Philippians 1:3-4

I thank my God every time I remember you.

(v3, NIV)

Paul is thankful and he lets them know of his thankfulness. However, his thankfulness is towards God. He thanks God for them. When he looks back and remembers them, thinking of them, Paul is thankful to God. Of course he is thankful for them, but Paul recognizes and acknowledges God who is the creator. Those he is thankful for have put their faith in the Lord and live diligently for Him. Paul is thankful to God and likewise, shouldn't we be thankful to God? We aren't to do it in such a way that we are so much as to take away edification we bestow to others for building up and encouraging. However, it is ultimately to God that we should give all glory and honor and praise. He is good.

always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

(v4, ESV)

Paul's prayers are made with joy. He is always doing this, which describes the consistency. He is doing it every time, which describes the frequency. He is doing this for all of them, which describes the inclusiveness. Don't you wish you could say that too- to always pray with thankfulness to God for them and to be frequently remembering them? What a joy it must feel for them to hear this from Paul. It is quite joyous to hear of it when others are praying for you. There may be more than you know who are praying for you. It is quite encouraging to hear of that.

Paul's prayers are made with joy. One of the main themes of Philippians is "joy". What is joy? One definition I heard is that joy is a "supernatural delight in the person, purposes and people of God" (James MacDonald). So first of all, joy comes from the Lord. We love God who first loved us. Not only do we love him who is awesome and great and powerful and so good, but we find joy in his ways. God's ways are sometimes mysterious and are quite amazing. It's awesome when God steps in and speaks powerfully into your life. Joy is overwhelming when God overcomes our trials and pours blessings upon us. God's ways may not always bring health and wealth, but they are always good. Even when they seem dark or when it hurts, God may be molding us and shaping us in ways we cannot imagine. There is joy knowing that even in suffering and pain, God sometimes needs to work in us a changing of attitude to get our heads out of a sewer.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:13, ESV)

In addition, there is joy knowing that God strengthens us to overcome our circumstances. Even though we may be suffering or in need, is it God who gives us the strength to abound. It is through Him that we can do all things in our low situations.

The Last Days 2

The message of love in the bible is so solid and clear, however still there is people who hates it and against it (but not other religious). We can see the work of Satan is stirring in this nation, and we have to keep alert and pray. (Mark 13:33)the last days are near and we know that it is approaching. We need to repent and draw back to God. Hold on to what you have so that no one takes your crown. (Revelation 3:11)

Don't be deceived! For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)

The Last Days

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2Timothy 3:13

"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:24

"He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived." Revelation 13:13-14

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 1 John 3:7, 8

Don't be deceived. Guide your heart.

Repent, for the kingdom is near

Philippians 1:1-2

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

(v1, NIV)

Today I have finally arrived at the book of Philippians. Philippians is a letter from Paul to the church at Philippi. Most of Paul's letters are to correct a doctrinal error. However, this letter that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi was not to correct a doctrinal error, but simply a thank you letter to them. He has many things to be thankful for which we'll see throughout the letter.

Timothy is also included in the greeting of this letter. Timothy is like a son to Paul and is sometimes with him on his journeys.

This letter is addressed to the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi. Those who have come to know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ are saints. We also see here that Paul addresses the overseers and deacons. Paul describes the role of an overseers and the role of a deacon in 1 Timothy 3. In that passage, Paul describes what they must be; the requirements they must meet as an overseer or as a deacon. The very fact that there are overseers and deacons at the church in Philippi shows the size and growth of this church. A church needs to be a certain size in order for it to have overseers and deacons. Having overseers and deacons suggests a certain size that would allow for that degree of structure.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(v2, NIV)

Paul ends his fairly short greeting and introduction with grace and peace to them. This grace and peace is from God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This isn't something Paul gives of his own doing; it is something from God.

Ephesians 6:21-24

Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

(v21-22, NIV)

Tychicus is a brother who accompanied Paul in some of his journeys.

He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

(Acts 20:4, NIV)

There is a list here in Acts of a few people who accompanied Paul. Among this list of brothers who accompany Paul, Tychicus is one of them.

Here at the end of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is telling them that he is sending Tychicus to them. Maybe he is bringing them this very letter. Regardless, he is going to inform them and give them an update about Paul. In addition, Tychicus is to encourage them at the church in Ephesus. For them to hear about Paul and how he's doing will be of great encouragement to them. They will hear of Paul's experiences and things that he has done while he was away. I find it often encouraging hearing of the stories of brothers and sister in Christ. Those serving in humble submission to the Lord Jesus Christ often have encouraging stories about how they stood for Jesus and proclaimed his name. It's not necessarily stories about how they got rich (though it could be) or stories about how they got famous (though it could be) or even stories about how they climbed the corporate ladder (though it could be). It is simply a true devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ and whatever comes from that that brings glory to his name. Hearing about things like these is quite encouraging.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

(Philippians 1:21, NIV)

Those who have given their life for Christ know that they win either way. They live in fruitful labor for the only one who is worthy. In addition, they know that if they were to even lose their life, they only have heaven to look forward to. How awesome is that?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:13, NIV)

In addition, those who work for the Father have faith in the strengthening that God gives. This verse is in context of Paul being content in whatever circumstances he is in. Even if he is need or in poverty or even at the brink of death, he can face and endure and carry on through those circumstances through him who gives the strength. How awesome is that?

Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

(v23-24, NIV)

Paul finishes with this benediction to those at the church in Ephesus.

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(v18, NIV)

Paul's instruction doesn't end after the armor of God. Paul has just described and listed out the whole armor of God. However, it doesn't end once you wear each piece of the armor of God. You may have it all on and know how to use it, but there is still something else. In addition to the armor of God, we are to pray in the Spirit. Prayer is an important tool for the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to pray in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

We are to keep on praying. We are to pray without ceasing. We should be constantly communicating with God. I remember my dear friend Eric Cheng used to say "let's verbalize" instead of "let's pray". Prayer is communication with God. If we are to be constantly praying to God, how can we do that if the only time we pray is when we kneel down and close our eyes and speak aloud to God? Let us pray without ceasing.

In our prayers, we must remember to pray for others; this includes praying for the saints. Who are the saints?

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

(Ephesians 1:1, NIV)

At the beginning of this letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul addresses this letter to the saints in Ephesus. Saints are those who are the faithful in Christ Jesus. We as true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are saints. Since we are to pray for the saints, we are to pray for one another.

Ephesians 6:17b

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

(v17, NIV)

One interesting piece of the armor of God is the sword. A sword is the weapon of any soldier back in the days when they used swords. Of course there were some with bows and arrows. However, when I picture a soldier in those times, I picture a knight in shining armor with a shield and a sword. In fact, he doesn't have to have a shield. However, he needs a sword. Knights or warriors or soldiers have a weapon. They are entering into a war or a battle. How can you fight without a weapon? This piece of armor described here is the sword, and it is the only offensive piece of the armor of God. It is the only way we have as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ to fight back and attack.

Aren't knights really cool? A knight fully equipped in shining armor with shield and sword is cool to me. It's really cool. Wouldn't it have been cool to be a knight? Wielding a sword and fighting in battles would have been quite an experience. As much as boys may have dreamed about being a knight and wielding a shining sharp sword, we probably won't have anything close to that in this day and age. However, God gives us a sword in the armor of God. We can wield the sword of the Spirit. How cool is that?

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

(Matthew 10:34, NIV)

Some may question whether it is loving or Christian-like to fight and attack. Why would we be equipped with a sword if Jesus was such a peacemaker? I encourage you to read and learn more about Jesus. If Jesus was a peacemaker, why did he say that he came not to bring peace, but a sword? I don't mean to tell you what Jesus did with regards to this sword. Rather, I hope you search for yourself through the scriptures to see what it actually says about the Lord Jesus Christ.

The sword of the Spirit is clearly described as the word of God. The word of God is something we have in the form of the bible. The bible is the word of God.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

Here is a verse that talks about the word of God. It is described as even sharper than any two-edged sword. Not only is it a sword, but compared to any sword, it is sharper. Can you imagine someone wielding this sword? It penetrates and cuts away at whatever is in its path. Some swords are dull and it can be difficult to cut something with a dull sword. This is not so with the word of God.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

Here is another verse about the word of God. Here, we can see its uses. It can be used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. In learning how to use your sword, it is important to know what it is used for. The piercing word of God can do all these things. Use it wisely and use it properly.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

" 'He will command his angels concerning you,

and they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

(Matthew 4:1-11, NIV)

In this passage we read about the temptation of Jesus. Jesus came down to earth as a human and experienced temptation. Here we learn of how Jesus dealt with temptation. Jesus responds to temptation with scripture. In looking at the way Jesus used the word of God, we can learn something about how we are to use the sword of the Spirit. Use it to fend off and counter-attack schemes and temptations. Where does that begin? Read your bible, study it, and learn. How can you use the word of God against temptations if you don't even know what it says? Take it with you wherever you go so that you can use it if you need to. Maybe you don't like carrying it around. Fine, memorize it. Do you think Jesus had the bible with him for those 40 days? He had it memorized.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

(Psalms 119:11, NIV)

Take up the sword of the Spirit. Learn how to use it, and use it well.