I Can't Get No Satisfaction...without Jesus

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Ah, the legendary Philippians 4:13. It’s kind of the Troy McClure of Bible verses. You probably remember it from such familiar places as football player’s eye black, coffee mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and post game interviews. It’s your life verse, isn’t it? Come on, admit it. I’ll come clean, it was mine for years. (Which brings us to the idea of a “life verse.” What in the wide world of sports is a “life verse” anyhoo?)

There’s just one teeny weeny theological problem with all the press this verse has gotten over the years. Paul is NOT talking about Jesus giving you the power to score that game-winning TD in the fourth quarter. It has nothing to do with God stoking you with the ability to close that big deal with the sweet commission. How ‘bout claiming that verse to find that hunky husband you’ve dreamed about? Not so much. 

Meghan Trainor may be all about that bass, but understanding Scripture is all about context. Flip open Philippians to chapter four. If you’re a chronic Bible highlighter like me, verse 13 jumps off the page thanks to a rainbow of colors, underlining, stars, and exclamation points. Now throw it reverse and back up to verse 11. Let’s take a scriptural running start at the passage. When we start reading there, it becomes pretty stinking obvious what our man Paul is talking about. Contentment in Christ in any situation. Satisfaction in our Savior no matter the circumstance. Seriously, if it meant God giving him powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men in order to bust out of prison, wouldn’t the apostle have done that already? It’s like Pete Briscoe frequently says. “A text without context is a pretext for a prooftext.” 

Paul tells his friends back in Philippi that he’s uncovered a huge secret to life (Phil 4:11-12). And it’s allowed him to be an ATV of contentment. He’s satisfied wherever he rolls. When he doesn’t have two shekels to rub together. When he’s rolling in the Benjamins. It just doesn’t matter. He’s good. He’s got everything he needs. You can imagine this important bit of information has come in handy since he’s been in the slammer for the past five years. 

It’s at this point Paul scribbles those legendary words. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (v13). A closer look at the original language provides a little better understanding of what’s going on here. First of all, he writes that he “can do all things” (v13). The apostle uses the Greek verb ischuo, which means to be able, have resources, or be strong. When John Mark tells the story about Jesus meeting the wild man living in the cemetery, he says, “No one had the strength (Gr. ischuo) to subdue him” (Mk 5:4). When the Gospel turns Ephesus upside down, Dr. Luke describes how “the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevailed mightily (Gr. ischuo)” (Acts 19:20). We’re not talking about barely eking out enough energy and barely pulling it off. This is no 95-pound weakling here. This is serious muscle. It’s beefy. It’s brawny. It’s ripped. It’s yoked. 

The apostle pulls back the curtain on the source of his strength. Is he drinking Muscle Milk? Maybe the key is creatine. Has Barry Bonds’ trainer slipped him either the clear or the cream? None of the above. He’s able to do this “through Him who strengthens me” (v13). If you have any doubt about the Person behind the pronoun “Him,” he’s talking about the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. In several of his letters, Paul says he would test positive for Jesus, not PEDs. “I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord” (1Tim 1:12). Jesus gives us supernatural “power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Eph 3:16). And here’s the crazy part. The gift of His strength does its best work when we’re at our weakest (2Cor 12:9). 

Because of Jesus and our faith in who He is and what He’s done, we are able to take on any and all situations. Paul says it’s because He “strengthens me” (v13). The Greek verb here is endunamo’o. It’s a compound word that literally means to give someone or something else the ability to do something that couldn’t otherwise be done. To empower. To enable. To provide strength. Every single time it’s used in the New Testament, God is the One providing the power (Acts 9:22; Rom 4:20; Eph 6:10; 1Tim 1:12; 2Tim 2:1; 2Tim 4:17; Heb 11:34). Think of it this way. Jesus is our Enabler. No, He’s not that person in your life who sets you up to self-destruction. Just the opposite. He’s the Enabler who gives you and me the victory over our sinful habits and addictions. One Greek expert translates this verse, “I am able to face all conditions by the One who makes me able (to do it)” (v13). Our Lord is our Enabler. In a very good way.

For fifty years, the Rolling Stones have told everybody who would listen that they can’t get no satisfaction. It doesn’t matter how hard they try and they try and they try and they try. Maybe they should have checked with the Apostle Paul. He’s clearly found the one thing Mick Jagger and the boys have been looking for. Contentment that’s not restricted by any zip code, time of day, or economic situation. The man from Tarsus can’t get no satisfaction…without Jesus. Sorry about the not-so-subtle Jesus Juke, but that’s EXACTLY what Paul wants the world to know. Check out the verse over in the Message. “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (v13 The Message).

So instead of being some sort of being the Christian equivalent of rubbing the bottle of the Bible so Jesus the genie will pop out, Philippians 4:13 describes how we can stand strong against the storms of life in Christ. Jesus Himself talks about how our obedience to what He commands make us like a house built for a hurricane (Mt 7:24-27). We find our satisfaction in our Savior because HE IS THE BLESSING! It doesn’t get any better than getting God. That idea is all throughout the Bible (Ps 16:5; 73:26; Lam 3:24; Lk 10:42). With Him, I have everything. Without Him, I’ve got nothing. So take it from Paul. He can’t get no satisfaction…without Jesus. 

License to Chill

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:12).

James Bond is always trying to get his hands on highly classified files. Jason Bourne is on a one-man mission to find out the mystery of his own identity. Ethan Hunt has accepted the impossible mission of stealing confidential intel from America’s enemies. A secret formula. Launch codes. Blueprints to a covert superweapon. The clock is ticking as these secret agents seek to save the world.

But these covert operatives have nothing on Paul. Forget the Man from U.N.C.L.E. Meet the man from Tarsus. From his prison cell in Caesar’s Supermax, the apostle tells his friends back in Philippi that he’s has the secret they’ve all been looking for. “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (v12). Forget the microfiche. It’s not on a hard drive. The file isn’t stamped “for your eyes only.” But he’s discovered top secret information that can save every person on the planet.

Like so many spies, Paul finds himself behind bars. You see, once he started spreading the previously classified data about Jesus of Nazareth to everyone who would listen, folks in power tried to shut him up and shut him down. Who he knows and what he knows makes Julian Assange and WikiLeaks look like passing notes in study hall. He’s spent about five years in the slammer waiting to have his appeal heard by Caesar himself. The funny thing is that God has used the apostle’s hard time to share the Good News of the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter with every corrections officer working in the prison (Phil 1:12-13). As long as he has access to people, Paul is stoked to tell them all about Christ and His amazing grace. 

You may be thinking to yourself that this comparison to covert ops and a first century missionary blown WAY out of proportion. Well, you’re going to have to take that up with Paul. Here in this letter to the Philippian church, he writes about how he’s “learned the secret” (v12). This is actually one itty bitty Greek word (Gr. mueo). It means to learn hidden information through personal experience. The verb actually comes from the same root as musterion that means something hidden or secret. The apostle wants his fellow believers back in Macedonia to know he’s unwrapped the mystery. He now has this critical top secret in his possession. 

This intel is huge. What Paul has isn’t simply a combination to a specific lock to a specific safe. It can be used anytime and anywhere to unlock any situation. “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (v12). Look at the scope of what the apostle’s found out. It works when he’s in poverty. It works when he’s got more than he can ever use. No matter where you are. No matter what you face. No matter when it is. Whether you have unlimited resources. Whether all you have less than MacGyver’s patented paper clip and chewing gum. Now THAT’S a powerful secret!!

So just what is this highly classified information? Is it some computer code or algorithm that allows you to hack past the firewalls at the NSA? Believe it or not, it’s better than that. The apostle has uncovered the mystery of contentment in Christ. In the previous verse, he made it clear, “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil 4:11). When we find our total satisfaction in our Savior, we can face anything this jacked up and broken world throws our way. And when I say anything, I’m taking Paul at his word. “In any and every circumstance” (v12). That includes downsizing at work. Bankruptcy. Car accident. Loss of a spouse. Even the death of a child. I’m not saying any one of these is not gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. But we don’t have to walk through Death Valley by ourselves because Christ is right there with us (Ps 23:4).

That all sounds nice for Paul but what does he really know about hard times? Oh, I’m SO very glad you asked. First of all, remember that he’s currently writing this letter in lock up. In another correspondence with the church over in Corinth, he gives a long list of what he’s faced (2Cor 11:23-28). Prison. Beatings. Near death experiences. Five floggings. Three canings. Nearly stoned to death. Three shipwrecks. Lost at sea. Do I need to go on? I didn’t think so. And no matter what the situation or circumstance, the apostle had the key to facing it all. Jesus. Nobody could take Him away. Nothing could pry him out of His Savior’s hands. Because of Christ, he could handle anything. Agent 007 may have a license to kill. Paul has a license to chill.

Do you see why this is such critical information to get out to the world? By placing our trust in who Jesus is, what He’s done, and what He’s going to do, we can stand strong and satisfied when the world tosses everything including kitchen sink our way. Let’s face it. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). There’s absolutely nothing that can keep God’s love from us (Rom 8:37-39). If you’re scoring along at home, that includes death, life, angels, rulers, present circumstances, or future situations. Without Him, we don’t stand a snow ball’s chance. With Him, victory is assured. 

Again, this doesn’t mean life is going to be an endless series of rainbows, unicorns, and butterflies. We live in a broken world. And we’re the ones who broke it. There’s pain all around. There’s suffering around every corner. Disease and death will continue to be all too familiar. But we have the very same secret Paul discovered. We now have access to highly classified information. And now it’s time to share it with the entire world. 

The Ultimate ATV of Contentment

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Certain vehicles are made for specific situations. A formula one racer rips through the streets of Monaco. Tanks are beasts on the battlefield. The minivan is king of the carpool lane. But there are some vehicles like SUVs and ATVs that are at home no matter where they are. They’re designed to tackle any terrain. 

Human beings are similar. Some folks do very well in specific situations. You may know folks who love living in the lap of luxury (and who wouldn’t?!?). There are others who are right at home with only the most basic of necessities. But there are those special people that thrive no matter what’s in their checking account or 401k.  No matter if they’re living in the ‘burbs or the projects. Whether they’re dining at fine restaurant or hitting the drive-thru. 

Our man Paul is one of those who can not only handle any circumstance life throws his way. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (v11). You might think that’s easy for some super spiritual preacher man to say. Hey dude, take a spin in my life for a day and see how you like it! Before we throw the apostle under the bus, let’s pump our brakes and take a peak in the rearview mirror for a look at just exactly the life he lived for the Lord. Paul writes this little ditty from prison in Rome. His passion for telling people the awesome news of Jesus got him thrown behind bars about five years before we pick up the action here in this letter. 

He’s not exactly writing to his friends back in Philippi while enjoying a relaxing weekend at the Cove. He’s in the slammer. But because of Jesus, he’s got a supernatural joy in the joint. His relationship with the resurrected Messiah from Nazareth has given him the strength to handle whatever our jacked up world throws his way. Whatever the conditions, whatever the situation, whatever the environment, finds his total satisfaction in Christ. Paul is the ultimate ATV of contentment. He’s satisfied wherever he rolls.

Interestingly, the man from Tarsus is in the middle of writing a thank you note to the Philippian church. They’ve never stopped putting the apostle at the top of their prayer list and waiting to pounce on the opportunity to do something practical for their founding pastor (Phil 1:19; 4:10). They’ve been his teammates in spreading the Good News since the day he met them (Phil 1:5). They’ve been swimming in the deep end of God’s grace pool with him despite being locked up in Caesar’s Supermax (Phil 1:6). A while back, the folks in Philippi sent some cat named Epaphroditus with a care package for their friend in the big house (Phil 2:25). The dude got sick and nearly died (Phil 2:26-30)! Yeah, I think a quick note of thanks is probably in order.

While Paul is incredibly grateful for the practical outpouring of love and support, he wants his readers to know Jesus gives him everything thing he really needs to handle any situation. “Not that I am speaking of being in need” (v11). When the translators of the ESV give us the phrase “being in need,” the original Greek has just one word:  husterisis. It means poverty or lacking in basic essentials. The term literally describes falling short of the leader in a race, being left way behind, or late to the finish line. 

This word only appears one other time in the entire New Testament. Back when Jesus pointed out to His posse a particular woman at the temple who had come to worship. All the rich and famous walked the red carpet for the photo opp of dropping off their offering. Kinda like how you see those goofy ceremonies where someone gets handed the giant check for winning a golf tournament or donating to a telethon. Do they actually sign the back of that massive piece cardboard and cash it at the bank? If so, how do they get it through the drive-thru window? But I digress. In the background of all that look-at-me craziness of the temple offering, Jesus wants His disciples to see a nondescript widow giving God a handful of change. “For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty (Gr. husterisis) has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mk 12:44). She may have fallen behind in the rat race of society, but this woman’s sacrifice has blown away anything brought by the filthy rich (Mk 12:43).   

The apostle wants his readers to know he might be in the pen but he’s not in poverty. “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (v11). When he says he’s “learned,” Paul drops a word here (Gr. manthano) that means to be taught through practice, discover by experience, or apply what you’ve come to understand. So just what has God brought him through to give him the ability to navigate any terrain like human humvee of contentment? Over in one of his letters to the Corinthian church, he goes into some detail of all potholes he’s faced as he’s told the world about Jesus (2Cor 11:23-29). Prison. Beatings. Near death experiences. Scourged with a cat-o-nine tails five times…if you’re counting (and I WOULD be counting!). Whacked by rods three times. Stoned (with rocks not weed). Shipwrecked not once, not twice, but THREE times. Lost at sea. Constantly in danger. Often without sleep, food, or water. Cold. Homeless. Paul learned to be content in Christ in the school of hard knocks. Because of all that Jesus has done for him, he’s an SUV of satisfaction. He just keeps rolling no matter the road conditions. As a matter of fact, he keeps rolling even when there is NO road!

The author goes out of his way to tell the Philippian church that he’s “content” (v11). When he does, he uses a Greek term (Gr. autarkes) which only shows up once in the Bible. He’s talking about a happy state of mind with what you have. Being satisfied in your circumstances. Having enough. It literally means being self-sufficient. Ancient writers outside the Bible used this word to describe a nation that supplied itself and was independent of importing goods and services. It’s not that Paul didn’t want help. He had a deep appreciation for everything his friends had sacrificed to show them their love and concern. He wants them to know that because of who Jesus is, what He’s done, and what He’s going to do, he’s good to go. 

Life may be a highway, but road conditions are too often smooth and straight. Work zones. Ruts. Rain. Snow. Ice. Debris. If that’s not bad enough, we get t-boned by stuff like death, divorce, diagnosis, and downsizing. There’s only one thing that can handle that kind of terrain. Or I should say one PERSON. That’s the Son of God. Faith in Him allows us to travel the rocky road ahead. He doesn’t magically transport me to some super spiritual superhighway. The way is still impossible and impassible. I can’t do it alone. But with Him I can. As Paul tells his boy Tim, “Godliness with contentment (Gr. autarkeia) is great gain” (1Tim 6:6). The road conditions may be awful but we actually make GREAT time because of our relationship with God.

Here in Philippians 4:11, the apostle gives us the 411 of satisfaction in Jesus. Paul is the ultimate ATV of contentment. He’s satisfied wherever he rolls.

Coming through in the Clutch

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity” (Philippians 4:10).

There are a handful of legendary athletes who’ve earned a rep for coming through in the clutch. When their team needs a big bucket, a big hit, or a big play, they always seem to deliver. Michael Jordan drained one game-winner after another. John Elway had a stranglehold on fourth quarter comebacks. They didn’t call Reggie Jackson “Mr. October” because he loved Halloween. Timing is everything. Big players come through in big moments. 

Paul is absolutely stoked at the clutch performance by the Philippians. “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity” (v10). The apostle’s been in the slammer for about five years. He’s not sure when he’s getting out. Things were looking grim. With everything on the line, Jesus uses His church in Philippi to come through in a big way. When the opportunity to help Paul knocked, they answered. They came through in crunch time. You see, timing is everything. Big players come through in big moments.

If you’re just joining us, Paul’s joy in the joint might seem more than a bit bizarre. He drops a baker’s dozen of delight in this letter (Phil 1:3, 18 [twice], 1:25; 2:17, 18, 28, 29; 3:1; 4:1, 4 [twice], 10). The apostle’s pen oozes with joy and it happens one last time here. “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly” (v10). He may be behind bars and behind the eight ball, but he certainly hasn’t given up. In this last mention of his happiness in God, he amps it to the max by using the Greek word megalos. Sounds a lot like some sort of giant creature that attacked Tokyo in a bad sci-fi flick, doesn’t it? It actually means intensely, abundantly, and describes the upper range of the extent. You can literally translate this phrase as “I’m mega-joyful in the Lord” (v10). His joy is maxed out. Or in the words the boys of Spinal Tap, his joy goes to 11. 

What’s got Paul’s joy so jacked? It’s because Jesus has used his funky little church in Philippi to come through for him in the clutch. “Now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had not opportunity” (v10). Don’t make the mistake of thinking his friends forgot all about him for a while and suddenly remembered to give him a shout. Oh my gosh! We’ve really dropped the ball with Paul!! He probably thinks he’s fallen off our radar! Couldn’t be farther from the truth. They’ve never stopped praying for him (Phil 1:19). They’ve never stopped thinking about him (Phil 1:7). They’ve never stopped looking for ways to do something for him.

But because the Philippians are locked and loaded to help Paul, they pull the trigger when given the chance. He describes their concern for him as “revived” (v10). This is the Greek word anathallo, which means to become active again, flourish once more, bloom again. The term literally describes how plants sprout and grow quickly in the springtime. Your garden goes dormant in winter but it doesn’t die. The plants wait for warmer weather and the opportunity to turn green and blossom. Same with the Philippians intense attention on the one God used to originally plant their church. They waited and waited for the right time, wanting to do something for the apostle, like an athlete looking to make a big play in crunch time.

So what exactly have the Philippians done in the clutch to help Paul in prison? Have they helped him cook up an elaborate escape plan to spring him from the slammer? Has somebody baked him a cake with a file in it? No, instead of trying to bust him out, they’ve sent their boy Epaphroditus to be with him (Phil 2:25). The Big E didn’t arrive empty handed. He brought an important care package that Paul calls “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice accepted and pleasing to God” (Phil 4:18). It’s not like Epaphroditus could catch the next Southwest flight from Philippi to Rome either. This trip is 700 miles if going by boat and almost 1,200 miles on land. Just getting there is an adventure. That might explain why the fellow from Philippi got sick and nearly died (Phil 2:27-30)! Throw in the fact that first century prisons are nothing like correctional institutions in 21st century America. No libraries. No weightlifting. Not even any meals. Just a dungeon. If you expect to survive for any length of time, you desperately need outside help. Apparently, this help in the form of Epaphroditus arrived at just the right time. 

You may be wondering what some ancient prison visit has to do with you and me. Oh, I am SO glad you asked! Who’s on your heart? Who needs your help? Who has God placed in your life and put on your mind who’s desperate for an act of grace? Maybe they’ve just been downsized in their career. Maybe their spouse has just ditched them for a newer model. Has bankruptcy blindsided a buddy? They could be standing over the fresh grave of a lost loved one. Is someone close to you aching for a conversation with their estranged child? I may think I’m totally unqualified for Jesus to use me to help. But I would be wrong. In one of his letters to the church in Corinth, Paul writes that God helps us through our mess so that we can pass along that same help to others in their mess (2Cor 1:3-5). 

Maybe you’re not in a position to make the big play right now. In sports, someone who’s not in the game can’t hit the shot or carry the ball. First of all, you’ve got to get in the game! Following Jesus isn’t a spectator sport. Get out of the luxury box and onto the field. God doesn’t need you but your family, friends, and neighbors do. Secondly, even once your in the game, you may not immediately have the chance to make the big play. For instance, you can’t knock down the game-winning bucket if you don’t have the ball. You can’t get the clutch hit when you’re not at the plate. Until then, be ready. Look for your chance. 

The timing has to be right. When opportunity does knock, make a big play. God made THE greatest clutch play of all-time when He sent His Son to save you and me in “the fullness of time” (Gal 4:4). Talk about coming through in crunch time! He did for us what we could never do for ourselves. At the end of the game, Jesus pointed to the scoreboard. “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30). He wins it for you and me in a walk off. Now we have the honor and privilege of being used by Christ in crunch time. Big players come through in big moments.

Get in the Game

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

There comes a moment when we either need to put up or shut up. We’ve taken lessons, watched a video, read an article, and observed someone else doing it in person. Now it’s our turn. It’s at this moment we go from being a spectator to a player. It’s time to climb out of the bleachers and run onto the field. Once Jesus makes us part of His team, He wants us to stop watching and start playing. 

Paul tells his Philippian friends that the time has come to get in the game. He’s coached them up. They know what to do. They know how to do it. They’ve seen him do it. The only thing left to do now is to do it themselves. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things and the God of peace will be with you” (v9). The time for talk is over. The time for action has come. And don’t miss what happens when we start applying what we’ve learned. God will be right there in the trenches with you giving you His peace. 

The apostle remembers those crazy days God used him to plant the Philippian church on his first visit to the city. Dr. Luke was part of the team and records a lot of it in the sequel to his biography of Jesus (Acts 16:12-40). He stopped by a couple of more times, once as after spending a few feast days while traveling (Acts 20:6) and the other when the church gave money for a drought relief fundraiser (2Cor 8:1-5). Each time he was with them, Paul taught them all about Jesus and what it means to be one of His followers. Here in this letter, he makes the point that it’s game time. It’s time to stop talking and start doing. It’s time to apply what they’ve learned and let God use them to be a firehose of His grace.

From his Roman prison cell, the apostle tells them it’s “go” time. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things” (v9). He describes four different ways that he’s passed along the message and application of the Gospel. They’ve learned. They’ve received. They’ve heard. They’ve seen. There’s a HUGE lesson here if you’re a teacher, instructor, or coach. People learn in different ways. Some respond to lectures. Others need demonstrations. There are folks who are visual learners. When teaching, let’s not be a one-trick pony. Try different methods. Use different techniques. Research shows people retain and apply the information more quickly when we break things up, move them around, and change the environment. It sure appears that the man from Tarsus is an expert in this idea.

Learning. Receiving. Hearing. Seeing. Each of these four methods of teaching have one critical thing in common. Without going into boring detail on the original language, every last one of them leads to a result. In other words, the folks in Philippi didn’t just fill their heads with meaningless details and Bible trivia in order to do well on the final exam. This isn’t about getting a grade. No, they sat under Paul’s instruction with the intent of doing something with it. They weren’t simply professional students who were afraid of putting into practice everything they had learned. 

A team goes through drills and scrimmages with the idea of playing their opponent. Let’s never miss a big point of why we listen to messages, attend a small group, or even have our own quiet time. (Can I be blunt? I absolutely hate the phrase “quiet time.” It sounds like I’m having a prim and proper tea party with Jesus. There are mornings I need be anything but quiet. We now return you to our regular program already in progress.) But sermons, small groups, and personal Scripture study are actually means to an end. 

They’re important ways of taking our relationship with Jesus to a new level. Our man Paul knows all about the passion to know Christ more deeply (Phil 3:7-11). They’re means of giving us God’s way of thinking and seeing the world (Rom 12:2). The Lord uses them to do spiritual surgery (Heb 4:12). You see, God is taking this goofy hot mess of my life and remaking it into the image of His one and only Son (Rom 8:29). A key part of that is putting what I learn into practice. Mike Lee says if we’re going to church and reading the Bible and our lives our changing, we’re doing it wrong. If I’m not changing, I’m wasting my time. If I’m not applying what I learn Paul says I’m just filling my head with hot air (1Cor 8:1). I learn so I can apply. I study so I can do something with it. I practice so I can play the game.

A big part of Paul’s coaching has been setting an example for the Philippians. They’re to do what they’ve “seen in me” (v9). Aren’t there times that imitating someone else’s technique is the best way to learn a new skill? Playing the imitation game is a key part of the apostle’s teaching tool box. He’s already told his readers, “Brothers, join in imitating me” (Phil 3:17). When the church over in Corinth runs off the rails, the apostle tells them the best way to get back on track is to “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1). Paul tells his boy Tim, “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1Tim 4:12). The apostle Jesus nicknamed Rocky writes that spiritual leaders shouldn’t be heavy handed but instead “being examples to the flock” (1Pet 5:3). Paul isn’t so much a washed up athlete as he is a player-coach. He knows his fundamentals. He knows his technique. He knows the scouting report. If you don’t do anything else, do what he does when you get on the field.

So who are you watching? Who are the fellow Christ followers you’ve got your eyes on? Who are godly examples of how to live out what you’re learning? Maybe it’s a friend at work. Or your pastor. A buddy in your small group. That lady down the street. Maybe it’s an author you read. You know, it doesn’t have to be just one. A couple of VERY important points about following the example of others. First of all, do NOT turn them into an idol. Don’t make them your savior. Don’t make them your hero. Jesus already has that job. Second, know they’re probably going to put their life in the ditch at some point. Remember, Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians to follow him while he follows Christ. Once someone stops doing what Jesus does, you need to keep following Jesus. There’s a pretty good chance they’re going to drop the ball at some point. There are many imitators but only one Jesus.

Let’s turn that around. Who’s watching you as an example? This might seem like stupid question but it doesn’t change the fact that folks are watching. They want to know how you apply God’s Word to your life. They watch how you work. They watch how you parent. They watch you love. They watch how you drive (and wonder just how does that fish sticker hang on to that fender at such high speeds!). You may not like it, but people all around you are watching how you live as a follower of Jesus. And get this, some of them aren’t even Christian (GASP!). While the thought of folks watching you might be a little creepy, remember that this ultimately isn’t about you. They’re watching what Jesus is doing in and through you. Give Him the credit. Point people back to the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth every chance you get.

Who doesn’t have butterflies before the big game? You’re lying if you say you don’t. Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, lying is bad. So bad that it made God’s Top Ten list. It’s okay to be nervous. But don’t freak out and never take the field because “the God of peace will be with you” (v9). Nothing like the peace of God straight from the God of peace when things get a little scary (Rom 15:33; 16:20; 2Cor 13:11). If you’re anxious and feel far from God, the best thing to do is to do what He says. The writer of Hebrews goes so far as to pray, “Now may the God of peace….equip you with everything good that you may do His will” (Heb 13:20-21). He promises to be present and accounted for. He promises to be right there with you. He promises to give you His peace in your obedience. Remember, His peace “surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7). It’s reassuring to know God and His peace will be right there at your side during crunch time.

Don’t think of this so much as a letter from Paul to the Philippians as it is a pre-game locker room speech from the coach to his team before the season opener. You know the scouting report. You know your techniques. You know all the plays. It’s time to lace up your cleats. It’s time to buckle your chin strap. It’s time get on the field. It’s “go” time. It’s game. Don’t worry, the God of peace is lining up right beside you.

Food for Thought

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Do you ever wonder what you should be wondering about? Do you think about what you should think about? Am I filling my head with mental junk food? Or do I intentionally stoke my brain with nutritional thoughts and ideas? Here in his little letter to the church in Philippi, Paul gives his friends some food for thought. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (v8). Need something to think about? How about these high protein, low carb ideas? It’s food for thought that’s not only good tasting but good for you. 

It would be very easy for the apostle and his Philippian readers to sit down at an all-you-can-eat buffet of self-pity and bitterness. Paul sits behind bars in Rome and continues his five-plus year wait for a ruling on his case. The believers in Philippi may not be in the slammer, but have their own issues. Their pastor went to see the apostle in prison and almost died (Phil 2:25-30). Their home city erupted in Ferguson like riots when the message of Jesus spread through the community (Acts 16:19-23). On top of that, Christ followers in the region suffer from poverty and persecution (2Cor 8:1-2). I don’t know about you, but a little comfort food for poor, poor pitiful me sure would sound good.

Like a spiritual nutritionist, Paul suggests a mental meal that will build us up and not tear us down. He presents a recipe loaded with things to stoke the fire of our worship of God and our service to friends and neighbors. Just check the list of ingredients. Truth. Honor. Honesty. Innocence. Loveliness. Great reputation. Excellence. Praise. These are high quality ingredients. You’re not picking up this meal by hitting a drive-thru.

Don’t fly right by the fact that the apostle is writing to fellow disciples. The word “brothers” isn’t just limited to the guys. Paul is writing to both men and women who’ve dedicated their lives to following the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. This is the sixth time he identifies himself with his spiritual family back in Philippi (Phil 1:12; 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1). What a great reminder of the new kind of relationship we have with other believers. We’re a family. Dysfunctional, sure. But a family with an awesome and loving Heavenly Dad. 

We begin the food for thought with “whatever is true” (v8). This is the Greek word alethes, which means genuine, real, trustworthy, and honest. Our minds should be thinking about stuff that’s legit or the real deal. Don’t fall for fake or phony. One of those ideas to consider would be Jesus Himself. He told His crew, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). There’s no one more legit than the Lord.

Next on this brain food recipe is “whatever is honorable (Gr. semnos)” (v8). It’s the idea of something worthy of respect, dignified, noble, honest, or of good character. In a couple of letters to fellow pastors Paul used this term to describe deacons (1Tim 3:8), their wives (1Tim 3:11), as well as silver haired saints (Titus 2:2). The word actually comes from a verb meaning to worship. Somebody or something deserving of worship. Hey, I’m pretty sure Jesus is once again the perfect candidate!  

Going down the list of ingredients, we come to “whatever is just (Gr. dikaios)” (v8). He’s talking about people or things that are morally or ethically good, honest, or righteous. It carries the idea of being innocent, faultless, guiltless, virtuous, and in line with what God requires. The only One I can find in the Bible who nails this description would be the sinless Son of Man. Remember the words of Jesus’ own executioner. “Certainly this Man was innocent (Gr. dikaios)” (Lk 23:47). There’s only one Person who perfectly obeyed every single command of God. Christ Jesus. He did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Just another reason to fill our heads with thoughts of our Savior.

Sprinkle in “whatever is pure (Gr. hagnos)” (v8). This is stuff that’s free from sin, innocent, blameless, without moral defect. Jesus’ kid brother says that God’s wisdom is untarnished and “pure (Gr. hagnos)” (James 3:17). Let’s see. Who or what fills the bill of purity? How ‘bout Jesus? According to one of His best friends, Christ checks this box. “Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure (Gr. hagnos)” (1Jn 3:3).

Next up, “whatever is lovely (Gr. prosphiles)” (v8). It’s the idea of something or someone pleasing, acceptable, or friendly. This is the only time this Greek word shows up in the entire Bible. It literally means one who shows kindness to others. Remember just how incredibly gracious God has been to you and me. He didn’t change our hearts through threats and intimidation. “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Rom 2:4). If you’re looking for something lovely to ponder, I can’t think of anything better than the amazing grace we’ve experienced in Jesus. 

An important nutritional component of our food for thought is “whatever is commendable (Gr. euphema)” (v8). Paul is describing something of good report, praiseworthy, or having a great reputation. The writers of Scripture continually talk about the importance of a great rep. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Prov 22:1). It’s even better than the most expensive perfume (Ecc 7:1). And there’s no one with a better rep than Jesus. For heaven’s sake, His own Heavenly Dad gave Him “the name that is above every name” (Phil 2:9). When it comes to supernatural street cred, look no further than Christ.

“If there is any excellence (Gr. arete)” (v8), we need to add that to the list. This is goodness, virtue, valor, or nobility. The apostle Jesus nicknamed Rocky writes about how the Lord has “called us to His own glory and excellence (Gr. arete)” (2Pet 1:3). Oakland Raider fans know all about their team’s “commitment to excellence.” But their three Super Bowl trophies are a far cry from the ultimate victory Jesus has over Satan, sin, and death. Now THAT’S commitment to excellence to consider!

The last of the ingredients is “anything worthy of praise (Gr. epainos)” (v8). What deserves the spotlight? What should be on the magazine covers? What should come up first in a Google search of approval? You’ve got three guesses and the first two don’t count. God gets all of the applause and credit for drenching us in His goodness and grace through Jesus (Eph 1:6, 12, 14). Earlier in this very letter to the Philippians, Paul tells his readers to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise (Gr. epainos) of God” (Phil 1:11). Who’s praiseworthy? The one and only Jesus.

Once we have the recipe assembled, it’s time to cook up this delicious dish. Put them all together and “think about these things” (v8). Our thought life is incredibly important to our walk with Christ. Just check out just a handful of tasty morsels on the topic. Solomon warned his son about the importance of what’s running through our minds. “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov 4:23). It’s important to “take every thought captive” (2Cor 10:5). You’re to avoid falling under the influence of culture and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:2). Get your mind out of the gutter and get it on the things of God. It’s one sure way to “taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Ps 34:8). 

If you don’t know what else to think about, think about beautiful things. Think about wonderful things. Think about awesome things. Think about Jesus. The author of Hebrews tell us that if we need to continually keep our eyes locked on Christ, “looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2). There’s no more delicious and nutritious food for thought than Jesus.

It Makes No Sense

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

There are just some things that don’t make any sense. The popularity of the Kardashians. Why do we call it a pair of pants when there’s only one? We drive on the parkway and park in the driveway. What’s so “fun-sized” about candy in smaller packages? Michael Brooks even wrote a book called “13 Things that Don’t Make Sense.” Paul says we can add God’s peace to that list of things we can’t wrap our minds around. “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (v7). 

Through our relationship with Jesus, God’s peace acts like an impenetrable force field protecting us from anxiety’s attacks. Nobody can figure how it happens. You can’t look at it under a microscope. You can’t recreate it in a lab. But you’ve seen it yourself firsthand. A friend who’s absolutely unshaken after a horrible diagnosis. A coworker who remains calm despite being downsized. A neighbor who keeps their cool in the face of the loss of a loved one. The only thing they all have in common is Christ. His presence in their lives doesn’t mean their pain isn’t real. They should feel like they’re under attack. But they have His peace protecting their hearts and minds. It just doesn’t make any sense.

There’s every reason the apostle should be personally freaked out. He’s in a Roman lockup for telling people about Jesus. And he’s been there for about five years. I don’t know about you, but I would probably be throwing myself a personal prison pity party. But not Paul. Why? Because he’s got the peace of God. And he’s writing to a bunch of friends in Philippi who aren’t exactly living in the lap of suburban luxury. It wasn’t that long ago when the message of Jesus ignited riots in the city (Acts 16:19-23). In a letter to the Corinthian church, we read about how tough things are for the Macedonian churches, which includes the Philippians. They’re facing a “severe test of affliction” and “extreme poverty” (2Cor 8:1-2). Both the author and his recipients have every reason to gripe and complain. Instead we see peace. And not just any peace. It’s the peace of God. It just doesn’t make any sense.

We’re in the homestretch of Paul’s letter and he’s giving the Philippians specific instructions. He’s spent nearly all of the first three chapters reminding them of who they are in Jesus and the unbelievable value of an intimate relationship with our Savior. Here he shifts gears and gives us application. Once we realize who we are in Christ, he tells us what to do as His followers. The indicatives lead to imperatives. The facts lead to actions. The apostle reminds us to rejoice, repeat, and rejoice again (Phil 4:4). Make sure we have a rep for sacrifice and humility (Phil 4:5). Instead of freaking out about anything, we pray to God about everything (Phil 4:6). 

Here in verse 7, we see the very practical benefit of dropping off all our worry at the feet of Jesus. God’s mind-blowing peace defends our thoughts and emotions. “The peace of God” (v7) is so much more than a lack of warfare. There’s no doubt that Jesus puts an end to our rebellion against God’s kingdom. But that’s just the start. Both the NT Greek word eirene and the OT Hebrew term shalom describe something SO much more than an end to fighting. We’re talking about total harmony and perfect order. Everything fits together. Life makes sense. Think back to the description of God’s perfect creation…before we broke it, of course. Every time the Almighty stopped to check things out, He made a point of saying just how awesome things were (Gen 1: 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Why? Because everything was working in shalom. Perfect, God ordained rhythm. 

In his book “Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be,” Cornelius Plantinga describes shalom as “the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight…Shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight—a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be…the full flourishing of human life in all aspects, as God intended it to be.” 

Pump your brakes and ponder that thought for a moment. Universal flourishing. Wholeness. Delight. In the light of just how jacked up our world is in the 21st Century, shalom absolutely doesn’t make sense. God’s peace is WAY beyond our limited human understanding. Flip on CNN or Fox News for just a few minutes. War. Murder. Poverty. Corruption. Entertainment news. Is there any doubt the world is spinning down the porcelain bowl? But it’s the thought that Jesus is on His way back not just to rescue you and me but to redeem our broken universe. Justin Timberlake may be bringing sexy back, but Christ is bringing God’s peace back. 

Can you think of anyone better for the job than the Prince of Peace (Is 9:6). Right before His own betrayal and murder, Jesus tells His posse, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (Jn 14:27). The prophet Isaiah praises God for the amazing shalom He blesses on those who lean on His goodness. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Is 26:3). Paul prays for the Thessalonians that “the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way” (2Th 3:16). The apostle has a similar prayer for Colossian believers to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col 3:15). Don’t settle for substitutes. Don’t be fooled by imitators. There’s no better source for God’s peace than the God of peace. 

His peace does something that nothing else can or will do. His shalom “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v7). Paul uses a word here (Gr. phroureo) that describes the correction officer just outside his cell. It can be used either to keep someone in custody or to protect from harm. The apostle tells us that God’s peace isn’t holding us hostage but shielding us from assault. Think of the detail of Secret Service agents who protect the President. God’s peace acts in a similar way, completely surrounding and shielding our hearts and minds. 

What is He protecting us from? Fear. Worry. Panic. Why do you think they call it an anxiety attack? I don’t know about you, but it’s not the full-on front assault that worries me. It’s those emotional terrorist raids that knock me for a loop. That’s why I need to be in a continual state of prayer with and dependence upon Jesus. His peace is always on high alert. His shalom remains at DEFCON 1. His protection brings me His peace. The world around us may be spinning out of control. But His shalom keeps us calm. King David had a hit song all about how God’s protection keeps us safe when we’re strolling through Death Valley (Ps 23:4). How does it work? I dunno. It makes absolutely no sense. Kind of like why a round pizza comes in a square box and is cut in triangles.