Comments for October 9

v.1 - According to the Geneva notes, this Asaph was not the notable musician, but another of that name also called Ebiasaph in 6:23,37,9:19 and also Jasaph.

26:27-28 Notice the extent of the origins of the spoils of war that were used. Right from the time of Samuel the seer. This indicates that right from Samuel's day booty was being stored against this day therefore Samuel must have known that worship was to be established in a different location from the tabernacle which was at Shiloh up to part way through his life.

:1-12 Concerning the porters for the temple
:13-19 The gates assigned by lot to the porters
:20-28 The priests over the treasuries are selected.
:29-32 Judges and officers are selected from the sons of Levi.

Having dealt with issues of worship David now turns to matters of daily organisation in selecting these Levites.

One wonders what David's thoughts were as the porters etc: were being appointed given that so many years earlier he and Samuel (9:22) had already done the work.

FAMILIES

Recently there were huge power blackouts throughout the USA and Canada. All the technology people relied on was stopped. No longer could they watch TV, use their computers, surf the Internet, use mobile phones, listen to music, and even travel was restricted. One reporter I heard, spoke about the results of this major power out. He said that families began to communicate. People, families and neighbours began to talk to each other. They rediscovered the art of conversation and community.

Unfortunately this does not happen often in our technological society, and the value of the family has been lost. Today we live more as individuals, self supportive, self sufficient and self obsessed.

It has not always been like that. In fact, God made us to be part of a family and to work together as a family. I suppose it was the contrast between our modern self centred life compared to the family lists in Chronicles, that got me thinking. Each team of gate keepers was made up of a family: Dad, his sons and some of his grandchildren. They all worked together on the same task. Family relationships were very important.

Let's put some more work into our own family relationships, practising communication, co-operation and care. Turn off the TV and turn on the family.

26:8 Obededom  was a gentile (Gittite) (2Sam 6:10) so we see that David was preparing worship for the 'house of prayer for all people' (Isa 56:7)

V.5 The blessing spoken of here, was the blessing that Obededom received for the faithful custody of the ark. (2Sam 6:11-12) The nature of the blessing appears to be the great increase in his family. (seventy two descendants) The Psalmist shows that this is indeed a blessing. (Psa 127:4-5) 

It's good for us to realise how importantly even the menial jobs were reckoned in David's preparations for the temple.  1Chron 26:1-12 tells us in detail the names of the porters.  Then in v13 (1Chron 26:13) we read that they cast lots, "as well the small as the great," for the positions in which the porters were to serve.

V.12 Being a porter (gatekeeper, doorkeeper) does not seem like a glamorous job compared with other temple functions.  And yet it was an important function in which the Levites, who became porters, felt privileged.  As the psalmist declares, this is a function to be preferred to all that the world has to offer (Psa 84:10).

V.28 It is interesting that although Saul was rejected and deposed as king, the things he dedicated to Yahweh were accepted. 

26:28  We tend to think of David being the one who prepared material for the temple. However the mention of ‘Saul’ here dedicating things for the temple indicates that the matter of the temple was being discussed and planned for even when Saul was king – after the destruction of Shiloh.

Vs.17,18 The function of the Levites, acting as porters, was to guard the entrances to the temple area.  They ensured admittance only to eligible Jews and kept the orderly conduct of worshippers.  Notice that more guards were placed on the east side than at other gates.  The entrance to the temple itself faced east, which is significant. 

The temple is the place where Yahweh meets His people.  Jesus is that temple (John 2:18-21).  The sun rises in the east and gives light and life to the earth.  Jesus is the sun of righteousness (Mal 4:2).  His presence will be displayed as light that spreads from east to west when He returns to the earth ( Matt 24:27). 

26:8 Obed Edom had been involved in the dealings with the ark when David brought the ark to Zion 33 years before David’s death so it seem likely that by the time Solomon was on the throne that Obed Edom himself was either very old or dead. However his sons are allowed the honour of continuing to be involved in temple worship.

As we read through this chapter we see how prominent physical strength is (V.6,7,8,9). The porters were required not only to act as sentinels of the sacred place and precious furniture against damage and theft, they were in fact a type of a military guard. After the temple was built, it was their responsibility to both open and close the gates which had to be both large and very heavy.

26:27 1Chron 18 and 2Sam 8 in particular list the spoils and summaries the battles from which these spoils were derived.

Vs.8,15 It appears that this is the same Obed-Edom who housed the ark on its journey to Jerusalem (2Sam 6:10).

26:31 In saying ‘the fortieth year of the reign of David’ we are reminded that David, who had planned these things – or at least some of them even before he was made king – 1Chron 9:22-  is now putting into place those things planned so long ago

26:13 In casting lots to decide who served at which gate we see that these men saw that the selection for where they would work was God’s choice – Prov 16:33

26:29   The mention of the ‘outward business’ relates to the work required to maintain the temple for worship. So whilst not being specifically related to ‘holy things’ is was required to maintain the fabric of temple worship. A similar idea is found in Neh 11:16

v27 tells us that the spoils of war were used to maintain the house of the LORD. If David wasn't allowed to build the house because he had shed blood (1Chron 22:8), how is it that the spoils of bloodshed were acceptable for the maintenance of that house? What's the distinction here?

Going back to the first record of a war in scripture, we can see that a tenth of the spoils were given to the priest of Jerusalem (Gen 14:20). The reason given is that God had delivered Abraham's enemies into his hand. David appears to be echoing this event. The fact that he uses the spoils for maintenance rather than any more permanent use in the temple suggests that David is sensitive to God's wishes, that David not be allowed to build the temple because he was a man of blood.

26:13   In planning for Solomon’s temple there were “small and great”. However no distinction was made between them in respect to the way that they were selected for the work of God. There was no partiality. There was no feeling that some were less able than others and were so appointed differently. How even handed are we in our dealings with different people we know? 

26:26-27       David began to dedicate things for the temple early in his reign. Shelomith looked after those treasures for the whole of David’s reign – probably about 25 years.

GUARD THE TREASURES

There were treasures in the temple. They were national treasures of great value dedicated to God by great men of the past. We don't know much about them, but this is what we do know: "And everything dedicated by Samuel the seer and by Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner and Joab son of Zeruiah, and all the other dedicated things were in the care of Shelomith and his relatives." (1Chron 26:28). The treasures that had been dedicated to God were expertly guarded so that they couldn't be taken or forgotten.

If we think back two or three generations to our parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and all those who have preceded us in our faith, each f them have left us treasures to keep. They may not be physical gold or diamonds, but rather traditions, wisdom, a heritage of faith, or amazing faithful examples.

Like Shelomith let's treasure what has been left to us and guard it well so that it will bring gory to God in our lives.
 

26:32  So David was mindful of the two and a half tribes who were on the East of Jordan. He organized for their spiritual welfare.

26:1   When seeing the sons of Korah as “porters” we might consider their desire – Psa 84:10

26:1 the “sons of Kore” and the descendants of Korah who sought the priesthood – Num 16:10. The faithful sons of Korah who dissociated themselves from their father’s godless behaviour here, many years later, are still involve e din faithful worship.

26:27 David had given money for the building of the temple. Now we see that he was concerned with its future as he gave “the spoils of war” for the maintenance of the temple as well as its building. The lesson for us is clear. We should not just give to a project – be it money or personal involvement – without thinking about the continuing support that will be required and making provision for that also.

26 Individuals were assigned work – some in in groups. Tis was for the maintaining of the worship in the temple that Solomon built. The work of some would not be noticed if conducted effectively. The same is true in ecclesial life. Some tasks are performed “in the background” – maybe we do not even think of who is doing the work. However their work would soon be missed if it was not done!

We tend to only notice when things do not go smoothly – and then may be quick to find fault. Maybe we should be aware of the unseen work and regularly thank those involved rather than just find fault when there are slight problems.

26:13  Doubtless all of those who chosen  were capable of working at any of the gates they were assigned to. But the decision was God’s not their own as to where they served.

Whilst in our collective activities we do not have a Divine directive as to who is to do what we still have individuals who have the responsibility of sharing out the work

How do we respond when assigned a task? Do we accept the task of feel that we should decide to do other than has been assigned to us?

26:16  The casting of lots was a great leveler. The casting of lots ensured that positions were not given according to status in society. So whilst there were “small and great” their appointment was of God, not according to status in society.

v.4, v.15 - These words, or similar, occur so often and yet they do not persuade men to turn to God. The consequences of following a different way of life from that laid down for believers is certain and eternal death, yet still there are few that seek the truth and find it and live their lives by it. This must be a source of great disappointment to God, if indeed He can feel that sort of emotion. Even though people generally don't heed these warnings, our job is to make sure that we do.

35:1-9 The judgement on Edom is because of her perpetual hatred of Israel and Judah [35:10] This desolation will take place when the earth rejoices [35:14] which we must take to indicate the time of the repentance of Israel and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The emotion that I suggested was 'disappointment'. The problem I have with this is that one can only be disappointed if one doesn't know the future. It is a very grey area isn't it? How can God be disappointed by what He knew would happen anyway?

I tend to feel that the concept we have of God 'repenting him that he had made man on the earth' (and several other scriptures where God repented) is a way of putting it so that we can understand it, as on face value it carries with it the idea that some happening has taken God by surprise, which is clearly never the case.

I must say I am not altogether happy with this argument either, mind you! This seems to be the one problem that undermines our concept of the omniscience of God.

I suppose if we move it to our human level - as parents we show disapproval for the actions of our children, and very often the things they do are predictable - we can predict from our own experience what the outcome is almost certain to be - but this does not stop us expressing, and genuinely feeling, our disappointment in our offspring, which they need to see in order to grow closer to those things which are good.

35:5 Seir - Edom - had a perpetual hatred against Israel. This hatred started when Jacob took the birthright (Genesis 25:31-33). We see the dispute today in the way that the Palestinians want the land of Israel. Have you noticed how often now in the media that the land of Israel is called 'Palestine'?

V.2 The enmity that Esau had against his brother Jacob over losing his birthright was perpetuated by his descendants, the Edomites, against Israel (Gen 27:41). Seir, which is synonymous with Edom, means hairy (Gen 36:8).  This is a characteristic of Esau (Gen 27:11). Ezekiel's prophesy against Edom fulfilled the longstanding hatred that Yahweh had for Edom's contempt of Israel (Rom 9:13).

Idumea was the western part of Edom. The Herods were of Idumean ancestry. It is not surprising then that the hatred of the Jews continued in the first century. Herod the Great had no compunction in slaying Israelite children in his attempt to murder Jesus (Matt 2:13-16).

Herod Antipas, who succeeded Herod the Great as governor of Galilee, was not held in high esteem by the Lord Jesus (Luke 13:32). It was this Herod who beheaded John the Baptist (Matt 14:6-10); and it was the same Herod in front of whom Jesus appeared at trial (Luke 23:7-12).

In v.15 we learn that God despises the attitude of the man that rejoices over another man's loss.

35:6 'as I live saith the LORD' is a recurring phrase in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 5:11, 14:16, 14:18, 14:20, 16:48, 17:16, 18:3, 20:3, 20:31, 20:33, 33:11, 34:8, 35:6, 35:11) In fact of the 18 occasions it occurs in the Old Testament 14 of them are found in Ezekiel. It is the word of promise - the first occurrence being Numbers 14:28

35:12 - The phrase "against the mountains of Israel" is interesting since, in that form, is only found in one other place; that being Ezekiel 38:8. This only appears like such in the AV but the lesson is clear. Edom is representative of Gentile powers(or flesh) that has throughout the course of history been antagonistic towards God's people. Since they have been "against" Israel, it is "on" or "against" these mountains of Israel in which this power is ultimately destroyed. Amos 9:11,12(cp. Acts 15:15 for the Gentile connection); Joel 3:1,11; Zech 14:2,17

35:6 So Edom is to suffer "blood" because of her pleasure in taking life. The judgement matches her own behaviour.

The land of Edom is a mountainous and mostly arid country today, but at that time it must have contained areas that were fertile and well watered. (Gen 36:6) Years later, when Israel wanted to pass through the land of Edom on the way to the promised land it was described as possessing "fields, vineyards, and wells." Num 24:17

Edom is to be brought down by God.  Because the descendants of Esau had rejoiced at Israel’s downfall, so Edom is to be laid low. In the end they will know that God is the Lord.

35:5  So we see that God’s judgements are not arbitrary. He responds to nations on the basis of the way that they treat Israel. This is exactly what He said to Abraham - Gen 12:3

Vs.5,10 Edom is to be punished because they helped the Babylonians in killing the Jews in 586 BC.  In the process, they made a land grab of Judean territory.

35:14 The time when the whole earth rejoices has to be when Christ in back in the earth. So at that time we must see a devastation of Edom – that is the area where Edom has historically lived.

35:5 The destruction of Edom was not a mindless event. Just as God’s judgements upon Israel were to cause them to know God the same is true for Edom.

We saw, in Ezekiel Ch. 34, the promise of a true shepherd who would care for His sheep.  That shepherd, of course, is Jesus.  He will return to earth to save His people Israel from abuse (Eze 34:23,24). 

The land of Israel and surrounding territory will have been overrun by Russia and its allies (Eze 38:8).  Jesus and His saints will destroy the invaders (Eze 39:4).  On His way to liberate Jerusalem and the rest of Israel, Jesus and His band will pass through Edom, destroying the enemy in their path (Isa 63:1).

As Esau opposed Jacob (Israel), Esau's progeny (Edom) opposed the nation of Israel.  Edom, therefore, is used as a synonym for the nations that oppose Yahweh and His people.  And so, the prophecy against Edom in Ezekiel Ch. 35 has reference to the latter-day invaders of Israel.  It will be in Edom that the invading enemy of Israel will first be encountered and destroyed (vs.6-8).

35:6‘sith’ is not a word in regular use in the English language. The Hebrew word <0518> is elsewhere translated

Gen 4:7       if

Gen 38:9     when

Lev 22:6      unless

Num 14:30   shall not

ANCIENT HOSTILITY

The Lord had determined to destroy Edom. When Israel were down and out for the count because of the punishment God had brought on them by Nebuchadnezzar and the people of Babylon, the people of Edom had done their worst to rub in the punishment. Edom were the ones that kicked Israel while they were down. They had attacked the weak and the helpless. For this reason God's punishment loomed up on them.

Actions like this don't just happen out of the blue. It takes a certain attitude of mind, and a predisposition to do these sort of wicked things. In the case of Edom it all began with an ancient hostility. They bore a grudge against Israel and would not let go of it. Their ancient hostility festered in their minds, grew out of all proportion and eventually found its way out in action. Ancient hostility was the downfall of Edom, but it can affect us too. Ancient hostility is any hostility that stays with us longer than the days end, at which time we are told not to let the sun go down on our wrath.

Do we hold an ancient hostility toward a church, partner, parent, friend, employer, child, teacher or anyone else? If we are bearing a grudge, nursing bitterness or planning revenge, we need to get rid of that ancient hostility before it grows to become a problem that God needs to step in to eliminate.

V.5 Edom helped Nebuchadnezzar in the invasion of Judah and Jerusalem (Psa 137:7; Eze 25:12).

V.10 Edom thought that it could possess the vacated Israel and Judah (Psa 83:4,12; Eze 36:5; Obad 1:13).

All blessed with land

The Bible says several times that the land of Seir was given to Esau by God (E.g. Josh 24:4). Just as He had done with Israel (Jacob's descendants), God Himself had driven out the current inhabitants on Esau's behalf: "He destroyed the Horites from before them" (Deut 2:12, 21-22). At the time of the Exodus Israel were strictly warned by God against making war with Esau their brother: "do not meddle with them, for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as one footstep" (Deut 2:5). So Esau's descendants the Edomites should have been grateful for the land God had given them, but instead became jealous of their brother's land (Psa 83:12). That's typical of brothers, isn't it?

How jealousy worked out

Israel's brothers, Esau (which is Edom and Mt Seir), and descendants of Lot (Ammon and Moab) all came against Israel to battle at the time of king Jehoshaphat (2Chron 20:1). Jehoshaphat calls to mind God's promises to these people, how He had brought them into their lands, and not allowed Israel to fight against any of them (2Chron 20:5-12) "here they are rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit". God now had to choose between these men, all of whom He had blessed with their lands: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob vs Esau and Lot. If Esau and Lot had never forced God to make that choice, He could have continued to bless them all alongside Israel. But God was now forced to make a choice between them, and He chose Jacob who had been given the eternal promises, and allowed the others to destroy themselves (2Chron 20:22-24).

So this, along with the more recent history mentioned in the other comments, is the context of Eze 35, and why v10 and v11 speak of envy and jealousy. Perhaps jealousy is still behind the troubles in the Middle East today? 

35:15 We learn a lot about attitude here. Edom brought destruction on herself because of her rejoicing against Judah. We must never rejoice over the misfortunes of others – sadly such behaviour is a feature of human nature.

35:3    The way that God says He will ‘stretch out mine hand’ is  phrase used almost exclusively by Ezekiel. Except for in Jer 51:25and Zeph 1:4 all other occurrences are in Ezekiel –  Eze 14:13, Eze 25:13,16

35:5  This “perpetual hatred” is one element of that which another prophet speaks of –Obad 1:12-14 –when speaking of God’s judgement on Edom.

35:5 In speaking of the time when “their iniquity had an end” God is clearly looking to the time when Israel have turned to God. So we can conclude that this judgment on Edom speaks of the time when Christ returns even though it had an application in the days of Ezekiel.

1. We have the ancient rivalry of brothers Jacob vs Esau as there were "two manner of people" born of Rebekah (Gen 25:23,29-34;Heb 12:16); we have the hatred of brothers (Eze 35:5;1John 3:15;4:20;Eze 25:12;Rom 12:19).

2. "Esau"<6215> is Edom ("Edom"<123> is similar to "Adam"<121> and suggests of the red earth i.e. earthly) who living in Mount "Seir"<8165> who would be known as "Idumea"<123> (Gen 36:1,8;Deut 2:22;Eze 35:15).

3. Edom perhaps represents the flesh, the Gentiles, and the enemies of Israel; the Edomites hated Israel (Amos 1:11;Eze 25:12;Obad 1:1-21;Psa 137:7-9).

4. Eze 35:2 - Mt. Seir represents Edom (and is a political manifestation of the flesh - Heb 12:22) just as Mt. Zion represents Israel (and is a symbol of the spirit). Eze 35:4 - Mt. Seir, as it didn't have much in the way of cities, may be a latter day symbol of opposition of country or countries (with cities) opposed to Israel.

5. Eze 35:10,12;36:2,5 - Edom thought there was a chance to to take possession of Israel and Judah - 3 years after Judah fell to Babylon, Edom was conquered by Babylon.

6. Isa 11:1,6,9,12,14;Dan 11:40-41 - the Romans brought about the extinction of the Edomites in the 1st century, but at the end time of Israel's regathering there will be a people spoken of as Edom; perhaps this latter day Edom is a representation of all those peoples/nations around Israel who manifest animosity toward Israel.

7. Edom has always hated their brethren and coveted Jacob's land that it should be their's - a blasphemy is a lie against the truth (Eze 35:13;Rev 2:9).

8. Eze 35:6 - Israel will be revenged when the Gogian invasion is defeated (Eze 39:17); Ezekiel 35 predicts the destruction of Gentile power as a foundation for the ultimate triumph of Israel; Yahweh will subjugate His enemies in preparation for the establishment on earth of His Kingdom.

35:7-9  Notice the repeated “I”;. Whatever the Babylonians thought they were achieving against Edom the punishment was from God. It is really important to understand that God is in control of world affairs as we see in Dan 4:17,25,32

35:11   Because Edom had a hatred against Israel and Judah so that they wanted them destroyed God would destroy them. There is an echo of a Bible principle which can be seen in Prov 24:12

35:10   The two nations are Israel and Judah. Edom saw the destruction of Israel and Judah as something to rejoice over – Obad 1:12-14

35:12     The judgment upon Edom, like on the other nations, was to cause the nation to recognise Yahweh as the only God. This is the only way in which the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God Hab 2:14 when the kingdom of God is established on the earth.

35:5  The perpetual hatred started when Esau wanted to kill Jacob – Gen 27:41

35:2-15 this is the second time Ezekiel was moved to speak against Edom / Mount Seir. The first time is  25:12-19

35:5 The perpetual hatred of Esau against Jacob might well have a basis initially. However the root of the problem was that Jacob was faithful to God. Esau was not. It is like the flesh warring against the spirit – Gal 5:17

35:9     the threat of perpetual desolations returns to what the prophet has said already –  25:13

35:1-14 Ezekiel’s prophecy looks to the time when Israel has turned back to serving Yahweh – When iniquity had an end” (:5). Apparently Israel has been desolated at this time (:12). However the attitude of Edom (Mount Seir) has not changed towards Israel. Therefore Yahweh does finally judge Edom when the kingdom is established (:14)

Whilst there will be terrible desolation around the time of Jesus’ return we can look with confidence to the peace and tranquillity of the kingdom of God.

35:14 Like :5 we are being directed to a time yet future to our day. Israel will turn to God so their iniquity will end and consequently there will be rejoicing both in the land of Israel and the whole world when Jesus is reigning from Jerusalem.

35:13  It is often said “words are cheap” meaning that things can be said, claims made, that cannot be substantiated. This is what Israel were doing. However even though their words were worthless God heard them and responded to them according to His own position.

I suppose we might make promises – an easy thing to do – but then fail to keep that promise. We should be aware that our Father sees and hears all of our words.

4 v.12 - We see here that it is only reasonable that we should expect our lives to be full of both of these aspects - abounding and abasement. Society around us in this modern age teaches us to expect life to be good, and invites us to claim compensation if it is not. This is a human and unrealistic expectation that those without God use to make them feel good. There is no feel-good factor in this life. We must remember that we seek one to come, and that we should expect fluctuation in this one as we prepare ourselves to meet with God along with the others who have given up this life at the end of time. So let us not be put off by the things that God uses to chasten us and shape us for that glorious time to come. Heb.12:1-11

3:9 The contrast between Paul's own righteousness and that which is through the faith in Christ is the difference between self confidence and recognising one's own need.
At one time we were 'without Christ' Ephesians 2:12 but now we are 'justified' Romans 3:28 reckoning that God and not ourselves are just Romans 3:4.
We must recognise that we are saved, not buy our own righteousness, but by the righteousness of God.

4:10-14 In 'communicating' with Paul, even though his needs were already met, the brethren and sisters in Philippi were showing their willingness to identify with him. In like manner we can identify with our brethren and sisters. The communication may be phone call, a card, a letter or a visit. It does not have to be material goods.

3:20 'conversation' - a more accurate translation would be commonwealth or citizenship. Paul is stressing that we are citizens of the same country as Abraham, who looked for a city with foundations. It is the new Jerusalem. The Judaisers were looking at the old Jerusalem which was to vanish away.

3:21 The law could not change the 'vile bodies' all the law of Moses could do was show that the body was vile. The sacrifice of Jesus, by contrast, could purge the conscience. Hebrews 9:14

4:8 This verse is very useful to reflect on when trying to decide how to behave in any situation. Simply as 'does this activity or thought fulfil the criteria laid out in this verse.

ch  3 - And now 'finally' (3:1) he speaks of 'minding 'the same thing' (3:16) and an exhortation to avoid minding 'earthly things' (3:19)

ch 4- And so when two sisters are mentioned by name (4:2) whilst there would be embarrassment there could be no dissent about what had to be done. The ecclesia would have assented to each of the points Paul made as the letter was read out.

3:17 In encouraging them to be 'followers together ...' Paul is reinforcing the theme of unity which he is addressing in the letter to the Philippians.

4:11 Paul's happiness in whatever state he found himself is the characteristic that we should develop. If we can develop this mind we will not strive for status or possessions in this life.

4:9 Paul again sets himself forward as an example of the virtues listed in v.8 He was not boasting for they knew his ways; they had learned, received, heard, and seen them in his life. The power of his example lay in his careful conformity with the life of his Lord. 

3:19,20 The first century ecclesia consisted of those who were destined for the kingdom and those who were not.  Some were concerned with materialism and the present world while others were forward-looking, seeing themselves as citizens of the kingdom. 

The same choice exists for us today.  Is our focus on the present or on the future?  Where we focus determines where we will end up (Matt 6:21).  

V.8-9 In these two verses we have two of those little words that can be overlooked if we are not careful. "THINK" ; "DO" Our minds must always be on those things identified as "the fruits of the spirit" this is where our thoughts must be at all times; The N.K.J.V. reads "to meditate" on these things. We must also be doers, the example is before us as we read the Word.

Phil 4:6 - Don't worry, take your concerns to God in prayer. Matt 6:25-34 expounds on this theme.

3:10 When Paul says that we should ’know’ Jesus he is not speaking about knowing about Jesus. Rather he is making the point that we should have a relationship with Jesus that can only come from learning about Jesus by getting to know how he thought.

4:8 This is the second time Paul has said ‘finally’, the first being in Phil 3:1. The first time he is making his final expositional point whilst here he is giving them a final exhortation about how they should think and behave.

4:2-3 At Philippi, women were the first hearers of the Gospel, Lydia was the first convert. Euodia and Syntyche we would suggest were among the women who met by the river with Paul (Acts 16:32). Being among the the early converts, they would have taken an active part in teaching other women, who were called later. This would not have been in public proclamation activities, but in a less prominent way. (1Tim 2:11-12)

3:20 True followers of Christ have a citizenship in heaven.  That means that their eternal lives are reserved in heaven.  Immortality for them will be realized on earth when Jesus comes back. That is the reason they eagerly await His return.

4:3 All baptised believers of the true Gospel have their names written in the book of life.  Whether they stay there depends on the believers' remaining faithful or not.

THE KEY TO SUCCESS (4:8)

Here is the key to success and the key to failure: We become what we think about!

A TRUISM (4:11)

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything

CLEAR YOUR MIND OF CAN'T (4:13)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me"

4:2 And so the ‘symptom is addressed – and this only occupies a couple of verses in the whole letter. We can learn a lot about the way in which Paul dealt with the problem. A lesson in diplomacy.

LOVE IN CHRIST
 
Paul really loved the Christians at Philippi. He didn't just say he loved them, sign his letters, "With love from Paul," and then forget them. Time after time throughout the four short chapters that make up the letter to the Philippians, Paul uses language that carries over his love, care, compassion and thankfulness for the people there. No-where is it more marked than in these words: "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends." (Phil 4:1) Could we describe the people in our church the same way?
 
Firstly, he called them brothers. They are brothers in Christ - family. Our family are special people. They are those with whom we have a special bond of love that can never be severed.
 
"You whom I love." We need to make it obvious in our words and actions that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
 
"Whom I long for." Are these the people we long to be with? Do we take every opportunity to be together? Do we make a point not to miss church meetings while encouraging others to attend too?
 
"My joy." Too often we grumble and complain, but instead, like Paul, we should rejoice in our family in Christ.
 
"My Crown." Are we proud of our brothers and sisters, and are they proud of us?
 
And lastly, "Dear friends." There is not much closer than being a dear friend.
 
Let's make sure we are all those things to our brothers and sisters.

3:21     The resurrection will bring about the change of our body if we change our mind now. The resurrection is to eternal life is for those who have already changed their way of thinking. Paul has already spoken of this – Phil 2:5-8

4:6  In these troubled times, it is important to maintain faith.  If we truly trust in Yahweh, then we should not worry if things surrounding us fall apart.  Continually communicate with Yahweh and hold to a good relationship (Prov 3:5,6).

3:9In speaking of not having his own righteousness Paul is contrasting with his words in Rom 10:3 where he has already said that the Jews trusted in their own righteousness.

3:2 Dogs were unclean animals under the Law. The term was used for the Gentiles by the Jews, because they were unclean (uncircumcised) according to the Law.  Paul uses the derogatory term here to denote those who would bring impurity into the ecclesia of Christ, be it false doctrine or bad behaviour.

3:11 Paul, like many others, will be resurrected from death to face judgment.  What Paul really means when he says: the resurrection from the dead (ESV) is the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7).

Phil 3:17 See 1Cor 11:1. Paul encourages true believers to mark others who walk correctly in Christ.  It is important to be able to discern those who are walking correctly and those who are not.  Both classes might claim to be Christ’s but there is a difference (Consider the parable of the wheat and tares Matt 13:24-30).

4:13 This is a helpful verse upon which to reflect.  Remember, we always have divine help when we wish to accomplish something that brings glory to Yahweh (1Cor 3:7).

3:10 In associating ‘the power of his resurrection’ with ‘being made conformable unto his death’ we are reminded that the blessings of our position in Christ brings with it responsibilities – and again Paul is reminding his hearers what he said before . Here he is quoting Rom 6:5

FOLLOW THE WAY OF LOVE

Wouldn't it be good if we could all have the attitude of Paul toward our brothers and sisters. Part of the reason Paul wrote to the Philippians was because there were factions and divisions going on between them. As he wrote, he addressed them all in one letter. He loved them all whether they had this opinion or that opinion, whether they belonged to this group or the other. As he wrote to them he described his love for them, saying, "Therefore my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown..." (Phil 4:1) The believers at Philippi were not just aquaintanances to Paul, they were like family, people he loved deeply.

A little later Paul said, "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (v.9) Paul's love for his fellow believers is something that both the Philippians could see and we can see. If we have seen it in Paul, then we should put it into practice.

Becoming a follower of Christ is not just part of being a club. It is a way of life, a way of love. So let us develop the same attitude as Paul had toward his brothers and sisters in Christ, that they may be those whom we love and long for, our joy and crown.

CONTENTMENT

We live in a throw-away society. Products we buy today are designed to last only a minimum amount of time. No longer do we buy a washing machine designed to last a lifetime, they run for ten or fifteen years and then become uneconomical to repair. Cars are the same. This throw-away attitude has gone deeper than economy. Websites like Trade Me are filled with people getting rid of things because they don't like the colour, because a newer or better one is now available, or because the style doesn't fit. We feel the constant pressure to update and change just to keep up. Many people update their possessions just because they have had them for a while and are bored with them.

Unfortunately, this lack of contentment also spreads into our relationships. It is possibly a lack of contentment that has led to such a high rate of separation and divorce and to high numbers of couples living together without committing to one another for life.

As Christians we should not be part of this trend. We need to remember that whatever we have, has been given to us by God so that we can use it to his glory. This means using it well, looking after it and treating it with the proper respect. Let us, like Paul, learn to be truly content. "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances ... I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation ... I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:11-13)

The peace that surpasses understanding mentioned in Phil 4:6-7 is demonstrated in the life of David (1Sam 30:5-6). He writes about it in Psa 34:6-8.

3:7   How often do we put personal ambitions before being ambitious to be like Christ. Paul gave up  status and respect amongst the Pharisees to follow Jesus.

Phil 4:6

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Some people when going through tough times will drown their sorrows in alcohol, some will smoke, some will head to the refrigerator for comfort foods, and then there are those who will use all sorts of drugs. They forget who they are and whose they are by resorting to all sorts of "highs," when there is no high like the Most High to whom we ought to resort! 

In an early Greek manuscript there is a record of a man called Titedios Merimnos, a man who worries, who changed his name after he converted to Christianity to Titedios Amerimnos, a man who never worries! “Careful” comes from the Greek word merimnao, <3309> - “to be anxious about, care (-ful),” and to be without a care is the Greek word amerimnos, which is a compound word; “a” meaning "without."

In 1Pet 5:7 we read how we can do this - “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Along rural routes in India, they have soma tongas, which are sturdy shelves on which travelers may place their heavy loads to rest. For this reason, the Christians in India refer to Jesus as their Soma Tonga. Like our Greek friend, Titedios Amerimnos, let us cast aside our anxieties and let Jesus be our Soma Tonga. Jesus invites us to go to him that labour and are heavy laden, and he will give us rest (Matt 11:28).

Phil 3:15

“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded…”

Did you ever do anything in your life with absolute perfection? Of course not! Such a verse then is puzzling and troublesome to some. Yet, Phil 3 actually reveals just the opposite! The apostle Paul stated in no uncertain terms that he was not perfect (verse 12). Paul realized that in this life he could not attain to perfection, but did not give up, and continued to press on striving to be what God wanted him to be, so when the Lord returns he might obtain that state of perfection – the prize of immortality (verse 14). What God expects from us is a desire to conform to His Word in thought, word, and deed, and to strive earnestly to that end.

In Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, E.W. Bullinger has this notation on this verse: “‘Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:’ i.e., (desire to be) perfect. There is no verb, and the word ‘be’ ought to have been put in italics.” There must be moral progress now for moral perfection later. However, this is dependent on our personal knowledge of the Truth, and our personal experience according to the Truth (2Tim 3:16-17). Doctrine tells us what is right; reproof what is wrong, correction how to get right, and instruction how to keep us going right.

4:20   The way in which Paul speaks of glory to God is common in his letters. However is it common in our daily lives? Do we see that He is the one who is to be glorified in all our actions? Or are we more concerned, sometimes, to exalt ourselves?

a couple of them today - Phil 3:2,18,19-

1. v. 2. Since the New Testament's usage of the term "dog" is generally equivalent to a Gentile (see for example Matt 15:22-28), is that what Paul means here? Or is he using this word in a different way?

2. vv. 18,19. What is Paul's meaning in v. 19 when, in referring to these enemies of the cross of Christ, he says that "their god is their stomach and their glory is in their shame" (N.I.V.)?

1. Paul here must be using the term "dogs" in an ironic way, for either nonChristian Jews or Judaizing Jews (i.e. those who had infiltrated the church for the purpose of requiring its members to keep the Law of Moses as a crucial means of salvation). For he goes on in the same sentence to describe these people as "mutilators of the flesh" (N.I.V.). In other words, they were contending that circumcision for believing males - all of them whether Jew or Gentile - was essential for salvation. So in Paul's eyes, they were merely people who required the cutting off of a little physical flesh, whereas in truth the fleshly body as a whole was left unreformed.

One added point here - in the K.J.V. the word at the end of v. 3 is "concision". In the Septuagint version (Greek Old Testament) the verb that corresponds to the noun used here is used 3 times of forbidden mutilations (Lev 21:5;  1Kin 18:28 [remember the prophets of Baal in Elijah's contest as to who the real God was who cut themselves in their pleading for Baal to answer them?];Isa 15:2). So here it's almost as though Paul was putting the unbelieving Jew in the ranks of the worshiper of heathen gods.

2. "Their god is their stomach" almost has to be Paul's allusion to their false teaching in regard to the need to still keep the strict dietary laws within the Law of Moses. But Jesus had already made it clear that all foods were clean and none were to be considered as defiling (see Mark 7:14-23). And Paul later on would categorically state that "everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer" (1 Tim. 4:4,5).

"Their glory is in their shame" would then equate to the marks of circumcision as a first principle requirement for all males. But again - as stated earlier - they were wrong in this teaching and needed to make a drastic change. Paul had already established the principle of spiritual (and not literal) circumcision - that of the heart by the Spirit as a necessity in contrast to the need for all males to be literally circumcised (see Rom 2:28,29).

4:3    It would seem that there had been contention between Euodias and Syntyche but now they are to “strive” in a different way. The word “laboured” <4866> is the same word Paul uses in Phil 1:27 where it is translated “striving together” when speaking of working together for the furtherance of the gospel.

4:9    Can we encourage others to follow our example? Is our life such a good example that we would like others to follow it?

3:19   In speaking of minding earthly things Paul is reminding his audience of what he had written to the believers in Rome – Rom 8:5

AGAIN AND AGAIN

Paul, one of the most prolific writers in the New Testament said this:"It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again and again, and it is a safeguard for you." (Phil 3:1).

We forget things if we are not reminded of them. When we don't get constant reminders, we tend to doubt the truth of what we once heard. It's a bit like the man whose wife complained that she didn't know if he really loved her. He replied, "I told you that I loved you on our wedding day. If anything changes, I'll let you know." We might know it, but there is something very reassuring about being reminded.

Unfortunately Paul and his letter writing have long gone. He won't be writing the same things to us again and again to safeguard us against falling away. So for us to have the same safeguard now means that we need to read, and re-read his letters, and the whole Bible - God's love letter to us.

Hearing the same things again is our safeguard against falling away, temptation and sin. It keeps us loving God, and helps us remain in His family. It keeps us reminded of His precious promises. And it keeps us knowing the love of God and growing in His love.

So let's re-read God's word to us, and in doing so we will safeguard our hearts with Him.

4:11     Contentment is not necessarily comfort. Paul suffered terrible privations in his life in Christ. We must be careful to appreciate that “whatsoever” means exactly that. One supposes that such a state of mind can only come by looking beyond the here and now to the glories of full fellowship with our Father in the kingdom – Just like Jesus – Heb 12:2

3:2       Paul’s warning about “dogs” may well draw on Jesus’ warning – Matt 7:6 – in the Sermon on the Mount .

Phil 3:1-9

“… 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.”

The Judaizers of Paul’s day boasted about their obedience to the Mosaic Law and used it as a basis for their salvation. Paul had even more reasons to boast (cf. vv. 4-6). Not only did Paul keep the Mosaic Law blamelessly, he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the only other tribe with Judah to remain loyal to the Davidic monarchy.

After Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus, everything changed (Acts 9:3-22). Paul learned that though blameless according to the Law, it was not by which God declared him righteous. What Paul thought to be gain was actually loss; that the only hope for redemption was through the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ of God. This is what he was supposed to have learned from the Law and had not! The Pharisees twisted the Mosaic Law into legalism - the legalistic distortion of Moses’ teaching. They perceived the letter and the spirit as one and the same thing. Paul and the Pharisees did not realize that through the Law, they were to come to know God, which revealed His very character and personality, and the importance of knowing the Saviour who only reconciles to the Father!

We can be guilty of this very same thing and need a Damascus conversion! We may boast in being in Christ, keeping the Law of Christ, and revel in our good works, yet still not be on good standing before God and Christ. We cannot make ourselves righteous. To truly be in Christ, we must walk in the spirit of Christ (Rom 8:1-17). If it can truly be said that we walk in the Spirit, we owe it wholly to the Word of God to which we submit and allow to work in us.

3:2    The “concision” speaks of the Jews who would have gentiles circumcised. It is worthy of note that Paul links such individuals with “evil workers”. We might have thought those who sought observance of the Law of Moses were just misguided. However Paul, under the power of inspiration, says such thinking is evil work.

4:1      what a lovely way to talk about those one had been involved in teaching he gospel! Despite their infighting and shortcomings they were still Paul’s “crown”.

4:9 the gospel is seen in various different circumstances. What is said, written and by the way one lives. Our belief in the gospel should impact on all aspects of our lives.

4:2 probably we would be reluctant to name names when there is a problem amongst believers. However there may come a time when all attempts to resolve the issue have been explored and the matter has to be brought to the “church” Matt 18:15-17

4v2: Why doesn't Paul simply say, "I entreat Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord"? Paul appears to be addressing Euodia ("I entreat Euodia") and then turns and addresses Syntyche ("I entreat Syntyche"). They were separated, each presumably surrounded by their respective sympathisers and defenders. They probably carefully avoided each other on Sundays, every move being subtly choreographed for avoidance. And now, for all subsequent generations, they appear in the Bible for their character failings! What a reputation! Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons [and daughters] of God. Matt 5:9

3:4 In speaking of himself Paul is giving the fourth example of selflessness in this letter. The others are Jesus – 2:5-8, Timothy 2:19-22 and Epaphroditus  2:25-27

4:3 as if to encourage the believers to work with Euodias and Syntche Paul reminds the believers in Philippi that they both had worked with Paul previously. It is so easy for positive working together to be destroyed because of a difference between wo that escalates out of all proportion to the difference of opinion.

3:10  If we ask how are we to be conformable to Jesus’ death we will find the answer in Rom 6:5 which Paul is quoting. It is to be seen in the way we are willing to sacrifice our own desires that our lives might match that of Jesus.

Phil 4:7

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your heart5s and minds through Christ Jesus.”

THE PEACE OF GOD

“‘BEING justified we have peace with God.’ ‘Peace’ is a constant element in all Paul’s salutations. When the gospel is truly and earnestly believed, although there is no audible expression on God’s part of His favour, there is an attainment of peace. It is sin that separates from God. This was literally illustrated in the exile of Adam and Eve from Eden and is not less actually so in the state of all their children. Justification—the forgiveness of sins—brings peace. Increasingly valuable then becomes the designation of God as the God of peace. This peace, stilling troubled thoughts, and making conscience quiet, is fully experienced in fellowship with God. ‘In everything,’ says Paul to the Philippians ‘by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… These things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.’”

John Carter, Paul’s letter to the Romans, pp. 49,50