S – Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.

Colossians 2:16 ESV

O – Commentary:

what you eat or drink: Religious teachings that prohibited certain kinds of food and drink were widespread in the ancient world. The OT does not prohibit drinking alcohol, but many pious Jews who lived in pagan cultures did abstain (cp. Dan 1:8–16). • Many ancient religious groups, including the Jews, celebrated the new moon with various ceremonies (see Num 10:10; Ps 81:3; Isa 1:13). • Jewish Sabbaths were set forth in the law of Moses and celebrated by Jews as an essential part of their religion (see chart, p. 235). Christians could continue to observe the Sabbath if they wanted to, but Paul insists that Christians have liberty on this matter (see Rom 14:5) and that it is wrong for anyone to insist on Sabbath observance as a necessary expression of Christian piety.

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Col 2:16.

A – It is healthy to know yourself well enough to set boundaries and guardrails to prevent yourself from sinning.  The challenge is when we expect everyone else to follow our same patterns.  Denominations, differing interpretations and rules have driven wedges between believers.  God gave the ten commandments and then religous leaders added 613 Levitical laws.  We need to be wise about reading God’s word, praying and asking God how to live a life that honors him and invites others in the journey.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy.  Give us insight in our own lives to understand the best ways for us to honor You and your word.  Give us the best practices that will cause us to grow closer to you and eliminate sin in our lives.  As we share with others, let it draw us closer to you and them.

S – To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

Colossians 1:27 ESV

O –  Commentary:

mystery among the Gentiles The Colossians’ non-Jewish ethnicity did not exclude them or disqualify them from God’s promises and plan. On the contrary, the work of Christ makes them eligible to share in the inheritance of God’s people (v. 12). The inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God was always part of God’s plan of salvation (Gen 12:3; Isa 49:6; Gal 3:8)

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Col 1:27.

Hope of glory – The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit given to New Testament believers was a “mystery” to the Old Testament saints. After Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, never to leave (John 14:16–17; 16:7). Jesus told His disciples, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father . . . and I am in you” (John 14:20).

The Holy Spirit seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). In other words, the Spirit’s presence in our hearts guarantees our ultimate salvation. Though we are in this world, we are not of it (John 17:16). God will continue to work in us until He is finished perfecting us (see Philippians 1:6). This forward-looking guarantee of perfection is what is meant by “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The J. B. Phillips translation of Colossians 1:27 puts it this way: “The secret is simply this: Christ in you! Yes, Christ in you bringing with him the hope of all glorious things to come.”

The hope of glory is the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore us and all creation (see Romans 8:19–21 and 1 Peter 5:10). This hope is not a wishful thought, but the confident, expectant, joyful knowledge that we are being changed by God and will one day see Christ face to face, having been conformed to His image (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).

The hope of glory includes our resurrection: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).
Got Questions, https://www.gotquestions.org/Christ-the-hope-of-glory.html

A – God wants relationship with all man by the indwelling of his Spirit in them.  What we read and move on from was revolutionary in Biblical times.  Let’s never take for granted to depth of God’s love and desire to know us intimately.  It cost him the blood of his son on the cross.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the only God.  Thank you for loving us so fiercely that you sent Christ to die on a cross for us.  The hope we have in our relationship with you allows us to face today with courage, faith and compasion for others.

S – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things

Philippians 4:8

O – Commentary:

Six items are mentioned as objects of a wholesome thought life, and each one is introduced with whatever. In the Greek “whatever” is plural, which suggests that several things could be included under each heading.

True (alēthē) things are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things (cf. Eph. 4:15, 25). Noble refers to what is dignified and worthy of respect (this word semna is used in the NT only here and in 1 Tim. 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2). Right refers to conformity to God’s standards. Pure (hagna) refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity. Lovely (prosphilē, occurring only here in the NT) speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict. Admirable (euphēma, also used only here) relates to what is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive.

These six objects of thought are then described as excellent (aretē) and praiseworthy (epainos).

 Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

A – It would be a tremendous accomplishment to discipline one’s mind to think only on these things.  If one area seems to be the biggest challenge, focus on moving that area closer to the principle that Paul described.  In our lifetime we can improve in each of these areas.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you for the gifts of our minds.  Help us to grow in each of these areas so our thoughts are healthy and vibrant.  

S – If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. ⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ

Philippians 3:4–7 ESV

O – Commentary:

Seven advantages listed in Philippians 3:5–6 demonstrate what Paul used to have in the flesh but what he later counted as loss for Christ. Two kinds of advantages are enumerated. First are those things which the apostle had by birth, apart from his choice. Four of these are listed—circumcision, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew son of Hebrew parents. Next he named those privileges which he voluntarily chose—being a Pharisee, being a persecutor of the church, and having a flawless external record of legalistic righteousness.

Circumcision was named first probably because it was a big issue with the Judaizers. Paul’s specific time, the eighth day, stressed that he was not a proselyte or an Ishmaelite but a pure-blooded Jew. Proselytes were circumcised later in life and Ishmaelites after age 13 (cf. Gen. 17:25–26).

Paul was of the people of Israel, which describes his heritage. His parents were both true Jews, unlike some of the Judaizers. He could trace his family lineage all the way back to Abraham. He was a true member of the covenant people (cf. 2 Cor. 11:22).

He was also a Benjamite, from which tribe came Israel’s first king (1 Sam. 9:1–2). This tribe had a special place of honor and was viewed with great esteem. Even after the kingdom was disrupted the tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David.

Hebrew was Paul’s native tongue. Unlike some of the Israelites, he did not adopt Greek customs. He knew thoroughly both the language and customs of the people of God. He was a Hebrew son of Hebrew parents.

In regard to the Law, Paul was a Pharisee, a member of the strictest sect among his people. In addition to the Law of Moses the Pharisees added their own regulations which in time were interpreted as equal to the Law.

What greater zeal for the Jewish religion could anyone boast of than that he persecuted the church? Paul did this relentlessly before his conversion to Christ (Acts 9:1–2). No Judaizer could match such zeal.

In “legalistic righteousness” Paul also excelled. In fact in his own eyes he was faultless (amemptos; the same word is used in Phil. 2:15 where it is rendered “blameless”).

3:7–9. Any of those who troubled the saints at Philippi would have loved to have been able to list to his credit those things Paul did. On the human side these were reasons to have religious self-confidence. But all those things enumerated in verses 5–6 the apostle considered loss for the sake of Christ 

 Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 659–660.

A – Super long commentary because Paul’s “spiritual resume” was exceeded most religious leaders in Israel.  Simple application – It doesn’t matter your personal or spiritual resume – neither of them stand up to your relationship with Christ.  The standard that we will be judged by is do we accept who God is and put him in the place of Lord and Savior in our lives.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are the only God and Savior with Supreme Lordship over all.  We lay our “resumes” down at your feet and bow our knees to the one, true God in our lives.  Empower us in to not only acknowledge and accept you, but to also live a life that honors you and brings glory to your name today.

S – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

Philippians 2:3,4ESV

O – Commentary:

Nothing was to be done out of selfish ambition (v. 3). The same word (eritheian) appears in 1:17 to describe the attitude of those who opposed Paul. Without question such behavior is of the flesh and not the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:20, which uses the same word). Vain conceit, meaning “empty glory,” was probably the root cause of their selfish ambition.

The two negatives are followed by a positive exhortation: in humility consider others better than yourselves. But, a word of contrast, introduces these words. Humility before God and man is a virtue every child of God needs to strive for. A spirit of pride in human relations indicates a lack of humility before God. Paul exhorted the Philippians to consider others before themselves (cf. 1 Peter 5:5–6). “This will go far toward removing disharmony” (Homer A. Kent, Jr., “Philippians,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 11: 122).

Paul explained how humility can be expressed (Phil. 2:4). Instead of concentrating on self, each believer should be concerned for the interests of others in the household of faith (cf. Rom. 12:10). Preoccupation with oneself is sin.

 Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 653.

A – It is not about you.  It is about learning to live in strong confidence in God and the gifting He has given you.  With that foundation rooted in God, we can walk in humility because we know our source and we steward all that He has given us. This allows us to value others enough to serve them and be aware of their needs.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Rock and Foundation.  Thank you for bestowing upon us many gifts and your presence.  Help us to steward them at the highest level today.  Empower us to serve others from a heart of humility as we value and honor them.

S – ²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1: 21

O –  Commentary:

Paul’s main purpose in living was to glorify Christ. Christ was the essence of his life. Yet Paul knew that if he were martyred, Christ would be glorified through the promotion of the gospel which would result from his testimony in death. And Paul himself would benefit, for death would result in his being with Christ (v. 23). The words to die suggest the act of dying, not the state of death.

Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 651–652.

A – Death and life hold so much.  Death eliminates all the distractions of this world and brings believers into the presence of God.  Life allows us to enjoy all the wonderful things that life offers and still grow in our relationship with God.  In our lifetime, we get to share the gospel and help them make a decision for Christ.  We can approach both with excitement knowing that God is with us in each.

R- Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of All.  You hold life and death equally.  In both, we have the opportunity to be with you.  When we eliminate the fear of life and death, it becomes gains all the power and peace in our relationship with you.

S – ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places

Ephesians 6:10–12 ESV

O – We need to be strong in the Lord and we are strengthened by God’s actual power.  Like a soldier, we need to “kit up” and recognize we are in a spiritual battle.  Our enemy is not human – it is the devil and his minions who live in the spiritual realm.

A – When we recognize that we live in the physical realm and the spiritual one, it is dynamic shift.  We still interact with others and situations in our lives because that is where life is lived.  But, knowing that there are spiritual forces at play allows us to see the “who” and “why” behind life’s intersections.  This tends to bring fear in some people.  A believer doesn’t need to fear.  Jesus won the victory when he resurrected from the tomb and gives us dominion and victory over any force that would come against him.  We start the battle knowing we have already won.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the victor.  Life is challenging and the battle can be tough.  Embolden us today to pick up our armor and fight the battles before us.  We are grateful that you give us the ability to fight and stand against the attack of the enemy.  Finally, help us to fight from a place of victory that you already guaranteed on the cross.

S – for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:8–10 ESV

O / A – The imagery is straight forward.  Before a relationship with God, you were filled with your own human nature that revolved around you. In accepting Christ, you exchanged the darkness and self focus for a Christ focus and the revelation of knowing him.  We need to walk this out by spending time getting to know Him more.  The darkness will try to find cracks in that relationship to find places to attach.  We must be vigilant to find those areas and eliminate the darkness once and for all.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Light.  We are grateful for our transformation from darkness to light.  This is made possible by the death of Jesus on the cross.  Empower us today to see any areas of darkness that are attaching themselves to us.  We want to walk in pure light today.

S – Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and give no opportunity to the devil

Ephesians 4:25–27 ESV

O – Commentary:

Having put away falsehood, believers are to tell the truth (cf. v. 15). Truth is conforming one’s words to reality. The reason for this exhortation is that believers are all members of one another in Christ’s body, the church (cf. vv. 4, 16).

4:26–27. While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13–16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to “keep short accounts,” dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian’s righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., “a place”), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger.

 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 637.

A – Two strong principles.  We demonstrate love for one another when we share truthfully with the other person.  We can say hard things that challenge while maintaining the value and respect for the person.  We can be angry without sinning.  When the anger becomes more of the issue than the thing that causes the anger, it is a problem.  When it stays longer than resolving the issue that is a problem.  These two items can bring such unity to the body of Christ if they are healthy in our walk with God and others.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Truth and grace.  Thank you for emulating truth and grace to us.  Empower us to grow in both areas.  We want to be a catalyst for continued relationship that is honest, truthful and authentic in a way that reflects your heart and love for others.  Grow our ability to resolve conflict without remaining angry.  Lead us in these things today.

S – …that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Ephesians 3:16–19 ESV

O – Commentary:

3:17 Having Christ … make his home in your hearts is the source of spiritual power for life and ministry (see John 14:16–17, 23; 15:4–5; Gal 2:20).

3:18 how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is: Christ’s love is great in every dimension (cp. Rom 8:38–39).

3:19 May you experience (literally know) the love of Christ: The whole Christian life is based on the experience and personal knowledge of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ (see Rom 12:1). • it is too great to understand fully: Christ’s love is much greater than ordinary human love (see Rom 5:6–8). • The believer’s life is made complete when it is filled with all the fullness of life and power by the presence of Christ within (see 1:23; Gal 2:20; Col 1:27). The believer then is conformed to his image and reflects God 

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Eph 3:17–19.

A – Three great aspects of our relationship with God:  Power through the Holy Spirit, Christ dwells in our hearts, God’s love is beyond comprehension.  Each of these are foundational in our relationship with God.  Each give us a different view of God and expands as we grow in our relationship with all three.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you for a day to grow in our love, faith and hope in you.  We invite all of these foundational parts of our relationship with you to grow and flourish.