The Battle for Heaven and Earth, Mark M. Yarbrough & Jerry B. Jenkins, Christian Fiction, Release Date: November 2026, 4 Stars 

 

If you’ve always wanted to know more about what happened in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth with the angels and the first people but you just couldn’t get into Paradise Lost, this highly imaginative but biblically faithful novel written by the president of Dallas Theological Seminary, Mark Yarbrough and highly seasoned Christian author, Jerry Jenkins, could be just the beginning of a new armchair journey. 

Sure, we’ve all read the opening chapters of Genesis, but the well-pummeled narrative there has been publicly reduced to either moralistic poetry on the level of Pilgrim’s Progress or sneered at on late-night cable TV. Unlike most US seminaries and Christian colleges that doubt the existence of a real Adam and Eve (never mind the “talking snake”), the authors of this new book take the Biblical account seriously. 

 The plot follows the well-known story line found mainly in the first chapters of the book of Genesis but with a vivid but well-informed prequel in heaven gleaned from many other passages found elsewhere in the Bible. The book opens with Michael the archangel enthusiastically describing innumerable angels enjoying heaven and its highly imaginative settings along with their joyful and creative adoration of Almighty God.  

 Two familiar names—Gabriel and Michael—narrate the story as they work together with an angel new to us—Paroketh—as they discover and battle a growing rebellion in paradise under orders from God. The battle scenes will be especially tantalizing to Frank Peretti fans as the threesome organize the faithful angels and fight Lucifer and General Sâr leading thousands of rebellious angels. 

 Yarbrough and Jenkins insightfully grapple with Lucifer’s motives as well as Michael’s own thoughtful questions. Their probing helps reveal some of the reasons behind the creation of a second realm to Heaven—the earth and the universe—as well as the expulsion of Lucifer and the permission given to him to tempt the first humans to also rebel against God. 

 Many readers will enjoy delightful reminders of Perelandra and Robinson Crusoe as they follow the enchanting discovery story of the newly awakened Adam and Eve and agonize over a naïve but fateful decision. 

 For Yarbrough and Jenkins, this battle to trust God (or not) has a very real and profound meaning. 

I loved the exquisite poetry which the angels, Adam and Eve, and even the deceptive demons sang at various points. I could almost imagine a heavenly opera at times. 

 The story line made me question my own viewpoint on the motives behind the sins of Lucifer, Eve, and Adam, and I admit to being left confused by the permanent imprisoning of most (but not all) of the rebellious angels. I understand from Scripture that all the rebellious angels were cast down to earth and only later, after the flood, were some imprisoned. Hopefully, another story is in the works. 

 On page 326, God explains to Eve that death “is the opposite of . . . life. Eventually you would cease to exist.”  I find this explanation very troubling. Scripture speaks of death as only a separation from our corruptible body followed by a first and second resurrection when we are all reunited with a body for all eternity and no one “ceases to exist.” Even in hell there is eternal conscious torment where no one ceases to exist. 

 Some might complain that the scenes of the adoration of God are too lengthy and might contribute to the idea that heaven is boring unless you play the harp. However, no one (except Satan) was ever bored in this story. Instead, the worshippers were always filled with joy and highly anticipated being in the very presence of God.  

 The extremely brief chapters could serve as a launch pad for daily devotions that investigate the Scriptures for oneself. High school and college students will benefit greatly from an introduction to a real-life spiritual battle and all of us can whet our appetite with anticipation and joy in the life to come. 

 Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing an advance copy of the book for review consideration via Net Galley. The opinions are my own.          

 

 

So, after a long hiatus, here’s a new entry . . .

Where are Eric and Janet Thimell now and what are they doing?  Obviously too busy to be running a blog.  But seriously, to make a long story short, we completed seven years of co-laboring with the Buris at the En Gedi Hospitality House and ministering at Mountain Home Air Force Base in August 2019.  Our vice president for field ministries at Cadence International asked us to consider limited term ministry at Victory Ranch Retreat Center in South Carolina.  That limited term became 3-1/2 years directing a very fruitful military ministry in the South Carolina Midlands. 

We began by running retreats for the AIT students from Ft Jackson and the Navy’s trainees with Task Force Marshall at Camp McCrady. Then COVID came and the military retreats dried up.  But we continued to tap into one day events for individual chapel groups and various church groups in the area.  Soon we were also leading men’s and women’s ministries at Shaw Air Force Base. In April 2023, in anticipation of new directors coming, we moved off the Victory Ranch campus to a new home in Eastover just 5-1/2 miles away.

In 2024 Trevor and Jen Claypool, newly retired from the Marine Corps, came and took the helm freeing us to dig in more deeply at Shaw.  Eric began doing pulpit fill at Shaw Palmetto Chapel as well as filling in at a weekly on base Bible Study.  And Eric and Janet continued to work on projects at Victory Ranch—Janet helping Jen and Eric helping Trevor.

In 2025, Eric and Janet had accumulated 42 years of service with Cadence International and were formally appointed as Cadence Ambassadors.  This role allows them greater independence in their ministry as they get older. Their ministry at Shaw preaching and teaching continues strongly.

Essentials of Participating in the Gospel (Overview of Philippians)

We have examined this pastoral epistle written to the church of Philippi by Paul the Apostle in some detail.  Now we want to step back as we overview the development of Paul’s major concerns in this letter.

Background of the Participants Acts 16

We initiated our study by first studying Acts chapter 16 to get some background on the planting of this church through the efforts of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke. We learn in chapter 4 of Philippians that a number of the early converts in that place quickly stepped up to help in the work.  In chapter 1 of Philippians, Paul praises the entire church for their “participation in the gospel.” 

Sacrificial Participation in Finances

We saw that this participation certainly included their witness, but Paul particularly singles out their participation by sharing their financial resources with him even after he left town and ministered elsewhere.  In fact, in chapter 4, he singles out this church as the only one that continued to finance his travels long after he was gone.  They even sacrificially participated in the campaign for the persecuted believers in Jerusalem.  They gave until it hurt, and Paul knew there were a number of years that they were unable to help even though they wanted to.  But Paul had just received another gift from them along with a letter indicating a fear that they were unsure of their ability to give regularly because of their poverty.  And in this letter Paull sets out to widen their perspective on their participation in the gospel.

God’s Purpose in Perfecting Our Works

In verse 6 of chapter 1, Paul explains that God was doing a “work” in them and He would “complete” or “perfect” it until the “day of Christ Jesus.”  Many people (including myself) have cited this verse as proof that “once saved always saved” or that God is, in fact, going to make us perfect.  (Now, it is true that a believer has everlasting life right now. And it is also true that God, by His Spirit, is working in us —the transformation process requires our cooperation—otherwise why bother with all these exhortations as to how to live a godly life if it’s happening automatically!)  But, it seems that a better understanding for verse 6 is that he is talking about the good works we do—not our salvation.  Those works have a purpose that God is perfecting.

God Promises Rewards for Our Faithfulness

They are actually “perfected” by God and they will have their intended effects.  We might say that they are like a spreading ripple that continues until the day Jesus Christ comes to examine our works as believers.  Why is that?  Because the Word of God does not return void, but it does what God intends it to do (Isaiah 55:11).  And in Philippi, their motivation to share finances with Paul is having a ripple effect all over the Roman empire and even continues today with the publication of this beautiful epistle!  God put it into their hearts to share and they cooperated with that godly impulse in a way that began to transform the way they viewed their resources.  By the time this letter was written, they were consumed with their ability to continue to give.  So over and over in this letter, Paul commends them for this.  And in verse 6, he is saying that what they did was the result of what God put in their heart and He will complete what He started until Jesus comes back to have us give an account of what we did with the resources He gave us.  God gives the increase, but He rewards us for our faithfulness.

Our Motivation for Participating in the Gospel

The remainder of the book is Paul’s explanation of this participation in the gospel.  He deals with the matter of our motivation behind our participation.  Sometimes there are terrible situations we find ourselves in or people who misuse the message to harm us.  But, none of this will stop the gospel.  The wrong motives will have consequences but as far as the gospel is concerned, what others may intend for evil, God intends for good (Genesis 50:20).  For example, his prison experience and the jealous gospel teachers could not stop the gospel. (Note also that the evil motives of the jealous teachers will have future consequences at the judgment seat of Christ.)

Pray for Insight to Walk Worthy

So, Paul prays that the Philippians will have the insight to understand the best course of action in each twist and turn (1:10).  This insight is an inner transformation that affects our outer life into a “walk that is worthy” of the gospel.  Even in the face of opposition, they should live in a way that even their opponents will recognize God’s hand underscoring the truth of the gospel. This sign is the same one Jesus mentioned that the world will know we are disciples by our love for each other (John 13;35).  Here the sign is our unity in the gospel. On the other hand, infighting among those who name the name of Christ does not stop the gospel, but it does affect our accounting when Christ returns.  Also, we may suffer for the gospel, but that should be seen as an opportunity to participate in a great victory for the gospel.

Our Walk Begins with Our Attitude

Chapter two discusses the “how” of participating in the gospel.  It is consumed with cultivating a sense of humbly serving others just as Christ did.  This is how the gospel is spread.  It is a walk that begins with an attitude—like Christ’s. 

As we serve others in humility we are still very human and subject to making comparisons and looking at how others are doing things, so Paul tells us not to whine or complain but to shine (2:14-16).  We look instead to the expectation of joy in the return of Christ when this is all behind us.  As we cooperate with God (and each other), we learn to have that inner joy in seeing God work through us.  That’s the kind of participation we look forward to.

Strive to Live Out the Righteousness that Christ Gives

This inner attitude then, is one of exulting in God as well as in cultivating humility.  But, our works do not make us righteous and Paul points to his own attempts to keep the law which he labels as stinking and worthless in comparison to the righteousness that Christ provides.  But, still, we are to strive to live out this righteousness as if we had already received our sinless resurrection bodies.  He recognizes that some immature believers might not yet understand this logic but we all should live up to what we do know to the best of our ability and don’t give up.   This is why it is important in choosing a proper role model. 

We are to avoid copying those with a temporal value system.  Their mind is set on the things of this world.  Instead look for people whose lives reflect an expectation of Jesus’ return.

Our Faithful Participation Depends on Our Attitude

So ultimately, what a participant in the gospel, a citizen of heaven, a believer in Christ, is to DO is to continually work on their attitude.  In chapter 4 we have a long list of attitude adjustments—how to think—our mindset (4:7-9).  The result of right thinking is right actions which leads to inner peace with God because we are doing the things that please Him.

The conclusion of the letter is that we can be fully contented in Christ—no matter what situations may swirl around us.  God will supply our needs as we participate in the gospel. 

© 2019 Eric Thimell

Contented in Christ--Philippians 4:10-23

Context

As we wind down our study of Philippians, we are completing Paul’s explanation of one of the major themes of the letter—having a Christlike attitude of concern for others over personal convenience leads to inner peace and harmony with God and His plans.

Personal Illustration Philippians 4:10

In verse 10, Paul illustrates this principle with a look at his own attitude.  It is joy—great joy—that comes from seeing the Philippians dip their toe in the waters of concern for others again and again!  As the Philippians follow Paul’s teaching about generosity toward others they begin to get hooked.  The most recent example is their concern for Paul – again.  Earlier, they were concerned and were unable to help but Paul is just as delighted at every instance of their care and concern for others whether it accrued to him or not.  His godly leadership to this end will benefit him at the bema where he will show the Lord his beloved Philippians and there be rewarded.  But for now, his benefit is contentment.

Totally Content Philippians 4:11-12

In verse 11, he specifically points out that he is not really in any need at all because he is totally content no matter what his circumstances are.  He acknowledges in verse 12 that he has experienced both times of want and times of abundance, but he always remains content.  Now, he grabs their attention by attributing this to a “secret.”  The Greek word means “instruction.”  In the New Testament this word is especially related to the word translated “disciple.”  The “secret” comes through “discipleship” or “instruction from the master.”  Paul was not one of the twelve who were personally discipled by Jesus, but he had spent time in the school of life under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit as he applied the Scripture to his life.  It is a process for Paul as it is for us—learning to have a Christlike attitude that is able to be content even when he is hungry or in pain.

The Secret of Contentment Philippians 4:13

Verse 13 gives the “secret.”  “I am able to do all things through the One Who strengthens me.”  (Some manuscripts insert “Christ” but either rendering is clear enough in any case.)  Christ gives us strength to be content, to do what He asks of us.  This verse is not a catchall cherry-picked motto that we can count on when we take on an edgy adventure doing our own thing.  The context is about living to please God in all circumstances and being content doing so.  He gives us the ability to do everything He asks of us and inner contentment in doing it His way.

Praise for the Philippians’ Attitude of Sharing Philippians 4:14-18

In verse 14 he quickly points out that he is not at all unhappy with the church for sending him money.  “You did well,” he says.  He is not a glutton for pain but rather he is rooting for them because they were sharing with Paul in his “trouble.”    He was content in his trouble, yet Paul is happy they shared with him—not for his own relief—but because they were sharing. 

In verses 15 and 16 he goes on to talk about how proud he is of them.  They were the only church to keep helping him after he left town.  Some places where he went the local believers gave him room and board, but Philippi kept on helping him. They even helped him in Thessalonica more than once. Perhaps these Thessalonians were lacking in hospitality as well as in curiosity about the Scriptures!  But Philippi made up for their lack.

In verse 17 Paul is careful to point out that he is not buttering them up so they will send him more money.  He just wants them to maximize their eternal reward at the judgment seat of Christ.

In verse 18 he makes sure they know that he has received everything they sent at the hand of Epaphroditus and he now has plenty.  He doesn’t need anything else right now.  He then points again to the way God views their gift. 

He calls it a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.”  This phrase should be familiar to us since it is very similar to Paul’s description of God’s response when we dedicate our lives to Him as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).  If we have truly dedicated our lives to God, this attitude of concern for others should be a logical outgrowth of that.  (He who has been forgiven much, loves much.)  When we give sacrificially for God’s work, it is pleasing to God.  The words “fragrant offering” are a metaphor for the altar of incense in the Old Testament.

Christ Shares from God’s Total Supply Philippians 4:19

So now in verse 19 we come to another familiar verse that is NOT just a motto that we use to justify everything we think we need.  It does say that God will supply every need.  But He also supplies contentment in whatever situation we are in as we cultivate a Christlike attitude that thinks of other people first.  It is “according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”   Jesus is the firstborn Who inherits everything but He in turn shares them with us in proportion to our service to Him.  All believers receive eternal life but not all receive the same reward.

God’s Plan Flows from His Character Philippians 4:20

In verse 20 Paul praises God for this wonderful plan.  That word “glory” is a reference to God’s character—in this case—His willingness to share with us!  He wants us to be like Him in this.

Postscript on the Penetration of God’s Power Philippians 4:21-23

Verses 21-23 are a series of personal greetings to the believers in Philippi from the believers in Rome.  Note the interesting greeting from “those who belong to Caesar’s household.”  The gospel had penetrated even to the seat of power for the Roman empire.  This is just a glimpse of the kind of power that Paul counts on to supply all his needs.  No wonder he is content.

It ends with a call for God’s grace—His free gift— to be “with their spirit” – or better, “with you all” as we have in the NKJV.  (This rendering is found in many ancient witnesses as well as the Majority text.)  The latter reading seems to fit better with the idea found in the context that God’s grace is for every need and not just a spiritual benefit.

Our final study will look at an overview of the letter as a whole.

© 2019 Eric Thimell

Cultivating a Peaceful Heart--Philippians 4:7-9

Context

Here in Philippians 4, Paul has been discussing our need for an attitude adjustment—the need for Christlike humility and concern for others that results in real behavior changes.  We ended by looking at verses 6 and 7 last time which talk about letting God’s peace replace our tendency to worry about our needs.  We saw that this peace is the result of entrusting those things to God in prayer.

Cultivating a Proper Thought Life Philippians 4:8

This theme of God’s peace flooding our being as we learn to trust Him, continues in verse 8.  Not only do we need to replace worry with trusting prayer, but we also need to cultivate a proper thought life.  These are things we can control.  While other people’s attitudes and behaviors can land on our doorstep, we can control how we think about them and the way we deal with them. 

There are thoughts we need to shut out or ignore.  This isn’t to say we only think “positive” thoughts and refuse to plan when things go awry.  But when difficulties of life arouse anxiety, we need to focus instead on our godly response and prayer.  That’s how we replace anxiety with trust. Other thoughts that lead to lust, hatred, or covetousness need to be viewed as sinful thoughts and replaced with godly thoughts.  But whatever thoughts we have must all be under the control of the Spirit of God.

So, Paul gives us a menu of the kinds of thoughts that need to be cultivated.  Notice that the list begins with the truth.  Let all thoughts of deception flee far away.  Lies are the refuge of wrongdoers.  Sometimes we need to confront deception, but it begins with a thoughtful defense of the truth—not by blurting out a vicious retort or responding in kind with more deception.

By the way, some people say Christians should never defend or “protect” themselves.  The Bible never says that anywhere. However, it may sometimes be the wiser course of action to ignore some things—especially if your self-defense might be misconstrued as an attack on someone.  We do have a responsibility to defend our family and others who depend on us and to answer those who ask for a reason for the hope that lies within us or other required responsibilities.  But, in any case, we always speak the truth—in love.

The next item on the menu is respect or praiseworthiness.  Is it honorable?  How would Christ grade that thought?  Not everything that is true needs to be thought about so Paul wants us to think about how Christ or people you love and trust would grade that thought.  What would your spouse or your kids think?  Sometimes gruesome or shameful memories may invade your thoughts.  These must be replaced with the reminder that Christ has dealt with all of these things.

Then, is it fair, equitable, just, or right?  Are you thinking about the situation fairly or is your judgment clouded?  What if this concerned someone you love instead of your “enemy?”  In fact, what if someone thought this way about you?  We must use the same standard for every person.

Is this thought pure?  The Greek word can even mean “holy” in the sense of a thought that God would approve of.  Impure thoughts are generally viewed as lust, but the idea here goes beyond that to thoughts about cheating or revenge for instance.  All of these are foreign to the pure mind.  Stay far away from foul thoughts.

Are your thoughts friendly or loving toward others?  Most translations say “lovely” but the Greek word means “loving toward.”  Is this beneficial to others or harmful?  Is there good intent?

How would others feel about this line of thinking?  Is the activity you are contemplating commendable?

Then, is it virtuous?  In the Roman world, the philosophers often judged the behavior of others against the “personal virtues” which included the following:  piety (meaning respect for Roman society), humor (which included courtesy), mercy, dignity (caring for what society thinks of you), tenacity (perseverance), frugality (not miserly but not wasteful either), gravity (not irresponsible), respectability, cultured, industriousness (not lazy), prudence, cleanliness, self-control,  and truthfulness.  The Scriptures also underscore the value of such virtues especially in Proverbs.  Notice also that these have some correlation with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.  In other words, these thoughts that we are to cultivate are the result of God’s work in our minds!

Paul says, think about THESE things.  This is to be our deliberate focus.  It doesn’t happen immediately.  It is a maturing process.  It requires practice.  But these kinds of thoughts running through our minds will do much to adjust our attitudes to be Christlike.

How do thoughts arrive in our minds?  They are mental reasonings which respond to external circumstances as well as to memories and to media such as books, movies, etc.  This is why we must be very careful of the kind of media we expose ourselves to.  Memories are like the groove in a vinyl record that is difficult to erase.  But new memories can replace old ones in time as we practice controlling our thoughts.

Cultivating Proper Actions Philippians 4:9

Now in verse 9, Paul moves from our thoughts to our actions.  He is confident that he would be a good role model to emulate.  What did you learn from Paul?  What did you receive from him?  What did you hear him say?  And finally, what did you see him do?  This is a good way to evaluate any role model whose behavior we wish to copy.

We never met Paul, but we do have some record of the kind of person he was; and the Philippians had spent some time with him in some pretty difficult circumstances and Paul had come out shining.  Paul’s attitude had been exemplary.  He was more concerned about the message of the gospel getting to these people than about his personal rights—just like Jesus—as he mentioned in chapter 2.  This is why we still need godly role models. 

Conclusion

Notice the progression.  Right thoughts precede right actions.  And the result once again is God’s peace. 

In Greek literature, there is a literary device called an inclusio in which similar wording both precedes and follows a section like an envelope. We have here an inclusio in verses 7, 8, and 9.  Notice that Paul starts by talking about the peace that is a result of replacing worry with trust in God.  Then he moves to a discussion of adjustment of our thoughts and our actions.  Then a final reminder that God’s peace comes to those who follow this pattern.

Next time we will look at a final example of how this process worked out for Paul.

© 2019 Eric Thimell

Attitude Adjustments—Philippians 4:1-7

Context

One of the great repeated themes Paul has emphasized in his letter to the Philippians is the need for a proper attitude or mindset which is absolutely essential for living as a citizen of heaven.

In chapter 2 we are encouraged to have the same mindset or attitude that Jesus had when he set His priorities to obey the will of His Father even though it was going to be painful.

 In chapter 3, there are twelve references to our mindset—ten are positive and two are negative.  He talks about rejoicing, and taking careful notice of the evil workers, of exulting in Christ and not resting on past works of religious obligation.  Paul’s highest attitude goal is knowing Christ.  In a negative sense he doesn’t consider himself as perfect – yet.  But, he forgets the past and has this point of view and keeps this goal in mind.  As we walk in the light we have already received he is convinced that God will convict us about the error of any contrary thinking.  We may even be tempted by the wrong thinking of people who are actually enemies of Christ who focus primarily on earthly things.

Motivating a Christlike Attitude Philippians 4:1

Now in chapter 4, Paul continues to underscore his emphasis on how believers ought to think.  In verse 1, the Philippians fill him with joy.  He misses them and thinks of them and their relationship with the Lord.  He encourages them to “stand fast” in the Lord.  His thoughts are filled with concern for other people—especially these believers to whom he brought the gospel.  He calls them His crown because he expects to be rewarded by God for his care for them.  The way we care for others is noticed by God.

Help for Two Bad Attitudes Philippians 4:2-3

Now in verses 2 and 3, Paul mentions two women believers named Euodia (Yoo-oh-dee-uh) and Syntyche (Sin-tick-ee) who were among his early helpers in the ministry at Philippi.  They had worked hard (“struggled”) along with a man by the name of Clement as well as other unnamed co-workers sharing the gospel in Philippi.  Notice that all of these co-workers already have their names in the book of life!  In Revelation 20, the Book of Life and another unnamed set of books recording everyone’s works are opened.  And whoever’s name was “not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:11-15).  Apparently, the books recording works is used to ensure that justice is served.  Just as there are different rewards in heaven—depending on our works, so are there differing punishments in hell – depending on works.

These workers mentioned here don’t have to wait until the end of their life to examine their works to have assurance of eternal life (like some Bible teachers claim).  But even though they are sure of heaven, Paul wants more out of them.  They have an attitude problem and it is apparently affecting the entire assembly. 

Paul wants them to “agree in the Lord” (or “be of the same mind”).  Notice both of them have a problem.  It isn’t that Euodia needs to come around to Syntyche’s point of view or the other way around.  Both of them need to come around to the Lord’s point of view.  They both need to think more highly of others than themselves.    Some people say this verse means that we shouldn’t proclaim anything that is controversial or “offensive.”  But that’s not Paul’s point at all.  While he wasn’t deliberately offensive or controversial just to assert himself, he never shrank from proclaiming the gospel.  Today some of Paul’s teachings are either mocked or subjected to cultural revisionism. And apparently these women had also boldly proclaimed the same message alongside Paul at one time..  But now there was an attitude issue that had nothing to do with the gospel.  They disagreed about something and neither one would rest until the other one gave in.  Paul doesn’t tell us which one was right, and which one was wrong.  The point was, that they were both wrong in their attitude.  When we disagree with someone, be very careful that we approach the other person with a humble attitude.

So, in verse 3, Paul asks Syzugus (Size-uh-guss) to gently intervene. 

[Note: Many translations take the literal meaning of the name Syzugus (yokefellow, true partner, or true companion) to be a reference to the qualities of some unnamed co-worker.  While this is possible, it seems more likely that this is the actual name of the person he asks to intervene.  (Why would he name the two squabbling women and not name the good interventionist?  Paul loves to acknowledge good behavior.)] 

Paul’s point here is that he wants Syzugus to help these women.  They are believing co-workers that have a blind spot and just need some help seeing how their attitude is unChristlike. This shows us the continuing theme of our need as believers to be continually alert about our attitudes.  Even veteran believers are susceptible and sometimes we need each other’s help.

Focusing Our Joyful Attitude on the Lord Philippians 4:4-5

Where does your joy and contentment come from?  Paul says twice here that it should be in the Lord.  When something good happens, see it as a gift from the Lord.  It would be a mistake to see it as just the result of our hard work.  How is God working in you?  What is He doing through you?  Talk about a rush!  At times, we may be noticed by someone of some public importance.  But, it is far more exciting to think that the Lord saw us and all that we put into it. 

This is not to say that we don’t want any publicity.  Just as Jesus said to “let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify God,” so here Paul says to “let everyone see your gentleness (or “moderation” or “how considerate you are”).”    He adds, “the Lord is near” or “within reach.”  He is not only watching, he wants you to reveal Him to others through your thoughtful behavior.  Once again, we need a transformation in our mind.  This is to glorify the Lord not ourselves.  This requires thoughtful answers when people ask about our behavior.  Speak the truth in love.  Give the glory to God when people happen to notice the good you do.  So, do all in the name of Jesus.  (That will also cut down on the selfish behavior!)

Adjusting an Attitude of Worry Philippians 4:6-7

Now verses 6 and 7 are frequently memorized and quoted as a call to pray about everything instead of worrying.  Jesus pointed out that worrying doesn’t change anything, but God can change everything.  So that’s where we ought to turn when concerns that we can’t handle begin to pile up.  Paul says, “In every situation . . . (tell it) to God.”  This requires a great deal of attitude adjustment—replacing worry with prayer.  Worry, at best, is trying to figure out what I can do instead of seeking God.  When we sense worry creeping in about anything that’s a call to prayer.  If we notice that worry has been building up even though we know we should pray, maybe we just don’t trust God with the answer.

But the result of trusting prayer is that God will give us peace—even when the worst thing we can imagine wants to tear us apart.  This is because prayer is an act of faith and trust in God.  If you don’t feel peace when you have prayed, maybe you don’t believe God heard you, or that God has your best interests at heart.  Just imagine the “worst” (like Paul did in chapter 1)—that we lose our life.  Paul said, “Welp—then I’ll be in heaven with Jesus!”  But then on further consideration of what God might be intending, he believed that God would spare him, so he could further minister to his friends in Philippi and elsewhere around the world.  The prayer of trusting faith results in peace because we have decided to have Jesus’ attitude to follow God’s will instead of mine.  Our mind needs a transformation to be like Christ’s—and that kind of mind is distinguished by humble trust.

Coming next: Cultivating a Peaceful Heart.

© Eric Thimell 2019

Role Models—Philippians 3:17-21

Context

We ended our last study with a look at Christian maturity.  Paul’s view of perfection was that even though he had yet to attain it, he didn’t give up, but he continued to pursue that as a goal—even though he would never attain it before the resurrection.  He viewed perfection as a spiritual goal that he called the “out-resurrection” (the process of being perfected by God’s power outside the resurrection of the righteous at Jesus’ return).

He understood that many of his readers would have a difficult time understanding the pursuit of something unattainable as an absolute, but he wanted them to see that this was what God wanted them to do and would make it plain to them eventually.  Meanwhile, he encouraged them to not give up and to continue to live up to the truth they already understood even if this new idea seemed bewildering.

Following Someone Who is Pursuing God Philippians 3:17

Now, in our text this time, Paul discusses our role model.  In verse 17 he says to imitate (or literally, mimic) me and “those who are living this way” – likely referring to Timothy and Epaphroditus whom he had mentioned at length in chapter 2.  Anyone who is zealous for God and keeps pursuing God (“strive” or “pursue” in Greek, verse 12) should be “watched carefully” (verse 17) so as to copy them.  We have Christ as our ultimate role model, but we need to see that lived out in the flesh.  We need a mentor—someone whose behavior we can mimic in full confidence.  Not perfect (Paul wasn’t, verse 13) but someone who kept picking themselves up and kept following Jesus.  Someone who is answering the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (verse 14).

Avoiding Enemies of the Cross Philippians 3:18-19

Now in verse 18, we have a bad example—someone we do NOT want to imitate.  As Paul mentions this, he seems to remember people who had distinctly disappointed him and in thinking about how their lives now displayed a disregard for Christ’s sacrifice for “the sins of the world” it brought him to tears.  He did not for a minute exult in someone’s failure and sin.  He wept as he admitted that such persons had become “the enemies of the cross of Christ.”  What sort of behavior is he talking about?

Verse 19 tells us that their “end is destruction.”  That’s where their path is headed unless they change direction.  Don’t follow such people!  Paul does not distinguish here between carnal Christians and unbelievers because it is possible for a Christian to act just like the world.  The fact that their “end is destruction” tends to cause us to mostly think in terms of lost people who end up in hell, but carnal Christians can certainly find themselves under the judgment of God if they persist in disobedience and rebellion.  In any case, we want to avoid such people—even if we think they might be born again! 

Do we avoid them because they sin?  We all sin!  What, exactly, have they done that causes Paul to avoid them?  “Their god is the belly.”  “Belly” is used in the New Testament to refer to either the stomach and the digestive system or to the womb.  Jonah was in the “belly” of the great fish.  Mary had Jesus in her “belly.”  But it is also used as a figure of speech for the “appetite” as in Romans 16:18 where Paul warns them to avoid people who cause dissension in the church because they are not serving the Lord but their own “belly” or “appetites.”  When an appetite gets out of control it is called “lust.”  The enemies of the cross of Christ are self-centered.  The things they do are not ultimately for others or for Christ but for themselves.  Paul adds that they are deceptive as they even try to get you to copy them.  They use “smooth talk” and “flattery.”  Don’t be naïve and fall for this deception. Avoid people whose primary aim is themselves not God.

Our tendency is to gravitate toward people who tell us what we want to hear.  When they start telling us how wonderful we are and how we “deserve” something (but there is also something in it for them), look out.  It reminds me of the caricature of a “time-share salesman.” 

On the other hand, a good mentor may at times tell you things you might not want to hear but you need to at least consider the warning.  Would you buy a car that didn’t have warning lights or gauges for when the engine overheats, or the gas is running low?  What if it only had smiley emojis that light up no matter what was going on?  Such a vehicle would be downright dangerous!

Now back to Philippians 3:19. These enemies of the cross of Christ are also said to “exult in their shame.” They take pride in things they should actually be ashamed of! And their minds are set on “earthly things.”  Paul is not condemning thinking meal preparation, cleaning out the garage, or doing your job at work—even those might not appear to be “heavenly things.”  We are to be “in the world” but not “of the world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). 

We are just travelling through and (as he says in verse 20) we are actually citizens of heaven.  Our ultimate aim is to be at home with the Lord but meanwhile we strive to please Him where we are.  Bad examples will try to distract us with “shiny objects” here in this temporary home.  But as we consider Paul’s words we realize such distractions aren’t really harmless.  They are trappings of those who are the enemies of the cross of Christ.

We Await a Savior from Heaven Philippians 3:20-21

But, we follow good examples, like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus who are waiting a Savior from heaven—Jesus Christ.  (Anything that takes His place is – an idol.)  When Jesus returns, we who await Him, will be transformed (literally “to change the appearance”) to be like Jesus.  We will have glorified bodies like His.  The same power that He will use to cause every knee to bow and every tongue confess His Lordship will be used to change us to be like Him.

What a goal to be like Him.  What an “upward call.”  So that’s why we strive to be like Him even though we are presently struggling with all our might just to stand upright. 

When our POWs returned from Hanoi in 1973, I watched them ride the busses from the flight line to the base hospital at Clark Air Base in the Philippines.  They were still in their POW clothing, but their heads were held high and they saluted as if they had been doing it every day for the last seven years!  One ex-POW was waving a little homemade American flag.  They had been striving to live up to the image of an American warfighter even though they had been temporarily housed in the Hanoi Hilton.  How they looked forward to getting some chow, a hot shower and a brand-new uniform!  And we who watched them exulted in their homecoming with them.

Our example to follow is Christ and those who have set their mind on following His example.  One day, we will be expatriated from this planet and see Him with new eyes.  The struggle will all be forgotten.  In the meanwhile, don’t give up!

© 2019 Eric Thimell