Random Thoughts on Phillipians

Phillipians appears to have been written to me... these are some random thoughts I have had while going through Hans Beyers course:

Partnership
We have a common enemy
Don't run, hold still
If we fight each other, we will both sink
Natural tendency is to take sides
Do not pursue my own desires
Realize my need
I am not strong in my own virtue
I don't have it together
Work together against each partners' weaknesses
Pray together
Associate together
Focus on those things that tear us down
Don't wait for the other to move 1st
Take the 1st step
It's not 50/50

“Truly emancipated souls are not in bondage to their emancipation.”

FF Bruce, Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free

Freedom in Christ

This morning I read Psalm 119:32:

I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.

I was reminded of a concept I got from Dr. Hans Bayer in the Life and Letters of Paul class I am taking via podcast.

God's will for me is what He intends to do in me, not what He expects me to do by myself.

I struggle with a stubborn rebellious spirit that does not like to submit. Quite often I know exactly the right thing to do, and I even want it, but something inside still fights against God. As I read in this Psalm this morning, I felt a great sense of comfort. I am free to obey God. I do not have to obey that old sin nature, because God, in all His Power and Strength, is working in my heart. He has set my heart free to run in the path of His commands.

More Thoughts from Ephesians

The unity of the church

Not uniformity
Not organizational

But maturity under the headship of Christ

We cannot have unity if we do not all recogize Christ as head... that must be the starting point

Unity under the headship of Christ