QT - Isaiah 30:1-33

SALVATION THROUGH REPENTANCE AND REST

Key verse 30:15b

Today's word shows us how the believer must trust. The heart cannot be divided into Mammon and God, says Jesus. But Israel's heart was divided.

1. Egypt the agitated and the rest (1-11)

As the Assyrian threat grew, people became fearful. Some people advocated asking Egypt for help. But it was a human plan, not God's. Isaiah saw the madness of this. He called Egypt, the useless help, "Rahab the Do-Nothing" (7b). But people didn't want to listen to the truth. They asked the servants of God to stop teaching the Bible.

2. At God’s return the rest will be your salvation (12-18) 

The way of God is the way of repentance and of trust in God. God longs to give us grace. But if we choose the human way over that of God, we cannot be saved.

3. This is the way, walk along it (19-33) Despair does not come from suffering; it comes from the fact that we have no direction. People make idols because they don't recognize God. Sometimes God needs to discipline us with the bread of adversity to teach us to turn to Him. When we call upon him, he heals us and teaches us his way (21). Israel decided to remove impurity and material lust from their within, so God responded with the abundance of His creation. God became angry with the Assyrian enemy who once hurt the people. The enemy will be overwhelmed by the thundering voice of God, and in the land of Judah, however, there will be the bliss that the joyfully heartfelt people enjoy endlessly as they travel to Mount Zion, to the Rock of Israel. In Jesus we have this bliss, for He delivers us from the yoke of sin by crushing the horn of Satan (Luke 1:74).

QT - Isaiah 28:1-29

key verse: 1

WOE TO DRUNKARDS

In today's passage, we learn about the end of those who have pushed God out of their hearts. We can learn a lot from the history of Israel in the north and the kingdom of Judah in the south. 

1. Judgement on the proud (1-13)

The leaders of northern Israel were drunk. They were not watchful in the time of emergency. The ability to discern was eroded and sinful desire grew. Where God had been pushed away, pride increased. The crown of the drunk would be crushed, yet for the rest of the people, God would place a glorious crown on their heads (5). The leaders of southern Judah despised the lesson they could have learned from northern Israel. They too became drunk, and their faith and moral criterion eroded away. They were deluded regarding their own power over the people. They did not listen to the prophets and ignored God's word. They turned away from God, the source of true strength, and lived in falsehood. They would soon be led away captive and forced to listen to people of a foreign tongue (11, 13).

2. The great wisdom of God (14-29)

The prophet reproached the leaders of Jerusalem. They were proud and the cause of this was their rejection of God's word. Instead of seeking God, they took refuge in Egypt. It was stupid to leave God, the rock of salvation, and seek Egypt instead. Both themselves and Egypt would be destroyed. The so-called "wisdom" of those who have left God becomes a nightmare. The prophet cried out, proclaiming God's wisdom. If agricultural techniques are successful, it is because God has taught us to do so. At harvestime, there is a special method for each type of grain. If there is wisdom to be found in agriculture, it also exists in the areas of politics, economics and history. Human wisdom cannot beat God's wisdom. When man makes God the center, the foundation of his life becomes rock solid. 

QT - Philippiens 4:10-23

FOR I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVES ME STRENGHT

Key Verse 4: 13

In this epilogue, Paul expresses first of all, according to the main term of this epistle, his overflowing joy from the sacrificial life of the Philippians, and then his faith based on his trust in God. 

1. I know what it is to have plenty (10-13)

Paul's source of joy was that he saw the Philippians' interest in him flourishing. It's like a flower coming out of a dry land. What a wonderful grace to see brothers and sisters taking care of each other! And to see the flock take an interest in their leader! Paul did not consider it as a merit, but as a grace. Paul was old, he was a prisoner, and he was far from them. It is said that :  « Out of sight, out of mind ». But his flock of Philip never forgot their grace. Paul's philosophy as a servant of God is centered on the life of Jesus. It is characterized by contentment and strength, despite a situation of deprivation. In his devoid and overwhelmed situation, he constantly took the strength that came from God. No obstacle is too much big to overcome it. Once God strengthens us by seeing our faith, we can win any trial of our lives.

2. May God bless you according to His mercy (14-23)

The Philippians' faith was manifested by their sacrificial life. In Thessaloniki, Paul had already received twice the material assistance from them through Epaphroditus' hand. Their example in material management was more than influential, and it is such a hilarious subject in this world so individualistic and selfish. Paul was very happy with it. Indeed, Paul was not dependent on any material support from the outside, for he knew that God was providing for all his needs. But his heart was so moved by their interest in him that he wanted to respond to this profusion of love of the Philippians with his prodigious blessing. Man's happiness does not consist in having a lot of money but in seeing the abundance of heart in his fellow men, like the flowered garden. 

QT - Philippians 2:1-8

key verse: 5

HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST JESUS

Paul encourages his flock in Philippi to seek unity. When unity is sought with human efforts, there is no success and it is weakened. So, Paul reveals the sole criteria: the mind of Jesus. 

1. Paul calls for unity (1-4)

Paul calls the church to unity, for division is against God's will. Love must be reciprocal. As we have received the same spirit, so we form the same body. Experiencing mercy and compassion should have motivated them to act in kind towards others. Unity in spirit leads to lasting joy. Rivalry and conceit are relentless enemies against brotherly communion, and they inhibit unity. There are two ways to overcome them: first, consider others more significant than yourselves, taking into consideration the qualites and gifts others possess, while recognizing your own weaknesses, failures and limitations. Second, you must look to the interests of others.

2. Christ's example (5-8)

The best way to encourage humility and unity among the Philippians is to point out the example of Christ. The important thing is to turn the mind of each man to that of Christ. The outward appearance is nothing; what was Christ's mind? He was equal to God but did not consider it a thing to be grasped. He came down to earth as a man and made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant to serve men and give his life as a sacrifice on the cross in order to ransom mankind. Why was his act so sacrificial? How could he have given his life this way? It was because he loved God; so, he obeyed God (John 14:15, 21a). The cross was a scandal for the Jews who considered the executed as excluded from the people of God. To the Greeks, it was foolishness; even Cicero said to remove an executed man's name from the minds of Roman citizens. Whoever is hung on a cross is considered cursed. Yet Jesus took this position in order to save sinful humanity.

QT - Ph 1: 27-30

« FIGHT FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL
Key Verse 1: 27
After having expressed his testimony concerning his philosophy in God's mission, Paul now exhorts the faithful with Christ's love. 

Regardless of his situation, Paul's exhortations were more than vigorous.

1. In a manner worthy of the Gospel (27-28)

Paul had tenderness for the Philippians, because they were faithful to God, but above all they were the object of Jesus' tenderness. The Gospel is precisely this tenderness. We were worthy of being condemned eternally, but God sent his Son and delivered him to the cross, in order to make him suffer the torment of condemnation in our place. What to do after this Gospel? Now it seems that Paul changed his tone and wanted the Philippians to be the brave soldiers of Christ. 

Many Christians already knew that Paul was a fervent defender of the Gospel(16). But Paul wanted the Philippians to realize that they had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and were living according to this grace. Their struggle is not before man, but before God, so does not depend on the presence of the servant. It is a fight not against human beings, but against the devil, so they must be united in the same spirit and soul. Intimidated, they will be doomed to defeat.

2. The grace of suffering (29-30)

This fight is universal, because the devil is everywhere in the world. So being absent, Paul asked them to unite with him in the fight.

 The fight is also perpetual, because the devil never rests. So Paul was fighting without rest. The Philippians knew and wanted to participate in it through prayer and support. Paul pointed out that fighting and suffering because of the devil is one of the immutable graces. Man loves, in the etymological sense, to receive pleasant grace, but wants to avoid suffering without knowing that it is a blessing. We must know that if we are forgiven it is grace, and if we are called to fierce combat, it is also grace. »

QT - Ph 1:27-30

COMBATTING FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL

Key Verse 1: 27

After expressing his testimony concerning his philosophy in the mission of God, Paul now exhorts the faithful to embrace the love of Christ. Regardless of his situation, Paul's exhortations were more than vigorous.

1. In a way worthy of the Gospel (27-28)

Paul was fond of the Philippians because they were faithful to God, but above all, they are the object of Jesus' affection. The gospel is precisely about this affection. We were worthy of eternal condemnation, but God sent his Son and delivered him to the cross, to make him suffer the punishment of death in our place. What to do after this Gospel? Now, it seems that Paul changed the tone. He wanted the Philippians to be the valiant soldiers of Christ. Many Christians already knew that Paul was a fervent defender of the Gospel (16). But Paul wanted the Philippians to realize that they had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and live according to that grace. Their fight is not in front of the man, but before God, so does not depend on the presence of the servant. It is a fight not against man, but against the devil, therefore, they must be united in the same spirit and soul. if being intimidated, they will be doomed to defeat.

2. The grace of suffering (29-30)

This fight is universal because the devil is everywhere in the world. So being absent, Paul asked them to unite with him in the fight. The fight is also perpetual because the devil never rests. So Paul fought restlessly. The Philippians knew and wanted to participate through prayer and support. Paul emphasized that fighting and suffering from the devil is one of the immutable graces. Men appreciate, according to the etymological sense,  receiving the pleasant grace, but avoiding the suffering without knowing that this one is a blessing. We must know that if we are forgiven, it is grace, and if we are called to fierce fighting, it is also grace !

QT - Ph 1:1-11

WHAT I ASK FOR IN PRAYER 

Key Verse 1: 9 

This word shows us the way and the content of Paul's prayer. Paul had some urgency because he was in prison and was waiting for his death. But his prayer is so calm and so reassuring. 

1. The one who started his work is faithful

 First, Paul greeted the faithful Philippians by calling them saints and wished them abundance of grace and peace. Then comes thanksgiving. Paul's heart was filled with grace because of God. The large heart comes to desire grace in others. We must be filled with the grace of God in the thought of his work in us. Paul was in prison. But his heart was so wide. The beginning of God's work for Philipi had been through the opening of a woman named Lydia. He was very weak, but Paul's assurance of salvation for the Philippians was stronger than a rock. It was not because of the current favorable condition of the sheep that he saw the future as prosperous. But it was because of his firm faith in God, which he saw as well. Moreover, he knew that if anyone prayed, God would not abandon him, hence his perseverance. 

2. Paul's prayer topics 

 Paul's love for the Philippians was very sweet. He came from Christ. The Lord had so tenderly visited him and opened his eyes to see the kingdom of God. So, he wanted the Philippians to be filled with the love of God and grow up more and more. Unconscious love is likely to become sentimental. Knowledge without love is intellectual and dry. So Paul prays that they balance these things. Then, he asks that God give them the discernment of the important things in order to prepare for the day of the Lord. In this moment according to the flesh, we think that this or that is important. But it's an illusion. When we have the Holy Spirit, we see things correctly. Then we must seek to please not men, but God, bearing fruit inside and out. Then God will be glorified and our life too.