TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 26:1-25
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” - Psalm 122:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Modern biblical commentators, noting the close parallels in plot sequence, speeches, and outcome, often assume that 1 Samuel 24 and 26 are “duplicate” versions of the same event. Indeed, the two chapters are very similar; but there is no reason to suppose that these events did not happen twice. In fact, it is the re-occurrence of the same event that is so remarkable and thus worth recording in Scripture. As readers, we should take note when Scripture takes pains to emphasize a point, especially noting the differences.

As in 1 Samuel 24, David was seemingly given the chance to dispose of Saul in the night. He and Abishai sneaked into the camp and found Saul sleeping with his spear next to his head. His comrade Abishai offered to take the spear (one that Saul had previously used against David) and “pin him to the ground with one thrust” (v. 8 ). David's response is significant. As before, he refrained from killing “the Lord's anointed” (v. 9), but there is an important difference. In 1 Samuel 25:38, God “struck Nabal.” Here, David made an application: “the Lord Himself will strike” Saul one way or another (v. 10). David had learned his lesson: he was confident that God would handle the affairs and problems of life in His time and in His way.

There's another important difference in today's reading compared with chapter 24: David's emphasis on the value of worship. In his spear-stealing conversation with Saul and his company after stealing the spear, David declared that “they have now driven me from my share in the Lord's inheritance and have said, ”˜Go, serve other gods'” (v. 19). Of course, David's enemies weren't literally forcing him into idolatry. David's point was that his exile had removed him from God's Promised Land, God's covenant people, and God's sanctuary and sacrifice. The worship of God in the manner He had directed was no small matter to David. This value placed upon the freedom to worship the Lord became the centerpiece of David's complaint against Saul's persecution. Do we share David's passion for worshiping our God?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are reminded today of the importance of being able to worship our God with fellow believers. Many of us lack such a zeal for corporate worship, and many Christians around the world do not have that same freedom to gather in Christ's name. Make a two-fold prayer today. First, pray for those who live in oppressive lands, that they may gain opportunities to worship God freely. Second, pray for yourself, that God would instill in you a fresh desire and appreciation for the communal worship of His name.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. - Proverbs 14:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ask any two fighting children what happened, and you will likely get two different stories. Typically, each child will highlight what the other child did, conveniently leaving out their own provocation that led to the argument. As the saying goes, sometimes the real story is in what's missing.

On one level, today's reading is another episode about David's escape from Saul. He took his men and family to nearby Philistia and had stunning success raiding and destroying Canaanite lands. To keep up the appearance that he had betrayed Israel, David told the king of Gath that his raids were against the lands of Judah and related clans. All seemed well. David finally had rest from Saul, victory in battle, and even the secure confidence of King Achish.

But the real story is in what's missing. There's not a single mention of God or God's perspective in this passage. The text's silence at this point is telling. Two indications in the text suggest that there's a problem with David's choice.

First, David began by telling himself that sooner or later, Saul was going to capture him, so “the best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines” (27:1). Given all we have seen of God's repeated protection, David's decision to find safety among the godless Philistines rather than in God's continued care is misguided. At no point does David speak of the Lord, His promises, or His past protection. Mention of God is entirely missing.

Second, this all leads to a prickly dilemma for David. Achish was so enamored with David's seemingly godless loyalty that he enlisted him to destroy the very people of God. The absence of God in today's text points us back to God Himself as the true source of security for God's people. We may understand, even sympathize with David's difficulties, but Scripture also warns us against leaving God out of our decision-making processes.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Scripture reminds us today that all of God's children falter in faith. The task of discernment in the complexities of life is not always easy, and sometimes a choice that seems wise ends up leading to trouble. Confess to God those times you made decisions without seeking Him first. Then memorize or meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 today as just one biblical prescription for sound decision-making, noting that we are instructed to lean “not on your own understanding,” but on the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 28:3-25
O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. - Psalm 30:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the Law given through Moses, one of the “detestable practices” the Lord explicitly prohibited was using divination or using anyone “who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults the dead.” In fact, God says that it was because of these practices that He was driving out the nations in the land (cf. Deut. 18:9-13).

We see how far Saul had fallen in 1 Samuel 28. Finding no answer from God through the prescribed means of communication with God, Saul turned to illicit means: a spiritist. The irony is that Saul, following the commands of the Law, had previously expelled all mediums from the land. Now in desperation, he put on a disguise and consulted one himself.

Saul's disobedience here is obvious. But note also the resounding consequence of his disobedience, and the theme of the entire chapter: fear. When Saul saw the Philistine army, “he was afraid; terror filled his heart” (v. 5). When Samuel actually appeared, the woman cried out in fear, and Saul had to instruct her, “Don't be afraid” (v. 13). In speaking with Samuel, Saul confessed that he was in “great distress” (v. 15). After receiving Samuel's terrible message, Saul fell to the ground and was “filled with fear” (v. 20). Finally, the encounter ended with Saul being “greatly shaken” (v. 21), rendered as “terrified” in the rsv and nasb.

Sin often leads to a downward spiral of more and more sin. Recall that Saul brought this upon himself. He was once considered among the prophets (10:11; 19:24), but his continued rejection of the Lord left him with no prophetic word. He once used priestly means to consult God (see 14:18-19), but then chose to slaughter the priests at Nob (22:6-19) and now the priestly Urim did him no good. Saul removed himself from the grace and presence of God, and he was left with a terrifying fear and an inability to lead his people. Such is the consequences of unchecked sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The message about the debilitating consequences of sin is a powerful one for us all, but is especially relevant for the leaders of God's people. If, like Saul, God's ministers choose to reject the light of God's Word and Spirit, there will be nothing left by which to lead God's people. Pray today for the leaders in your church and across the nation and world, asking God to send upon them the continual grace of His Spirit, and that they would openly receive it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 29:1-11
Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor? - Isaiah 40:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Chapter plays” were a popular type of film entertainment in the early part of the twentieth century. Usually shown in theaters along with a full feature film, these brief episodes would bring the hero into a predicament for which there seemed no possible escape, leaving the viewers with a cliffhanger ending. The audience would have to return the following week to see how the hero escaped.

Leaving the fate of Saul and Israel hanging in the balance, we move from one cliffhanger to another. Recall that 1 Samuel 28:2 left us with a similar uncertainty. David was so convincing in his betrayal of Israel that King Achish enlisted David to fight with him against Israel. How will David escape the dilemma?

We don't know at first what David was planning, but in the end it doesn't matter. Although Achish had perfect confidence in David—emphatically defending David three separate times (vv. 3, 6-7, 9-10)—the Philistine rulers had their doubts. They realized this would be the perfect opportunity for David to turn on the Philistines and regain favor with Saul. So David was sent home with his men.

The contrast between the dilemma of Saul in 1 Samuel 28 and David in today's reading is important. Both Saul and David find themselves in difficulty because of their lack of faith. Saul repeatedly rejected God; David failed to trust God's protective care. Yet, notice that while God left Saul to his own devices, He never left David. Quietly, but surely, the Lord delivered David from his dilemma with a subtle and surprising move. God's role is nearly hidden (the only mention of the Lord is by Achish in v. 6), but it is there nonetheless.

The idea that “God moves in mysterious ways” is often overused, but it still contains much truth. We do not know the mind and ways of God (see Isa. 40:13-14), but He can use any and every means He wants to bring grace and deliverance to His people—even if it includes using His enemies.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's reading doesn't suggest that we can lead lives of faithlessness and sin, simply expecting God to bail us out every time there's trouble. But it does encourage us that despite our foolishness and failings, God does not give up on us. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who needs to be reminded of God's constant faithfulness despite repeated failing. Make a point to share that message and today's text with that person today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-31
When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. - Ephesians 4:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Typology is a figurative reading of the biblical text where historical events find their greater fulfillment in the later events of Christ or His church. For example, in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Paul argues that Israel's Red Sea crossing and wilderness wanderings could be read typologically as pointing to Christ and Christian baptism. And as the Gospel of Luke declares, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). All Scripture points to Christ.

Today's reading might also be read as a typology that finds greater fulfillment in Christ. At one level, 1 Samuel 30 records the stunning success of David over the raiding Amalekites. On this level, our reading again describes God's provision to David in granting him success over his enemies.

But consider how this text may also be showing us a pattern that finds its fulfillment in Jesus. David, the Lord's anointed, finds his enemy enslaving His loved ones in a seemingly crushing victory (vv. 1-6); yet “on the third day” (v. 1), this anointed one ascends victorious over his enemy, restores his family, and distributes the gifts of plunder to his men and the nearby clans and cities of Judah (vv. 7-31). So too, Christ (literally “the anointed one”) finds His beloved creation captured in the slavery of sin, and suffers a seemingly crushing blow at the cross; yet, “on the third day” this Anointed One ascends victorious, restores His family, and distributes the gifts of God's grace to His people (cf. Eph. 4:8 ).

Today's passage is, of course, about God's goodness to David in providing victory over the Amalekites. But following the example of Paul and Jesus Himself, it may also be read as prefiguring of Christ's victorious resurrection on the third day and the distribution of grace to His rescued children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Whether we read today's passage as a message about David's victory over the Amalekites or as a typology about Christ's victorious resurrection and distribution of grace, we should be humbled at the rescuing power of God on behalf of His people. Whatever the captivity or enslavement may be (challenging circumstances, besetting sin, physical persecution), today's reading calls us to put our trust in a God who can save abundantly. Turn over to Him all your troubles and sorrows, and rest today in His loving, powerful arms.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 31:1-13
He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man. - 1 Samuel 15:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
If a televised sporting event or political speech runs longer than the networks anticipated, viewers are often taken to the scheduled program with the words, “We join this regularly scheduled broadcast already in progress.” This tells the viewers that they are running late and must catch up with what's going on.

First Samuel 31 reads like a modern-day television program: “Now the Philistines fought (literally “were fighting”) against Israel” (v. 1). We now join the battle already in progress, and quickly learn the results: Israel suffered a devastating defeat. Saul's sons, including Jonathan, were killed, and Saul fell on his own sword to avoid Philistine disgrace. The Philistines occupied Israelite towns, stripped the deceased Saul of his armor, and desecrated his body. The brave men of Jabesh Gilead rescued Saul's corpse and provided a more honoring burial.

We end the book of 1 Samuel on a terribly depressing note. Israel has been defeated, Israel's king has been killed and humiliated, and Saul's armor ends up in the temple of the Ashtoreths. The message is clear: the idols have won; Israel's God has been defeated. Or so it seems.

At first, there may not appear to be much hope in these dark verses, but here we need to remember 1 Samuel as a whole. Yes, Israel is defeated and Saul dies in a horrible way, but recall what this means. First, God has kept His word. He said that He had rejected Saul and would take the kingdom from him (13:14; 15:26-29), and we see now that this is exactly what He has done. Our God is a faithful God; His word can be trusted.

Second, with the removal of Saul, the moment we have been waiting for since chapter 16 has finally come. Saul is gone, and David, God's chosen one, can take his place as king over God's people. The book ends with death, destruction, humiliation, and sorrow; but if we've been careful readers, we know this is not really the end, but only the beginning of something new and better for God's people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's reading forces us, in our darker moments of struggle and circumstance, to turn to the trustworthiness of God's Word. Sometimes we must look past the immediate in order to see (perhaps in just glimpses) God's faithful and sustaining hand still at work. Take time today to make a list of all that God has taught you through His trustworthy Word this month. Then give Him thanks for those lessons, asking Him for the grace to live them out in your own life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 16:6-40
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. - Acts 16:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the next-to-last round of the 2000 NFL draft, a young quarterback was selected by the New England Patriots. As the 199th player drafted, expectations were not particularly high. But this quarterback, Tom Brady, turned out to be the unexpected foundation for three Super Bowl wins by the New England Patriots. He currently holds the record for most touchdown passes in a single season.

This month we'll study Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, and our reading includes some unlikely people who were the foundation of this dearly loved church.

Before we begin, it's helpful to have some historical context for how the Philippian church began. First, our passage stresses the direction and work of God. Paul and his ministry companions had sought to go into the provinces of Bithynia and Asia, but the Holy Spirit made it clear that He had another place in mind (vv. 6-10). After leading them to the region of Macedonia and the city of Philippi, the Lord provided open hearts to hear and respond to the gospel (v. 14). Later when Paul and Silas were imprisoned, God sent an earthquake that loosed the shackles of the jail and softened the heart of the jailer (vv. 25-34).

Second, as He so often delights to do, God selected some unconventional people as the first converts in Philippi. Most scholars conclude that there was not a significant Jewish presence in Philippi, certainly not enough men to form a synagogue. When Paul and his companions went looking for the place of prayer, they encountered a group of women meeting at the river. After hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, Lydia believed and then welcomed the missionaries into her home.

The second convert is even more surprising! Unjustly imprisoned, Paul and Silas responded by praying and singing hymns late into the night. When the earthquake opened the doors of the prison, the astounded jailer—recognizing that something deeply important was going on with Paul and Silas—asked how to be saved.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Notice how conversion affected Lydia and the jailer. Lydia extended hospitality and protection to Paul, and her home became the meeting place of the new church (v. 40). The jailer also welcomed Paul and Silas into his home. He was filled with joy because he had found salvation in Christ and his family had also believed. In the founding of this church we see themes that will emerge in Paul's letter: joy in Christ, the growth of the gospel despite difficult circumstances, and the importance of meeting the needs of others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 2:11-36
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. - 1 Samuel 2:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
Late one evening, two fishermen were caught in a sudden storm on the sea. Unable to row to shore, the men endured a wet, fearful night of stinging rain and swelling waves. After the storm had passed, but still uncertain of their fate, they found comfort in glimpses of a lighthouse beacon in the distant horizon. Darkness was all about them, but hints of hope remained.

Today's passage is much like this ocean scene: darkness and dreadful judgment pervade the story, but glimpses of hope relentlessly break through. The opening verses record the disturbing truth about the spiritual leadership in Israel. Although the Law guaranteed sacrificial meat portions for all priests (see Lev. 7:28-36), Eli's sons greedily and irreverently took more. Furthermore, they engaged in sexual immorality with the sanctuary women. Finally, although Eli knew of his sons' sinful behavior, he failed to discipline them beyond a verbal slap on the wrist. In short, the spiritual leadership in Israel was a sinful mess.

Unlike Eli, God's response was decisive and severe: although He had blessed Eli's line with the honor of the priesthood, their sin would now bring generational punishment. Eli's line would be removed from honor and placed in utter disdain (vv. 27-36). These were hard words, both for Eli and his family, but also for the entire nation of Israel—their divinely appointed spiritual leadership had just come under severe judgment.

Yet in this dark and dreadful moment, there are glimpses of hope. It is easy to overlook, but Scripture is careful to repeat that behind all this wickedness and sin there is one—Samuel—who is quietly and faithfully serving the Lord (vv. 11, 18-21, 26). And then there is that more ultimate promise that God will “raise up for myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in my heart and mind” (v. 35), reminding us that even in the dark moments of our lives, we still have Christ, our “faithful high priest” who makes “atonement for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There are two equally inappropriate responses to the sin we see in ourselves and in our spiritual leaders. One is, like Eli, to turn a blind eye to it. The other is to fall into despair, believing that even God cannot rescue us from such a desperate situation. Today's passage turns us from both paths and offers a third option: confess and rebuke sin, and also trust in God's redemption. Spend time today confessing your sins and also praying for God's care over the leaders in your own church.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:9-11
This is my prayer: that your love may abound. - Philippians 1:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some people find it helpful to adopt famous prayers in their own prayers to God; examples include the “Serenity Prayer,” of theologian Reinhold Niebuhr and the prayer of Francis of Assisi that begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Our reading is the prayer that Paul prayed for his partners in the church in Philippi. He first requested that their love would abound. Some have puzzled over what Paul meant—their love for God or their love for each other. Given the rest of the letter, the answer is—both! A growing love for God is accompanied by a growing love for our fellow believers; the two cannot be separated.

This love is far more than warm fuzzies. This love grows in knowledge and insight, for love for God and others depends on knowing Him truly. True love “does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6).

This growth in the knowledge of the truth (what we might call “doctrine”) is not just head knowledge abstracted from daily life. It has a purpose: to be able to make wise choices with an eternal destiny in mind (v. 10). For the second time in the opening verses, Paul used the phrase “day of Christ” (vv. 6, 10). Through his prayer, he reminded the Philippians of what was at stake in their love, doctrine, and discernment: they would one day stand before the Lord.

Finally, Paul prayed that this church would be filled with the “fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus” (v. 11). Later in the letter he explored the nature of this fruit in more detail. For now, note that the righteousness comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Righteousness cannot be defined by the deeds that people do of their own initiative. It has its source and definition in the character and work of God (see Rom. 3:22). The evidence of a relationship between God and His children is shown in the fruit (cf. Gal. 5:22-23). Abundant fruit of righteousness is the result of an abounding love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The prayer in this passage gives us a wonderful way to pray for those we love. Praying through Scripture has several benefits: first, we are reading and meditating on God's Word; and second, we know that our prayer will glorify God. Make a list of friends and family and pray this prayer for them. Spend time reflecting on what it means to grow in love, doctrine, discernment, and the fruit of righteousness. Pray that you and those on your list will have an eternal perspective, “pure and blameless until the day of Christ” (v. 10).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 28:11-31
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. - Philippians 4:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese pro-democracy leader, has been either in prison or under house arrest since 1989 when her party won elections in Burma and the military junta responded by arresting her. In fact, she was not allowed to see her husband, a British citizen, before he died in 1999. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote in his book, Courage: Eight Portraits: “Suu Kyi's courage is the courage to sacrifice her own happiness and a comfortable life so that, through her struggle, she might win the right of an entire nation to seek happy and comfortable lives. . . . Paradoxically, in sacrificing her own liberty, she strengthens its cry and bolsters its claim for the people she represents.”

We pause in our study of Philippians today to examine Paul's circumstances when he wrote this letter. Like Suu Kyi, he was imprisoned under house arrest. Like Suu Kyi, Paul's detention served to expand his message to others. But Paul's concern was greater even than democracy and political freedom—he was preaching freedom from the condemnation of sin and eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.

Immediately after his arrival and detention in Rome, Paul gathered the Jewish leaders to make his plea. They actually welcomed the chance to hear his defense. He had the opportunity “from morning till evening” to preach to them the passion of his life: the message of Jesus (v. 23). Initially, some were convinced by Paul's exposition of Scripture, but others disagreed and a controversy erupted.The final straw for the Jewish leadership came when Paul preached the text from Isaiah 6:9-10. Their hearts were hard and their ears closed—but God had also sent His salvation to the Gentiles, who were responding with belief. Instead of responding in faith, the Jewish leaders left Paul.

Despite his circumstances—imprisoned and awaiting trial—Paul preached “boldly and without hindrance” (v. 31). He remained faithful to his Lord Jesus Christ. Tomorrow, we will see more of Paul's perspective on his situation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Americans celebrate Independence Day today, and indeed the freedom to worship God freely is a wonderful blessing that should not be taken for granted. Millions of Christian brothers and sisters around the world do not have this privilege. As we enjoy parades and picnics this weekend, use the occasion of celebrating political freedom to reflect on our far greater spiritual freedom. As believers, we are citizens of God's kingdom—let's proclaim the message of our Lord Jesus Christ “boldly and without hindrance!”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 17:1-15
I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you. - 1 Chronicles 17:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The heart of worship is always ready to adore our great God. That was the attitude not only of David but of countless believers through history. Augustine, for example, prayed: “O Lord in whom all things live, who commanded us to seek you, who are always ready to be found: to know you is life, to serve you is freedom, to praise you is our soul's delight. We bless you and adore you, we worship you and magnify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

For David in today's reading, a heart of worship meant he didn't want to live in a palace while the Ark remained in a tent. He wanted to build a proper temple. But he didn't rush ahead, as he had done previously. Instead, he consulted Nathan the prophet, showing that he had learned an important lesson about submitting all his plans, even ones with good motives, to the Lord. God's answer, however, was “no”—the honor of building a temple would go to his son, Solomon.

Though the request was denied, the Lord's answer was much richer than what King David had asked for. In what is often called the “Davidic covenant,” God confirmed that the kingdom would be secure, remaining enemies would be subdued, and a golden age was about to begin. The themes of homecoming and safety (v. 9) would have been especially poignant to the returned exiles for whom Chronicles was first written. They would also have been encouraged by the long-term promise that David's throne and house would be established forever, a promise with clear messianic implications (v. 14).

Jesus Christ fulfills that promise. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were both in the line of David. When He was crucified, it was under a sign proclaiming Him “King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37). And the last book of the Bible opens by identifying Him as the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As with David, God has promised us many things within His plan of salvation. Keeping these promises close to our hearts can strengthen our faith. Good verses to memorize include Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; and Hebrews 9:28. In Christ, we have a “living hope . . . an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade,” and we are “shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:15-18
Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. - Philippians 1:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Next month the Olympic Games begin in Beijing, China. Athletes from around the world will compete, and their countries will keep a tally of how many medals their athletes have won. While many athletes describe feeling honored and humbled to represent their country, some participate for purely selfish reasons—they hope to gain fame, set a personal record, or land an endorsement contract. But whether the motive is selfish or selfless, the country still gets to claim those medals toward its total count.

Yesterday we saw Paul's perspective on his situation. Today we see his perspective on his partners in the gospel—some of whom preached out of love and some out of selfishness.

At first glance, Paul's attitude might surprise us. We know that he had no tolerance for those who undermined the gospel by either addition or subtraction. So why did he seem so unconcerned here? First, these preachers were not preaching a false gospel, even though they had wrong motives. They envied Paul, and saw his imprisonment as an opportunity to promote themselves and their own ministry. While this attitude was sad, Paul did not give in to a competitive spirit. He did not view preaching the gospel as a competitive enterprise that only one preacher would win!

Second, Paul had the eternal perspective that Christ being preached was his primary goal. But he still was concerned with the root of selfish ambition (v. 17); he experienced the impact of it in Rome, and in chapter 2 he challenged the Philippians to get rid of it in their own church.

Paul never viewed himself as a “Lone Ranger” but as a co-laborer for Christ. True, some were taking advantage of his detention to promote themselves, but others were preaching Christ out of love (cf. Romans 16). Here Paul echoed his prayer for growth in perceptive love and linked it to the courageous sharing of the gospel (vv. 9-10). Ultimately, Paul's reason for rejoicing was the gospel. It was never all about him—it was all about Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul defined ambition in light of Christ, not self. That redefined what he considered pain and gain, and transformed a negative into joy. What about us? Do we subscribe to “Look out for Number One!” Or do we put aside a competitive spirit in the church in order to rejoice in the gospel? The tension in these verses was between believers, and this passage challenges us to refrain from promoting ourselves to take advantage of a fellow Christian's difficulty. Seek to be in the category of those who act out of love, not rivalry.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:19-24
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
One pastor wisely instructed his congregation to value the older saints in their church. They might not be able to be as active as they once were in staffing ministry positions or volunteering, and they might require more time for hospital and home visits. “But make no mistake, God has not left these mothers and fathers in the faith here on earth for themselves—He has prolonged their life on this earth for our benefit. We miss great wisdom, and even greater prayers, when we neglect the resource of the elderly in our church.”

Many people seem to approach relationships with the attitude, “What can you do for me?” Our passage today continues the discussion about partnership in the gospel and gives us the Christian perspective on what we should value and what we can do for each other.

First, Paul rejoiced in his eternal perspective, and he was able to do that because of the prayers of the Philippians and the help of the Holy Spirit (v. 19). The Philippians couldn't help free Paul from prison, advocate before Caesar, or even be present with him in person. But they could pray, and it sustained Paul on an eternal level.

Second, Paul's confidence echoed the statement by Job 13:16-18. Paul's confidence in his deliverance didn't mean that he expected the outcome of his trial to result in his freedom. Rather, he had confidence that no matter the outcome, God would be pleased with him and Christ would be exalted through his life or death (v. 20).

What follows sounds like Paul's own inner conversation: was it better to live and continue to serve Christ, or to die and be with Christ? He saw the benefit in either option, though his longing to be with his Savior seeps through the text (v. 23). But then Paul modeled the love and selflessness (in contrast to selfish ambition) that he just referenced, noting that the Philippians still needed him. He concluded that meeting their needs was a worthwhile reason for him to value his continuing life and ministry (v. 24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever casually told someone that you would pray for a situation, promptly forgetting to do it? Have you ever felt helpless in the face of someone's need, feeling “all” you could do was pray? Paul valued the prayers of the Philippians and described them as vital part of God's ministry to him. We should value the prayers of others—and recognize the power of our own gifts of prayer. If someone has faithfully prayed for you, take time to thank that person. And pray earnestly for those whom God places on your heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:25-30
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. - Philippians 1:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
During campaigns, political candidates can find themselves embarrassed by the public statements of advisors and supporters. They often cut ties with the loose-lipped person, because they know that the remarks of people on the team reflect on the cause of their political aspirations.

So far in this letter, Paul confirmed his partnership with the Philippians. He proclaimed that the gospel was his core passion. Next, Paul connected the two themes as he began to exhort the Philippian church: their attitudes toward each other reflected on the larger cause of the gospel of Christ.

To begin this section, Paul restated that his life and ministry were for the benefit of the Philippians. Note how Paul linked progress and joy in the faith (v. 25). As we grow in faith, our joy in the gospel grows, too. In fact, Paul longed to see the Philippians so that their joy in Jesus would overflow (v. 26). This was not just happiness at a desired outcome—in both verses, Paul explicitly noted that the root of this joy was in Christ and His message. Verse 27 is the heart of Paul's message to the Philippians, the summary statement that the rest of the letter is spent unpacking and explaining. This command was given to the entire church to be obeyed as a body, not just as separate individuals. Together, they were to conduct themselves as worthy of the gospel of Christ. What would that look like? They were to stand firm in one spirit.

They were also to contend as one for the gospel. Unlike the preachers in Rome who had divided motives, the Philippians needed unity in their proclamation of faith. This unity in the shared purpose of preaching Jesus has a purpose beyond just folks getting along in the church in Philippi. This unity is a sign to the opposition outside the church that the gospel is true. This unity is a testimony to God's salvation (v. 28).

The Philippians were being falsely accused and imprisoned just as Paul and Silas had been (v. 30). But these difficulties should not have diverted their attention from living in a manner worthy of Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If Jesus Christ is not our driving passion, we might find the challenge to live a life worthy of the gospel and to seek unity for the gospel to be simply a hollow call. For a challenging book on the priority of the gospel in our lives, read Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians by D. A. Carson (Baker). This book is available in Christian bookstores and online retailers. Much is at stake when disunity plagues the church and when rivalry and ambition choke out love and selflessness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:1-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. - Philippians 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thomas à Kempis wrote in his book, Imitation of Christ, “The humble live in continuous peace, while in the hearts of the proud are envy and frequent anger.” His statement captures a truth about humility—it releases us from jealousy and weary striving to be the “top dog.”

In the heart of his plea of exhortation, Paul used a rhetorical device to grab the hearers and readers of this letter. The if/then construction captures our attention—as it must have the Philippians—and also forces us to Paul's conclusion. The implied answer to the “if” statements is “yes”: these believers did have encouragement, comfort, fellowship, and compassion as a result of being in Christ (v. 1).

Verse 2 delivers the conclusion: be like-minded, have the same love, be one in spirit and purpose. This is not a call to so-called unity that ignores differences in doctrine in the name of getting along. (See the “Theology Matters” column on p. 3 of this issue). The source of true Christian unity is having the same spirit and purpose. The obstacle to Christian unity is selfish ambition and vain conceit (v. 3). We can't share the same purpose when members of the same church are all vying for their own prestige and agenda. The remedy is humility, the willingness to put others first. Instead of assuming that our way is the best, we must consider the needs and interests of others.

Humility is a distinctly Christian virtue; in fact, humility was considered a shortcoming in the Greco-Roman world. Christian humility isn't a false modesty or a weak-willed disposition. Rather it is the proper assessment of who we are in relationship to God and others. When we are focused on Christ, we can't be focused on promoting ourselves.

Humility is also connected with godly love. In chapter 1, Paul linked love and selflessness, and the best-known statement of the intricate relationship between love and humility is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love . . . does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christian unity is important for the home as well as the church. If you find daily life in your family punctuated by tension, selfishness, and rudeness, perhaps it's time to pursue humility and love. You can't change everyone around you, but you can begin with your own honest assessment of who you are in relation to God and others. The Spirit is the source of unity. Ask for His power to work in your family, so that love will flow and God will be glorified.