyful whenever he thinks about them and whenever the Good News is preached. He is happy whether freedom or death is in his immediate future. He is joyful because his life is being poured out in sacrifice and service, and also because his friends have shared his troubles and sent him gifts. He is content whether he is poor or prosperous. Over and over, Paul tells the Philippians to be joyful too.
How can they be joyful? By living in harmony with one another, by thinking of others as better than themselves-in short, by behaving like Jesus. Though Lord of the universe, Jesus willingly became a humble servant, exchanging the comforts of heaven for death by execution. Read the beautiful hymn in chapter 2 that affirms Christ's divinity, describes his life of service, and praises him as the one before whom all heaven and earth will kneel in adoration.
Paul can be joyful while sharing in Jesus' suffering, because he is confident he will also share eternal life with him.
Key Names of God in Philippians Spirit Savior Father Christ Lord PHILIPPIANS.
1 2 3 4.
Greeting 1 1 From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Yeshua.
To God's people in the city of Philippi and their bishopsa and deaconsb-to everyone who is united with Christ Yeshua.
2 Good willc and peace from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua Christ are yours!
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians 3 I thank my God for all the memories I have of you. 4 Every time I pray for all of you, I do it with joy. 5 I can do this because of the partnership we've had with you in the Good News from the first day you believed until now. 6 I'm convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Yeshua. 7 You have a special place in my heart. So it's right for me to think this way about all of you. All of you are my partners. Together we share God's favor,d whether I'm in prison or defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God is my witness that, with all the compassion of Christ Yeshua, I long to see every one of you.
9 I pray that your love will keep on growing because of your knowledge and insight. 10 That way you will be able to determine what is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. 11 Yeshua Christ will fill your lives with everything that God's approval produces. Your lives will then bring glory and praise to God.
Nothing Matters Except That People Are Told about Christ 12 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. 13 As a result, it has become clear to all the soldiers who guard the emperor and to everyone else that I am in prison because of Christ. 14 So through my being in prison, the Lord has given most of our brothers and sisters confidence to speak God's word more boldly and fearlessly than ever.
15 Some people tell the message about Christ because of their jealousy and envy. Others tell the message about him because of their good will. 16 Those who tell the message about Christ out of love know that God has put me here to defend the Good News. 17 But the others are insincere. They tell the message about Christ out of selfish ambition in order to stir up trouble for me while I'm in prison. 18 But what does it matter? Nothing matters except that, in one way or another, people are told the message about Christ, whether with honest or dishonest motives, and I'm happy about that.
Paul Honors Christ Whether He Lives or Dies Yes, I will continue to be happy 19 for another reason. I know that I will be set free through your prayers and through the help that comes from the Spirit of Yeshua Christ. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of. I will speak very boldly and honor Christ in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. 21 Christ means everything to me in this life, and when I die I'll have even more. 22 If I continue to live in this life, my work will produce more results. I don't know which I would prefer. 23 I find it hard to choose between the two. I would like to leave this life and be with Christ. That's by far the better choice. 24 But for your sake it's better that I remain in this life. 25 Since I'm convinced of this, I know that I will continue to live and be with all of you. This will help you to grow and be joyful in your faith. 26 So by coming to you again, I want to give you even more reason to have pride in Christ Yeshua with me.
Fighting for the Faith 27 Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I'll hear all about you. I'll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings. 28 So don't let your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is God's way of showing them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved. 29 God has given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him. 30 You are involved in the same struggle that you saw me having. Now you hear that I'm still involved in it.
Have the Same Attitude as Christ 2 1 So then, as Christians, do you have any encouragement? Do you have any comfort from love? Do you have any spiritual relationships? Do you have any sympathy and compassion? 2 Then fill me with joy by having the same attitude and the same love, living in harmony, and keeping one purpose in mind. 3 Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. 4 Don't be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. 5 Have the same attitude that Christ Yeshua had.
6 Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality.
7 Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance.
8 He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross.
9 This is why God has given him an exceptional honor- the name honored above all other names- 10 so that at the name of Yeshua everyone in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will kneel 11 and confess that Yeshua Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
12 My dear friends, you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I'm absent. In the same way continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing. 15 Then you will be blameless and innocent. You will be God's children without any faults among people who are crooked and corrupt. You will shine like stars among them in the world 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I can brag on the day of Christ that my effort was not wasted and that my work produced results. 17 My life is being poured out as a part of the sacrifice and service I offer to God for your faith. Yet, I am filled with joy, and I share that joy with all of you. 18 For this same reason you also should be filled with joy and share that joy with me.
Paul Will Send Timothy and Epaphroditus 19 I hope that the Lord Yeshua will allow me to send Timothy to you soon so that I can receive some encouraging news about you. 20 I don't have anyone else like Timothy. He takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 Everyone else looks after his own interests, not after those of Yeshua Christ. 22 But you know what kind of person Timothy proved to be. Like a father and son we worked hard together to spread the Good News. 23 I hope to send him as soon as I see how things are going to turn out for me. 24 But the Lord gives me confidence that I will come to visit you soon.
25 I feel that I must send Epaphroditus-my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier-back to you. You sent him as your personal representative to help me in my need. 26 He has been longing to see all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed, he was so sick that he almost died. But God had mercy not only on him but also on me and kept me from having one sorrow on top of another. 28 So I'm especially eager to send him to you. In this way you will have the joy of seeing him again and I will feel relieved. 29 Give him a joyful Christian welcome. Make sure you honor people like Epaphroditus highly. 30 He risked his life and almost died for the work of Christ in order to make up for the help you couldn't give me.
LORD.
Christianity's earliest confession of faith consisted of three short but incredibly powerful words: Jesus is Lord! The early Christians believed that the Father had placed Jesus, by virtue of his death and resurrection, at the apex of time and eternity-higher than any power or person in the universe. Both those who love him and those who oppose him will one day call Jesus "Lord." In the end, even the devil will be forced to acknowledge him.
The Greek word Kyrios is used in the New Testament to refer to an owner, emperor, king, father, husband, or master. It can also translate three Hebrew names and titles of God: Yahweh, Adonay, and Elohim. When people addressed Jesus as Kyrios or "Lord" in the Gospels, they were often simply showing respect to him as a rabbi or teacher, addressing him as "sir" rather than acknowledging him as God. But after his death and resurrection, the title "Lord" began to be widely used by believers.
Over time, the title "Lord" began to take on the characteristics of a name. As such, it clearly identifies Jesus with Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Scriptures. Of the 717 passages in which Kyrios occurs in the New Testament, the majority are found in Luke's Gospel, the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul's writings.
Praying to the Lord "Mom, you know that part in the Bible that says that you don't really love God if you don't love your brother? Does that mean I have to love Luci?" I could see the wheels turning in my daughter's head as she considered the odious implications. She might actually need to change the way she treated her younger sister. But how could she, she wondered out loud, when she had the most annoying little sister in the world? That, of course, led to a discussion about "removing the plank from your own eye first."
Katie's response to the clear command of Scripture reminds me of my own more times than I like to admit. Jesus tells me something hard, something I don't want to do. Then I respond with one of the most creative and persuasive words in the English language. You've probably used this word yourself, many times. It's such a handy reply, allowing us to introduce the most creative and persuasive (at least to us) arguments for not doing what the Lord tells us to do. What is the word I'm talking about? But. That's it, a little three letter word capable of packing a powerful punch, convincing us of anything we want to believe.
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
I would, Lord, but you don't know my boss. He's out to get me. How can I love someone who's trying to destroy me?
"If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Lord, you can't expect me to forgive someone who doesn't even want to be forgiven for all the rotten things they've done to me.
"Stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear."
Lord, you know what's happened to my retirement fund this year. I don't want to worry, but I really can't help it.
"Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it."
Lord, you don't know what it's like to live with that woman!
Jesus never said it would be easy. What he did say was that those who have him as their Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. Knowing Jesus as Lord will lead you to a deeper experience of his presence and his power.
Jesus, help me to stop making excuses for myself. Whenever I begin to do this, interrupt my thought patterns and remind me of your words. Fill me with your Spirit so that I can do the things you ask and be the person you want me to be.
Promises Associated with the Name LORD.
Why do you criticize or despise other Christians? Everyone will stand in front of God to be judged. Scripture says, "As certainly as I live, says the Lord, everyone will worship me, and everyone will praise God." All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. (Romans 14:10-12) Dear friends, don't ignore this fact: One day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord isn't slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn't want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act. (2 Peter 3:8-9)
Run Straight Toward the Goal 3 1 Now then, brothers and sisters, be joyful in the Lord. It's no trouble for me to write the same things to you, and it's for your safety. 2 Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision. 3 We are the true circumcised people of God because we serve God's Spirit and take pride in Christ Yeshua. We don't place any confidence in physical things, 4 although I could have confidence in my physical qualifications. If anyone else thinks that he can trust in something physical, I can claim even more. 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day. I'm a descendant of Israel. I'm from the tribe of Benjamin. I'm a pure-blooded Hebrew. When it comes to following Jewish laws, I was a Pharisee. 6 When it comes to being enthusiastic, I was a persecutor of the church. When it comes to winning God's approval by obeying Jewish laws, I was perfect.
7 These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. 8 It's far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I'm much better off knowing Christ Yeshua my Lord. It's because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ 9 and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn't receive God's approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God's approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith 10 that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I'm becoming like him in his death, 11 with the confidence that I'll come back to life from the dead.
12 It's not that I've already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Yeshua Christ has already won for me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and 14 I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Yeshua.
15 Whoever has a mature faith should think this way. And if you think differently, God will show you how to think. 16 However, we should be guided by what we have learned so far.
Imitate Me 17 Brothers and sisters, imitate me, and pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you. 18 I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 In the end they will be destroyed. Their own emotions are their god, and they take pride in the shameful things they do. Their minds are set on worldly things. 20 We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Yeshua Christ coming from heaven as our Savior. 21 Through his power to bring everything under his authority, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his glorified body.
Paul's Advice 4 1 So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm! 2 I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. 3 Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Always Be Joyful 4 Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! 5 Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. 6 Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Yeshua.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. 9 Practice what you've learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.
Thanks for Your Gifts 10 The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed interest in me. You were interested but did not have an opportunity to show it. 11 I'm not saying this because I'm in any need. I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. 12 I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. 13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.
15 You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I needed, and you received what I gave you. 16 Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice. 17 It's not that I'm looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I'm looking for your resources to increase. 18 You have paid me in full, and I have more than enough. Now that Epaphroditus has brought me your gifts, you have filled my needs. Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. 19 My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Yeshua. 20 Glory belongs to our God and Father forever! Amen.
21 Greet everyone who believes in Christ Yeshua. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings to you. 22 All God's people here, especially those in the emperor's palace, greet you. 23 May the good willa of our Lord Yeshua Christ be with you.
a 1:1 English equivalent difficult.
b 1:1 English equivalent difficult.
c 1:2 Or "Grace."
d 1:7 Or "grace."
a 4:23 Or "grace."