Aug. 20 Romans 1

Aug. 20

Romans 1

Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,

Rom 1:2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

Rom 1:3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

Rom 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

Rom 1:5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake;

Rom 1:6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;

Rom 1:7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Rom 1:10 requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;

Rom 1:12 that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

Rom 1:13 Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.

Rom 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Rom 1:19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.

Rom 1:21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.

Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,

Rom 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Rom 1:26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.

Rom 1:27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.

Rom 1:28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,

Rom 1:30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;

Rom 1:32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

"THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS" Chapter Four by Mark Copeland

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                              Chapter Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To notice Paul's tactfulness in dealing with Euodia and Syntyche

2) To glean Paul's secrets for joy, peace, contentment, and strength

3) To consider how Paul viewed the Philippians' generosity towards him

SUMMARY

This final chapter begins with a series of exhortations to unity, joy, 
and peace.  With great affection, Paul pleads with his beloved 
Philippians to stand fast in the Lord (1).  With great diplomacy and a
call for assistance from others, he implores Euodia and Syntyche to be 
of one mind in the Lord (3-4).  He then follows with a call for them
to rejoice always in the Lord, letting their gentleness be known to 
all, and through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to allow the
peace of God remove any anxiety (5-7).  His final exhortations include 
a call to meditate on things of virtue and worthy of praise, and to 
imitate his example in order to ensure that God will be with them 
(8-9).

At last he comes to the matter which occasioned this letter, expressing
joy and gratitude for the gift they had sent to him by way of
Epaphroditus.  As they had done before on several occasions, so now
they had provided for his necessities.  He is thankful, even though he
was quite content, for he knows that this gift really abounds to their
account, serving as a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is well pleasing to
God (10-19).

His closing remarks include praise to God, and greetings from those 
with him, especially members of Caesar's household.  As was his custom,
he closes with a final prayer that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 
be with them all (20-23).

OUTLINE

I. EXHORTATIONS TO UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE (1-9)

   A. AN APPEAL TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE (1-3)
      1. Prefaced with an exhortation to stand fast in the Lord (1)
      2. A plea for Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the
         Lord (2)
      3. A request for assistance in helping these women (3)

   B. EXHORTATIONS TO REJOICE AND TO BE AT PEACE (4-9)
      1. Rejoice in the Lord always, letting your gentleness be known
         to all (4-5)
      2. Through prayer, allow the peace of God to guard your hearts
         from anxiety (6-7)
      3. Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise, and follow
         Paul's example (8-9)

II. THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY (10-23)

   A. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF JOY TO PAUL (10-14)
      1. Paul rejoiced when they were able to care for him again (10)
      2. Not that he really had need (11-13)
         a. For he had learned contentment (11-12)
         b. For he had the strength of Christ (13)
      3. But they have done well to share in his distress (14)
   
   B. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF BLESSING FOR THEMSELVES (15-19)
      1. A brief history of their giving to Paul (15-16)
      2. Their giving abounds to their own account, viewed as an 
         acceptable sacrifice to God (17-18)
      3. God will supply all their needs according to His riches (19)

   C. CONCLUDING REMARKS (20-23)
      1. Praise to God (20)
      2. Greetings from those with Paul, especially those of Caesar's 
         household (21-22)
      3. Final benediction of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ (23)
         
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace (1-9)
   - Thanksgiving for their generosity (10-23)

2) How does Paul describe his brethren as he exhorts them to stand fast
   in the Lord? (1)
   - My beloved and longed-for brethren
   - My joy and crown

3) What two women does Paul implore to be of the same mind in the Lord?
   (2)
   - Euodia and Syntyche

4) What is said about these two women? (3)
   - They labored with Paul in the gospel
   - Their names were in the Book of Life

5) In what are we to rejoice always? (4)
   - In the Lord

6) Why are we to let our gentleness (or moderation) be known to all 
   men? (5)
   - The Lord is at hand

7) What is the antidote for anxiety? (6)
   - Letting our requests be made known to God with an attitude of 
     thanksgiving

8) What will the peace of God do in response to such thankful prayer?
   (7)
   - Guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

9) Upon what should one meditate? (8)
   - Whatever things are true
   - Whatever things are noble
   - Whatever things are just
   - Whatever things are pure
   - Whatever things are lovely
   - Whatever things are of good report
   - Anything of virtue, anything that is praiseworthy

10) How can one ensure that the God of peace will be them? (9)
   - Do the things learned, received, heard, and seen in Paul

11) What had served as a source of great joy for Paul? (10)
   - The Philippians' care for him flourishing again

12) What had Paul learned? (11-12)
   - To be content in whatever state he found himself

13) How was Paul able to do all things? (13)
   - Through Christ who strengthens him

14) When had the church at Philippi helped Paul before? (15-16)
   - When he departed from Macedonia
   - On at least two occasions when he was at Thessalonica

15) Why was Paul really pleased with their gift? (17)
   - He knew that it added to their account

16) How did Paul view the gift they had sent by way of Epaphroditus?
    (18)
   - A sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to
     God

17) Who would provide help for the Philippians? (19)
   - God, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus

18) Who in particular sent greetings to the Philippians by way of Paul?
    (22)
   - Those of Caesar's household

19) What was Paul's final prayer for his beloved Philippians? (23)
   - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

Just how do I engage "warp drive"?

In some ways, science fiction has become fact.  Doubt that?  Look at your cell phone and then think of "Star Trek's" communicator (circa 1967).  Think this is just an oddball coincidence, then again.  How about ION propulsion; they have it ready to go right NOW!  So, while warp drive may not be here today, but tomorrow...who knows???  Something the speed of change is greater than we think.  Here is one such example....


Acts, Chapter 21
 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.  19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.  20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.

It must have been exciting to hear the words of Acts 21:20; to know that fellow Jews believed in Jesus!!!  We never really know what is possible; whether it is how fast we can go or how God will see to sharing the Gospel.  I had a big surprise this week, for out of the blue one day the number of hits on this blog went up over 400 extra.  I still don't know why, but does it matter... they are people out there seeking to know more about God.  I only hope that God will use my efforts to help others!!!  I just wish I knew how to put this blog into warp drive and be able to say something like verse 20.  Never a "Scotty" around when you need one!!!  Anyone out there want to help?

Aug. 19 Job 13-16

Aug. 19

Job 13-16

Job 13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.

Job 13:2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.

Job 13:3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.

Job 13:4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.

Job 13:5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.

Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.

Job 13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?

Job 13:8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?

Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?

Job 13:10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.

Job 13:11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?

Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.

Job 13:13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

Job 13:14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

Job 13:15 Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.

Job 13:16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him.

Job 13:17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.

Job 13:18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.

Job 13:19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.

Job 13:20 "Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:

Job 13:21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.

Job 13:22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.

Job 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.

Job 13:24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?

Job 13:25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?

Job 13:26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:

Job 13:27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,

Job 13:28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Job 14:1 "Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.

Job 14:2 He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.

Job 14:3 Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?

Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.

Job 14:5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can't pass;

Job 14:6 Look away from him, that he may rest, until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.

Job 14:7 "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.

Job 14:8 Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,

Job 14:9 yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a plant.

Job 14:10 But man dies, and is laid low. Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?

Job 14:11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,

Job 14:12 so man lies down and doesn't rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.

Job 14:13 "Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!

Job 14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come.

Job 14:15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.

Job 14:16 But now you number my steps. Don't you watch over my sin?

Job 14:17 My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. You fasten up my iniquity.

Job 14:18 "But the mountain falling comes to nothing. The rock is removed out of its place;

Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.

Job 14:20 You forever prevail against him, and he departs. You change his face, and send him away.

Job 14:21 His sons come to honor, and he doesn't know it. They are brought low, but he doesn't perceive it of them.

Job 14:22 But his flesh on him has pain, and his soul within him mourns."

Job 15:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Job 15:2 "Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?

Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?

Job 15:4 Yes, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before God.

Job 15:5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.

Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.

Job 15:7 "Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?

Job 15:8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

Job 15:9 What do you know, that we don't know? What do you understand, which is not in us?

Job 15:10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much elder than your father.

Job 15:11 Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?

Job 15:12 Why does your heart carry you away? Why do your eyes flash,

Job 15:13 That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?

Job 15:14 What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Job 15:15 Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones. Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;

Job 15:16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!

Job 15:17 "I will show you, listen to me; that which I have seen I will declare:

Job 15:18 (Which wise men have told by their fathers, and have not hidden it;

Job 15:19 to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them):

Job 15:20 the wicked man writhes in pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

Job 15:21 A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.

Job 15:22 He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness. He is waited for by the sword.

Job 15:23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

Job 15:24 Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;

Job 15:26 he runs at him with a stiff neck, with the thick shields of his bucklers;

Job 15:27 because he has covered his face with his fatness, and gathered fat on his thighs.

Job 15:28 He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps.

Job 15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.

Job 15:30 He shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up his branches. By the breath of God's mouth shall he go away.

Job 15:31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; for emptiness shall be his reward.

Job 15:32 It shall be accomplished before his time. His branch shall not be green.

Job 15:33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.

Job 15:34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit."

Job 16:1 Then Job answered,

Job 16:2 "I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!

Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

Job 16:4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,

Job 16:5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

Job 16:6 "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

Job 16:7 But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.

Job 16:8 You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.

Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.

Job 16:10 They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

Job 16:11 God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

Job 16:12 I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.

Job 16:13 His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.

Job 16:14 He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant.

Job 16:15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.

Job 16:16 My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.

Job 16:17 Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

Job 16:18 "Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.

Job 16:19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.

Job 16:20 My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,

Job 16:21 that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!

Job 16:22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.

Aug. 19 Acts 28

Aug. 19

Acts 28

Act 28:1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

Act 28:2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Act 28:3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Act 28:4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."

Act 28:5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.

Act 28:6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Act 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

Act 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

Act 28:9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.

Act 28:10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

Act 28:11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."

Act 28:12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

Act 28:13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,

Act 28:14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

Act 28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.

Act 28:16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Act 28:17 It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

Act 28:18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.

Act 28:19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.

Act 28:20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."

Act 28:21 They said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.

Act 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."

Act 28:23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.

Act 28:24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

Act 28:25 When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,

Act 28:26 saying, 'Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

Act 28:27 For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.'

Act 28:28 "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."

Act 28:29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

Act 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,

Act 28:31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

"THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS" Chapter Three by Mark Copeland

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To see the error of placing confidence in fleshly accomplishments

2) To understand the need to strive toward perfection in our desire to
   know and serve Christ

3) To be reminded of our true citizenship in heaven

SUMMARY

In this chapter we find a warning against those who place great 
confidence in the flesh (1-3).  If anyone had reason to boast about 
fleshly accomplishments, it was Paul with his Jewish heritage (4-6). 
But all such things were considered rubbish in relation to the 
excellence of knowing Christ Jesus (7-8).  Therefore Paul had as his 
goal to be found in Christ, having that righteousness which is by faith
in Jesus, knowing Him and the power of His resurrection, and even
sharing in His sufferings, that he might by any means attain to the
resurrection from the dead (9-11).

Paul then describes his attitude of pressing on, and encourages all to
follow his example and that of others who walk likewise (12-17).  Such 
an exhortation is necessary in view of the reality that there are many 
people who are enemies of the cross of Christ, who have made their 
fleshly appetites the focus of their minds, and indeed their god 
(18-19).  Christians, however, should remember that their true 
citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for Jesus Christ 
who will transform our lowly bodies to be conformed to His glorious 
body (20-21).

OUTLINE

I. WARNINGS AGAINST JUDAISM (1-11)

   A. BEWARE OF THE JUDAIZERS (1-3)
      1. Rejoice in the Lord! (1)
      2. Beware of "dogs", evil workers, the false circumcision (2)
      3. For the true circumcision are those who...
         a. Worship God in the Spirit
         b. Rejoice in Christ
         c. Have no confidence in the flesh (3)
   
   B. PAUL'S EARLIER CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH (4-6)
      1. Paul had many grounds for boasting in the flesh (4)
      2. A list of things pertaining to the flesh in which he could 
         have boasted (5-6)

   C. PAUL'S DESIRE TO KNOW CHRIST (7-11)
      1. He counted all as loss for the surpassing value of knowing
         Christ (7-8)
      2. He supreme goal:
         a. To have that righteousness which comes through faith in
            Christ (9)
         b. To know Christ and the power of His resurrection (10a)
         c. To share in His sufferings, even in His death, that by any
            means he might attain to the resurrection from the dead
            (10b-11)

II. WARNINGS AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (12-21)

   A. PAUL'S ATTITUDE OF PRESSING ON (12-14)
      1. He does not consider himself perfect, so he presses on (12)
      2. He forgets those things which are behind, and reaches forward
         to what lies ahead (13)
      3. His goal is the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
         Jesus (14)

   B. AN EXHORTATION FOR THEM TO HAVE THE SAME MIND (15-17)
      1. Let those who are mature have the same mind (15)
      2. To the degree you have already attained, so live (16)
      3. Follow the example set by Paul and others, who live this way
         (17)

   C. A WARNING AGAINST THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS (18-19)
      1. With tears, Paul warns them of those who do not walk properly
         (18)
      2. Such people set their minds on earthly things, making their
         belly their god (19)

   D. A REMINDER OF OUR TRUE CITIZENSHIP (20-21)
      1. Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for
         Jesus (20)
      2. Who when He comes will transform our lowly body to conform to
         His glorious body (21)
         
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Warnings against Judaism (1-11)
   - Warnings against antinomianism (12-21)

2) Who does Paul warn against? (2)
   - Dogs, evil workers, the "mutilation" (false circumcision); i.e.,
     Judaizers, those who would impose circumcision and the keeping of
     the Law of Moses on Gentile Christians (cf. Ac 15:1-6)

3) What characterizes those who are the true circumcision? (3)
   - They worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have
     no confidence in the flesh

4) What sort of things could Paul have boasted pertaining to the flesh?
   (4-6)
   - Circumcised the eighth day
   - Of the stock of Israel
   - Of the tribe of Benjamin
   - A Hebrew of the Hebrews
   - Concerning the Law, a Pharisee
   - Concerning zeal, persecuting the church
   - Concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless

5) How did Paul view these fleshly things? (7-8)
   - As loss, as rubbish, in contrast to the excellence of the 
     knowledge of Christ Jesus

6) What was Paul's earnest desire? (9-11)
   - To be found in Christ
   - To have the righteousness that comes through faith in Him
   - To know Him and the power of His resurrection
   - To know the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His
     death
   - To attain to the resurrection from the dead

7) Did Paul view himself as having already attained, or having been
   perfected? (12)
   - No

8) According to Paul, what was the "one thing" he did? (13-14)
   - Forgetting those things which are behind, reaching forward to
     those things ahead, he pressed toward the goal for the prize of 
     the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

9) What is the attitude, or mind, of those who are "mature"? (15)
   - The attitude Paul had, of pressing on

10) How should the Christian walk? (16)
   - To the degree or rule that they have attained

11) Whose example were the Philippians to follow? (17)
   - Paul's, and those whose "walk" was similar to his

12) What description is given of those who are "enemies of the cross of
    Christ"? (18-19)
   - Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, their glory is
     in their shame, and they set their minds on earthly things

13) Where is our citizenship? (20)
   - In heaven

14) What will Christ do when He comes again? (21)
   - Transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious
     body

Do not buy it...

Whoever made this sign must think the buying public is composed of idiots!!!  Why would anyone possibly want a sale that is a price increase?  So much for the power of the media and especially of Wall Street;that some people will just ignore the sign no matter what it says.  A sale can be a good thing, but a price increase represented as a sale is a lie!!!  I wish this concept was just restricted to purchases, but it is not.  Think of it; how many times is sinful behavior is touted as being good?  It is OK to have sex outside of marriage, its OK to get drunk or to lie or steal or to hurt other people, just to fulfill your own desires... after all you are the most important person in the world and others are unimportant.  These are lies!!!!  The most accurate way to define them is sin. And sin will destroy you and everything you love. Paul puts it this way...

Romans, Chapter 6

 16 Don’t you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?

No one really likes being told what to do, but if you do not listen to what God tells you; eventually your life will fall apart.  Bad is simply bad and leads to something even worse; while good leads to being really good and ultimately heaven.  These concepts are universal and understood.  Since it is a given that God is ultimately the purest good, why not follow him and live life as HE designed it?  How you respond to the truth he has left to us in HIS WORD will determine your fate.  He won't mislead you, or forget you, or abandon you, but will always love you.  I can't say the same thing for whoever made that "sale"sign!!!!