God’s Word Guides, Frees, and Redeems you according to Psalm 119:129-136. It guides you with light and understanding, frees you from the bondage of sin, and redeems you from man’s oppression.
Because the Bible is not a collection of rules that take the fun out of life. But it molds you into the person God created you to be.
God’s word guides, frees, and redeems you by providing light and understanding
V.130 The unfolding of your word gives light and imparts understanding…
We live in a complicated world. Confused by competing messages. Fooled by deception. Captured through seduction.
What can you believe? Who can you trust? How can you know when something is true?
The Bible claims to be God’s words. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it’s God breathed. Which means He supernaturally spoke through its writers. Therefore, it is absolute truth. Accurate. Consistent. Reliable.
In a world blanketed by the darkness of sin, God’s word illuminates with a discerning brightness. And His Spirit guides your understanding. So when you read, study, and know His word, you recognize what’s false by holding it up to His truth.
God’s word guides, frees, and redeems you by releasing you from the bondage of sin
V.133 Keep steady my steps and let no iniquity get dominion over me
Sin is subtle. Stealthy. And quietly creeps up on you. We seldom plunge into it headlong, but slowly and imperceptibly. One slight detour from God’s path followed by another. A slow fade of small decisions in a parade moving steadily away from God. The gradual slide into a sink hole until we are firmly stuck in a mire.
And it starts off as fun and pleasure. Harmless and victimless. Until its seductive lure becomes a compulsory grip you can’t escape. God’s words guide you towards right behavior. His precepts towards healthy relationships driven by character and integrity.
And while many claim God’s word burdens you with legalistic demands, Jesus claimed the opposite. His truth sets you free. And his power releases you from the bondage of sin.
God’s word guides, frees, and redeems you by redeeming you from oppression
V.134 Redeem me from man’s oppression that I may keep your precepts
The desire for acceptance. Social expectations. Cancel culture. They are powerful forces that exert themselves in society. And the loudest, most insistent voices demand compliance. Even when you think or believe differently. And especially when you disagree.
So what do you do?
You can reverse your position and go with the flow. Disagree, but remain silent. Or stand firm and risk rejection.
And while I don’t have a specific answer on how to respond to the culture, scripture does reveal how to overcome oppression. Galatians 4:3-7 and Luke 4:18 are two passages among many others that provide an answer. The power of Christ and the power of God’s word offer freedom to those willing to listen and respond.
We all ask these profound questions at some point in life. And a comprehensive view of purpose considers it from three perspectives.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your eternal purpose
Scripture teaches we were created to praise, worship, and live in community with God for eternity. But the entrance of sin ruined this relationship. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for sin and restores the relationship with his gift of salvation.
A secular mindset rejects the authority of a creator and celebrates individual autonomy. But complete individual autonomy is an illusion. Because no one survives without God’s sustaining presence in the world and the cooperation of other people.
Here are a few scripture passages about your eternal purpose.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your greater purpose
We all want to make our life count. To advance a mission…find a special calling…work for a higher cause. Scripture encourages us to use our gifts, talents, and abilities for God’s glory. And serve His kingdom.
But this perspective is also where we often get hung up. As if a greater purpose and God’s will for our life is a mystery we have to solve. So we take personal inventories, career aptitude, and spiritual gift tests to determine where we fit in the world and in God’s plan. And sometimes obsess in analysis paralysis.
Two principles that have guided me in finding God’s purpose for my life
1. One of my seminary professors, Grady Lowery, always said, “find what you do best for the Kingdom of God and do it.”
Sounds almost too simple, right? And yet it has helped me navigate different career choices in church ministry and the secular marketplace. But always with a sense that God was leading and in control.
So what passion has God has placed in your heart? What gifts and abilities has he given you? How can you best use them for His Kingdom? The answer to these questions will often provide a pathway.
2. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God invites us to “join God where he is working.” This advice led me into many ministries over the years. Rather than searching for my exact fit, like a solitary piece in God’s grand puzzle, I simply walked through open doors of opportunity where God was clearly working. And I never felt like any of them were outside of God’s will.
Here are a few scripture passages to also consider.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your practical purpose
God’s Word is not a collection of rules and regulations to control you. But guidance for a life that honors, glorifies, and pleases Him. As you follow its precepts, you’ll pursue God’s intended purpose for this life.
Because rather than confine you, it helps you navigate the relationships and circumstances in life. Nor does it suppress your individuality and unique abilities. But encourages you to fully express them for God’s glory.
Need a purpose statement? A scripture verse I use is Micah 6:8.
“He has told you O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you. To live justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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The Christmas story satisfies these longings of the heart. The search for significance, the desire for completeness, and the yearning for peace. We ponder these longings, among others, in quiet solitude. And perhaps share intimate thoughts about them with a few close friends. Yet, wonder why they are so scarce in our world today.
Here’s how the Christmas story speaks into them.
The Christmas story satisfies these longings of the heart. The search for significance.
Does my life matter? How can I make a difference? What is my legacy?
These ultimate questions frequently surface during the Christmas season. Because the Christmas story is about ultimate meaning. It’s a time of warmth and celebration for people surrounded by close friends and families. But lonely and full of despair for others. When you wonder if anyone cares. If there’s any real meaning to life. And contemplate your significance in it.
And the Christmas story shouts, “God cares!”
Because the story is about a God who created you. Who loves you so deeply he came to the rescue in human form. To demonstrate the depths of his love and how you can live a meaningful, abundant life that lasts forever.
The Christmas story satisfies these longings of the heart. The desire for completeness.
Of course, in honest moments, we acknowledge the brokenness in our world. Broken within each of us. And despite our best efforts, we can’t fix it.
And so perhaps, we avoid thinking about it. Shrug our shoulders and say, “well, nobody’s perfect.” Which is true. Or maybe extol our virtues to make ourselves feel more complete. Still, it’s all woefully inadequate.
But here’s the good news of the Christmas story. Because what is broken is our relationship with God. And the Savior, Christ the Lord, came to restore it. What’s missing within us is His presence. It’s what makes you complete. A gift he grants when you simply ask for it.
The Christmas story satisfies theses longings of the heart. The yearning for peace
The angels announced his arrival by singing, “Peace on earth goodwill toward men.” And yet violence surrounds us. Along with war. Injustice. Rage. And you’re wondering…just where is that peace anyway?
The answer begins with you and me. You see, peace from a Biblical perspective is not simply a lack of conflict. Or a quest for inner tranquility. Peace is represented by a right relationship that begins with God. And then others.
And Jesus is the key to that relationship. The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Through Jesus our broken relationship with God is restored. And from there we can restore our relationships with others. One relationship at a time. It is the only path to true peace.
May these longings be satisfied and your life filled with joy this Christmas season through Jesus Christ the Lord.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 reveals the importance of relationship in ministry, investing in eternal rewards, and assurance that God meets your needs.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 reveals the importance of relationship in ministry
V.14 To share my troubles…
V.15 no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving…,
The first thing this passage reveals is the importance of relationships in ministry. Paul uses two similar words to communicate this. The Greek word for “share” in V. 14 is synkoinōnēsantes, which means to share in company with, to co-participate in. And the Greek word for “partnership” in V.15 is kŏinōnĕō, which means to share with others. To communicate, distribute, and be a partaker.
Both words express a similar idea to the Greek word kŏinōnia, which means partnership, participation, or social interaction. And describes the unique sense of community when Christ-followers engage socially.
In other words, the Philippian church is not simply giving to a good cause. Or contributing to an online fund raising account. They’re investing in the ministry of someone they know and have a relationship with. Not just because they care about Paul’s ministry. But because they care about Paul and his welfare.
It underscores an important principle. The church should be relationship driven. Church programs are good. Worship and proclaiming God’s word a must. But ministry without relationships lacks spiritual power and Kingdom impact.
A study of Philippians 4:14-23 encourages investing in eternal rewards
V.17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit
The Greek word for “fruit” is karpós, and in secular Greek refers to “product” or “gain”. It’s financial language that describes earning interest in an account. Jesus also uses karpós in Matthew 7:17 when he says, “a healthy tree bears good fruit.” And he is clearly speaking in a spiritual context.
It appears Paul is doing the same thing. In other words, he’s saying their financial investment into his ministry is a spiritual deposit that earns dividends in the Kingdom of God. Jesus supports this idea further in Matthew 6:19-21 when he talks about storing treasure.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 provides assurance that God will meet your needs
A sacrifice pleasing to God…
The Philippian church gave sacrificially. Even perhaps, to putting themselves at financial risk. Paul points this out in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 where he speaks of their poverty, and yet, the sacrificial generosity of the Philippian church in providing for his ministry.
And it’s not the gift itself, that pleases God. But the sacrificial attitudes and serving hearts of those giving.
Of course, church generosity begins with individual generosity. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Not because God needs our money, but because generosity fights against our natural tendency of selfishness and greed.
V.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul assures them in V.17 that he is now well supplied. And in a like manner, God will supply their needs. He didn’t ask them to give with such sacrifice. Nor would I suggest that sacrificial giving to the point of risking the welfare of your family is something God wants. However, the point is that God controls all the world’s richest and will supply the needs of His people who seek to honor and serve Him.
REFLECT AND RECORD
When you consider your own level of generosity, what drives it? Is gratitude, your trust in God, or your need for security?
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A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that contentment is learned, involves a learning process of experiencing a little and a lot, and that God strengthens you for all things.
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that contentment is learned
V.11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
The drive to accumulate things can consume us. Fueled by the desire for pleasure, ease, and comfort. It quickly becomes greed with an insatiable appetite. And it begs the question: how much is enough? When will I find contentment?
And Paul’s answer might surprise you. Because you don’t find contentment. You learn it.
Of course, the Bible doesn’t condemn hard work or the accumulation of wealth. In fact, wealth in scripture is often associated with God’s blessing. So where does contentment fit in?
The Greek word for “content” is autarkēs and means both content and sufficient.
In Greek stoic philosophy, contentment was considered something you passively accepted. Since your circumstances are part of God’s will, you might as well accept them in resignation. But Paul takes another approach.
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that the learning process involves experiencing a little and a lot
v.12 I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Paul experienced times when he had very little and times when he had a lot. And it was an extreme, education curriculum. Because he was beaten, whipped, thrown in prison, and shipwrecked to name a few difficult experiences. And right now you’re probably saying if that’s what it takes to learn contentment, I’d rather remain ignorant.
However, maybe your learning process can avoid those extremes. And involve self-discipline instead. One simple decision my wife and I made early in our marriage was to pay off our credit card bills each month and not build consumer debt. This made us control our spending and say no to some purchases. And we learned to either wait until we had the money or live without some things.
We also learned to express an attitude of gratitude. And regularly thank God for His provision. The more you do, the more it takes root in your heart.
REFLECT AND RECORD
What are some lessons you’ve learned about contentment? Describe the circumstances. Where do you still struggle and explain why? What disciplines should you consider or adjustments should you make?
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that God strengthens you for all things
V.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
The Greek word for strengthen is ĕndunamŏō, and means to empower, enable, increase in strength, and make strong
A unique feature of the Christian faith is that it admits human weakness. No one has it all together. Or is completely self-reliant. And to pretend you are is either an attempt to fool others or fool yourself.
Even the great men of faith admitted their inadequacies. David cries out for help and identifies where it comes from in Psalms 121. Solomon talks about the importance of supportive friends. And Paul explains how God’s power is demonstrated through his weakness.
There are times we all need the support of others. And it’s okay to ask for it.
Where do you need God’s strength right now? James 4:2 reminds you it’s important to ask. So take a moment and ask God to provide the strength for what you’re encountering.
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