Daily Bread Pastor Mike Anderson

Enduring Word Commentary Philippians 2 Imitating Christ’s Humility 2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Paul tells them that his joy would be complete if in response to the encouragement, comfort, and consolation they had found in Christ, they would become like minded by having the same love for each other. Then, Paul gives an excellent summary about what humility looks like for a Christ follower.  1. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. The opposite of humility is self-centeredness and vanity. We have all known people who are " all about ...

Welcome to the book of Philippians. Before we start you may want to click on Chuck Swindoll's commentary, where he gives the historical background and the purpose for Paul's writing to the church in Philippi.  Introduction to Philippians - Insight for Living, Chuck Swindoll Philippians 1 Enduring Word Commentary 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a familiar salutation which gives us two important details. First, we see Paul's protege Timothy, who is Paul's representative to the church. Paul give Timothy the full weight and authority to act on his behalf. Paul is writing this letter from prison in Roman around 61-62 A.D.  This reminds every leader that we should be equipping someone else who can work and minister with us and eventually be released as a pastor over God's people.  Also,...

Ephesians 6 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary 6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Paul closes Ephesians with instructions for various places in life, after giving his admonition for husbands and wives at the end of chapter 5. He starts with families with kids and the fact that children should respect their parents. Then he gives a reason and promise for this command. The reason is that it is the 4th commandment. The promise is, " So that it will go well for you and enjoy long life on the earth." It's interesting that we don't stress this promise very much to kids today. Paul teaches about about the assurance of a great life, when one honors their parents. I have certainly fo...

Ephesians 5 - NIV   Enduring Word Commentary 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. Paul continues the application part of the letter to Ephesians with the general admonition to walk in the way of love. What does this mean? Follow Jesus' example. Jesus...

Ephesians 4 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary In chapters 4-6, Paul turns to practical application of the doctrine he laid out in chapters 1 - 3. Ephesians was probably the largest church at this point in the first century, and also very strategically located, It was sophisticated in its culture, which presented many challenges for these young Christians.  Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ 4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Paul starts by transitioning and saying as a disciple of Christ I urge you to, " Live a life worthy of the calling they had received...

Ephesians 3 Enduring Word Commentary God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles 3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Paul uses irony here as he is prison but also says he is a "prisoner" for Jesus Christ. A prisoner is someone who has lost their rights. Paul willingly gave up his rights to be a prisoner for Christ. He went to prison for preaching to the Gentiles, but in reality he went into prison because he was a follower of Jesus Christ.   During his Roman imprisonment Paul was under house arrest. In the day he was free to move around the house with the supervision of soldiers, but every night he was chained to a soldier to make sure he did not escape before his trial before Caesar. Yet he saw himself as the prisoner of Jesus Christ. He knew that Jesus was the Lord of his life, not the Roman government, so if he was a prisoner, he was Jesus’ prisoner. - Guzik 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was...