I used to think of the gospel as the baby steps into Christianity.
I was wrong. It isn’t just the baby steps.
It is all of the steps.
It is every step for every day.
It isn’t just for the future.
It is for the here and now.
This is a new way of seeing.
And so I am inviting you to a different kind of study.
We are going to look at Philippians, but it will be through the lens
of the gospel for the here and now.
God has blessed us with a precious fellowship here — one I never imagined was possible through the internet. When Paul tells the Philippians that he thanks God every time he remembers them, he is remembering “their partnership in the gospel.” I feel that way about you who have come on this blog. We are rediscovering the gospel together and it is changing our lives.
I have come to realize that God has given us the privilege of being a part of a revival of recovering the gospel. Indeed, we are “partners in the gospel.”
RECOVERING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER
Our tendency is to forget the gospel — to forget God’s amazing love — and to go back to:
- Rules
- Religion
- Morality
- Idolatry
Instead of saying, as Paul did, “For me to live is Christ,” we think:
- For me to live is family
- For me to live is health
- For me to live is happiness
- For me to live is success
The gospel keeps slipping out of our hands, but together we are recovering it.
Every once in a while you meet someone with a gospel-transformed heart — and they stand out. Most people and even many in the church are “seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:21) But I have seen gospel transformed hearts here, and I pray that “our love may abound more and more,” and that as we practice this new way of seeing, of seeing the gospel everywhere, that we will be changed, that we will be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:11)
Before we begin, it is so fitting to give a tribute to two men who stood out for their gospel transformed hearts and who died this week. You will hear, in their own words, what transformed them.
THE GOSPEL TRANFORMED HEART OF BRENNAN MANNING
CHRISTIANITY TODAY began their remembrance with:
The first time the late singer-songwriter Rich Mullins heard former Franciscan priest Brennan Manning on tape as he drove through the edge of the Flint Hills in Kansas, his eyes filled with tears. He steered the truck to the side of the road. There, as he later wrote, the message “broke the power of mere ‘moralistic religiosity’ in my life, and revived a deeper acceptance that had long ago withered in me.”
DURING ADVENT ONE OF THE POSTS FEATURED MANNING’S RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL. (LINK)
LISTEN TO BRENNAN MANNING SHARING “THE ONE QUESTION” THAT GOD WILL ASK YOU AT HEAVEN’S GATE (under four minutes)
THE GOSPEL TRANSFORMED HEART OF GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA
Before he sings this song with which we have come to associate him, he tells how it came to be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk9f8zhTwIg
SUNDAY/MONDAY ICE-BREAKERS
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Have you read anything by Brennan Manning? If so, share something about it — or something else you know about him that has caused you to ponder or change.
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY:
THE UNIQUE FELLOWSHIP OF PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL
Read Philippians 1:1-11
4. From whom does this letter come, according to verse 1, and how does Paul describe their identity?
Paul felt “knit,” to Timothy, as many of us are feeling “knit” to one another. He calls him, elsewhere, “my son in the faith.” When you see how the truths of the gospel that you have shared have the power to transform a heart, and what you are seeing is being passed on to another, there is a feeling akin to giving birth to a child. As I have many of you grow, my heart is knit to you. Then, in turn, I see you mentoring and encouraging one another, as the Spirit moves, giving us this incredible partnership in the gospel. This is a fellowship like no other. Zechariah, in his song of praise when his tongue was loosed, called Jesus “the sunrise from on high.” The power of the gospel spreading through our hearts is like the rising sun, giving light and warmth throughout the land.
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate.
6. Learn more about why Paul was so knit to Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21. Meditate on these words. Then answer this challenge question: Why does a gospel-transformed heart lead to the kind of character Paul described in Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21?
Paul’s Prayer
7. How does Paul begin his prayer in verse 3? How could you echo that for your sisters here?
8. What is Paul sure of in verse 6, and why can He be sure of this?
9. In a past lesson, Tim Keller said if you don’t have all the fruit of the Spirit, you may not have any. For those who were with us (or who want to attempt an answer!) why did he say that?
10. Those with gospel-transformed hearts are likely to be willing to pay the cost to stand beside others when they are facing trials. How did the Philippians do that for Paul according to verse 7?
11. Share one example of a believer standing beside you in adversity though it cost them to do so.
YOU PUT THIS LOVE IN MY HEART
12. How much affection does Paul feel for them according to verse 8?
THE PRAYER
As Deitrich Bonhoeffer said, “It is a dangerous error to think the heart can pray by itself.” Scripture saturated prayer is the most powerful prayer in the world. Take verses 9 through 11 and pray it, here, for your sisters, as they begin this study on The Gospel According to Philippians.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY: FREE TIM KELLER SERMON
THE CHURCH PLANT AT PHILIPPI INCLUDED THREE NEW BELIEVERS: LYDIA, A WEALTHY CAREER WOMAN, A SLAVE GIRL WITH A SPIRIT OF “A PYTHON,” AND A SURLY JAILER.
Our fellowship crosses the lines of age, race, and socio-economic standing. The church in Philippi began with a wealthy woman, a girl that is akin to a child prostitute, and a rough and cruel jailer. God moved differently with each to use His gospel to bring them into His family.
Listen: Link
13. Share your notes here.
14. How did God initially move in your life to woo you in?
Saturday
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
354 comments
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
So, I am without words. Powerful-all of it and especially the clips from Manning and Shea.
What impacted me was Manning and the question on judgment day: Did you believe I loved you, that I desired you, that I waited for you day after day (oh my this melted me), that I long to hear the sound of your voice?” The believer says, “Yes I believed you and I tried to shape my life around it.” This is the difference between believers and nominal Christians that are bound in our churches.
Then this SO melted me: Jesus says, “I know your life story, your selfishness, skeletons in your closet, dishonesty, shallow faith, lazy prayer life..I dare you to trust I love you as you are, not as you should be because you are never going to be as you should be. WOW.
Such good comments to begin, Rebecca! I know — wasn’t that so powerful? I am so excited we are going to look at Philippians through new eyes. I need it so!
I agree, Rebecca…that is incredible….
“I know your life story, your selfishness, skeletons in your closet, dishonesty, shallow faith, lazy prayer life..I dare you to trust I love you as you are, not as you should be because you are never going to be as you should be.”
Everyone — I’m sorry I’ve been so sporadic. Beth had her baby and I’m here trying to help. I caught a cold and am trying to keep up with their very active two-year-old. I find my patience lacking and need all these lessons on a gospel-transformed heart so much!
Rebecca is right! Watch Brennan Manning.
I will be back more regularly, Lord willing, very soon!
oh Dee, praying for your cold–so sorry. Praise for Beth’s baby boy–and what a blessing you are to help! Praying you can get rest & healthy!
Oh Dee, a cold and a two year old! Praying for you right now love.
Take good care, Dee…
Praying for the cold to subside and your energy renewed. Blessings to all as this beautiful new person joins your awesome family.
http://youtu.be/0dMwu1rhTCQ I found this by Manning also.
Dee, what stood out to me was Manning video of the one question also.
“Did you believe I loved you, that I desired you, that I waited for you day after day, that I long to hear the sound of your voice?”
Oh how guilty I am and AWE struck that he can possibly love ME? That much? Can’t be….no one ever has loved me THAT much…not even my parents. It makes me realize, that as much as I love my children….he loves them and me this much!
AND… Jesus says, “I know your life story, your selfishness, skeletons in your closet, dishonesty, shallow faith, lazy prayer life..I dare you to trust I love you as you are, not as you should be because you are never going to be as you should be”.
I’ve never heard this before! How can Jesus know me so well and everything about me?! It’s all true! Yet, he loves me anyway…right where I am…never as I should be. OH LORD, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!
Praying for you Dee, to regain your health and strengh. Praise God for that precious little bundle of love! And a boy (named for Steve)!! congratulations!!
Thanks for the link to another Brennen Manning piece. Loved it.
Oh Dee, congratulations on another baby, so exciting around your world! 🙂 I too am sorry that you are under the weather…Father, give Dee rest and health and strength for the upcoming! Thank You for new life…bring Your greatest blessings to this family!
Congratulations, Dee, on the new grandson. And I know how exhausting looking after preschoolers can be. Take care of yourself. Praying for you!
What stood out to you from the above and why?
I was praying this morning, knowing I lack the love to notice people, really truly SEE them as Jesus did, to look past externals and see their worth and their need, to see through to an eternal being created in the image of God.
The part about us ‘creating God in our own image’ stood out, and the word ‘detached’ came to me. I think I imagine God to be like me in this way. Rather than a personal intimate relationship of deep trust and knowledge and abiding, I imagine God to be less loving that the gospel reveals, a savior willing to pay a price beyond my comprehension to be with me. So I repent this morning of shrinking the love of God to something I can be comfortable with. I want to be conformed more and more to the image of Christ, rather than mentally conforming Him to my image.
It sticks me too that Jesus obedience was born of a knowledge of who He was and the trust He had in the father….trust and obey
I want to’ dare to trust that Jesus loves me just as I am, not as I should be.’ I long for a deeper trust and deeper obedience more than anything the world has to offer.
Chris,
This is really profound: “So I repent this morning of shrinking the love of God to something I can be comfortable with.” I am pondering Manning’s words of how we create God in our own image, and I think of my own flaws, and my tendency to withdraw and self-protect, keeping others at a safe distance. And then to think that I may not really be comfortable with the ravishing love of God, so I “shrink” his love…
Susan, you said a lot in this statement…”I may not really be comfortable with the ravishing love of God”
Susan, not putting any pressure (truly) but I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on the above statement…I just think in some ways we(as women)all struggle with that, any ideas why?
Rhonda–I’m glad you pulled this out of Susan’s rich post. I agree with you in this being a struggle for me as well. I remember at some point hearing we are ‘fully exposed and yet fully accepted’ by God, and that struck that same nerve in me–uncomfortable, in a way, to be so deeply, utterly loved. For me, I think I am so programmed to hide the un-loveable parts, not fully believing He loves me that deeply, intimately.My default is still to try to ‘cover’ myself–to hide, rather than let Him cover me. Rambling, sorry–would love your thoughts on this too.
Well, for me…I wonder if it is more about it being easier to “give than receive”…when I put that in human context, it is definitely easier for me to give than receive. Maybe with God it still reverts back to trying to “pay the way”…some how just freely opening myself to His goodness and lavish love seems unfathomable. I think some how we always expect things to be “measured”…I mean lets face it…most people aren’t wealthy so frugality in life is required. So to take that one issue alone (from our mind set) and realize that the “laws of the Kingdom” are so very different is hard…God is not bound by measure…and His lavish love doesn’t cost Him one cent more! Very interesting thought to consider…
oh yes, I definitely relate/fall into easier to give than receive…good thoughts
Oh Rhonda, this is hard….I don’t think I can really remember any time in my life where I felt “ravished” with love. I’m not saying I wasn’t loved (by my parents, siblings, and now my husband and children) but certainly I have felt the sting of being unloveable, of disapproval based on my behavior when it didn’t meet others’ expectations/standards. I guess at the root I’m talking about rejection, or the feeling of being rejected.
So while I long for deep connections with others and being fully known, it also seems a little bit scary and like Elizabeth said, being programmed to hide the un-loveable parts, which means not really letting others in too close. I KNOW that God knows everything about me and that He isn’t like people-His love is different. I honestly don’t know why it’s easier to live a “small” life that’s used to disappointments rather than a “big”, bold life believing He loves me no matter what.
If I could chime in here late in this discussion, it really struck me about what Susan says “I honestly don’t know why it’s easier to live a “small” life that’s used to disappointments rather than a “big”, bold life believing He loves me no matter what.”
When we live in fear, in fear of losing our comforts, the approval of others, or of our control, we do live a “small” life. It is all about self-protection. We are not trusting that God will act on our behalf; that he is mighty to save. We are not trusting that God loves us “ravishingly” and will protect us and care for us. He is running to our rescue, more than a human mother as a mother bear runs to protect her offspring when it is in danger, without thought about herself. We do indeed have too small a view of God.
This reminds me of John Donne’s Sonnet:
HOLY SONNETS.XIV.
Batter my heart, three-person’d God ; for you
As yet but knock ; breathe, shine, and seek to mend ;
That I may rise, and stand, o’erthrow me, and bend
Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp’d town, to another due,
Labour to admit you, but O, to no end.
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,
But am betroth’d unto your enemy ;
Divorce me, untie, or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.
Diane and Susan, I responded to this earlier this morning but lost it in a lost internet connection. 🙁 I love your response Diane and love what Susan said although I can’t find the post she said it in. What both of you said is true-like what keller said-we have a hard time underneath really believing He loves us with a ravishing love-and that is why daily we all must pound the Gospel in deeper-and Diane is helping me to remember this by doing it as she just did! 🙂
Diane, Your words and reminders are so valuable…the John Donne Sonnet is breathtaking. So much passion contained in those words…I so want to live into the big and bold story…I need wisdom…I need prayer to know how to proceed…things are pretty complex in my life right now!
I want to live the big and bold life in God as well, Rhonda, and “things in my life are pretty complex” as well. Today, however, we have had some major reassurance from God that He is with us and is at work in our situation. Praise the Lord!
So encouraging to hear Diane! Keep pressing on…!
Susan, Yes I completely understand what you are saying. I have the “unlovely” parts in my story too…and I have felt the sting of what happens when those parts surface in unregulated ways….it does cause me to be gun shy (with people)…to understand that God’s love is not like that is totally counterintuitive for my conditionings. His ravishing love is common to His nature…and this is hard to fathom based on earthly relationships….
We have all been conditioned to hide the unlovely parts “we can’t let ‘em see it hurts”…I know it is easy to talk about this in an idealistic sense; however, we both know that in reality self disclosure in a hostile environment is likened to jumping in front of a an oncoming train….as you can tell, I am still struggling from past trauma….
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
My goodness, what a way to start! First, Dee’s comments that this blog site is a precious fellowship. It certainly is becoming that for me. We can either moan about technology and the changes it brings or we can use it for God’s glory. And this site and fellowship is to His glory.
I’d never heard of Brennan Manning before. But I will be finding out more about him now. What a powerful clip. What jumped out at first was his claim of the hours of prayer, meditation, silence and solitude. This thought has been on my heart for awhile. Our culture – both the secular and Christian – drives us to be busy. If we have any down time, we must be lazy or wasting time. We all desperately need more time to settle our thoughts and focus on Christ. This is a lesson I learned years ago when I was in the depths of depression. To clear my schedule to allow for down time. It will be a life long challenge because of our culture and my own sinfulness. I believe it is time for me seek more areas of silence and solitude so I can pray and meditate.
“God made man in His own image and man returned the compliment”. So true. So convicting.
Finally, the response from the believer on judgment day, “Yes, Jesus, I believed in your love and I tried to shape my life as a response to it”. The way we live our lives as Christians is a response to Jesus’ love and not a way to earn it. So wonderful and freeing.
Yes…it is in my times of “down time” that I allow myself to read s-l-o-w-ly and really grasp the entirety of what I am taking in, rather than getting the information as quickly as possible to implement as quickly as possible… I have viewed “down time” as my being lazy at times (DO something, Nanci!, don’t just ponder…), but find that I make most of my spiritual, faith progress/ah-ha moments when I s-l-o-w down. In a devotion series I began using in the last year, the following advice is given…”read slowly. Very slowly. … Don’t read to get to the end, but to savor each word, each phrase.”
Jill, I hadn’t heard about Keller until I came here, but am thankful God led me to him..Same with Manning. I heard about him through Mullins testimonies about him.
yes, Jill sooooo wonderful and freeing!
Jill, “this blog site is a precious fellowship”…I couldn’t agree more!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Oh, I feel almost exposed—I so desperately need this this week. “I used to think of the gospel as the baby steps into Christianity. I was wrong…It is every step for every day.” I do remember a time when I was very young, thinking that at some point I would just ‘get it’ as in, not continue to struggle with idols. But I have learned how desperately I need to hear the Gospel every day. Applying it to every circumstance, over and over.
2. Have you read anything by Brennan Manning? If so, share something about it — or something else you know about him that has caused you to ponder or change.
Tullian’s blog had a nice tribute and I was reminded of these words from The Ragamuffin Gospel: “We say we believe that the fundamental structure of reality is grace, not works–but our lives refute our faith. By and large, the gospel of grace is neither proclaimed, understood, nor lived. Too many Christians are living in a house of fear and not in the house of love…Our huffing and puffing to impress God, our scrambling for brownie points, our thrashing about trying to fix ourselves while hiding our pettiness and wallowing in guilt are nauseating to God and are a flat out denial of the gospel of grace.”
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Brennan Manning’s message is really something; much to meditate on…
Will I be able to answer “yes” on judgment day that I believed that God loved me, desired me, waited day after day for me, and longed to hear my voice? That I trusted that God loves me as I am and not how I should be? (A human impossibility…I can never be what I should be…I am a flawed, sinful person; even on my best days I fail miserably.) I don’t want to be a nominal Christian…I desire a “heart that is pure” (Psalm 51:10) with motivations entirely inline with a pure heart. Manning quotes Pascal in saying that God created man in His image and man returned the compliment; a false concept that many buy into…I can be included in that “many,” but by God’s grace and patience I am moving away from the idea of restricting God to an image from my mind…my God is incomprehensible; a God I will NEVER fully understand this side of heaven…my human comprehension cannot fully fathom the power, goodness, mercy, and love of God…the God that created all…WOW!
I have been working hard to do heart motivation checks…to make sure that what I am doing is being done for the correct reasons and not out of a sense of obligation, or for purposes that will provide me with approval or control payoff. I give thanks and praise for moments when I sense movement in the correct direction and pray for God’s forgiveness and continued guidance in my failings…
2. Have you read anything by Brennan Manning? If so, share something about it — or something else you know about him that has caused you to ponder or change.
I have not read anything by Brennan Manning, but recall the name being referenced in books I have read.
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
I have not studied Philippians previously, but I do have a favorite text from Philippians, 4:4-9:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I’m not sure if I can be considered “with us for a while”…it has only been since September 2012 that I have been participating in the blog, but loving it all the while! This text is a favorite in light of the gospel in that it reminds me of the many areas that I fall to/fail in (e.g., not rejoicing in the Lord, lacking gentleness, thinking garbage thoughts, etc.)…this is the truth of where I am. Praise the Lord for His infinite patience and mercy that despite my failings provides a way for me… He “is near” providing peace that “transcends all understanding” and guarding my heart and mind in Jesus…INCREDIBLE!
Love having you here, Nanci. So much good pondering.
You are “with us” Nanci and I am so glad!
“I have been working hard to do heart motivation checks”….Nanci, I do this too…I call them my “heart sweeps”…when I get in a situation where I’m feeling condemned or some other negative emotion is rising up…I just start sweeping my heart! Depending on what I find, that is how I respond…it has really helped me especially in regard to the approval of man, etc..(not that I have it mastered) but it has helped me to know what to do with the emotion (clean it up or brush it off)! So cool that you expressed this too!
Your thoughts are so good and so valuable, we are blessed by your treasure hunts!!!
I can’t remember how I got introduced to Brennan Manning’s writings years ago now, and it has been a long time since I have read “Ragamuffin Gospel” but I remember being very struck with it. It taught the gospel in a new way. I remember trying to explain what he was saying to family and friends saying, “You really need to read this book”. His personal story is really compelling as well – a broken man humbly turning to God.
Don’t have time to say more now. I’m off to see my grandkids.
It is such a classic, is it not?
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
I went back and read the short book to remind myself if I has ever even read it before! 🙁
I do remember the verses that say:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4, 6, 7 NIV)
This is comforting to me. I usually try to thank God before I go asking for stuff 🙂 this reminds me to do that very thing. It also makes me think how I will have peace if I only trust in Him to take care of EVERYTHING, and to not rely on myself. I am only human.
Great, Laura-dancer!
1.What stood out to you from the above and why?
The first thing that jumped out at me was from the Brennan Manning clip…he says, (and I paraphrase) over 48 years and literally 1000’s of hours of prayer and meditation, silence and solitude…
I stopped right here in my first thought…I need to give ear and respect to his words simply for this reason alone…
In my faith tradition we never really talked about the value of solitude and silence, prayer and meditation. We often talked about prayer but not with the idea of a contemplative heart, it was more in context of prayer meetings. We were always so busy…a conformity of “doing”…and it wasn’t until much later in life that I began to understand what it meant to “be” and how important this was to my relationship with God. As I would read the works of contemplative authors, I could see such a difference, such a depth that comes from the place of pondering, solitude and silence. It breeds so much life and yet it can be daunting and scary for those of us who have different conditionings. This means of communion often seems so passive; we ask “how can that be transformative”? I think it is the difference between listening and talking….without both elements it is very hard to have a relationship…my conditionings were a lot about talking and no so much about listening. I am learning the joy of being quiet and letting God have room to speak…He does, He really does!
The second thing I noticed is that Manning puts the emphasis on Jesus in His question…”Do you believe I LOVE YOU”…that puts me in the passive place and Him in the active place.
For the most part, in my world, I was challenged to consider how I show my love to Him. (Not that this is a bad thing, unless it lead to performance) However, again it puts me in the active spot (doing) rather than the passive spot of (being).
Do you believe I love you? (listening, being)
Can you show me how much you love me? (talking, doing)
Please do not misunderstand me, I definitely think we need to express and show our love to HIM (how could we not, it is an outflow)…I just think some times it is easy to forget how to sit down and let HIM love on us…this is counterintuitive for my conformities. I hope this makes sense.
Thirdly, I see this phrase, Most people and even many in the church are “seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:21)
Then, I listen to all the “I’d rather have Jesus than…” statements in the George Beverly Shea song…
Than…
Silver or gold, riches untold
Houses or lands
Men’s applause
Worldwide fame
To Be the King of a vast domain
To be held in sins sway
ANYTHING THIS WORLD AFFORDS TODAY…
Fourthly, I see this statement “And that as we practice this new way of seeing, of seeing the gospel everywhere, that we will be changed”
PRACTICE this new way of seeing…because of my conformities and conditionings it does take practice for me, it is not intuitive. It becomes more so as He does that deeper work but right now it still requires focused attention. Oh, I want the mind of CHRIST!!!
I’m with you, Rhonda…
“PRACTICE this new way of seeing…because of my conformities and conditionings it does take practice for me, it is not intuitive. It becomes more so as He does that deeper work but right now it still requires focused attention. Oh, I want the mind of CHRIST!!!”
Rhonda, such good notes. I too was struck by the thousands of hours of meditation…
“God has blessed us with a precious fellowship here — one I never imagined was possible through the internet.” I know I have been so totally impressed with this on-line fellowship. However, I was surprised to see Dee’s post saying she never imagined it was possible. I just assumed it was Dee’s plan all along — hmmm, it must have been God’s plan all along!
I love Dee’s post for this week. We are only at the “ice breaker” stage, and already I have learned some things and have had my horizons widened. I have been inspired by George Beverly Shea for a long time! It was good to hear his clip again.
I had never heard of Brennan Manning. His clip was great! It’s too bad I’m just now catching on when he just recently died in the last 10 days!! I just Googled up his obituary and some tributes. I learned about the things he has done in his lifetime: sports writer for U.S. Marine Corps newspaper, became a Franciscan priest, lived a contemplative life among the poor. While doing this he worked as a mason’s assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. He had been married and divorced. He suffered from alcoholism, but he did confront that and went through six months of treatment that placed him on the road to recovery. The last portion of his life was spent writing many books, speaking, and leading retreats.
I have studied Philippians before, and my favorite verse is on a small plaque that sets behind my kitchen sink: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Dee, Congratulations on Beth’s baby! Prayers for your speedy recovery from your cold and for lots of patience (the type specific to a two-year-old!)
Deanna, thank you for some of the background on Brennan Manning…what an interesting life he led. I want to look up and read about him also, as I never knew about him, but what a life he lived for Christ. I know he is with his awesome saviour now!
Great notes on Brennan Manning — and thanks for your prayers Deanna!
2. Have you read anything by Brennan Manning? If so, share something about it — or something else you know about him that has caused you to ponder or change. I have read Ragamuffin Gospel, it was powerful; I think I will revisit it again this week…it has been so long ago, literally 8 years ago or so! I imagine it will speak afresh…funny how books do that in different seasons!
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
My favorite verse in this book is Philippians 4:12..
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
This verse has spoken volumes over the course of the last year of my life. I see it as “whether I am full or empty, I have learned to be content”. In December, I lost a dear friend in a motorcycle accident, it was during that season that another friend handed me Ann Voskamp’s book “One thousand gifts”. I began to read that book in tandem with Philippians and God really worked in my heart. Through a time of great loss…He showed me the value and healing that comes through thanksgiving amidst the emptiness of life. Whether I am full or empty…He gives and takes away…Blessed be the Name of the Lord. He is teaching me this verse with practical application (I love that, how rich the word becomes as it intersects with our real life)…and the idea of Thanksgiving as the connector has been absolutely transformational for me! I am looking forward to this study!
Rhonda, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss last December, but so thankful the Lord has been working in your heart. So glad you are here with us.
Thank you Joyce…I am so glad to be able to connect with all of you in this place…such a blessing!
So sorry for your loss, Rhonda. I agree, Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts,” has been a life changer for me as well.
Hello Dee and fellow friends: PRAYER UPDATE FOR MEGAN. MY NIECE MEGAN SAW THE SPECIALIST ON FRIDAY AND HE IS VERY PLEASED WITH HOW THE CHEMO HAS WORKED IN HER BODY. SHE IS SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY IN ABOUT 4 WEEKS IN HAMILTON, ON. CANADA. SHE WILL HAVE A TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY AND ALSO HAVE HER SPLEEN REMOVED AS WELL AND HOPEFULLY AS MUCH OF THE CANCEROUS TUMOR AS POSSIBLE. WE ARE VERY ENCOURAGED BY THIS NEWS. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE PRAYERS, THEY HAVE “AVAILED MUCH” FOR OUR FAMILY.
So glad we are studing Philippians, and yes I’ve studied this book before. With Stonecroft Ministries from Chrisitan Women’s Club about 25 years ago. Wow hard to believe its been that long.
Thank you for the video clip of Brennan Manning, it was excellent and made me think. To think that is the one question Jesus will ask me, Did I really believe he loved me??? In my head I know the answer, but in my heart I don’t feel it.
This past week at our Wednesday evening prayer meeting we sang I’d Rather Have Jesus in honour of George Beverly Shea.
This is going to be a full week of Bible Study, thank you Dee for leading us.
Phyllis, I was praying for Megan just the other night and was hoping you’d come on with an update! That is wonderful news!! Praise the Lord!!
Thanks much for the update, Phyllis…very encouraging. I will continue to pray for Megan.
Phyllis, so good to know this positive report about Megan, how are things regarding your church?
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
The gospel keeps slipping out of our hands, but together we are recovering it.
It’s the “together” that I like. I am not sure that since November counts me as being here for a while, (probably not), but I know that God led me here, to this group of ladies. I do agree that “God has blessed us with a precious fellowship here”. I know that I certainly have felt blessed, even during the times that I do not post anything, but still follow others words. I find that even though we are a group that crosses many boundaries, that there is no doubt that there is encouragement, support and the gentle grace that we all so long for in those around us. I don’t know if it’s anonymity of the internet, or just this group but I find more honesty and grace here than most other places. I am grateful for the truth seeking people here.
I do find sometimes that the gospel is like a bouncy ball around me, it bounces into my hands and then out again. There a times of joy, other times of silence or sadness and tears. I read Philippians again today and noticed that Paul’s joy is in his relationship to Christ and when others grow in the Lord, otherwise he is troubled and weepy. He points out joy is only in relation to Christ, not in relation to the world. When Paul sees the lostness of the world, he is troubled and distressed, however when he sees faith in Christ he is joyful and blessed. I wonder sometimes if I get mixed up in my focus and think I should feel more joy when I am looking around me. I sometimes see happy and joy together, when that it not necessarily true. I can look around me and feel the joy and peace of my Lord, but also feel sad and weepy at the pain and struggles around me. I have been pretty weepy lately when I look around me, but at the same time I do not feel distressed. I don’t know that the change in my heart is that I may be more at peace, yet tearful when I see my world around me, my family, my city, the world around me in general. I am pretty confident that God weeps for this lost world, but then I wonder if He has been weeping for thousands of years (which makes me sad)…yet His joy brightens when a single soul says yes to Him (which makes me smile). I confess I do not truly comprehend much of God and what I do comprehend is probably the equivalent of one of His eyelashes. I used to think I understood more, but not so much anymore. I do know He loves me, I do know He carved my name with the nails of the cross, even on the days when I see more of the world than Him…and yet He loves me anyway. I know that I regularly fail Him yet He does not condemn me, I beat myself up and yet He just encourages me to go on, go to the word and rest in Him. I may not know much, but I have come to the conclusion that it is the words of the enemy that point out that I failed, however it is the words of the Lord that encourages me just to look at Him, that He has already covered my failures and that I don’t need to dwell on them, just move closer to Him.
Sorry I rambled. Oh and those who have been praying for my brother, he had a job interview in Vancouver this past week (the job is in Prince George). For my American sisters, it is part way between Washington and Alaska in the province of British Columbia. He is really hopeful, however he is being pretty hard on himself about how the interview went. He will find out in about a week to 10 days if he got the job. I am hopeful for him, but sad as that would mean that he would move away and he wouldn’t be there to talk to when I got home. He is still struggling with being out of work for so long and is really not understanding what God has for him. I do hope that God answers his prayer very soon and helps my brother through this in such a way that my brother actually sees God working even just a bit. Thank you, my brother has appreciated your prayers for him, even though he is still waiting.
Mary, the first part of your post sounds like “where joy and sorrow meet”…I think that is a pretty great description of everyday life…it sure lessens the pain of trying to pretend that everything is great! I think some times we read verses like “we are more than conquerers in Christ Jesus” and that true!
However, when the pain hits instead of being honest we often run to these verses in our denial (they are hopeful and helpful no doubt)but God wants us to be honest too. In the denial we can fail to really feel the pain of the lament/grief in our lives. I think this misrepresents the Christian life to many and often cause a sense of hopelessness for those who struggle. God invites us to feel both joy and grief, avoiding the lament/grief is very hard on the body, the mind, the spirit for without grief the poison stays in the blood stream and sickens the soul..that is why He put examples of both (grief and joy) in the scriptures. He invites us into our emotions for the purpose of healing. This is a sweet concept for me to grasp this week…
Rhonda, I did smile at the “where joy and sorrow meet”. I agree there are times when I smile and laugh and then other times when I am sad or tearful at something specific. I have become more open since joining this blog, which I so appreaciate with this group. I am pretty sure that emotions that I have locked away are surfacing more and more. I do agree that we are not the healthiest when we bury a particular something because it is too painful to recall. Since I was aware of the closed surface of who I am, over the past few years I have been asking the Lord to reveal to me the things I need to heal from, no matter how painful. Some of that brings clarity, other times just tears. I do suspect that there is something deep down that has been there since childhood as I can count on one hand the things I remember about my childhood (under 16) and what I do remember does not bring a smile to my face. No clue what it is, but God does and He will deal with whatever that is in the time and manner that He knows is best…although I kinda suspect He is preparing me for it with some of the stuff going on around me these days.
He does invite us into our emotions for healing…and I also think that is a sweet concept to grasp…hard to walk through at times, but still worthwhile.
Mary, wow…God is obviously doing some deep stuff in your life! In my conditionings I often heard the message “faith vs. feelings”…it was sort of staple. I understand the concept behind the message, not being on the rollercoaster of emotions; however, another subtle message was conveyed to me through this constant reinforcement. Somehow I got the message that my “feelings/emotions” were unimportant/untrustworthy. This could not be further from the truth! God gave us emotions (they speak), they point to heart issues. When I was feeling disrupted emotionally, I immediately started feeling guilty, trying to suck it up! Telling myself to just read more verses and bear down and believe them! How painful! What I needed to do was examine my emotions and take them (carefully and gently)to my Abba! When I am aware of my emotional state, the Bible is more alive! For example, If I am feeling angry and I KNOW IT (I am self aware)…then when I engage with the Bible the words can filter over that emotion to bring clarity. If I am just reading the Bible with no self awareness at all…it just become flat words on a page. Bringing my full self (body, mind, emotions) to the scriptures allows for radical healing. I have participated in Bible studies where I just went through a book (not having tapped into my emotional state at all) and it just became informational, not transformational. Examining our hearts and our emotions isn’t just an optional thing…it is paramount to our relationship with God. That is why the Bible can be new and fresh every day because it speaks to my ups and downs and pain and suffering, sickness and sin…it stays right with me (personally alive and active)! It is an incredible and supernatural book (Because its life comes from THE incredible and supernatural GOD)!
I loved your post Mary, this made me smile:
“I confess I do not truly comprehend much of God and what I do comprehend is probably the equivalent of one of His eyelashes.”
I can relate!
Thanks for the update on your brother, keep us posted.
Chris, I was trying to think of a very small part of God, first it was a finger nail, but then an eyelash is smaller still and it was a much closer, if there is a smaller part, I can’t think of it. I used to think I knew more but now I am smarter and therefore realize that I really don’t know much at all.
I wonder sometimes if the more I think I know, the less I turn to Him and the less I know, the more I lean into Him. The more I realize how little I truly comprehend, the more I turn to Him as He is the only one with the answers.
And my lunch hour is over and have to go back to work 🙂
Mary, I agree with you on being blessed by this fellowship, even when I don’t post anything. I follow other’s comments also, and also appreciate the encouragement, support and grace that is given here.
“I confess I do not truly comprehend much of God and what I do comprehend is probably the equivalent of one of His eyelashes. I used to think I understood more, but not so much anymore.” It seems the farther along we get in the Christian life, the truer that is – that and how much more sinful we are than we first thought at conversion. But that makes the the love and grace of Jesus even more precious.
I’m glad for your brother Glenn’s interview, and will continue to pray for him and you.
Mary, I’m still praying for Glenn…thanks for the update!! So glad your here!
Mary, I too will continue prayers for Glenn and appreciate the update. And I’m glad you’re here too…guess I could have said “ditto” to Joyce’s post…:)
Love this thought…
“…the words of the enemy that point out that I failed, however it is the words of the Lord that encourages me just to look at Him, that He has already covered my failures and that I don’t need to dwell on them, just move closer to Him.”
I have started my response to today’s questions several times, then interrupted and by the time I would get back to my iPad, it would be gone, but I shall persevere. I am in awe of God’s providence for me. All the pieces I see in my life and how they fit together, like a crazy quilt. This is a precious fellowship that has nurtured me. I was in a small group for many years but other members wanted a study that required no more that a “half hour chapter read” a week. I have found it difficult to connect with the right person(s) that want to really study at the depth I desired. I love that I am pushed and challenged to study and think deep. Iron sharpens iron and you, all, are helping me grow.
I loved what Brennen Manning said. It really struck a chord…when it has all been said and done…it is the Love that matters. I haven’t read anything by him but I will be checking his works out. My husband loves reading the more contemplative writers so I mention him and then the next thing I know my husband will have downloaded several books and be reading away. (He is more able to abandon the world and ponder, than I).
I have studied Philippians and find it hard to pick a favorite verse, so many!
Sounds like you are blessed with a wonderful husband Sarah!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrennanmanning.com%2F&ei=k1Z0UfHiC4Xb2QXz74HACw&usg=AFQjCNHmdMC-MBA4e1kBOfZxIReHK84nKg&sig2=lFt03mloTjUwXVQm7VlQqg&bvm=bv.45512109,d.b2I
I know! All that above is for one page..on Brennan Mannings obituary.
What didn’t stick out to my! WOW, so much wisdom stuffed into a small spot! GOD LOVES YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! To many people have made him way to small.
I got to experience his extravagant love today as we learned how to celebrate Gods love as they do in other cultures. with energy and dancing and an abandon of “ourselves” in order to give ALL to HIM. It was our missions week and all week we spend getting to know 2 amazing people and how they spread the love of Jesus in areas that you are not allowed to speak his name.
OH if only we could show this lost world how much GOD LOVES THEM….THEY WOULD COME RUNNING TO THE CROSS.
So good to hear from you again, Cyndi! I think you nailed it with your last line (OH if only we could show this lost world how much GOD LOVES THEM….THEY WOULD COME RUNNING TO THE CROSS).
It was missions week this week at church and I ran around like chicken with my head cut off 🙂
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
Oh, so many favorite verses from Philippians– it’s hard to pick just. I love the verses in chapter 2 of Christ’s example of humility. And I do feel especially more depth, more ‘weightiness’ to verses 3:7-11 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
4. From whom does this letter come, according to verse 1, and how does Paul describe their identity?
Paul and Timothy, identified as servants of Christ Jesus.
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate.
Oh wow. Those who have been here know I often post the hymn “Blest be the tie that binds” so I won’t this time (well, here’s a link to the words: http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/b/bbtttb.htm. To me, it so tells the story of what we share here. When I compare the fellowship here, to one with friends from the kids schools or others with whom I do not share a kindred faith—I think of dimensions. Here, we share full dimensions-there is vulnerability, trust, compassion, empathy, encouragement. Other relationships seem one-dimensional. Apart from whatever the one common interest, there is nothing shared. Hmm. I think of those relationships as more “surface”, like a veneer. Ours here is a stain—in that we share each other’s burdens and joys, and I know I am influenced, I am made richer, by each of you.
WOW…”Ours here is a stain”…this blew me out of the water! Such a great image!
just when i thought I wasn’t making sense-you encourage me Rhonda! Been praying for you–for you to feel His peace in your situation, and healing of the pain.
Oh, yes…your words resonate, they definitely resonate!!! Thank you so much Elizabeth…I have felt the prayers. It is such a relief to just be open about the pain, literally I have felt my body relax…thank you all for receiving my words with love and grace!
Yes, dear sister!!!
Elizabeth, I feel the same way, only you hit it on the head with your description. I am almost a recluse here at home with Kendra. She needs me for everything almost and I don’t get out much because of my back. We are blessed to have Maurice to get groceries and anything else we need. I don’t go to a bible study anymore or to church. This bible study blog is my only outlet, beside sermons by Timothy Keller, my bible and books and songs. When I say you are my sister’s in Christ, and that I will pray, I mean it. Dee, you are my mentor and the one I thought of first, when you ask if we have ever met someone “with a gospel-transformed heart”.
We are made richer by you Elizabeth, by your welcoming, huge, honest heart!
I think of a stain as something permanent that you can’t get out! You are describing very deep connection, soul-to-soul.
“I know your life story, your selfishness, skeletons in your closet, dishonesty, shallow faith, lazy prayer life..I dare you to trust I love you as you are, not as you should be because you are never going to be as you should be.”
You know, I’m actually VERY comforted by this fact. He knows EVERYTHING about me, ever single little thing, and yet he still LOVES me with an everlasting love! I don’t have to hide from Him. I don’t have to worry He will leave me if I mess up, or because of things in my past. He will never abandon me or look down on me. He always forgives me. He still loves me and NOTHING will change that. He DIED for me! Thank You, Abba…
Krista, you are obviously centering in the midst of a very difficult time…so incredible! Lord, take this realization that Krista has shared with us and make it as real and tangible as anything she has ever known. Wrap her in your arms of comfort and help her to keep her eyes fixed upon You! Give her strength and grace for each day!
Thank you, Rhonda. Your words and prayer are very encouraging. <3
Krista, I just love that picture of you and your boys-so sweet.
So good Krista — this is SO comforting.
6. Learn more about why Paul was so knit to Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21. Meditate on these words. Then answer this challenge question: Why does a gospel-transformed heart lead to the kind of character Paul described in Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21?
The Gospel teaches me that I have been bought. My life is not my own. I have been bought, ransomed, by Christ’s blood. When I see the depth of my own depravity—the desire to live for my own interests begins to melt. Nothing compares with knowing Christ more, and following His call on my life. To seek my own interests, would be to try to ‘make a name for myself’, try to earn my own righteousness, gain titles of approval from others. But the Cross teaches me all of that is worth nothing. I cannot buy my own righteousness. I am nothing without Christ. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.
7. How does Paul begin his prayer in verse 3? How could you echo that for your sisters here?
Paul thanks God for the Philippians. When he thinks of them, of their love for God, their shared faith—he thanks God. Several times a week, if not daily, I thank God for the ministry He has here-for Dee’s faithfulness, the encouragement of sisters, the model of those like Joyce, so faithful in prayer—and Diane so steadfast in her faith. Susan, who continues to love Jesus amidst daily struggle, Chris who is ever deeper and more beautiful because she pressed in to Him in her suffering. Rebecca continues on in joy and loving her family well, Nanci sewing clothes for poor young girls, Laura dancer who faithfully prays and fights for her children despite such difficulty. I could go on and on about each of you. He uses each one of you to speak to me, encourage and challenge me. When I think about it, it is clear that this “kinship” this close-knittedness” is only possible because we share the bond of faith, and we share our hearts—our pain, and our triumphs. I have always been struck by how here, unlike other women friendships I have had, we truly seem to rejoice when one rejoices and weep with those who weep. There is never a sense of jealousy—but a desire that we might each grow closer to Him through this “place”. I truly thank God with every remembrance of you.
Oh Elizabeth, you are my example of the most faithful and devoted believer. You answer everyone’s comments and pray for us and you’re the one serving the poor and always helping others. You bless us all!
Amen, Joyce, amen..I agree!
Me, too…”faithful and devoted” – that’s Elizabeth!
Oh my, this brought tears….well said.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
That Jesus loves me just as I am and not as I should be, because I’ll never be what I should be in this life.
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
“Finally brethren whatever is just, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is acceptable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” Philippians 4:8. I need to renew my mind and keep the truth before me at all times. Not to let my thoughts and imaginings go away from the gospel and all that it encompasses.
love that one too Dawn–I remember years ago when my daughter would have scary dreams in the night, I would remind her that verse and we would lay there and try to think of all the pure, lovely…things God has given. Such a good reminder to take every thought captive…oh how I need that
Just wanted to give an update on Jay…
Jay has had a very tough week. He is yet in Pediatrics ICU. He developed an infection in his lungs early last week and was put on a ventilator…they were able to get him off the ventilator late week. There was some encouraging news yesterday…his liver seemed to be responding to the medication for the VOD. This morning they took his breathing tube out but due to severe swelling in his throat were unable to get a new one in place…Jay is back on the ventilator. The last lines from Bridget’s note are: “For the second time in a week, we have stood helplessly at the foot of his bed while Jay came frighteningly close to leaving us forever. I’m sorry; words are usually my ally, but today they fail me.”
I can’t imagine. 🙁 Praying for Jay, and his parents!
Oh Nanci, this is so heartbreaking to hear this about little Jay. I lift him and his parents and family up to you, Abba. They are all in my prayers~
Father, I pray for this family today. The are battling and they need You. We ask You to surround them with loving support and let them feel the prayers offered on their behalf. Strengthen Jay, care for this little one as only You can! We trust You…
Continuing to pray for Jay, thanks for the update and amen to Rhonda’s prayer
http://youtu.be/av3OdWqulNc
Sorry to keep putting these Brennan Manning things here, but I’ve been soaking them up all day. This one (The Abba Experience) is especially good, if you can find time, as it is about an hour-long. At least get the last prayer in…you’ll be blessed by it.
Joyce, thank you for sharing this…incredible!
Thanks so much for this sermon, Joyce. Manning’s teaching about Jesus calling his Father “Abba” is very profound and needs to be taken into our hearts at the profoundest level. His prayer for “healing of memories” was very touching as well.
“Abba, I belong to you.”
Joyce — you have become such an internet guru — I love it!
2. Have you read anything by Brennan Manning? If so, share something about it — or something else you know about him that has caused you to ponder or change.
I am reading The Ragamuffin Gospel and Manning’s message was of God’s mercy and Grace. That once we come to know God we don’t live a sinless life and the reality is that life is hard and we fail over and over-here is something he said at the close of chapter one that struck me: “..There we are, the multitude who so wanted to be faithful, who at times got defeated, soiled by life, and bested by trials, wearing the bloodied garments of life’s tribulations, but through it all clung to the faith. My friends if this is not good news to you, you have never understood the Gospel of Grace.
-A saint is not someone who is good but someone who experiences the goodness of God.
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
It was hard to come up with 1 verse. 🙂 We studied it over a year last year so I went back to review a bit and Chapter 2: 1-11 sticks out to me more than it did before-Paul applies the Gospel to what it looks like to love one another because Euodia and Syntyche who were once partners in the Gospel were feuding and Paul feared it would spread-we are frail and it is easy to forget the Gospel.
The church in Philippi was forgetting in many ways-not just with the feud going on but Christians were being persecuted-put to death and they were fearing that and I can imagine-I would too I am sure!
He starts out saying if you have any comfort from Christ’s love-any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any tenderness and compassion-be of the same mind-love one another. He is telling them to love one another with the same tenderness and compassion that Christ has toward us and with the same humility and love Christ has for God and for us. There is so much there.
Then Paul applies the Gospel to unity in the body-He knew in their feud and their fears they were living for something else other than Christ. The Gospel was being hindered-in unity in the church and in sharing the Gospel with unbelievers-and both could mar His message of Love, Grace, and Mercy to those who don’t know Him for if believers weren’t trusting in His unmerited Grace and Mercy toward themselves, how could they with humility and confidence Love one another and preach the Gospel to others who also need His Grace and Mercy:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
4. From whom does this letter come, according to verse 1, and how does Paul describe their identity?
Paul and Timothy…slaves of Christ Jesus
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate.
The depth of love, concern, and compassion is much greater than other groups I participate or have participated in. There is sharing of questions, concerns, thoughts, suggestions, and discoveries freely without fear of judgment or condemnation…we are enriched by each others’ sharing of questions, thoughts, joys, struggles, and sorrows. Prayer is requested freely and given with great care and empathy. We learn truths together. I SO greatly value the relationships and learning…I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this “family”. I have NEVER felt this sense of community previously in my faith-walk. I feel growth spiritually…an enriched growth in my understanding and that which I find incomprehensible (i.e., the love of our Lord for me and each of His children, His ways). I love how this study is all so “Spirit” led. I look forward to studying and participating…sharing in other blog sisters’ lives and learning. There is an understanding that we are ALL in-process; the Lord is working to transform each of us in ways both common and unique. Being drawn to this study and group is truly a gift..a blessing from the Lord.
Thank you, Dee, for being such a faithful and faith-filled leader…thank you to all my blog sisters for being a part of this “family”.)
Read Philippians 1:1-11
4. From whom does this letter come, according to verse 1, and how does Paul describe their identity?
This letter comes from Paul and Timothy…it says they are servants of CHRIST JESUS
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate.
Well, a fellowship of believers is different in that we are siblings. I know that I have only been here a few weeks yet I know we have the same Father. In this fellowship we can share our pain and sorrow (in honesty) with each other knowing that we can care for each other, especially because we all have the same access to God (allowing us to call out to Him in intercession and in oneness). Also we can get below the surface; there are not many places in the world that allow for this kind of connectivity. I really would love for all of us to be sitting around a fireplace in a comfy room, drinking tea and coffee sharing in the flow of the Spirit. Somehow in my glorified imagination that is exactly what is happening here and now (in a Kingdom sense) it is unseen but it is operating none the less. That doesn’t happen (with the same dynamic) in other relationships….the Spirit brings LIFE!
6. Learn more about why Paul was so knit to Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21. Meditate on these words. Then answer this challenge question: Why does a gospel-transformed heart lead to the kind of character Paul described in Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21?
“I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” – I think gospel transformation leads to this kind of character because there is true sympathy and empathy. Knowing his (Timothy’s) own need and brokenness helped him to be awakened to the brokenness and need in others.
“For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” – This goes back to the sacrifice displayed in the gospel. Timothy was living out the gospel.
7. How does Paul begin his prayer in verse 3? How could you echo that for your sisters here? “I thank my God every time I remember you”
MY ECHO…
I thank my God every time I remember your words of encouragement, your sweet and timely prayers, your honest confessions, your poignant insights, your humorous stories, your gracious responses, your perseverance, your challenging admonitions, your music and dance and your smiling avatar faces! I thank my God every time I remember YOU ALL!
Rhonda–loved your #5–“siblings” around a cozy fire 🙂
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I’m going to be as honest as I possibly can about Manning’s video. I am an expert at taking grace-based messages and finding a way to manipulate them into saying what my heart is so afraid of – that Jesus didn’t pay it all, that there still is something for me to do, even if it is as Manning says, “To know that He loves you.” I watch that video and my heart returns to religion, and I think, “Ok, so it still is possible for me to be separated from God for all eternity. I have to do something; I have to know that He loves me and be able to tell Him ‘Yes’ at the judgment day.” What if I can’t?
I am not advocating a gospel message that tells us to pray the sinner’s prayer and therefore all is good, even if a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has not been formed. I am not even saying that Christ followers don’t have to give up everything for Jesus – because I think He calls us to do that. But what I am saying is that the only way I grow in His grace and be conformed into His image is by knowing that even if I don’t do all that stuff, I am still His. And that is one reason why I am so afraid to preach the gospel to others because I myself still fear final rejection. What if I don’t truly know that Jesus loves me? Does that make me NOT His? Hence, I return to my idol lies.
I know that a lot of my fears come from being indoctrinated into the beliefs of a very legalistic church just a little while back. I am still recovering.
Laura, I definitely understand your question and I think it is good one to pose! I’ll have to listen to it again but my first response is…I think manning is saying that this is not so much a question of “qualification” as it is…”simple understanding”…or that was my perception…but I will listen again with your question in mind! Thanks for helping us to THINK!
One more thought…knowing He loves us “for God so loved the world”…brings us into the life of the Gospel…a simple understanding that opens our heart…not a “have to” but a “want to”…SEE your still making me THINK! 🙂 Thanks!
Laura, I want to say that my use of the word “simple” was not to diminish your pain, I know your question is very complex! I just used that term in exchange for “base” understanding….that probably would have been a better choice of words!
Laura, I get what you are saying, my minds battleground has had the same fight rage in it.
When I begin, and I am only beginning, to assimilate in a personal way the deep love of Jesus, then I can start to cease striving, to still my fears. My faith is not in me, not even in my ability to answer that question.
That taking up of the TRUTH if the personal nature of Gods love for me, pushes out the lies and the fear that make me fear final rejection and frees me little by little to really surrender my life in trust.
I have pleaded to have a heart knowledge of Christ’s love for me, I want it to be a quick transforming flood. But I see it is happening, but more like the organic growth of a plant, little by little as i abide in Him, it is coming to me.
You have found a good place here to walk this stuff out Laura.
this is beautiful Chris–“taking up of the TRUTH if the personal nature of Gods love for me, pushes out the lies and the fear”–I am so blessed by your transformed perspective–so thankful you are here, truly
Laura — I thought Rhonda’s response to your very good question was good.
It isn’t an actual question — but a sense of believing the gospel. Is that helpful?
Laura, your struggle is one that is shared by many. I was going to post something similar, but was afraid of looking too negative (you are the brave one). If the source of love is God then if I am looking for it, asking for it, believing it’s there, but not feeling it then what more can I do?
Rhonda,
I actually like your use of the word “simple.” I see what you are saying, and I am so aware of my over-sensitivity towards hearing the gospel preached and looking for ways in which people qualify it, even when they don’t.
Blessed by this post, videos, and comments!
Been missing you, Renee. Glad to see you here. How are you?
Thanks for asking, Diane. I’m fine. Having less access to a computer has been good for me, but I miss being here.
Yes, I have been missing you too Renee!
Thanks, Chris. I miss all of you and hope to be back soon.
I was just thinking of you Renee! I wondered how you were doing.
4. From whom does this letter come, according to verse 1, and how does Paul describe their identity? Paul and Timothy — Paul describes them as “servants of Christ Jesus.”
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate. There is a purer, deeper level of caring for one another in this fellowship. In other groups, they may be interested to learn of your pain, but in this one we “share and feel” the pain of one another. In other groups, there may be competition, but here we encourage one another!
6. Learn more about why Paul was so knit to Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21. Meditate on these words. Then answer this challenge question: Why does a gospel-transformed heart lead to the kind of character Paul described in Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21? A gospel-transformed heart is more likely to respond to events and persons in the same way Jesus would — with love, humility, patience, etc. If our hearts are gospel-transformed, we will see others as being “beloved by God” and, therefore, deserving of our love as well. In verse 20, Paul says “I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. Timothy had traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey when the church in Phillipi was begun. I’m thinking Timothy may have felt like a “mother who nursed her baby” about the people in this church.
True – a gospel transformed heart is more likely to respond with His character to world and life events. Thanks for sharing this Deanna!
Phil. is my favorite book of the Bible, it looks like a rainbow 🙂 Our homeschool theme vs. is (and Im doing this from mem. so it may not be word perfect) “Do EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault so that you will shine like stars in the universe in a dark and depraved generation.
and as I have studied on this blog….the gospel….this vs. has come alive to me.
“everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Cyndi, I do love the verse you chose..So so good. AND I love your description-‘it looks like a rainbow’-love it. 🙂
Perfect verse, Cyndi, for where we are going!
Read Philippians 1:1-11
4. From whom does this letter come, according to verse 1, and how does Paul describe their identity?
Paul and Timothy. They describe themselves as servants of Christ Jesus.
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate.
The fellowship with unbelievers whom I share common interests with is shallow, surfacy and mostly about things that have no eternal value-things that aren’t really what matters in life-usually the things they are slaves to are the things they talk about and there is no genuine compassion or care. It is empty and meaningless and there isn’t that deep bond of unconditional love, Grace and Mercy toward one another that only He can give. I have to say I had this type of fellowship even among some believers I used to minister with. There was a deep bond of love but most of our time spent together was spent talking about surfacy stuff-things that didn’t matter.
Comparing this with the fellowship with believers who are Gospel centered, it is like a drink of fresh water that runs deep-a never ending spring of water, because there is this deep bond in Him only He gives. There is His compassion and care and an authenticity toward one another that is His mark in us-not something we manufacture. We can be honest with one another and know there will be Grace for we see we are ragamuffins and we are able to extend compassion, and Grace to one another, and mercy and forgiveness.
6. Learn more about why Paul was so knit to Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21. Meditate on these words. Then answer this challenge question: Why does a gospel-transformed heart lead to the kind of character Paul described in Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21?
When we are growing more secure that He is our identity-when we cling to the cross what He did for us-that He loves us despite us, it humbles us and our hearts grow more deeply knit to Him and as a result what flows out is Him-Who He is-and Jesus is deeply and GENUINELY selflessly concerned for the welfare of others and so we will be to.
Paul’s Prayer
7. How does Paul begin his prayer in verse 3? How could you echo that for your sisters here?
I apologize if I left anyone out-I am sure I did, but all of you have brought such joy in my life and I am not able to get on much during the day to comment but I read and pray for you and rejoice with you.
I thank God for all of my sisters here-the newer ones who have joined who I see Him moving in their hearts, opening their eyes and changing their hearts-Rhonda, Jill, Deanna from Ohio, Laura, sarahsal. And the older ones who have been on with me for years and how He has knit our hearts over the years partnering in the Gospel-Dee, Cyndi, Angela Elizabeth, Anne, Susan, Joyce, Chris, Nanci, Krista, Diane, Laura Dancer, Renee and Dawn MS. I am encouraged by all of you because I have seen and know beyond a shadow of a doubt God is on the move in your hearts and you are my Gospel centered sisters.
I see Elizabeth’s insightful and wise heart and I see her concern for each and every one here-such a mark of Christ-of really listening and caring about what He cares about and not seeking her own interests above His. I see Anne who is unable to come a lot but who opens her heart to the Stonecutter’s knife and His insight flows from her and I have seen Him transforming her-I miss her when she isn’t here. I see Susan, like Elizabeth, who loves loves loves like Jesus even though she is enduring long term suffering-I hove Susan so. I see Joyce who loves and prays and encourages all of us- who is a partner in truly caring like Jesus, and who really walks in His sacrificial love toward her family-she is so accepting of anyone-I love that about her. I see Chris who reminds me of Paul-who has struggled, who is transparent, authentic and who pursues Him and desires Him deeper above all. He has knit our hearts. 🙂
Dee, I thank God for you-you are like Paul for you love others like He does-Your deep care and concern for the women in prison and people in general, that their hearts melt for Him starts with your heart being so tightly knit with Him for your interests truly are HIS! I keep telling you, you remind me of Rich Mullins-so honest and real about being a Ragamuffin, yet beloved-and you are a bit of a rebel when it comes to the ‘status quo’ in Christianity-you challenge us to get back to HIM-not seeking our own interests but His. You are a sweet surprise in my life from Him-I had NO IDEA God had this in mind for me- Gospel centered fellowship-I just knew I wanted to know Him deeper and be deeply knit with other authentic believers. I was bound by my comfort idol so I didn’t really ask for this-but just asked him to help me-to bring a mentor for I was drowning, and he brought you and His blog!
Angela is like a sweet fragrance of Him, wafting on this blog every time she posts-of His care and love for the orphan and she truly has His compassionate heart for others and for her children. I see Cyndi who is fire-she reminds me of His wild love for us. She is honest, sincere and truly a wise and loving mom and wife-she is a breath of fresh air and I admire how she exudes His love for others and how He is melting her heart-she is so intimately involved with her children-knows and loves them well. Nanci has a sweet, soft heart for God, a moldable and honest heart and she too is authentic and Gospel centered.
Krista, I so see you crying out to and clinging to Him through this huge storm in your life-keep your eyes on Him in the storm sister. Diane, wow..what can I say other than I have seen how open you are to Him-how you are walking with Him through this trial and how He is making you more like Him-how you are laying yourself down to Him more and more. Laura-Dancer-how you are earnestly seeking Him-to understand Him-and your penetrating and honest questions are so good, and Dawn M.S. I am inspired by your pursuit of Him constantly through the years, regardless of what is going on in your life you are clinging to the Cross. Renee, I so love your heart-your great questions and how you earnestly seek him-your freedom in Him and your humor! 🙂 I do miss when you aren’t able to be with us!
You have a beautiful heart Rebecca…it just flows and flows…
Wow — Rebecca — how beautiful. Thank you!
Rebecca, thank you so much for taking the time to affirm each one of us. You, my sister, are an inspiration and a reflection of Christ’s genuine love.
Rebecca–you truly are such a beautiful woman–oh how He SHINES in you–you are such an example for me.
Lovely, Rebecca…thank you. As Dawn said, you, Rebecca, “are an inspiration and a reflection of Christ’s genuine love.”
And you, dear sister Rebecca, are like a strong, sturdy tree; always present and growing straight upward in faith. You bless us with your wise words; I can count on you to be there. Thank you!
8. What is Paul sure of in verse 6, and why can He be sure of this?
Paul is sure of their sanctification, that they will be made like Him–because it is Christ who does the work—and He is faithful. I also think Paul was confident because he had witnessed the Spirit’s work in them.
9. In a past lesson, Tim Keller said if you don’t have all the fruit of the Spirit, you may not have any. For those who were with us (or who want to attempt an answer!) why did he say that?
This was very convicting. There are not “fruits” but one “Fruit of the Spirit”, Jesus’ example is all the characteristics of the Fruit. I cannot display true self-control, without also having patience—that ‘self-control’ may simply be fear of conflict, etc…
10. Those with gospel-transformed hearts are likely to be willing to pay the cost to stand beside others when they are facing trials. How did the Philippians do that for Paul according to verse 7?
The joined him in his suffering. They stood by him for the sake of the Gospel.
12. How much affection does Paul feel for them according to verse 8?
When I really think about what Paul is saying, the meaning in his words, I am struck by the weightiness of this verse. Our culture can tend to use these words loosely-but Paul is not. He claims God as his witness, which tells me there is no room for doubt. He loves them as Christ does—and this, coming from Paul especially, is profound.
THE PRAYER
I pray for each of you-those whose names we see, and those who silently follow, that your love for Christ will grow richer, deeper, stronger, with all wisdom and discernment. I pray that we will grow in our ability to test what is right, pure, pleasing to the Lord. I pray that our words, our fellowship, would be a fragrant offering to Him, pleasing to Him. I pray we would encourage one another to press on, to not grow weary of running the race, but to keep our eyes on Christ. I pray that we would be filled with the Fruit of the Spirit and bring glory and praise to God. Oh how I thank Him for each one of you, encouraging me on this journey–as we together seek to follow after Him.
8. What is Paul sure of in verse 6, and why can He be sure of this? That He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I imagine that his confidence was based on the fact that God had been faithful to him (in a personal way), also…He knew God and His character…His confidence was founded and grounded!
9. In a past lesson, Tim Keller said if you don’t have all the fruit of the Spirit, you may not have any. For those who were with us (or who want to attempt an answer!) why did he say that? If I recall correctly, I think it was because he said that the word is singular…FRUIT of the spirit…not FRUITS of the spirit. Being singular instead of plural this indicates that it is a joint unit…
3. Have you studied Philippians before — and if so, do you have a favorite verse? (If you have been with us for a while and are beginning to “get” the breadth of the gospel, does it give you any new light on that favorite verse?)
Philippians 2:5-11 This passage tells us we should have the mind of Christ in the humility with which he became human and humbled himself in obedience, going to the Cross for us. Now he is exalted and every knee will bow to Him. There is such an awesome description of who Jesus is in this passage.Jesus is not just a good model for us, but God himself come in the flesh. He didn’t need to come. He gained nothing from it. But he did it because of His great love, undeserved love for us. Our response to him is to surrender and obey Him. When I ponder how much Jesus gave up to empty himself and die abandoned by God on the Cross for my sin, I know I do not comprehend but the smallest speck of how great a love He has for me.
Philippians 2:5-11
English Standard Version (ESV)
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
How great the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That he should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turned His face away
That wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
5. Compare this fellowship to the fellowship you have with those who share a common interest such as work, children, or gardening — how does this fellowship differ? Contemplate.
I have lived all my life surrounded mostly by “Christians”. But, I have been disappointed that frequently, we talk mostly on the surface. I used to find this very frustrating. I never have been that great at “small talk”. I am still pondering what makes the difference here on this blog. Most of us do not know the day to day lives of each other – petty idiosyncrasies, foibles, etc. Yet that is not the point. We are here on this blog for a purpose – to learn the Word of God, to walk the way of grace, to share our hearts, to encourage one another, to pray for each other. Dee has led the way with her gentle encouragement and depth, challenging us to follow her example. Ultimately, however, I think that the Holy Spirit has given us a special gift on this blog. It is a safe place to bleed and to grow and to encourage others, a place to look deeply into God’s Word for myself and take baby steps to walk the way of grace.
Diane…”It is a safe place to bleed”…stunning image! Your words are so comforting and grace filled friend!
Diane, that was beautiful.
6. Learn more about why Paul was so knit to Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21. Meditate on these words. Then answer this challenge question: Why does a gospel-transformed heart lead to the kind of character Paul described in Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21?
Timothy was unique, “genuinely concerned for your welfare” and for the interests of Jesus Christ.
Without a gospel-transformed heart, we look out for our own interests. Even the good that we do for others is rooted in self-interest at the heart – either in pride, seeking approval or other self-focused reasons. Timothy’s heart was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of Christ and others.
10. Those with gospel-transformed hearts are likely to be willing to pay the cost to stand beside others when they are facing trials. How did the Philippians do that for Paul according to verse 7?
How beautiful are the words Paul says here about the Philippian believers “I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace”. It is amazing how God has knit us together on this blog so that we do “hold” each one in our hearts.
This reminds me of the song, “I the Lord of sea and sky” – a song of God’s heart for us and in turn our heart to reach out to others in this kind of Christian love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdFqzPBaDJA
Diane, that was very pretty!
Beautiful, Diane.
Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers for us. I left Beth coping with baby blues and a sick husband and two-year-old. So please keep praying! I am so wanting to fix this but instead am praying someone in her little town will rise up to help her by taking the two-year-old. Because Beth has just one arm, she has to be cautious not to do it in — and she’s not. She wants to do it all. So pray for her too.
I have a bad cold but am recuperating and thankful for a little buffer before I speak.
I’m back — sorry I’ve been so sporadic!
I’m definitely praying for Beth, Dee. I hope that she’ll be surrounded by more support than she knows what to do with 🙂
Praying for her too
Thank you both — today she seems better!
thankful for this Dee-have continued to pray for your cold and for Beth and her family of 4!
7. How does Paul begin his prayer in verse 3? How could you echo that for your sisters here?
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” I take such delight in reading the posts of all of you. So many of you are going through a variety of crises right now, and I am so glad to be able to lift you up in prayer to God and put you in his tender care. The faith-sharing is helping all of us to grow!
8. What is Paul sure of in verse 6, and why can He be sure of this? “That he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” He knows he can count on God to see that the church God helped Paul to start in Philippi will thrive and that the Philippians will come to the fullness of faith. He can be sure of this because he and the Philippians are rooted in the gospel. Paul calls them “partners in the gospel.”
9. In a past lesson, Tim Keller said if you don’t have all the fruit of the Spirit, you may not have any. For those who were with us (or who want to attempt an answer!) why did he say that?
I remember that was a new concept for me. Keller said the fruit of the spirit is singular, not plural. It is a package deal — you either have all of it or none of it. I totally agree with Elizabeth’s recollection above. “I cannot display true self-control, without also having patience—that ‘self-control’ may simply be fear of conflict, etc…” That’s the example I remember as well.
I have been reading through the comments and writing down prayer requests and finally realized it might be a good idea to answer the questions. I usually do them in a notebook but end up behind!
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why?
I’ve read back over,and listened to the clips several times, and each time something different stands out. The first is Philippians 1:11 – that we will be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ Jesus.” Not through following rules, morality, religion or idols. Paul tells us, “as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” I need a constant infusion of the life of Jesus.
Then from Brennon Manning’s video clip: “I know your whole life story…and my word is this, “I dare you to trust that I love you just as you are and not as you should be. Because you’re never going to be as you should be.” I have been a receiver of and a giver of the “kindly pat on the back.” I need to be transformed and have my view of others transformed by believing this immense love of Christ for me.
2. This has been my first exposure to anything by Brennon Manning, but I have been looking online to find out more about him. I definately want to read more of his writing.
3. Yes, I have studied Philippians before but I have a feeling I am going to go a little deeper this time. So many rich verses, but I’ve memorized 4:6-8.
Have you read anything by Brennan Manning? If so, share something about it — or something else you know about him that has caused you to ponder or change.
I have been reading Ragamuffin Gospel, it is as Diane did, a book that I find myself wishing others would read. I wanted to read it after the week it was featured here, and after finishing Whats So Amazing About Grace, I was longing for more grace.
I seem to be having real problems articulating anything meaningful these days, my thoughts are so very muddled.
I am about 2/3rds of the way through it there are several things that have stood out to me.
The theme of the second journey:
“The second journey begins when we know we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the morning program. We are aware that we only have a limited amount if time left to accomplish that which is really important – and that awareness illumines for us what really matters, what really counts.”
I feel like I am experiencing this, yet where my spirit is willing my flesh is still weak.
Probably what I have pondered most is how much Jesus did love the hurting, the outcasts, the women. That the gospel neutralizes human acheviment and differences, Christ alone and the grace he longs to give us is our only hope. I would like to carry this over into my life by being more apt to REALLY SEE the people I am with.
“How I treat a brother or sister from day to day, how I react to the sin-scarred wino on the street, how I respond to interruptions from people I dislike, how I deal with normal people in their normal confusion on a normal day may be a better indication of my reverence for life than the antiabortion sticker on the bumper of my car.”
“To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God’s grace means. As Thomas Merton put it, “A saint is not someone who is good but who experiences the goodness of God.”
The gospel of grace nullifies our adulation of televangelists, charismatic superstars, and local church heroes. It obliterates the two-class citizenship theory operative in many American churches. For grace proclaims the awesome truth that all is gift. All that is good is ours not by right but by the sheer bounty of a gracious God. While there is much we may have earned–our degree and our salary, our home and garden, a Miller Lite and a good night’s sleep–all this is possible only because we have been given so much: life itself, eyes to see and hands to touch, a mind to shape ideas, and a heart to beat with love. We have been given God in our souls and Christ in our flesh. We have the power to believe where others deny, to hope where others despair, to love where others hurt. This and so much more is sheer gift; it is not reward for our faithfulness, our generous disposition, or our heroic life of prayer. Even our fidelity is a gift, “If we but turn to God,” said St. Augustine, “that itself is a gift of God.”
Love how you are getting into Manning. This is so good:
“How I treat a brother or sister from day to day, how I react to the sin-scarred wino on the street, how I respond to interruptions from people I dislike, how I deal with normal people in their normal confusion on a normal day may be a better indication of my reverence for life than the antiabortion sticker on the bumper of my car.”
“…a Miller Lite…”? I like how that was thrown in.
Dawn…you crack me up!
I had never heard of Brennan Manning until this week. Thanks for sharing these quotes. I’ll have to get a hold of Ragamuffin Gospel and read it.
8. What is Paul sure of in verse 6, and why can He be sure of this?
That we will be transformed into Jesus’ image and God will complete it because He is faithful and it is His work in us-not us manufacturing it. He is sure of this because God is faithful and they have the Holy Spirit in them to move and prompt them to yield.
9. In a past lesson, Tim Keller said if you don’t have all the fruit of the Spirit, you may not have any. For those who were with us (or who want to attempt an answer!) why did he say that?
It isn’t the ‘fruits’ but the ‘fruit’ of the spirit and Jesus encompassed it all so if we know Jesus we have all of the fruit.
10. Those with gospel-transformed hearts are likely to be willing to pay the cost to stand beside others when they are facing trials. How did the Philippians do that for Paul according to verse 7?
They stood by Paul through his suffering-they didn’t turn away from him for the approval of others or for comfort-to save their own skins. From what I recall there were Christians being killed for their faith.
11. Share one example of a believer standing beside you in adversity though it cost them to do so.
I don’t know that I have ever experienced the adversity Paul experienced-being in chains for defending the Gospel. I actually don’t think any adversity I have been through has been as meaningful as his-and the believers in Philipi really had to count the costs.
I could say on my insignificant level when my ex husband abandoned me-my sister in law Angie stood by me in adversity for I was a wreck and a brand new believer. She dropped whatever she was doing to spend time with me for I was a new believer, a tender shoot for sure!
Love knowing that about Angie. Tell her I’m sorry it didn’t work to get together — wedding of her son too close to my departure. Next year!
YOU PUT THIS LOVE IN MY HEART
12. How much affection does Paul feel for them according to verse 8?
He LONGS for them with the affection of Jesus Christ-that is a pretty deep affection-Love.
THE PRAYER
Lord I thank you for your body-for my sisters here on this blog and I ask that their love toward one another and toward others would be rooted in the Grace you have poured out on them and that your unmerited affection toward them would be driven so deeply that out would flow your affection toward others and that it would abound more and more as they gaze into the Gospel deeper. I ask as they continue to feast on you in your word that you would give them discernment-not in an effort to raise themselves above anyone with knowledge but quite the opposite-may your word be implanted in their minds and move down to their affections toward you-melt their hearts Lord and may you fill them with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for your glory and your praise for this is your work in them-totally not of this world. In Jesus name and in the power of His resurrection may we be truly changed, amen..
Thank you for that beautiful prayer, Rebecca. May God answer it in each life and to his glory.
This has so far been a busy week so I am a bit behind. Also, God seems to have me focusing on #5 for some reason so I’ve been staying there and thinking about fellowship. This has been an area of need for me. When my kids were young, we had a great group of young moms in our church. We really were a fellowship and I developed deep friendships with three of the women there. Then, though job changes, all three of them moved from Cleveland in about eighteen months. That was a real blow to me. I did ask God why this was happening. Although obviously they moved because their husbands each had career changes, the lesson I learned was that I needed to have God before anything, even these dear women. So I did go through a season of aloneness. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find another group to fill that void. Honestly, I’m a little nervous about jumping in again. What if I give my heart to another and then they leave, even for good reasons? I’m so grateful for this blog but I also know that we do need flesh and blood people in our lives. And I just don’t have that now. I’m not sure that I’ve answered #5: The difference for me between fellowship at work or with other groups and what we have here is: at work, in a group, we are all doing what we do with different motives and for different results. Not that any of this is bad. In a fellowship of believers, we are all working toward the end of glorifying God and helping each other to move along the path toward holiness. We are willing to put aside our wants if another of the group is in need. We submit to God’s authority out of love.
* I just reread this post and I see something new. I wrote “what if I give my heart to another and then they leave”. I’ve just had the impression that God will never leave me and I should be willing to reach out to others with no expectations that they will stay. God does not promise that people will stay in our lives forever. He moves people for His purpose and I need to be open to His leading. To see who He puts into my life and to do what He wants.
Jill, I too had a friend, like yours, years ago. I also was devastated when she left. I also should have had God before her. I totally understand your being sad and feeling alone. Your last statement is true!
“I’ve just had the impression that God will never leave me and I should be willing to reach out to others with no expectations that they will stay. God does not promise that people will stay in our lives forever. He moves people for His purpose and I need to be open to His leading. To see who He puts into my life and to do what He wants.”
I have yet to find a friend like that again, or have that situation, since those days long ago. I miss having such close relationships with friends. But you are right, God is always there with me.
Jill,
I, too get what you’re talking about. I have put friends before God and actually felt abandonment. I’ll pray for ‘in-real-life’ friend(s) for you.
10. Those with gospel-transformed hearts are likely to be willing to pay the cost to stand beside others when they are facing trials. How did the Philippians do that for Paul according to verse 7? They stood in God’s grace with him (confirming God’s blessings on him)
11. Share one example of a believer standing beside you in adversity though it cost them to do so. In being misrepresented, I have had friends who (knowing the controversy); have walked by my side without wavering or even batting an eye. Their presence alone has spoken volumes to me personally and to my healing process. I never realized how loudly someone’s presence could speak until I had faced my own adversity. I imagine (from time to time) that this has cost them dearly…I hate to think of that (because I love them so much) but they will never know (this side of eternity) what a gift their presence has been to my life! I cannot express this with the depth of gratitude that it deserves…I just pray God’s richest, most expansive blessings upon their lives!
When I think of these folks I think of a couple of passages one being in Matthew 25 and the other in Philippians 4, these verses describe with beautiful detail those who came to my aide in my adversity…
Matthew 25
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…”
Philippians 4
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.”
“Their presence alone spoke volumes to me” Loved that
One my dearest friends just sent me this…let’s just say the waterworks are flowing and I’m having a hard time turning them off! Just had to share this…
http://www.godvine.com/Canadian-Tenors-Sing-a-Prayer-That-s-Incredibly-Powerful-3191.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4-24-2013t#.UXfTRDlippY.email
Oh my goodness…I can’t get enough of this song…it is so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing, Rhonda.
I agree…I agree!
I watched — beautiful!
To watch requires kleenex! 🙂 Glad you are back Dee, hope you are feeling better!!
Rhonda–when you shared of your pain last week–even without knowing details< I hurt for you and have continued to pray for His healing and peace. But I am thankful that He has provided some who have stood with you–says much about Christ in them, and you.
Thank you so much Elizabeth…your prayers mean so much to me. I truly mean that! I can get easily overwhelmed when I think about those friends (and their Christ-like love)…it is a very, very tender spot in my heart! Your encouragement (in this season) is so appreciated too…I am continually blessed by this sweet fellowship!