“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 With God as our foundation, we relinquish concern for ourselves in order to care for others. Here Paul attempts to correct…
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children…” Ephesians 5:1 Believers are to follow the example of God’s actions. He loved us when we were still His enemies. As imitators of God, believers should demonstrate that type of self-sacrificial love. Therefore, the chief way to imitate God is to forgive and to love others in…
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 “Wise and understanding” is a reference to the teachers mentioned earlier in verse 1, who claimed to be faithful but were acting otherwise. “Humility that comes from wisdom”…
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 The Philippians’ biggest battle…
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8 “Like-minded” means have from a common faith in Christ. “Be sympathetic” is to have compassion for others. “Be compassionate and humble” is to not exalt oneself in pride but consider others as Christ did. Luther said, “Here…
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 In the midst of difficulties, in the midst of all situations, Christians are to rejoice. The joy of Christians is not based on agreeable circumstances, instead it is based on their relationship to God. Christians will face trouble in this world, but…
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 The words “lift up my eyes” dramatically picture an approaching traveler looking up to the hills of Jerusalem as he approaches for one of the…
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 “Old age … gray hairs” indicates the Lord’s never-ceasing care. “I am He” is a description that…
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” Titus 2:2 “Older men”, by virtue of age and experience, serve as natural role models for younger men. People who reached age 80 were regarded as remarkable. The median age of death, according to inscriptions…
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground” Psalm 143:10 “Your good Spirit” is a rather unusual statement of praise to the person of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. “Lead me” … an early writer described it like this, “The Spirit…