Philippians 1:27 - conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

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;

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 1:27

Commentary

Now Paul adds a word of caution: "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ." Christians should be Christlike. Citizens of heaven should behave accordingly. We should be in practice what we are in position. In addition to this plea for consistency, the apostle makes an appeal for constancy. Specifically, he desires that whether he comes to them personally, or, being absent, hears reports about them, he may know that they are standing fast with a common spirit, and unitedly laboring earnestly for the faith of the gospel, that is, the Christian faith. Christians face a common foe; they should not fight each other but should unite against the enemy.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Php 1:27). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

The city of Philippi prized its Roman citizenship, but Paul reminds his readers that the most important conduct is to behave in a manner befitting citizens of the kingdom of God.

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Philippians 3:20-21 - But our citizenship is in heaven ...

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 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 all things unto himself.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Philippians 3:20-21

Commentary

This does not mean that Christians are not also citizens of earthly countries. Other Scriptures clearly teach that we are to be subject to governments because they are ordained by God (Rom. 13:1-7). Indeed, believers should be obedient to the government in all matters not expressly forbidden by the Lord. The Philippians owed allegiance to the local magistrates, and also to the Emperor in Rome. So believers have responsibilities to earthly governments, but their first loyalty is to the Lord in heaven.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Php 3:20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Christians need to remember that though we are in this world we are not of this world; our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Php 3:20). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Galatians 5:13 - You, my brothers, were called to be free

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

Commentary

The freedom Christians have is not a base from which they can sin freely and without consequence. Christian freedom is not for selfish fulfillment, but for serving others.

Cf. Rom. 14:1-15. MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ga 5:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

"Christian liberty is freedom from sin, not liberty to sin."

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Ga 5:13). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Nahum 1:3 - The LORD is slow to anger and great in power

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

Nahum 1:3

Commentary

The character of God is described as jealous, avenging, and wrathful on the one hand, and yet slow to anger and great in power on the other. He controls the universe and all its inhabitants. His jealousy is the righteous jealousy of a husband for the wife he loves, not an envy of others' happiness.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Na 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

About 100 years before Nahum, the prophet Jonah told Nineveh it would be destroyed in 40 days. The people repented and were spared.

Miller, S. M., & Gross, P. (1998). How to get into the Bible. Includes index. (244). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Isaiah 2:4 - Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.

Isaiah 2:4

Commentary

The nations of the earth have been caught up in warfare since the dawn of human history. Yet in a future glorious day there will be an end to all weapons and warfare. This will only be possible because of the reign of the Prince of Peace (9:6), the Savior King whose Name is Jesus.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Is 2:4). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers

"Swords into Plowshares" - A plowshare is a blade of a plow used for tilling the soil. The prophets Micah and Isaiah both spoke of making plowshares from weapons as a sign of the peace to be accomplished in the coming reign of God (Is. 2:4; Mic. 4:3).

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

2 Timothy 2:3 - A good soldier of Christ Jesus

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus

2 Timothy 2:3

Commentary

Just as our soldiers suffer hardships and give the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we as Christians should joyfully serve our Commander and His Kingdom dutifully at any cost.

"a good soldier" - The metaphor of the Christian life as warfare (against the evil world system, the believer's sinful human nature, and Satan) is a familiar one in the NT (cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Thess. 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:18; 4:7; 6:12). Here Paul is dealing with the conflict against the hostile world and the persecution (cf. v. 9; 1:8; 3:11,12; 4:7).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (2 Ti 2:3). Nashville: Word Pub.

Psalm 26:8 - I love the house where you live, O LORD

I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells.

Psalm 26:8

Commentary

The Bible speaks often of the glory of God-the visible appearance of His beauty and perfection reduced to blazing light. His glory appeared to Moses in a burning bush in Midian (Ex. 3:1-6), in a cloud on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 24:15-17), and in a rock on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 33:18-23). The glory of God also filled the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34), led the people as a pillar of fire and cloud (Ex. 40:35-38), and also filled the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kin. 8:10, 11). When Aaron made the first sacrifice in the wilderness, as a priest, the "glory of the Lord appeared to all the people." In these manifestations, God was revealing His righteousness, holiness, truth, wisdom, and grace-the sum of all He is. However, nowhere has God's glory been more perfectly expressed than in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14). It will be seen on earth again when He returns (Matt. 24:29-31; 25:31).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Le 9:23). Nashville: Word Pub.

Ephesians 5:19-20 - always giving thanks to God the Father for everything

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Ephesians 5:19-20

Commentary

One of the natural outcomes of being filled with the Spirit is singing and making melody to God. Some take the three types of music that Paul mentions in this verse to refer to different parts of the Book of Psalms. Most believe that these words refer to three larger categories: (1) the 150 psalms in the Psalter, plus other psalmlike poems throughout the Scripture; (2) hymns, compositions addressed directly to God, like the modern song "How Great Thou Art"; (3) spiritual songs, hymns about the Christian experience, like "Amazing Grace."

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Eph 5:19). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

Parts of The Book of Psalms were used as a hymnal in the worship services of ancient Israel.

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Acts 3:19 - Repent, then, and turn to God

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 3:19

Commentary

Peter's sermon illustrates the two sides of repentance, that is, turning aside in sorrow from sin, and turning to God in faith. The call to repentance and faith is a necessary element of the apostolic preaching (2:38; 17:30; 20:21). In the order of the gospel, repentance and faith receive from God forgiveness and removal of sins.

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Ac 3:19). Nashville: T. Nelson.

"times of refreshing"

Prior to the time when God shall send Jesus Christ again, He who has now ascended into heaven, the believing remnant of Israel will repent and turn to God in preparation for the Millennium which is to follow (cf. Deut 30:1-3; Zech 12:10-14). Peter implores national Israel to repent of their sins so that they may be part of that remnant when the "times of refreshing" come.

KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (2135). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 John 5:20 - The Son of God has come and has given us understanding

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

1 John 5:20

Commentary

The coming of the Lord Jesus revealed to us Him who is true, that is, the true God. God the Father can only be known through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through Me." John is teaching what the Gnostics denied, namely, that Jesus Christ is God, and that eternal life is found only in Him.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Jn 5:20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Gnosticism - a Heretical movement in the early Christian centuries that emphasized salvation through a secret gnosis or knowledge. Originating as perversion of Jewish and Christian truths, it developed into an independent religious phenomenon.

Kurian, G. T. (2001). Nelson's new Christian dictionary : The authoritative resource on the Christian world. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Pubs.

John 3:35-36 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son...

The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

John 3:35-36

Commentary

This is one of the clearest verses in all the Bible on how a person can be saved. It is simply by believing in the Son. As we read this verse, we should realize that God is speaking. He is making a promise that can never be broken. He says, clearly and distinctly, that anyone who believes in His Son has everlasting life. To accept this promise is not a leap in the dark. It is simply believing what could not possibly be false. Those who do not obey the Son of God shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on them already. From this verse we learn that our eternal destiny depends on what we do with the Son of God. If we receive Him, God gives us eternal life as a free gift. If we reject Him, we will never enjoy everlasting life, and not only so, but God's wrath already hangs over us, ready to fall at any moment.

Notice that there is nothing in this verse about keeping the law, obeying the Golden Rule, going to church, doing the best we can, or working our way to heaven.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jn 3:36). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart...

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 12:25

Commentary

God tells us to cast all our cares on Him (1 Pet. 5:7) and not to be anxious (Phil. 4:6). Yet how uplifting it is in the midst of a trial to hear a word of encouragement! Encouragement stirs up, provokes, incites people in a given direction.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Pr 12:25). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

1 Corinthians 6:17 - who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him

But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

1 Corinthians 6:17

Commentary

One Spirit suggests the highest possible unity between the believer and the Lord. The sheep may wander from the shepherd, the branch may be cut off from the vine, the member may be severed from the body, the child alienated from the father, and even the wife from the husband, but when two spirits blend in one, nothing can part them.

King James Version study Bible . 1997, c1988 (electronic ed.) (1 Co 6:17). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 Corinthians 1:10 - Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10

Commentary

Among the Corinthian church's many sins and shortcomings, quarreling is the one that Paul chose to deal with first. In unity lies the joy of Christian ministry and the credibility of Christian testimony. In His high priestly prayer the Lord prayed repeatedly that His church would be one (John 17:11, 21-23). The implication of the oneness of nature and communion with God for which He prayed for His disciples was a "fleshed out" oneness in life. Immediately after Pentecost the newly empowered believers were in perfect harmony with each other-sharing, rejoicing, worshiping, and witnessing together, "day by day continuing with one mind in the temple .. praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46-47). Their unity bore great fruit in their ministry to each other, in their witness to the world, and in their pleasing and glorifying God.

MacArthur, J. (1996, c1984). 1 Corinthians. Includes indexes. (25). Chicago: Moody Press.

2 Timothy 3:12- everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus...

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12

Commentary

Those who want to live godly lives must be prepared for persecution, literally "to be hunted." God does not promise us deliverance from persecution but deliverance through it. Persecution is one of the means God uses to develop our capacity to reign with Him in His kingdom (2:12; Matt. 5:10-12; Rev. 2:10).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (2 Ti 3:12). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

John 15:18-19 - If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you."

John 15:18-19

Commentary

Since Satan is the one who dominates the evil world system in rebellion against God (14:30), the result is that the world hates not only Jesus, but those who follow Him (2 Tim. 3:12). Hatred toward Jesus means also hatred toward the Father who sent Him (v. 23).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jn 15:18). Nashville: Word Pub.

Zechariah 8:17 - Do not love to swear falsely

do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD.

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 8:17

Commentary

As always, the promised blessings are connected with obedience to His righteous standards. Such obedience can only be brought about by the power of the Spirit in the life of one who has been transformed by God's grace through faith. These standards are reminisient of Pss. 15:1-5; 24:4; Prov. 6:20-22.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Zec 8:16). Nashville: Word Pub.