April 1st, Wednesday: Philippians 1- 2

Phil 1

Paul writes, 'For me to live is Christ.'

But he did more than write that statement – he lived it!

Jesus Christ is mentioned 18 times in this chapter and is seen involved in many aspects of Paul's life.

We'll read about his friends.

Paul loved the saints in Philippi.

He thought about them, pray for them, and longed to see them.

Christ made this fellowship possible.

We'll read about his circumstances.

He was a prisoner not of Rome, but of Jesus Christ.

And his chains were in Christ.

Paul was practicing what he was preaching and it worked.

You think first of Christ when circumstances are difficult?

Put him first even at the hard times of life.

We'll read about his future as well.

Paul's life was definitely in danger.

If he lost the trial, he could be killed as an enemy of Rome.

But listen – when Christ is your life, death is not your enemy.

And you have the assurance to being with Christ when this life ends.

Phil 2

We'll read about his enemies.

When you suffer, you suffer for Christ's sake.

And you need not fear your enemies.

The vital thing is that God's people unite in Christ and oppose the enemy, not one another.

Look out – Christ is the model for Christians and the life that we live and the service because He thought first of others, not of Himself.

He's our model.

Do you look out for the interest of others?

Or do you only think of yourself?

Be honest!

Do you have the servant attitude of Jesus Christ – willing to sacrifice for others?

Will you empty yourself that others might be filled?

We'll read about being poured out.

The image is that of a drink offering poured out on the altar.

Paul was willing to pour out his very life for the sake of the Lord and His church, and to do it joyfully.

Timothy and Ephaproditus had the same attitude of service and sacrifice - giving themselves for others.

FB Myer wrote, 'I used to think God's gifts were on shelves one above the other. And the taller we grew in Christian character, the more easily we could reach those shelves. I now find that God's gifts are one shelves one beneath the other. And it's not a question of growing taller, but of stooping lower to serve others.'

March 31st, Tuesday: Ephesians 5- 6

Eph 5

As he encourages us to live Godly lives, Paul takes us to the temple and reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

If we walk in love, our lives will be living sacrifices, a fragrance to the Lord which is pleasing.

Sin is ugly and a stench in God's nostril.

Then Paul goes to the field and reminds us that walking in the light produces spiritual fruit.

If we walk in the light, we cannot have fellowship with the darkness.

And he also takes us to the marketplace and exhorts us to be like good merchants, who know how to buy up an opportunity.

You see, when you walk in wisdom, you use your time wisely.

And then we follow him to the banqueting hall and learn to walk in the Spirit and be joyful, thankful and submissive to one another.

Eph 6

Spirit-ful Christians will manifest Christ-likeness in the home, on the job and on the battlefield of life.

Listen – the bottomline here is that if we don't learn to obey at home, we're not likely to be obedient on the job, or in the army of the Lord.

In the same way, if we've not learned to take orders, we will not be too successful at giving orders, either as parents or as employers.

The danger in the home is parents who are authoritarian, but do not exercise loving spiritual authority.

The danger on the job is the employee who's a clockwatcher and does not obey from the heart, and the boss who forgets he is second in command and must one day give an account to the Lord.

And the danger on the battlefield is that we do not take the enemy seriously and so fail to put on the full armour.

By faith you put on the armour through prayer, which must be done at the beginning of everyday.

Hey, have you got your armour on right now?

Listen – never underestimate the strategy and strength of the devil!

March 30th, Monday: Ephesians 3- 4

Eph 3

The purpose for this reason.

Refers to what Paul wrote at the end of chapter 2 – the building of the church.

Now that was the reason behind his praying and his ministry.

Jesus said, 'I will build my church.'

But He uses people – you and me to help get the job done.

Is the building of the church your motivation to pray and serve?

And the word 'Gentiles' put Paul in prison.

God gave him a special commission to evangelize to the Gentiles and to explain to Jews and Gentiles, God's mystery, sacred secret in Christ.

Believing Jews and Gentiles are one and share the same spiritual riches.

He builds His church in this world.

God is putting things together.

Are you helping Him?

Are you involved?

Prayer.

This prayer is for spiritual vision – to see and lay hold of the greatness of God's love and power.

God wants you to be concerned about the whole building, the whole family that is, the whole body and all the saints.

Is narrowness in your life leading to shallowness and weakness?

Eph 4

To give place to the devil is to allow unconfessed sin in your life that gives opportunity for Satan to take over.

Some sins to avoid are discussed here.

One is disunity.

Believers are all one in Christ Jesus.

But we must endeavour to make that spiritual unity a practical reality in our daily lives.

Satan uses people who like to have their own way.

We'll also learn about immaturity.

Spiritual birth must lead to spiritual growth as we become more like Jesus Christ.

If we are maturing in Christ, we'll show it by being able to speak the truth in love.

Satan is a liar and a murderer.

And have a difficult time being successful when believers practice truth and love and unity.

And we'll also read about impurity.

You've been set free from the old life.

So why live in those old sins anymore.

Anything evil from the old life that is brought into the new life will give the devil a beachhead.

Paul names such things as lying, losing your temper, stealing, corrupt speech, bitterness and an unforgiving spirit.

These sins invites Satan into your life.

And they hurt you, they harm the church and grieve the Spirit of God.

Is it worth it?

Of course not!

March 29th, Sunday: Ephesians 1- 2

Eph 1

Salvation being from God.

Man does not save himself, for salvation is of the Lord.

You receive spiritual blessings from the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

And in Jesus, you have all you need for life and service.

Salvation being all of grace.

Paul emphasizes this point throughout the letters, especially in chapter 2:1-10.

Grace is God's favour bestowed on people who do not and cannot deserve it.

Salvation is for God's glory.

God saves sinners not to solve their problems but to bring glory to Himself.

The church will glorify Him for all eternity.

Salvation reveals God's greatness.

Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see the greatness of His power.

You know, He will!

Jesus is alive and He has conquered every enemy.

You may draw on His power to meet every need in life.

Eph 2

Death to life.

Lost sinners are not simply sick people needing help.

No.

They are dead people needing life.

The Son of God died that we might receive life through faith in Him.

We move from bondage to freedom.

Lost sinners are in bondage to the world, the flesh and the devil, and cannot free themselves.

In Christ, you have true freedom.

Now God is working in you and through you to accomplish His great purposes.

Tomb to the throne.

God did not give you life and leave you in the cemetery.

He lifted you up to sit on the throne with His victorious Son.

Separation to reconciliation.

In Jesus Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are now one.

The barriers have been removed.

The believers are members of one body, citizens of one holy nation and living stone in one temple.

All of this is of God – His marvelous love and His grace and kindness.

No wonder Paul opened this letter with a doxology.

March 28th, Saturday: Galatians 5- 6

Gal 5

Are you standing free?

Your freedom in Christ is a costly thing.

It cost Jesus His life.

In Him you stand free.

The yoke of the Law has been removed.

Are you falling?

The fall from grace does not mean to lose one's salvation.

It means to move out of the sphere of grace into the sphere of law.

It means to substitute regulations for a personal relationship with the Lord.

Are you running on course?

Or false teaching has got you on a detour of some kind?

Are you being leavened?

Jesus used leaven to picture sin.

Like yeast, false teaching is introduced quietly.

It grows secretly, and soon it affects every part of your life.

Are you serving others?

Freedom brings with it the responsibility to serve.

Love motivates us to fulfill the law of God.

Are you walking in the Spirit?

Life, not law, changes behaviour.

As you yield to the Spirit, Christ's life is manifested in the fruit of the Spirit.

Law works by compulsion from without, but grace works by compassion from within.

Gal 6

We'll be able to see others humbly.

You know, your response to another's fall reveals your own walk - whether it's spiritual or not.

Pride will make it impossible for you to help the fallen.

But humility will bring blessing to you and them.

You'll see yourself honestly in this passage of Scripture.

Do you use somebody's fall to make yourself look better?

Or do you know yourself, accept yourself, and seek to please God alone?

You'll be able to see leaders appreciatively.

When you give to others whose ministry blesses you, you're sowing seed that will bear fruit.

When you use your resources for sinful purposes you sow to the flesh and will reap a sad harvest.

You'll see the cross clearly.

The false teachers wanted the world's praise, so they avoided the cross.

But the true believer will glory in the cross, even if it means suffering the world's enmity.

March 28th, Saturday: Galatians 5- 6

Gal 5

Are you standing free?

Your freedom in Christ is a costly thing.

It cost Jesus His life.

In Him you stand free.

The yoke of the Law has been removed.

Are you falling?

The fall from grace does not mean to lose one's salvation.

It means to move out of the sphere of grace into the sphere of law.

It means to substitute regulations for a personal relationship with the Lord.

Are you running on course?

Or false teaching has got you on a detour of some kind?

Are you being leavened?

Jesus used leaven to picture sin.

Like yeast, false teaching is introduced quietly.

It grows secretly, and soon it affects every part of your life.

Are you serving others?

Freedom brings with it the responsibility to serve.

Love motivates us to fulfill the law of God.

Are you walking in the Spirit?

Life, not law, changes behaviour.

As you yield to the Spirit, Christ's life is manifested in the fruit of the Spirit.

Law works by compulsion from without, but grace works by compassion from within.

Gal 6

We'll be able to see others humbly.

You know, your response to another's fall reveals your own walk - whether it's spiritual or not.

Pride will make it impossible for you to help the fallen.

But humility will bring blessing to you and them.

You'll see yourself honestly in this passage of Scripture.

Do you use somebody's fall to make yourself look better?

Or do you know yourself, accept yourself, and seek to please God alone?

You'll be able to see leaders appreciatively.

When you give to others whose ministry blesses you, you're sowing seed that will bear fruit.

When you use your resources for sinful purposes you sow to the flesh and will reap a sad harvest.

You'll see the cross clearly.

The false teachers wanted the world's praise, so they avoided the cross.

But the true believer will glory in the cross, even if it means suffering the world's enmity.

March 27th, Friday: Galatians 3- 4

Gal 3 & 4

Examination.

It does us good to examine ourselves to make sure our spiritual experience is valid.

Do you have the Spirit living within?

If you began in the Spirit (which by the way is the only way to begin), are you now trying to continue in the power of the flesh?

We can get offtrack if our communication with the Lord is not continued each day.

Like Abraham, were you saved by faith?

And are you now like Abraham, walking by faith?

Explanation.

The Judaizers wanted the Galatians to go back to Moses.

But that is not far enough, we must go back to Abraham, where the promise started.

You see, the Law did not annul the promise.

The Law was given to reveal sin and prepare the way for Christ to come and fulfill the promise.

The law is a tutor, not a saviour.

A mirror, not a cleanser.

Exhortation.

Beware of false Gospel – robs you of salvation and of membership in the family of God, where all believers are one in Christ.

It robs you of your spiritual riches as an heir of the promise.

Are you rejoicing in the freedom you have in Christ?

March 26th, Thursday: Galatians 1- 2

Gal 1

To Paul, the Gospel is much more than a message he preached – it was a miracle he had experienced himself!

The Gospel is the power of God to salvation and it brings freedom.

You see, Christ died that He might deliver us.

When Paul trusted Christ, he became a free man!

The shackles of sin and legalistic religion were broken.

But the Gospel was also a treasure that Paul guarded.

Paul did not invent the Gospel or learn it from others – God gave it to him.

There is no other Gospel.

To dilute this Message or substitute another message is to destroy it.

No wonder Paul attacked those who attack the Gospel.

Because when you lose the Gospel, my friend, you lose everything.

The Gospel is a tie that binds God's people together.

Saul the enemy became Paul the brother.

And he was able to fellowship with people he once had persecuted – only the Spirit of God could do that.

Christians may disagree on minor matters of interpretation and organization, but they agree on the message of the Gospel.

Paul Reese wrote, 'The Gospel is neither a discussion, nor a debate – it is an announcement!'

Gal 2

The runner,

Paul saw himself as a man running a race.

And he was absolutely certain he was on the right track and headed for the right goal.

The Judaizers were trying to move the church into bondage and get them on a detour course.

The steward.

God has committed the Gospel to His people.

And we must guard it and share it with others.

God is not looking for popular celebrities, He is looking for faithful stewards.

The watchmen.

Paul was not afraid to confront the apostle Peter when Peter moved away from the truth of the Gospel.

'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty' said Wendell Phillips, and that applies to our spiritual liberty as well.

March 25th,Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 12- 13

2 Cor 12

Permission.

Just as God permitted Satan to test Job and Peter, so He permitted Satan to attack Paul.

God wanted to keep Paul humble after his exciting visit to heaven.

In the loving will of God, suffering has a purpose that can be fulfilled in no other way.

Accept it, and it will become a heavenly blessing.

Fight it, and it will become a heavy burden.

Prayer.

Like our Lord in Gethsemane, Paul prayed three times for God to deliver him.

But the Lord did not answer that prayer as Paul wanted.

However God did meet the need and gave His servant the grace he required.

Paul did not simply make the best of it.

No, he made the most of it!

And grace – God's empowering presence can do that for you as well.

Perplexity.

Paul was more concerned about the sins of the saints than about his own physical problems.

Like a loving father, he wanted to go to Corinth and enjoy his dear children.

But they were forcing him to discipline them.

Yet even discipline is an evidence of love.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, 'We must form our estimate of men less from their achievements and failures, and more from their sufferings.'

2 Cor 13

As Paul planned his trip to Corinth, envision the different kinds of people he would meet there.

The disobedient – that is one group.

Why would God's people wanted to disobey Him and create problems for Paul and grief for the Lord, not to speak of problems for their church?

Disobedient children must be dealt with.

And Paul intended to be a faithful and loving father.

Another group was the disqualified.

Some church members have never been born again.

And that is why they create problems.

Paul urges us to examine our hearts to be sure we're in the faith.

And the other group was the devoted.

These are the true believers – the true brothers and sisters in the Lord.

The 'set apart ones', the saints, the people who love one another and promote the peace and purity of the church.

They are the mature ones in the fellowship who encourage spiritual growth.

To which of these 3 groups do you belong?

March 24th,Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 10 - 11

2 Cor 10

Satan seeks to blind minds to God's light. fortify minds against God's truth, and seduce minds from God's love.

Paul gives some practical counsel for victory in spiritual warfare.

1. Be Christlike.

Boldness must be balanced with meekness.

For God's power is experienced in humility.

Satan is our enemy, not people held by his power.

2. Use spiritual weapons.

See Paul may have in mind Joshua's victory at Jericho when the walls came tumbling down because of Israel's faith.

Be sure you're wearing your whole armour.

3. Keep your eyes on the Lord.

That the Corinthians accused Paul of inconsistency gave Satan an opportunity to work in their lives.

4. Accept the sphere of service God gives you.

Every Christian soldier has a place to fill.

If we're all following His orders, the church will win the battle.

5. Remember to seek God's glory alone.

How can we boast in victories that God alone can give?

Well Paul quoted Jeremiah 9:24 to remind us where the glory belongs.

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2 Cor 11

Paul compares himself to a father with obligations to his spiritual children.

There is protection.

Spiritual leaders must protect the church from false teachers, who are like suitors trying to seduce the church from devotion to Christ.

Beware losing your love for Christ and for those who helped you trust the Saviour.

Provision.

Paul had the right to receive financial support at Corinth.

But he laid it aside and sacrificed for them in love.

They did not appreciate it.

But do you appreciate the sacrifices others make for you?

Are you willing to sacrifice for others?

Even when they do not thank you?

Suffering.

Paul mentioned his sufferings only to defend the Gospel and the authority of his ministry.

The false teachers bragged about their triumphs, but Paul boasted about his trials.

William Temple wrote, 'The principle of sacrifice is that we choose to do or to suffer what apart from our love, we would not choose to do or suffer.'

When love is returned, the sacrifice is the most joyful thing in the world and heaven is the life of joyful sacrifice.

But in a selfish world, it must be painful.

And the pain is the source of triumph.

March 23rd, Monday: 2 Corinthians 8 - 9

2 Cor 8 - 9

Chapters 8 & 9 focused on the offering Paul is taking for the needy believers in Judea.

The Corinthian church had agreed to share in the collection but had been remiss in doing so.

Paul had to remind them of their promise, and at the same time explain some principles of Christian giving.

It begins with surrender to the Lord.

And it requires faith.

A thousand ways to please God, not one without faith.

The example of the manna in Exodus shows that God always provides what we need.

Bottomline – God's promises can be trusted!

Faithfulness is required of those who handle the Lord's money.

They should be dedicated and faithful - making certain that everyone is honest and honourable.

It is a testimony to others.

A year before, the zeal of the Corinthians had stirred others to give.

Now Paul had to stir up the Corinthians.

We must not give to be praised by people.

But we also must be good examples before others.

If we make promises - we should keep them.

Things must be done gladly – especially giving.

If you want spiritual enrichment from your giving, you must practise enjoyment and be glad for opportunities to give.

Look at God's promises to faithful givers.

How can you lose?

George Sweeding wrote, 'For the Macedonian churches, giving was not a chore but a challenge. Not a burden but a blessing. Giving was not something to be avoided, but a privilege to be desired.'

March 22nd, Sunday: 2 Corinthians 6 - 7

2 Cor 6

Acceptance.

Often those in the church who cause problems, are people who have never truly been born again.

They may think that they're saved, but they are not.

NOW is the time to accept God's grace.

Tomorrow maybe too late.

Appreciation.

It's easy to forget the sacrifices others have made so that we can know the Lord.

Paul never spoke about his sufferings unless his words helped to protect the ministry.

Do you take your church fellowship for granted?

Have you thanked those who came before you, and made it possible?

Agreement.

Dr Edmund Lewis Cole said that, 'Agreement is the place of power.'

Believers in the church were compromising with the world, and not walking in a separated way.

Big mistake!

God longs to have a close fellowship with us.

But He will not share the yoke with the world.

2 Cor 7

We have to be cleansed.

It's one thing to ask God to cleanse you.

And quite something else to cleanse yourself and put away things that defile.

Separation sometimes demands surgery.

The same people who give you joy can also cause you sorrow.

When Titus reported that the church had disciplined the offender, the apostle was overjoyed.

Have you ever been the answer to someone else's prayers, as Titus was?

Clearing.

Listen if you're serious about repentance.

We will do everything we can to clear things up.

Remorse and regret do not go far enough.

There must be repentance followed by restitution.

Caring.

Both Paul and Titus cared about the believers in Corinth.

And this love finally won the day.

It's true you do take a risk when you love others, for they may hurt you.

But it's worth the risk to be like Jesus Christ, and live a life of love.

March 21st, Saturday: 2 Corinthians 4 - 5

2 Cor 4

The glory of salvation.

Unlike the legalist who have invaded the church, Paul had nothing to hide.

The Jewish religious system veiled the Gospel.

But Paul sought to reveal the Gospel.

The image is taken from Genesis 1 and transferred from the old creation to the new creation.

The glory of service.

Paul paid a price for his ministry.

But the legalist went about collecting honours.

We are vessels.

The treasure of the gospel life within is important.

As vessels we must be clean and available for his use.

The glory of suffering.

Jesus suffered and turned that into glory.

By faith we can do the same thing.

It's not wrong to care for the outward person, so long that you recognize that it's perishing.

Concentrate on the inner person.

It's the invisible that is imperishable.

The best is yet to come!

2 Cor 5

We know!

This building is our new body that we'll receive when we see the Lord – because God saves the whole person.

We know that.

And then we groan.

Creation is groaning and God's people also groan – yearning for the Lord Jesus to come again.

We do not want to die and leave our 'houses.'

We want these bodies to be clothed with the glory of God from heaven.

Paul longed to see Jesus come in his lifetime.

And we're confident.

God's Word gives us the truth about death and beyond.

And God's Spirit guarantees God's children will go to heaven.

We claim this by faith and walk with confidence.

And what peace it gives!

And we aim to please Him.

Paul's spiritual motivation for service include the judgment seat of Christ, the love Christ, the power of the Gospel and the Commission of the Lord.

So the question for you and me – 'What motivate us to do His will?'

March 20th, Friday: 2 Corinthians 2 - 3

2 Cor 2

Feelings.

From a heart of love touched with pain, Paul wrote a severe letter to the church, hoping to correct the problem.

He brought grief to his dear friends and that brought grief to Paul.

But they had disciplined the man who had caused the trouble.

You see, Paul was not afraid to share his feelings with others.

When you are out of touch with your feelings, you are out of touch with reality.

Forgiveness.

In Warren Wiersbe's Bible commentary, he said, 'When sinners truly repent, we should forgive them and reaffirm our love to them. Otherwise they might become discouraged and give Satan an opportunity to accuse and attack.'

Love does not condone sin.

But it does cover sin when God has washed it away.

Fragrance.

Paul described a Roman triumph - the official parade given to a victorious general when he returned to Rome.

The incense carried by the priest meant life to the Roman soldiers, but death to the prisoners who would end up in the arena with the wild animals.

You know Christ has conquered and we're privileged to march in His triumphal procession,.

2 Cor 3

The legalist who caused trouble in both Antioch and Jerusalem had come to Corinth and had enticed some of the believers into living by the law of Moses.

Paul refuted their position by showing the wonders of the new covenant ministry.

The background is Exodus chapter 34.

Change hearts is the new covenant.

The Law only revealed sin.

It cannot renew the inner person.

The Spirit wants to write a new version of His Word on your heart.

Will you let Him?

Warren Wiersbe says it gives life.

The Law kills but grace gives life and sustains that life.

God's children have a living relationship with Him through the Spirit of life.

By the way, it gets more and more glorious.

The glory of the law is gone. The Temple, the priesthood, the ceremonies and the awesome revelation of God's power – it's all gone.

But the glory of God's grace remains and grows more and more glorious.

And it brings freedom!

The law brings bondage, but grace gives glorious freedom, that makes us more and more like Jesus Christ.

Each day, you can have your own personal transfiguration, as you worship the Lord and yield to the Spirit.