1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Be not man pleasers or self-pleasers, but instead God pleasers whose desire for you is to be holy and to love one another

Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God; that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. Therefore he who rejects this doesn't reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you. But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing. It sounds simple enough, to not be led astray by the lusts of the world, but to love God by taking good care of his temple which is your body. Because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, do not use your body for self pleasure as the gentiles do who do not know God, but honor God with your body and your concern for one another, giving as you have been given to and setting ones self apart from the world. For this is God's desire for us because when we concern ourselves with others instead of ourselves, God renders this as righteousness.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 God bless the feet of those who bring good news for our faith's sake

Therefore when we couldn't stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith; that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. For this cause I also, when I couldn't stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain. But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you; for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you; and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. The mission of Paul and his converts was so bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their trouble was not of flesh and blood but of rulers, principalities, and forces of darkness and of Satan. This brings concern for the evangelist who may be able in Christ to deal with spiritual warfare but has concern for those who are less mature in the faith. Yes Paul prayed for them,but he remained concerned for them creating anxiety for the evangelist. Timothy,his son in the faith visits the converts and found them holding fast. He reports the news to Paul which relieves his fears and builds his faith even stronger.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-20 Receive the scriptures as God's word and as a child of God live a life pleasing to his calling

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. Jesus said, "In this life there will be suffering. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. The Christian need not live a life of protection. Because you are a Christian, you have been saved and separated from the world. One need not be concerned with over-committing to Jesus Christ, because he is the Son of God and on the cross overcame death and the devil. One need not worry about losing salvation, because God sent the Holy Spirit to place a seal on us to keep us until the day of Jesus Christ. There is not an adversary in the universe who can take them from the secure hand of the Lord. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-10 Speak the gospel even under persecution clearly and truthfully as God as your witness

For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn't in vain, but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict. For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. The believer is trusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ to proclaim it boldly and to magnify Christ even if persecuted. We must be gentle among non-believers and give hope to the lost knowing we are trusted with the good news of the gospel so that people may come unto Christ. We do not do this for our own glory but for Christ's who laid down his life so those who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life with him.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 When the gospel is received, we become imitators of Christ and serve the living God escaping the coming wrath

Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. The word of God is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who believe it is the power of God. In Thessalonica, they received the word with conviction and became evangelists in the entire area. They are called the elect of God and by imitating the model set forth by Jesus, they escaped the coming wrath of God for those who do not believe nor receive his son as their Lord and Savior. Today is no different. The word of God lives on and the invitation to come unto Jesus is still being made. Today we live in the time of salvation by grace. Can you believe and escape the wrath to come. You have heard the gospel and must be wise in order to live. Amen.

Colossians 3:22-4:6 Men serve your boss as unto the Lord. Bosses you are accountable to God because any power you possess is from him.

Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds that I may reveal it as I ought to speak Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. When we labor in the flesh, we labor not for men but unto God. We are to fear him knowing that he knows all things and disciples those that are his. If we prevail until the end, he will reward us in unimaginable ways and we must be true to our conviction. When we stumble, we must confess our sins and he who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and wash away all unrighteousness. Amen.

Colossians 3:5-21 Above all walk in love which is the sign of perfection

Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond servant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. These verses repeat the message of Romans 6 which is if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ a new man has been formed within you. You have the old man - the sin nature and the new man formed by belief in Christ who knows no sin. Our journey then is to put to death the old man and his sin by starving it by feeding the new man with good works, praise, and adoration of Christ Jesus. It is hard to do because you are putting to death those things that are not godly and raising up the regenerated new man by feeding it with the exercise of compassion, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and holiness. When one practices these things you become mature (perfection) in your faith. Above all walk in love which is the sign of perfection.

Colossians 2:14-23 The Royal Law of Christ

Wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s. Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth. If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh? The Jews in Jesus day had over 600 laws of human behavior. But in reality we are saved by grace and not by works. It is a gift of God, not work of men so that nobody can boast. When Adam fell into sin, all of mankind inherited a sin nature and were separated by God. The Jews in an effort to please a holy God imposed mountains of laws on a flesh that was flawed. If we could please God, Jesus taking the form of man would be unnecessary. But God in his wisdom and great love sent his only son so that whoever believes in him and his finished work on the cross will not perish, but will inherit everlasting life. Jesus simplified the law by telling us that there are only two requirements. 1) Love the lord your God will all your strength and might and 2) love your neighbor as yourself against which there is no law. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and thy house. Amen.

Colossians 2:8-13 Seek not the ideas of men, but follow Jesus who is the fullness of God

Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power; in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses. The core issue here is the wisdom of man versus the wisdom of God. Man's ways are tainted by sin and are influenced by the flesh and the world. Christ ways are not of the world and not of the flesh, but are spiritual and lead followers to eternal life. You cannot sit at the table of man and the table of God. You must choose.

Colossians 2:1-7 Even if absent in the flesh, we remain in the spirit rooted in the wisdom of God to combat temptation

For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving. If you didn't know already, a human has both a body and a spirit. One day the body will die, but the spirit does not die but has everlasting life. We perceive God and Jesus Christ now through our spirit where our spirit connects with the Holy Spirit so that we may know all truth and have understanding. But the enemy who is Satan and his followers tries to tempt us away from our union with Christ with luring words leading to disobedience. But the Christian is indwelt by the Spirit of God and greater is he that is in me that the one who is in the world. The truth has made me free to willfully be a partaker in Christ Jesus so that I can walk with him.

Colossians 1:24-29 The Church was a mystery until the ascension of Christ Jesus

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly; of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. Until the ascension of Christ, the church was a mystery. Throughout the gospels, we hear the Hebrews wrongly proclaim a righteousness because they are a seed of Abraham. Jesus corrects them by saying he could make followers out of stones and that the Hebrew should not depend on his ancestry for righteousness. Fifty days after Christ's ascension, a one time event occurs - the sending of the Holy Spirit - thus the birth of the church. The work of the Holy Spirit was to indwell believers thus making their bodies the temple of God. Shortly thereafter, the Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple so that one stone could not be put upon another. It also defines graphically what the prophets have said all along - salvation can be only found in the Messiah, the servant and the Son of God.

Colossians 1:20-23 The reconciling work of Christ

And through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross. You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil deeds, 22 yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him, if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant. Because of the sin seed established by Adam, all of humanity less the incarnate Jesus Christ were born into sin and enemies of a holy God. But God, being rich in mercy and grace sent his Son to bear the sins of the world unto himself so that by his death on the cross, his shedding of blood, and his resurrection from the dead we may now in-Christ, be reconciled to the Father. Apart from Christ, there is no reconciliation. This is why he says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except by me." By being in Christ's company, the Father does not see an enemy but a fried, one who was washed by the blood of Christ and forgiven. God's forgiveness has not changed our sinful nature, but by the work of the Holy Spirit and of Christ, the sinner will be sanctified into the image of Christ and atonement will occur.

Colossians 1:15-19 The Supremacy of the Son of God

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. The first line supports the doctrine of the trinity, "The Son is the image of the invisible God." He is the creator of all things, and all things are created for him. Every day for billions of years, the sun has been raised in the morning. This is because he is the sustains all things. Creation listens to him and obeys him. This is why that by his word he could calm the raging seas. The Father is pleased with the son, and for this reason God's fullness rests in Christ.

Colossians 1:3-14 Jesus Christ brought the gospel to bring us hope which is stored up for us in heaven. This hope delivers us from the power of darkness for those who believe

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. God loves each and every one of us. One might say that God loves the sinner but not his sin. Jesus Christ brought the gospel to bring us hope which is stored up for us in heaven. This hope delivers us from the power of darkness for those who believe. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and thy house," the Bible teaches. The life of Jesus saved many but there are those who prefer the darkness and resist the invitation. They are more comfortable being trapped in their sin than to know the freedom of forgiveness. God knows from eternity past those who will receive the faith offered to them. To those who love Jesus and receive him as Savior, they will be called the Children of God and be led by the Spirit of God until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:10-19 be content whatever the circumstances.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. We learned in 1 Corinthians that we are to be content with our calling. God some to places of honor and other to common places. But to desire more that what God gives is a sin of the flesh which wars with the spirit. By being content, we need not be anxious for anything and we know God will lift up those who are content in him. What good does it to be in a place of honor if you lack eternal life? The gifts from the Thessalonicans were we generous, but they serve the flesh and not the inner-man. The God of glory will meet your needs according to your requests for his abounding love for you. Amen.

Philippians 4:1-9 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. In these verses, Paul is appealing for unity and steadfastness. Because Christ is all sufficient, we should be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication let our requests be known to to Lord. Jesus reminds us that whatever we ask in his name will be given unto us. This is because it glorifies God and the Son to do so. Remember, we are children of God and brothers and sisters to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are family and honor the needs and concerns of family. But when the enemy comes, put on the full armor of God and be steadfast in his word, lest we end up like Adam forgetting who is God and who is his enemy. Amen.

Philippians 3:7-14 Christian righteousness, and the knowledge of Christ

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Jesus said in the gospels, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the father except through me." A corollary to this could rightfully be said that no man has righteousness except in me. You see, when Jesus conquered death through the resurrection of the dead, he paved the way for eternal life. In Genesis is says "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. So the way of obtaining righteous in the New Testament era is to believe what God says about the Son and to believe what the Son proclaims about himself. That he is Lord, the everlasting Savior, that he died for our forgiveness so that eternal life may be our possession.

Philippians 3:1-6 No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. The grounds for salvation is that it cannot be earned. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By grace we are saved by faith, but not of works lest any man should boast. Yet in the world we are told to be independent and your own man not recognizing the source of freedom and power is based on the work of Christ, raised from the dead. In him we find our righteousness and in him we have liberty and in him we are reconciled to God and in him we have an inheritance. When we quest for independence from God, we commit the sin of Satan and lose all of our privileges before a holy God.

Philippians 2:17-30 Agape love, putting others first

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. Agape love is the term we use to describe Christ's sacrificial love for us and Paul's love for the church. He is said to be in Christ, because he takes on the values of Christ. He calls his fellow laborer Timothy his son, but Paul is not married. What he is saying is that Timothy is his spiritual son because he has taken on the love for the church like his mentor Paul. Paul is in prison and is willing to send his helper Timothy to them knowing that they will receive him as they would Paul. And finally he prioritizes the gospel (good news) as the means of grace and the source of their salvation. Amen.

Philippians 2:1-15 What does God expect from you O man - To seek him and walk humbly before him

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. 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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Our created purpose is to love the Lord God with our our strength and all our might and to love our neighbor as our self. This leaves no room for putting our self first in life. The Lord honors those who are meek and humble and gives them the desires of their heart. This cannot be fake humility but humility indeed. This is why the text says to examine yourself and judge yourself to see if you are worthy. If you do this with an honest eye you will find yourself to be a sinner in need of a Savior. Then Jesus will say, "Follow me."