Daily Bread Pastor Mike Anderson

Philippians 4 - NIV   Philippians 4 - Enduring Word Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity 4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!  2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Paul closes his letter to the Philippians like a coach in a locker pumping up is his players. Paul considers the Philippians his joy and his crown . They have a special place in his heart. When he says they are " his crown ", he is referring to the crown we will receive in heaven as a reward for our faithfulness.  Paul used the ancient Greek word for crown that described the crown given to an athlete who had won the race. It was a crown of achievement (a s...

Philippians 3 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary No Confidence in the Flesh 3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. When Paul says, " no confidence in the flesh" , he is talking about relying on our own good works, or our religious pedigree to be right with God. The " mutilators of the flesh " were those who wanted adult, male, Gentile converts to be circumcised according the the Law of Moses.  What does Paul mean when he says, "We are the circumcision" ? It seems like a very odd statement to make. Circumcision was commanded in the Old Testament as part of God's covenant with Abraham....

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...