God's Rules for the Rich

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1Tim 6:17).

You gotta love it when someone goes after the rich! For Pete’s sake, they’ve got it and we don’t. Those greedy rascals must have done something sneaky or underhanded to live in those mega-mansions and drive those sweet rides. Communists and socialists believe they can fix the world like political Robin Hoods. The Occupy Wall Street movement is all about punching the so-called One Percent down in the throat. The filthy rich are easy targets.

So when the Apostle Paul sets his scriptural laser site on the wealthy, the rest of us get excited. We want to get a good look when God uses the man from Tarsus to bring them down to size. In a letter to his protege Timothy, he’s about to bust the chops of those living the glamorous life. This is gonna be good. Make sure you’ve got a good seat. Buckle up, boys and girls, here come God’s rules for the rich.

Paul tells Tim, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (v17). So just who is the apostle going after? Who’s he taking down? Must be the first century version of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerburg, or even the Koch Brothers, right?!? Who wouldn’t love to see those cocky rascals taken down a notch or two or two billion!! Man, I can’t wait!! Let class warfare begin.

From the start, the apostle makes a point of specifically describing these folks as “the rich in the present age” (v17). He uses the Greek word plousios, which means wealthy, abounding in material resources, and abundantly supplied. It comes from a root word describing filled and overflowing. These are people who have more than enough. It’s not surprising that Matthew the tax man knew all about the fat wallet of Joseph, a follower of Jesus and “a rich (Gr. plousios) man from Arimathea” (Mt 27:57). Joe would certainly qualify as one of the people Paul’s talking about.

When Paul writes to Pastor Tim about “the rich in this present age” (v17), he’s pulling back the curtain on the demographics of the Ephesian church. Remember, the apostle has left his young protege as lead pastor of the congregation while he’s on divine assignment to Macedonia (1Tim 1:3). Ephesus sits on the west coast of what we know today as Turkey. It was a thriving center of Mediterranean trade and crossroads of Greco-Roman culture. The Gospel turned this big port city on its head as people turned to Jesus. That included every social strata and income level. Including “the rich in the present age” (v17).

But what about THIS “present age”? What about today? There sure are plenty of folks out there living large that Jesus needs to get His holy hands on! What if I told you Paul’s probably talking about you and me? Wait, WHAT?!? Me?!? You’ve got to be out of your ever-lovin’ mind! I’m just a workin’ stiff living in the ‘burbs. Rich?!? Not in this present world or any other! No way!! Listen, if it makes you feel any better (and I’m pretty sure it won’t), I’m not too happy about this either.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Did you realize that if you earn $40,000 each year, you are in the top four percent of wage earners in the world? Top FOUR percent in the WORLD! Raise the bar up to $48,000 annually, and you’re in the top ONE percent of money makers on the planet. 

I might not be the richest guy in my cul-de-sac, but zoom the map out just a bit. No, a little bit further. Make sure we can see all of our little blue planet. There you go. Compared to the rest of the world, I’m in the dreaded (insert dramatic “bum-bum-bum!” here) One Percent! I’m…GULP!…“rich in this present world” (v17). I’m pretty sure Paul is talking to you. And I know he’s talking to me. Yeah, this is about to get real in God’s rules for the rich. 

First of all, the apostle tells us “not to be haughty” (v17). He drops a compound word (Gr. hupselophreneo) that literally means “high (hupselo-) minded (-phreneo).” It’s thinking you’re above the riffraff and rabble. Arrogant. Proud. It’s when someone has enough financial security that they’re carrying a ‘tude. 

God has loaded Scripture with page after page of warnings against thinking you’re hot stuff for any reason. Flip open just about any book in the Bible and it won’t take long to find a verse poking a finger in our pride. Jesus’ kid brother James sums up the big idea: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Just in case you’re wondering, opposing God is never going to work out well for you. Ever.

One particular way of getting too big for our britches is when we believe we can buy our way out of any trouble. Dave Ramsey calls it outspending our stupidity. But Paul warns the wealthy “not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches” (v17). The apostle wants us to know that money is just a mirage. He uses a Greek word (Gr. adelotes) that describes something that disappears. Now you see it, now you don’t. If you constantly checked your 401k during the financial meltdown of 2008, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about! It was there one moment, then POOF!

How about a little financial advice from two of the wealthiest people to ever walk the planet? King David wrote a hit song in his music library about the dude who made the fatal mistake of not trusting God, “but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction” (Ps 52:7). His son Solomon has the all-time top spot on the Forbes 500 (1Ki 10:23). He went out of his way to tell his own son that “whoever trusts in his riches will fall” (Prov 11:28) and “do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist” (Prov 23:4).

After a rich young entrepreneur refused to release the kung fu grip on his portfolio in order to gain eternal life (Mk 10:17-22), Jesus warns His followers about money. “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mk 10:23). How difficult? You’d have better luck shoving a camel through the eye of a needle (Mk 10:25). So there are no rich people in heaven, right? Wrong. “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mk 10:27). Only God provides a loophole in His rules for the rich. And that loophole is Jesus.

But don’t think we can’t buy our way into God’s kingdom. Not with a fat tithe. Not even with a seven-figure check to the church’s capital campaign. Someone has already shelled out the unbelievable price of admission for you and me. Jesus personally spilled His own precious blood on a Roman cross in order to make that happen (1Pet 1:18-21). We have no shot at eternal life without placing our trust in the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Galilee. Christ lived the perfect life we failed to live. He died the death for our sin we should have died. He rose to the glorious new life we don’t deserve.

Meanwhile back in Paul’s letter to Timothy, the apostle has said that money isn’t just risky. Just a few verses back, he goes so far as to write, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1Tim 6:10). Anytime I put the love for money above my love for God and people, I’ve got a terminal case of human root rot. Money is yet another gift from our incredibly gracious God. Just a tip. Never love the gift more than the Giver.

Instead of banking on the risky investment of our own riches, Paul tells Tim that the wealthy must put their hope “on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (v17). Do you see God as the Greatest Giver in the entire universe? Or as some sort of a super-stingy supernatural Ebenezer Scrooge? The apostle puts an end to any misconceptions. He’s not only God, He “richly provides.” He doesn’t just give a little, He gives in excess! God’s rules for the rich means trusting in the One who’s not only rich but “richly provides” (v17).

All throughout Scripture we see God the Giver in action. The very act of Creation is a gift of overwhelming generosity (Gen 1). He gives life (Gen 2:7; Jn 1:3-4). He gives wisdom (Prov 2:6; Ecc 2:26; James 1:5). He gives strength (Ps 68:35; 29:11). He gives peace (Num 6:26; 2Th 3:16). He gives us the desires of our heart (Ps 37:4). He gives His Son who gave His own life (Jn 3:16). There’s no greater giver than God.

If I have anything good, it’s from God. Everything. Anything. All things. God told Adam and Eve to enjoy Eden with just one important exception (Gen 1:28-31). James tells us every gift has a tag on it that reads: From the Father of Lights (James 1:17). If our generous Heavenly Dad doesn’t hold back in giving us His one and only Son, we can take it to the bank that He will “graciously give us all things” (Rom 8:32). Earlier in this very letter, Paul tells Tim about how we’re to be grateful as we enjoy everything God has created (1Tim 4:4). God’s rules for the rich include enjoying the very good gifts that point us back to our Very Good Giver.

Let’s review the regs. Rule number one, God is talking to you and me. Rule number two, don’t get cocky. Rule number three, don’t trust the money mirage. Rule number four, enjoy the generosity of our Great Giving God. Those are God’s rules for the rich.

The First Resort

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1Tim 2:1).

You’ve heard it before. “All we can do now is pray.” Heard it before? Shoot, we’ve all said it before! You’re familiar with the situation. Things are dark and desperate. We’ve exhausted all other options. We’ve knocked on every door. We’ve tried everything else. We’ve done everything humanly possible but nothing has changed. At this point, we turn to God and plead for Him to come to the rescue. We pray as a last resort.

But Paul reminds Timothy that prayer should be at the top of our to-do list when life goes spinning out of control. ESPECIALLY when it does. The apostle writes to the Ephesian pastor, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (v1). Before you do anything else, pray. Cry out to God. First and foremost. Use every kind of prayer you can think of on behalf of every person you can come up with. Pray as a first resort.

Had the Ephesian church stopped praying? Sure seems to be the case. At the very least, their prayer life was on life support. John MacArthur has a sneaking suspicion that was the fallout of the counterfeit gospel being sold by the false teachers (1Tim 1:3-7). According to their not-so-good news, we’re responsible for our own salvation. When that’s the case, we focus on ourselves and stop praying for everyone else. With Paul on divine assignment somewhere in Macedonia, he tells Tim to get believers’ knees on the floor and their eyes off themselves.

Are sure sign of trouble in your relationship with God is a nonexistent prayer life. Or maybe you pray, but it’s kinda “meh.” It’s just something you’re supposed to do. Like flossing. I write because I know. For whatever reason, I don’t pray like I know I should. For heaven’s sake, Jesus has granted me the incredible privilege of speaking directly with the Creator of the universe. Almighty God will make all the time for me at any time. What’s my response? A little prayer here. Another over there. Pray first? Some days, I’m lucky to pray at all. Like I said, I write because I know. Let’s just say the Ephesian megachurch isn’t the only one with a mega-problem with prayer. 

Paul then gives us a a pretty awesome inventory of the different types of prayer available to us. “Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” (v1). Whatever your prayer need, there’s a kind of prayer ready for you to use. Specialized tools for every kind of situation. Pretty cool, huh? Talking to God isn’t like trying to get in touch with a customer service rep for the cable company. If my call really is important to them, why am I do I have to wait 47 minutes to speak with somebody who won’t really help me in the first place? Prayer is NOTHING like that. When I pray, there’s not “press 1 for supplication, press 2 for prayer, press 3 for intercession, and 4 for thanksgiving.” You just pray. All flavors are readily available. All kinds are happily received.

So let’s take a quick look at our prayer options. First of all, there are “supplications” (v1). This Greek word (Gr de’esis) describes a plea, a request, or something asked with urgency base on a need. It comes from a term that means to lack, be deprived, or be without. We’re to ask God to meet the obvious needs in the lives of others. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can make a beeline “to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). God has the vast resources and is more than ready to meet “every need of yours” (Phil 4:19). When we see a need, let’s ask Jesus to meet that need. By the way, often times He uses you and me to do it!

The next tools in the prayer tool box are, not surprisingly, “prayers” (v1). The meaning of the term (Gr. proseuche) in the original language is…drum roll, please…prayer. It’s calling on God to help. In other words, talk to the Lord about the people in your life. Remember, He already knows all about them. Tell Him how much you care for them. Tell Him how much you struggle with them. Tell Him that you love them. Tell Him that you don’t. Whatever you do, pray for them. Join them in their prayers. Ask Jesus to show up in a big way in their lives. Ask Him to absolutely bless their socks off. 

Paul encourages us to make “intercessions” (v1) for folks. The idea here is actually a one-one-on meeting with a person. It’s an intimate conversation with someone in authority on behalf of another. You’ve done this before from a friend or family member. You make a quick phone call to get them some help. The apostle urges us to do the same thing but to go a little higher up the org chart. Tell God. Talk to the One who really can make a difference. Hey, you’re just doing what some other really powerful people are doing for you. Jesus is personally interceding for you with His Dad at this very moment (Rom 8:26). As a matter of fact, it’s a huge part of His mission in life (Heb 7:25).

And don’t forget to tell God just how cool it is that He’s placed these people in your life. Make sure to offer “thanksgivings” (v1) for them. What a great reminder that we’re not flying solo as we follow Jesus. The Lord surrounds us with others for a reason. We need each other. He continually uses the people in our lives to bless us, guide us, encourage us, and correct us. Remember, it’s a two-way street. They need God to use you just as much as you need them. Paul gently taps us on the shoulder to thank our Savior for others. King David even saw God using his worst enemies and biggest critics (2Sam 17:11-12). Thank Jesus for the people who surround you. Even your enemies.

How are we to use all these kinds of prayers? There must be some sort of special list of people we’re supposed to pray for. The apostle encourages us that these prayers are to “be made for all people” (v1). As someone once said, “All means ‘all’ and that’s all ‘all’ means.” Jesus doesn’t have a “no pray” list. Take a look around. Who do you see? Who do you not see? Now, pray for all of them. Every. Single. One. We’re not to limit who we pray for or about. “All people” (v1). In other words, use every kind of prayer for every kind of person. That’s what happens when the Gospel gets ahold of us. Slowly and steadily, we take on a “Me Third” attitude. God first. Others second. Me third. As a result, go to God first about the other people in your life. And here’s a little secret. Our prayers for others doesn’t so much change God’s mind about someone. He already loves them. It softens my heart for them. 

So when it comes to prayer, don’t wait until your back is against the wall. Don’t get me wrong. Pray when your between a rock and a hard place. God certainly does some of His best work just before the clock runs out. But pray early. Pray often. Pray for others. Use every club in your bag. Supplication. Prayer. Intercession. Thanksgiving. I love how the Message puts it. “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know” (v1 The Message). Every way you know how. For everyone you know. Pray as the first resort.

The Blessing Blocker

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (Philippians 4:17).

Ever known somebody who doesn’t get it? No, I don’t mean a person who doesn’t understand your dazzling wit or how to work the cable remote. I’m talking about somebody who simply refuses to receive something offered. A friend wants to help them out but instead of accepting their offer, they give it a stiff arm that would make the Heisman Trophy proud. They don’t get it because they won’t get it.

Accepting assistance can be hard. Nobody likes admitting they need help. We like to show the world just how tough and self-sufficient we are. When sucker punched by circumstances, there’s this weird game we play where we act like we’re some bizarre combo of Bear Grylls, MacGyver, and Rocky Balboa. I’ll show everyone how I can survive all on my own. I’m sure I can disarm this nuclear warhead with a thumbtack and drier lint. I believe I can go the distance if Mickey will just cut my eyes. I don’t need help. I got this. 

If anybody had the right to refuse help it was the Apostle Paul. The guy is an absolute spiritual stud. We’re talking about the person that God used to write most of the New Testament. Have you read his bio (2Cor 11:23-28)? Scourged by the religious police not once, but FIVE times. Beaten with rods three different times. Nearly rocked to sleep with real rocks. A three-time shipwreck survivor. Spent more nights behind bars than he can count. I’m telling you, the dude is nails. 

If that doesn’t convince you he doesn’t need your help, Paul tells his friends back in Philippi that he’s figured out the secret of satisfaction in every situation. Thanks to his trust in Jesus, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). Sure sounds like a guy who doesn’t need a cotton pickin’ thing from anyone. Not from you. Not from me. Not from the Philippians. Not so fast.

Despite the apostle’s contentment in Christ, he readily accepts the care package delivered from the Philippians when Epaphroditus came to visit him in a Roman prison (Phil 2:25; 4:18). As a matter of fact, they have a long-running relationship of supporting the man from Tarsus as he tours the Mediterranean Rim telling folks about Jesus (Phil 4:15-16). Here in chapter four, Paul tells us that one of big reasons he readily receives support from the Philippians is for the blessing the givers are going to get from giving. “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (v17). It’s not being selfish but being selfless. God does crazy stuff when we’re crazy generous. He loves to bless the one doing the blessing.

Paul makes it clear he wasn’t dropping hints to the folks of the Philippian church for help. “Not that I seek the gift” (v17). No passive aggressive ploys from the apostle. You know exactly what I’m talking about, don’t you? I’m pretty sure I would give anyone who would listen all sorts of not-so-subtle messages. “Do I need anything? No, I’m fine. Really. I’ve really come to enjoy my cold, dark dungeon. All the long, lonely months have given me time to catch up on writing the Bible. Some folks might be upset about the total lack of food. Not me. I’m back to my high school playing weight! I may be cold, lonely, and hungry, but I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.” I’m sure you’ve never resorted to such disgusting manipulation. Yeah, I didn’t think so.

You see, this isn’t about what Paul can get the Philippians. It’s all about what the Philippians will get from God. “But I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (v17). The word translated as “fruit” (Gr. karpos) can actually just as easily be read as “profit.” The apostle talks like a certified financial planner to his client about building up their 401k. Instead of piling up cash for retirement, he’s all about helping his friends pile up God’s blessings. And the key to growing the Philippians’ profit is through the Philippians’ own generosity. Could Paul turn down their gift? Sure, he could. But he would be standing in the way God’s blessing to the funky church back in Macedonia.

So just how big a blessing are we talking about here? The apostle is looking for a supernatural windfall for his friends. He’s all about a profit “that increases your credit” (v17). Paul uses a Greek verb (Gr. pleonazo) that means to be more than enough, greatly abound, or overflow. In a letter to another Macedonian church just down the road in Thessalonica, he’s incredibly thankful to God at how “your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing (Gr. pleonazo)” (2Th 1:3). This isn’t a microscopic increase. You don’t have to squint to see the growth. It’s over the top and overflowing profit. It’s been super sized. God has decided to “go large” in His blessing to the Philippians because of their generosity. 

Paul wants us to see that God’s economy turns everything upside down. It’s not about being selfish, but selfless. This is not about what I can get. It’s about what I can get…for YOU. By receiving the generous gift from the Philippians, whether he truly needs it or not, the apostle understands he’s playing a key role in building their spiritual account (Prov 11:24-25; 19:17; Lk 6:38; 2Cor 9:6). Jesus calls this storing up “treasures in heaven” (Mt 6:20). It’s the gift of receiving. When the giver gives generously and the receiver receives gratefully, the Lord flips it around by turning His firehose of grace back on the ones who gave in the first place. Paul may not have asked for this gift, but he’s certainly not blocking their blessing. 

It’s just one more demonstration of how the Gospel does some absolutely whacky stuff for you and me. It’s a reminder of our spiritual condition before Jesus came to the rescue. We try to do it alone. We try to save ourselves. We spend our lives working our tails off to try and follow the rules to earn God’s approval. But we can’t. He demands perfection. That’s where Christ comes in. He lives the perfect life we failed to live. He dies the death for our sin we should have died. He rises to new life we don’t deserve.  Only when we humbly receive what Jesus has done for us do we gain entry into God’s kingdom. 

As a Pharisee, Paul spent his early life trying to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s of the Old Testament’s rules and regs. Eventually he came to the difficult realization that his religious resume was no better than a big steaming pile (Phil 3:8). He came to learn the only thing to do is admit we all need a Savior and position ourselves under the waterfall of His grace. It’s only when he accepted outside help from Jesus that he received God’s ultimate blessing.

So how about you? Do you see yourself as you a stud of self-sufficiency? Do you continually turn down offers of help because you’re determined to relationally live off the grid? Have you ever considered how you’re impacting the lives of those around us? When we accept assistance, God allows us to play a critical part in His blessing of the giver. Whether we need it or not. Take a lesson from Paul. Don’t be a blessing blocker. 

Philippian Philanthropy

“And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for needs once and again” (Philippians 4:15-16).

Sometimes help comes from the most unexpected places. Somebody who would never imagine comes through in just the right way and at just the right time. Paul knows all about that. The Roman colonial seaport of Philippi may be in his rearview mirror, but the support of the local believers continues to drop in his lap. These brand new followers of Jesus aren’t exactly rolling in cash. Despite their poverty, they bankroll the apostle’s Good News road trip. Call it Philippian philanthropy. They give so much because they’ve been given so much. 

Paul begins by flipping back through the scrapbook and remembering those crazy days when he first rolled into Philippi. “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the Gospel” (v15). This was during his second Mediterranean tour and the first time anyone in Europe ever hears about Jesus. Breaking news! The God of Israel is now throwing the doors open to His kingdom to the entire world, not just the Jewish people. Dr. Luke wrote all about how the time Jesus used the Gospel to turn Philippi upside down in his sequel we call the book of Acts (Acts 16:12-40).

Think about the Gospel Paul brought to Macedonia for just a minute. God makes salvation available to anyone and everyone by placing your trust in the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from the boondocks of Galilee. Jesus lived the perfect life of obedience to God’s commandments that we failed to live. He died the brutal death for our sin we should have died. He rose to jaw-dropping new life we don’t deserve. The risen Christ gives us what we could never ever dream of getting for ourselves. That’s the “beginning of the Gospel” and 2,000 years later, it hasn’t stopped. 

Yeah, it was a whole scene in Philippi. Conversions. Riots. Public flogging. A supernatural prison break. Even a bizarre confrontation between Paul and city officials where the apostle demanded public ceremony as his team left town. But Paul’s connection to the Philippian church didn’t end the day he packed up and hit the road. “When I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you” (v15). You see, the goofy little church in Philippi had Paul’s back like no other.

They give. They receive. By writing “giving (Gr. doseus) and receiving (Gr. lempseus)” (v15), the apostle uses financial terminology. He’s describing debit and credit. He’ll use that same language a little later in verse 17. Think QuickBooks. Picture a spreadsheet. Dave Ramsey would be proud. If the apostle was keeping a profit-and-loss statement for churches who provided financial support, he only had to keep one at this point. They do it out of gratitude. They do it out of love. Paul says this is the only kind of debt we should have. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom 13:8). The fellowship at Philippi stood alone. Later, the Thessalonians and Bereans also gave significant cash to the cause (2Cor 11:8-9).

Their financial support continued to flow “even in Thessalonica” (v16). This was Paul’s next church-planting stop after leaving Philippi (Acts 17:1-10). Apparently things blew up after just three weeks of telling Thessalonian Jews that Jesus is indeed the Messiah they’ve been waiting for. Some believed, including many Gentiles as well as a significant number of powerful women. However numerous Thessalonian Jews didn’t buy what he was selling. Think Ferguson. Think Baltimore. As a result, the city erupted in mob violence and rioting with vigilante Jews going house to house, hunting down Jesus’ followers. Thessalonian believers were able to slip the apostle out of town one night down the road to Berea. 

During the those dangerous days in Thessalonica riots, the little Philippian church provided significant financial support to Paul. They “sent me help for my needs once and again” (v16). The money flowed from Philippi to their founding pastor not once, but twice. The apostle kept moving. The Gospel kept spreading. The money kept flowing. During his legendary stop in Athens and his amazing message on Mars Hill, the Philippians had his back. During his 18 months in Corinth, the Philippians had his back. And it’s not like they’re rolling in the cash. Their support for the apostle and his road trip was a huge sacrifice. In one of his letters to the Corinthians, he describes how the Macedonian churches’ poverty didn’t stop their generosity (2Cor 8:1-3). 

Macedonian tour stops include places like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Jesus uses Paul and his posse to plant churches in each of these cities. After that, the apostle headed south on the Grecian Peninsula to the Athens and eventually Corinth (Acts 17:6-18:18). While the names of the cities continue to change as the Gospel tsunami washes across the Mediterranean Rim, there’s one constant. God’s love and support for Paul through the Philippians. And nobody saw the philanthropy of the Philippians coming. 

The Philippians give because God has given so much to them. Our incredibly giving God has placed them under the waterfall of His grace and they know it. He gave us His Son (Jn 3:16). His Son gave us His life (1Jn 3:16). He gave us His Spirit (Jn 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 1Jn 4:13). God is remaking us in His image. There is no great Giver in the history of the universe. He’s making each one of us into overflowing givers too. 

The Philippians get that. How about you? Stop and think for just a moment just how amazingly generous God has been to you. As the old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Do a little accounting of God’s goodness in your life. Family. Job. Health. Home. Church. I don’t know about you, but it sure seems like I’ve been on the receiving end of the firehose of His grace. I can’t help but give because I’ve been given SO much! That’s what it means to be a giver. I’m to be generous with my money. I’m to be generous with my time. I’m to be generous with my talents. And if you knew me a few years back, you would have never seen that coming. Talk about help from an unexpected source.

Heavenly Citizens

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

In the United States, we blow it out for our nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. Fireworks. Hot dogs. Fireworks. Cookouts. Fireworks. Picnics. Did I mention fireworks? We celebrate the day our founding fathers put their John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence back in 1776. But sixteen centuries before the American colonies revolted against King George of England, Paul gives us a heavenly civics lesson. He reminds us that patriotism is great but there’s one allegiance that takes priority for every follower of Jesus. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v20). As heavenly citizens, we anticipate Jesus’ jaw-dropping encore. While we wait, we devote ourselves to shining His light and spreading His salt until He swings back by. 

It’s a mistake to think Paul takes his Roman citizenship lightly. As a matter of fact, it came in VERY handy when a lynch mob tossed him and Silas into the joint during their trip to Philippi (Acts 16:37). The fact that he’s behind bars in the capital of Rome is evidence of his citizenship. The apostle leveraged his rights as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Caesar (Acts 25:11). And citizenship is a really big deal to the Philippians. The city may be in first century Macedonia (what we know as modern day Greece), but it’s an important Roman colony. Historians describe this seaport as Rome’s Macedonian Mini-Me. You see, Roman citizenship was something very special. Unlike America, Roman citizenship is a privileged political and legal status to free individuals. Just because you are born and raised in the empire doesn’t mean you’re a citizen. 

Paul tells us that as followers of Jesus “our citizenship is in heaven” (v20). He contrasts the I-want-it-and-I-want-it-now of the “enemies of the cross” (Phil 1:18-19) with the eager waiting of heavenly citizens. If God’s opponents are known for their demand for instant gratification of the god of their gut, heavenly citizens wait patiently and expectantly. The apostle talks about our greater “citizenship” (v20), which is the Greek word politeuma. It actually describes a civic entity, a location in which one has the rights of a citizen, a commonwealth, state, government, and even a homeland. We’ve all known somebody who grew up somewhere else and all they ever talk about is “back home”? For all I know that might be you! That’s kind of the idea. Right here and right now may be nice, but it’s not home. It’s not where you’re supposed to be.

The Bible is all about strangers in a strange land. God calls his boy Abraham to pack his bags and head to the “land I will show you” (Gen 12:1). Joseph gets sold out by his big brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt (Gen 37:26-28). Moses is on the lamb for murder and hides out (Ex 2:15). He even named his boy Gershom, which literally means “stranger in a strange land” (Ex 2:22). God rescues His people from 400-plus years of slavery in Egypt to take them home to the Promised Land (Ex 12:40-42). The list goes on and on. Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Ezra. Nehemiah. Ruth. Noah. And is there any greater story of an alien living in a foreign land than the Son of God’s rescue mission to save you and me? He left the luxury of the heavenly palace and dive into this sinful dumpster we call earth. It’s hard to wrap our heads around what He gave up to save our bacon. As followers of Jesus, we’re His body. That means until Christ comes back, we’re His eyes, heart, hands and feet to our friends and neighbors. Do you ever get the feeling there’s something more? Do you ever have a restless sense you’ve got somewhere else to be? That’s actually a good thing. Just like Jesus, you’re a stranger in a strange land. Just like Jesus, “our citizenship is in heaven” (v20).

So what does than mean? How do we live if we’re just passing through? MacArthur says we’re actually a colony of foreigners. Picture ourselves as pioneers and settlers sent to bring an amazing message of a better land to come. We’re setting up outposts of God’s kingdom. Until that happens, we should be a blessing to those around us. A great example are God’s orders to His people living in exile in Babylon. Build houses. Plant gardens. Get married. Have kids. Build great families. “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:7). Are your neighbors glad you live next door? Is your boss excited when you come to work? Are you a firehose of God’s grace to everyone around you? Earlier in Philippians, Paul encourages them to “let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). This could easily be translated as “be good citizens worthy of Christ’s Gospel by being good citizens.” Is your home a safe place for hurting people or a bomb shelter for you to hide out until Jesus comes back? Heaven may be our home but we need to be a blessing to those around us right here and right now. 

As heavenly citizens, Paul says “we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v20). He uses an extra special, super duper word here. It’s the Greek verb apekdechomai. The apostle isn’t painting a picture of of us passively tapping our toes and twiddling our thumbs as we wait for Christ to come to our rescue. Instead of killing time, we’re to be anxiously expecting Him. Eagerly waiting for Him. Looking patiently forward to His return. Remaining in a state of readiness until that awesome day. According to Robertson, this vividly pictures Paul’s eagerness for the second coming of Christ as the normal attitude of the Christian colonist whose is heaven. Just in case you weren’t aware, Jesus IS coming back! One look around should tell you this isn’t how things ought to be. Our Savior has one final encore that’s going to seriously rock the joint. He’s coming back once and for all to set everything straight. Yeah, He’s going to rescue His followers but there’s so much more on His divine to-do list. Redeem His creation that we jacked up. Defeat Satan and his demonic toadies. Punish evil. Reward righteousness. I don’t know about you, but that’s certainly worth waiting for. 

So in the meantime, we wait. Expectantly. Eagerly. Patiently. Faithfully. As heavenly citizens, we should be a blessing to those around us. Are folks excited about seeing you walk through the door? Or do they roll their eyes and dread your arrival? I’m not saying there aren’t times to stand up for God’s holy standard. But we need to remember we don’t have the market cornered on righteousness. We’re simply humble beggars who’ve been told where to find the Bread. We wait for His return by shining His light. We wait by spreading His salt. We wait by being good neighbors, good workers, good friends, and good citizens. 

Keep on Keeping on!

“Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:16).

It’s always good to know you’re headed in the right direction. Just ask any long distance runner. Too many 10Ks, marathons, and triathlons have been lost when the leader took a wrong turn. Without somebody keeping them on the course, racers throw away everything they’ve worked hard to achieve. Here in Philippians 3, Paul reassures his friends back in Macedonia they are headed in the right direction. “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (v16). The race is far from over but so much progress has been made. Leaving the race course now will ruin all they’ve gained. The apostle wants us to know there’s huge blessing in our faithful obedience to the Lord. Stay on course. Keep on keeping on!

Paul should know. Back when he was known as Saul, he busted his tail to run the race of life. He ran hard and set a brutal pace. There was just one problem. He was running the wrong race! He was racing the wrong course! The man from Tarsus totally devoted himself to running the race of religion and accomplishment (Phil 3:4-6). But somewhere along the route on the road outside of Damascus, he ran into Jesus (Acts 9:1-9). The resurrected Messiah got him headed in the right direction for the first time. Instead of the race of religion and self-salvation, Paul began running toward a relationship with the One who had already won (Phil 3:7-14). He hasn’t crossed the finish line yet but he’s doing everything he can to make sure everyone who will listen is headed in the right direction. 

The apostle encourages us to “hold true” and stay on course (v16). A closer look at the original language peels back some powerful truth. He uses the Greek verb stoicheo, which actually means to walk, advance in a line, or conduct oneself in conformity to a presumed standard. The term is often used to describe how troops march in formation as they head into battle. Don’t make the mistake of picturing our walk with Jesus like some sort of death march. It’s anything BUT! Instead, think of moving through life with direction and purpose. The word also carries the idea of living prosperously and things turning out well. That happens when we allow God to steer us as we do what He says. Here are a couple of good examples. Jesus’ kid brother James encouraged Paul to swing by the temple and show other Jews that “you yourself also walk orderly (Gr. stoicheo), keeping the law” (Acts 21:24). The apostle wrote to the church in Rome how we should “follow (Gr. stoicheo) in the footsteps of the faith” of obedient Abraham (Rom 4:12). The Message really nails this idea of running in the right direction once we set our sites on Christ. “Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it” (v16 The Message). Hold the line. Stay on course. Keep on keeping on!

One of the big reasons not to get off track is so that we will not forfeit all that’s been gained. When Paul describes “that we have attained” (v16), he’s NOT talking about any sort of self-salvation. He’s made it blatantly obvious is giant neon letters that his efforts to earn a gold medal from God resulted in him running the wrong race on the wrong course. The only victory we have is the one Jesus won for us. He ran the perfect race we failed to run. He died the death for our sin of disobedience and rebellion. He rose to a spectacular new life we don’t deserve. The sinless Son of God crossed the finish line for you and me and shouted, “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30). What He won for us can never be taken away from us.

So what is Paul talking about? What’s all this stuff “that we have attained” (v16)? He’s describing whatever progress and life change God has done in our lives to this point. The $25 theological term for that is sanctification. It simply describes how God reshapes us into the image of His Son throughout our lives. Let’s be clear about a couple of things when it comes to the sanctification process. One, it’s a lifelong, difficult, and sometimes frustrating road. Take it from Paul, the dude who wrote most of the New Testament (Rom 7:15-20)! I can’t speak for everybody but it’s often two steps forward and one step back. And if I’m honest, it’s one step forward and three steps back! The other big idea is the good news that God promises finish the work He started in you and me (Phil 1:6). 

I throw away much of what God has accomplished in my life when I sprint off course. I try to run the race I think it should be run. My disobedience to His rules for life can cause me to forfeit all that’s been gained. Please understand me. Once Jesus has truly gotten His hands on you, there’s nothing that can pry you out (Rom 8:38-39). Zip. Zilch. Zero. But we disqualify ourselves from much of His blessing by trying to do things our way. You see, Jesus has an incredible and overflowing life for us (Jn 10:10). If we really want to enjoy all the goodness God has for us and dive into the deep end of His abundant life, we need to continue following His commands. Our obedience to God and His Word puts us into the position of experience His blessing. Matt Chandler likes to say that we put ourselves under the waterfall of His grace. I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds like an awesome place to be! 

The race may be long but there are folks like Paul all along the way to let us know we’re headed in the right direction. When we do, we run deeper into our relationship with Jesus. That happens as we follow His guidelines for life and stay on the course. Or as the New Living Translation puts this verse, “But we must be sure to obey the truth we have already learned” (v16 NLT). There’s huge blessing in our faithful obedience to the Lord. Stay on course. Keep on keeping on!

A Big Steaming Pile

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

I treasured my collection of music. We’re talking rock from the 70s and 80s. Couldn’t get enough of it. Bought everything I could find from the Beatles, Eagles, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Styx, and anybody else who appeared on the Midnight Special. This timeless music would be around forever! There was just one little problem. I bought it all on 8-track tapes. What? Never heard of this fabulous method of recording and playback? Consider yourself blessed a thousand times over. Just about the time I was at the peak of assembling my musical stash, 8-track PLAYERS disappeared. Poof. Thanks to the invention of CDs, my entire collection was worthless. I had no way of rocking the house once my 8-track deck went to the big electronic dumpster in the sky. I thought this was a great investment in my entertainment future. Big mistake. My treasured collection of 8-track gold was nothing more than a big steaming pile.

What in the world do my misguided musical purchases have to do with Paul’s letter to the Philippian church? I’m so very glad you asked. The apostle goes out of his way to let his readers know he made a massive mistake. Earlier in his life, he invested in things he truly believed mattered over the long haul. He built an incredibly impressive religious resume! The former Pharisee had quite a pile of accomplishments and awards. That all changed the day the resurrected Jesus supernaturally mugged him outside Damascus. Suddenly Paul realized his credentials and achievements were a lot like my 8-track collection. A. Big. Steaming. Pile. 

The apostle desperately wants his Philippian friends to not make the same mistake. Following Jesus is about a deepening and growing relationship with our Savior. It is NOT about trying to earn God’s favor by filling up the trophy case. It’s NOT about turning our lives into one big self-salvation project. That’s exactly the spiritual snake oil a team of false teachers was spreading among local churches at the time. They were duping folks into believing a counterfeit gospel that Jesus may get you into God’s kingdom but it’s up to us to stay in. According to these knuckleheads, that happens when we follow a long and complicated list of religious rules and regulations. From his prison cell in Rome, Paul pleads with the people not to fall for this garbage. 

His warning is also for you and me, 2,000 years later. There are plenty of these goobers still around today peddling not-so-good news. We trust in Jesus and what He’s done. Christ lived the perfect life I’ve failed to live. He died the death for my sin I should have died. He rose to new life I certainly don’t deserve. I depend on His spotless resume, not mine. But my trust in Him doesn’t stop there. I deepen my relationship with Jesus through my obedience to Him. He’s not just my Savior but my Lord. He’s not just my Rescuer but my Leader. I follow out of my overflowing gratitude not because He’s given me some sort of divine to-do list. Our relationship grows through my obedience. That’s when I truly understand the mind-blowing value of knowing Jesus compared to everything else. Compared to Him, it’s all a big steaming pile.

“I count everything as loss” (v8), says Paul. He picks up on the image of the profit-and-loss statement he started in the previous verse. Once Christ became part of the equation, He flipped the ledger of his life on its head. Profits became losses. Losses became profits. The apostle continues and says when all the calculations were complete, he suddenly realized everything in his life outside of his relationship with Jesus was a big fat zero. The word “count” in the ESV is the Greek verb hegomai, which is actually an accounting term. It means to figure, calculate, or reckon. Whether you use a computer, calculator, abacus, or number two pencil, you’ll get the same result. There’s not one single thing that measures up to a relationship with the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. Nothing.

That doesn’t mean God doesn’t shower us with some awesome blessings. Family. Friends. A home. A job. But when we stack them up next to Jesus, they’re worthless. That’s because God’s greatest blessing to us is God Himself. It’s about the Giver and not about His gifts. He wants us to see His gracious fingerprints on everything in our lives. Everything from a beautiful sunrise to a great ribeye is a gift from the ultimate Giver. They’re to be enjoyed. But don’t make the mistake of worshiping His blessings. They pale in comparison to Christ. Nothing measures up to a relationship with Jesus. 

Just how valuable is this friendship? According to Paul, it’s of “surpassing worth” (v8). He drops a cool word in the original language (Gr. hupercho) which literally means have something that’s over the top! The value of a friendship with Jesus is far and away better than anything else in our lives. It doesn’t mean the other stuff is worthless. Quite the contrary. The apostle is simply raising the price of his relationship with Christ. In comparison to all of the other things he values highly, what he has in Jesus makes them seem pointless. His relationship with Jesus is over the top! 

“Knowing Christ Jesus” (v8) is not knowing ABOUT Him. We’re not to simply acquire facts about the Son of God. It’s never a bad idea to gather important info about the people you love. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Likes. Dislikes. Where are they from? What do they do? But those facts allow you to dive deeper into the relationship (otherwise, you’re just some sort of weird, creepy stalker). Paul calls us to something so much better than a fact-finding mission or a Google search on our Savior. It’s the difference between reading someone’s autobiography and actually becoming their friend. Let’s get to know Jesus personally and intimately and not just build a dossier of intel. 

You might think this idea of a personal friendship with God is something your weird, Bible-thumping neighbors made up. Interestingly, the Bible is full of the importance of the privilege of this relationship. Seven hundred years before Jesus, God spoke through Isaiah about our desperate need for a relationship with His Son. “By His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities” (Is 53:11). One hundred years after that, Yahweh used His spokesman Jeremiah to warn folks to stop bragging about what they have done and start bragging about a relationship with God. “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD” (Jer 9:23-24).

That theme keeps rolling in the New Testament. Rocky, the crew chief of the apostles, prayed that we each have a relationship with the heavenly Father and His Son which puts us under the waterfall of God’s goodness. “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord” (2Pet 1:3). The Apostle John wanted the world to know his best Friend came on His mission not just to rescue us from our sin but to open the door for a relationship. “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” (1Jn 5:20). Jesus and talked to His Dad about how a relational connection with them is THE definition of everlasting and abundant life. “And this is eternal life, that they know You the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (Jn 17:3). Yeah, a personal friendship with God through Jesus is kind of a big deal. 

Jesus is a total game changer for Paul. “I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish” (v8). Christ caused him to reevaluate everything in his life. When he did, a funny thing happened. The apostle realized everything else is “rubbish” (v8). Here’s the deal. Bible translators don’t know what to do with the word in the original Greek text. It’s skubalon. Some other versions say “garbage” (NLT) or “refuse” (YLT). Here’s a place where the good ol’ King Jimmy nails it: “dung.” It’s the only time the term shows up in Scripture. We’re talking manure. Feces. Poop. You might roll your nose at the though of such a disgusting term being in the Bible. But it’s important to use strong words when talking about strong ideas. What Paul thought was priceless eventually turned out to be a big steaming pile compared to a relationship with Jesus. Kind of like my 8-track collection.

Profit and Loss

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7).

In business, all that matters is the bottom line. For CEOs, CFOs, presidents, the board of directors, and stockholders, it’s all about the Benjamins. Profit and loss. You might think all this talk of capitalism and cash sounds crass when it comes to following Christ. But Paul goes all Fortune 500 to describe his relationship with Jesus. “But whatever gain I had, I coined as loss for the sake of Christ” (v7). That’s because His grace is a game changer. Our Savior transforms our portfolio. Suddenly all of the items we considered assets junk compared to Jesus. 

All this talk of profit-and-loss statements really shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise if you’ve been reading along in the apostle’s letter to his friends back in Philippi. He just got through sharing his religious resume (Phil 3:5-6). The man from Tarsus has some impressive qualifications. Top of his class. One of Israel’s up-and-comers. Number one draft pick. He was so devoted to Judaism he hunted and murdered followers of that radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. But the dude we once knew as Saul soon realized his resume was big steaming pile when he met Jesus face to face. Everything he’d spent his life accumulating was suddenly worthless. His profits instantaneously shifted over the loss column. Yeah, Christ has a huge impact on our bottom line.

Paul starts his evaluation of his P&L statement with earnings. “But whatever gain I had” (v7). He uses an accounting term (Gr. kerdos), which means profit, advantage, or earnings. There is a strong sense of working hard to obtain something. All those bullet points on his resume came with a cost. The former Pharisee busted his tail to pile them up. Hours of study. Years of obedience. He had hoped to pile up enough profit to buy himself into God’s kingdom. He dedicated his life to legalism and self-salvation. Let’s face it, if anybody could pull this off, it was this young Hebrew superstar. But there’s just one little problem. You can’t do it. Not then. Not now. Not ever. Not through church attendance. Not by reading your Bible. Not by devoting your life to Habitat for Humanity. Not by helping old ladies across the street. Most of us have spent a lot of time and effort believing we can pile up enough profits by being a good person that God would have to accept us. Not so much.

The entrepreneurial tentmaker from Tarsus continues the assessment of his financial statement. Suddenly all of the profits “I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (v7). Here’s another business term, “counted” (Gr. hegeomai). It describes how an accounted sharpens their pencil and really looks closely at the ledger. The term means to figure, reckon, consider, be of the opinion, regard, or hold a view. Jesus’ kid brother James writes, “Count (Gr. hegeomai) it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3). Paul has gone down the list of the profit column. Like a top CPA, he’s looked hard at each item listed. He’s done the cost-benefit analysis. The apostle has run the numbers and they suddenly don’t add up.

We’re shocked to see the bottom line is a “loss for the sake of Christ” (v7). Paul goes back to his business vocab once again with the word “loss” (Gr. zemia). This means disadvantage, damage, forfeiture, or a worse situation than before. It also carries the undeniable implication of hardship or suffering. Back during his cruise from hell for his hearing in Rome, the apostle tried to tell the captain and crew of the ship of the suffering they were facing. “I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss (Gr. zemia), not only of cargo and the ship, but also our lives” (Acts 27:10). We might believe with every fiber of our being we know what we’re doing. But without a relationship with Jesus, we’re going to crash on the rocks and lose everything. Paul makes it clear all I work to gain as a blessing will actually turn out to be a hardship when it comes to following Jesus. It’s going to hurt when God pulls all the stuff I’ve thought was of value out of my hands. It hurts because I have to them go and have to lay them down.

Christ made the point of false profit to His posse over and over again. “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Lk 14:33). It’s not about our stuff. It’s all about following Jesus. The Lord even went so far as to say it was a complete waste of time to be rich enough to own the planet and everything on it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Mt 16:26). It’s all Monopoly money compared to what’s really valuable. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all he has and buys the field” (Mt 13:44-45). That’s something that even Moses realized almost 1,400 years before Jesus showed up. “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Heb 11:25).

So just what does Jesus use to turn our profit-and-loss statement upside down? What incredible blessing does He give us? Money? Power? A big house? How ‘bout Creflo Dollar’s jet? I’m not saying God won’t financially bless you or me. But that’s not what leverages our ledger. Jesus is the blessing! He is the the reward! What Christ gives is SO much better that anything we can grab on our own! Himself!! His grace is a game changer. Our Savior transforms our portfolio. Suddenly all of the items we considered assets junk compared to Jesus. 

Curses and Blessings

There are just some things that are stupid to even try. Tugging on Superman’s cape. Skipping through the lion cage wearing a pork chop necklace. Challenging LeBron to a game of one-on-one. But those are a piece of cake compared to trying to outfox God. Let’s be frank. Anytime you get cocky enough to think you can pull a fast one on Almighty God, you’re gonna lose. Every. Single. Time. Oh, there may be a brief moment when you actually believe you’ve come out on top. But God wins. Every. Single. Time.

Here in the opening verses of Nehemiah 13, we see God’s people digging into the Old Testament for a group Bible study. To be honest, they didn’t call it the Old Testament back in the day. It was the ONLY testament! They hear how the LORD told the Israelites through Moses to keep certain non-Jews who refused to worship Him out of their assembly. They hear the story of how locals refused to give their Hebrew ancestors supplies on their way to the Promised Land. They hear the story of how a for-profit prophet refused to cash an easy check by cursing God’s people. They hear once again how the LORD continually takes something evil and turns it upside down into blessing. Once they’re reminded of God’s ridiculous and unrelenting grace toward His chosen people, the Israelites immediately apply what they’ve heard and break up with their pagan lovers. They hear God’s law. They hear God’s Gospel. They willingly obey.

Before we drill down on this passage, let’s get a few things on the table. There’s disagreement on when the events of this chapter go down. It sure seems that these three verses combine with Nehemiah 13:30-31 to form brackets around the rest of the chapter. In other words, the chronology of the story actually begins in verse 4 with the crazy story of Eliashib the priest turning one temple storage rooms into an apartment for Tobiah the Ammonite, who just happens to be one of the sworn enemies of God’s people. We read of an avalanche of scandals and sin occur once Nehemiah returns to Persia (Neh 13:6). He hightails it back to Judah put out the series of dumpster fires burning in Jerusalem (Neh 13:7). The governor uses a flashback describing how he extinguishes each of them in Nehemiah 13:8-29. So what we read here in verses 1-3 is actually the result of his ultimate reforms.

Smart dudes also believe that Nehemiah 13 is the last chapter of the Old Testament written chronologically. Malachi is the final book of the OT in our Bible. Most of what that prophet describes occurs right here in Nehemiah 13 somewhere between 433-424 BC. Folks a lot smatter than me think Ezra the scribe wrapped up writing the book of Nehemiah no later than 400 BC. When the author put down his pen and rolled up the scroll, the people didn’t hear from God for four centuries. Nothing but crickets from heaven until the Father sent His Son on the most breathtaking rescue mission the universe has ever seen.

As we pick up the action at the beginning of chapter 13, Nehemiah is back in town. He kept his promise of returning to King Artaxerxes of Persia. But he soon got word of Big Trouble in Little Judah (my apologies for anyone who didn’t catch the random Kurt Russell movie reference). The governor returns to Jerusalem and returns the people to God’s Word. Just as they had done right after rebuilding the city walls (Neh 8:1, 2, 8, 13, 18; 9:3), “they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people” (v1). Once again, they hear the law. Once again, they hear of God’s impossible standard of perfect obedience. Once again, they hear the story of God’s amazing goodness to a repeatedly rebellious and ungrateful people. Once again, they hear of how He promises to personally come to their rescue.

As part of this Bible study, the come across Deuteronomy 23:3-6. “And it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God” (v1). These are two of the people groups that went out of their way to get in the way of God’s chosen people and their trip into the Promised Land. Because of their intentional opposition, the LORD made it perfectly clear that they’re on His naughty list. A couple important points. First of all, it doesn’t mean that an Ammonite or Moabite could never, ever turn from their idols and turn to the God of Israel. Don’t believe me? Flip over and read the story of Ruth. She’s an immigrant from Moab who eventually becomes the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17) and the ancestor of King Jesus (Mt 1:5). This is great news for just about everyone of us. If you’re like me, you’re a Gentile. We were originally on the outside looking in when it comes to God’s Kingdom. But we can thank Jesus for inviting us to His party.

On the other hand, God’s Ammonite/Moabite ban is important to remember because of what we’re about to read in the following section (Neh 13:4-9). It seems that Jerusalem’s arch-enemy Tobiah the Ammonite has weaseled his way into the temple. The author tips us off that a high priest named Eliashib is related to him in someway and has let him move into a room reserved for the supplies for the people serving on the worship team. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. 

Back at the big Bible study in Jerusalem, the people read the story of how the Moabites and Ammonites once “hired Balaam to curse them” (v2). Moses spends three whole chapters in Numbers going into detail about the time King Balak of Moab feels threatened by the massive posse of Israelites rolling into his country (Num 22-24). Balak throws a boatload of Benjamins at a guy named Balaam to curse the Hebrews. Balaam is a profitable prophet who’s made a reputation for giving you the prophecy you want if you’re willing to pony up the dollars. But a funny thing happens on the cursing. God happens. It’s a CRAZY story that involves a talking jackass (you really should read your Bible!). The next thing you know, Balaam isn’t cursing God’s people but passing along God’s blessing on them. I told you it was whack! 

It’s another incredible example of how “our God turned the curse into a blessing” (v2). That’s just about the same thing Joseph said to his brothers who sold him into slavery. “You mean evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20). They thought they were getting rid of their pesky kid brother once and for all. Little did they know that God would use their underhanded scheme to be the vehicle to save them from a famine back in Palestine. Turning curses into blessings is one of God’s specialties.

Over and over we see stories of people who are just goofy enough to think they can outfox God. It didn’t work for Satan. The Pharisees look like morons when they try to fool Jesus. And don’t try to trick yourself into thinking you and I don’t do the same thing. We pretend to worship God but we’re really treating Him like some supernatural vending machine. We don’t really want Him. We really don’t want a relationship. What we’re really after are His blessings. We need to wake up and smell the coffee. Oh, we may have a brief moment when we think we’ve pulled it over on Him. But it’s fool’s gold. You see, God wins. Every. Single. Time.

God's House Band

If you’ve ever played in a band, you don’t do it for the money. For every U2, Rolling Stones, and Maroon 5, there are tens of thousands of bands who come out on the short end of the bar bill at the end of the gig. But God has a plan to take care of the house band at His temple. That’s what we read here in Nehemiah 12:44-47. Each member of God’s chosen people will regularly contribute to the support of the folks who play on the worship team. They’ll stock storerooms full of food and supplies for every person who serves at the temple, all of the priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers. Who says there are no miracles mentioned in the book of Nehemiah? When the people give what God commands, His band doesn’t struggle to eat. 

Remember the setting of the story. It’s 445 BC. After His people spent 70-plus years of captivity in Babylon, God orchestrates their return to the Promised Land in three waves. First, under Zerubbabel (Ez 2:1-2). Second, with Ezra (Ez 7:6-10). Third, Nehemiah led the way (Neh 2:9-11). It’s important to remember the R’s of story. The people return. They rebuild the temple (Ez 6:14-15). They refurbish the walls (Neh 6:15). They repent of their sin (Neh 10:28-39). They repopulate the city (Neh 11:1-36). And ultimately they rejoice and praise God for all He’s doing (Neh 12:31-43).

The very same day as the twin parades on top of the walls and massive party at the temple, Nehemiah took very specific steps to provide for everyone serving in worship. “On that day men were appointed over storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites” (v44). You see, God’s plan to provide for those on the worship team isn’t anything new. He’s had that on the books for centuries (Lev 7:34-36; 18:21-24; Dt 18:1-5). God has given every other Jewish family a specific inheritance in the Promised Land EXCEPT for the descendants of Levi. No, He has a VERY special blessing for them. God Himself will be their inheritance (Dt 18:2). He’s handpicked Levi’s family “out of all your tribes to stand an minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for all time” (Dt 18:5). In return for their service, God “has given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do” (Lev 19:21). 

The LORD blesses His band through the generosity of His people. That’s a perfect example of how He uses us to bless others. God graciously allows us to be part of His process of blessing. Our God is a Lover. Our God is a Giver. In fact, there’s no greater giver in the universe. A couple of chapters back, the people praise Him for placing them under His waterfall of grace (Neh 9:6-37). That’s not just limited to the Old Testament. Jesus tells Nicodemus how His Dad continues to keep on loving and giving. “For God so loved, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). God is also conforming us into the image of His Son (Rom 8:29; 2Cor 3:18), conforming us into givers as well. He blesses the band by turning His people into givers. He blesses those around us by turning us into givers too.

The people are still stoked over the epic party God has just thrown. In particular, the band rocked! “For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered” (v44). The LORD used these men to lead the celebration over the completion of the walls. As an expression of thanks to God for His blessing through His band, people take the time to stock the storerooms at the temple. Along with the singers and gatekeepers, these servants at the house of God are doing everything “according to the command of David and his son Solomon” (v45). This is really nothing new. They simply went back to the way things worked under the musical direction of King David and his worship leader Asaph (v46). Consider it classic rock. 

Nehemiah reminds us of the power and importance of music. God continually commands us to use music as means to praise Him. Why else would He include Psalms, an entire book of the Bible to contain the lyrics of some of the greatest songs of all time? Music has a mysterious ability to touch our hearts like nothing else. Notice how God provides the lyrics but never gives us sheet music. It’s the words that set our minds on the goodness of our God. There’s no form of music that is inherently evil apart from the lyrics. There’s no requirement of certain instruments to be used in church (just do a search in Scripture for pianos and organs and see what you come up with). And when volume is discussed, it’s always loud. VERY loud. But the big point here is God’s gift of music. Crank it up.

Nehemiah wraps things up by describing how the temple staff divvy up the people’s offerings. Since the days of Zerubbabel up until Nehemiah’s era, all of Israel have been dropping off their stuff daily (v47). That’s how things have been done for almost 100 years since the Big Z first started bringing worship back. Once the supplies arrive at the temple, they divide them for each of the singers, gatekeepers, Levites and priests. When God’s people give, His house band isn’t broke. Who says there are no miracles in the book of Nehemiah?

God's Gonna Blow Your Mind

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.  (Eph 3:20-21)

Paul has just made a crazy request of God.  He's begged the Lord to give his Ephesian friends supernatural strength to do three things.  One, Jesus would make Himself at home in their hearts.  Two, they would be able to wrap their brains around the incomprehensible scope if Jesus' love.  Three, God would fill each of them to the brim with every bit of His total Godness.  This is one ridiculous request.

But the apostle knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that he's taken his plea to the right place.  "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  Amen" (v20-21).  We can't out ask the Him.  We can't out imagine Him.  Not even close.

God will blow your mind.  Just ask.

After Paul makes his preposterous request, he suddenly erupts in praise to God.  He can't contain himself.  He realizes that his prayer isn't too big but too small!  That's because he worships a God who loves to show off.  He worships a God who loves to astonish us.  He worships a God who loves to drop our jaws.  The apostle explodes in worship.  He just can't hold it in.  In many ways, it's a lot like what happened back in the opening of this letter.  The apostle begins to list the amazing things God has done, is doing and will do for us in Jesus (Eph 1:3-14).  The result is a cascade of praise.  One long, run-on sentence.  Once Paul gets started, he can't stop.  A Tsunami of Praise.  And it happens again here at the end of his powerful prayer for power.

God will blow your mind.  Just ask.

From his cell in a Roman slammer, the apostle pleads with these Ephesian believers to understand who Jesus is, what He's done and who they are in Him.  He knows that identity is the key.  His identity.  Our identity in Him.  Once we understand that, no counterfeit gospel, no false teaching, no demonic deception can touch us.  Once we realize that we already possess everything we need in Jesus, we won't fall for anything less.  That's entire purpose for this letter.

Paul knows that God is "able" (v20).  I'm sorry, but I don't think this word carries the oomph of the original text.  The Greek verb here is dunamai.  It means to be strong, possess great power and endowed with incredible might.  "Able" seems kind of, well, wimpy.  The apostle is blown away at the God who ripples with energy.  The word he uses is the source for such English words as dynamo.  God is powerful.  God is mighty.  God is forceful.  

Paul's explosion of praise rips apart this prayer when he realizes that God has the supernatural power "to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think" (v20).  Literally, "exceedingly abundantly."  The apostle is so blown away by God's unlimited might that he actually makes up a word.  The Lord's strength and ability is so stunning that there isn't a word that exists to describe it.  He mashes up three different terms to try and get his idea across.  The result is huperekperissou.  The only place you'll ever find this word in ancient writings is from the pen of Paul.  It means super abundantly.  Beyond extreme.  Immeasurably more.  

OK.  Sit back and try to think of the the wildest, craziest request you can ever ask God to do.  He can do it.  He can do SO much more than that.  Take another shot at it.  What did you come up with?  He'll blow that request out of the water.  As a matter of fact, that's just a sliver of His strength and ability.  Get the idea?  I can't begin to wrap my brain around His power.  God surges with strength.  And He can do super abundantly more that the chunk of gray matter can comprehend.  

God will blow your mind.  Just ask.

And He'll do that through "the power at work within us" (v20).  In other words, the strength of God's Spirit that's living inside every follower of Jesus.  Over and over and over again, Paul writes of the mind-bending idea of the energy of the Trinity in each of us.  "According to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being" (Eph 3:16).  "The immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might" (Eph 1:19).  "You were also raised with Him through the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (Col 2:12).  "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27).  "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Rom 8:11).  That's the power IN YOU that can do things that will blow your socks off!!

Take that all in for just a minute.  What's life thrown at you?  What are you facing?  A broken marriage.  Loss of a job.  A knee-buckling diagnosis.  In the face of the insurmountable, ask God to do the impossible.  Let your mind run rampant with the craziest and wildest ideas.  He'll shock you with His power.  He'll stun you with His love.  He'll astonish you with His grace. 

God will blow your mind.  Just ask.