S – For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 ESV

O – Commentary:

The proof of God’s love for the Thessalonians was His choice of them unto salvation. From the word translated chosen (eklogēn) comes the English “election.” That God has chosen to bless some individuals with eternal life is clearly taught in many places in both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Deut. 4:37; 7:6–7; Isa. 44:1–2; Rom. 9; Eph. 1:4–6, 11; Col. 3:12; 2 Thes. 2:13). Equally clear is the fact that God holds each individual personally responsible for his decision to trust or not to trust in Jesus Christ (cf. John 3; Rom. 5). The difficulty in putting divine election and human responsibility together is understanding how both can be true. That both are true is taught in the Bible. How both can be true is apparently incomprehensible to finite human minds; no one has ever been able to explain this antinomy satisfactorily. This task transcends human mental powers, much as seeing angels transcends human visual powers and hearing very high-pitched sounds transcends human auditory powers. The Thessalonians’ response to the gospel message proved that God had chosen them for salvation.

 Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” 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), 691.

A – In reading this commentary, it brings up the conversation between predestination and free will choice.  This portion does a solid job of describing both parties.  The conclusion is still true today – we don’t know how this works.  Yet, many people believe both sides very strongly…which is fine as long as you don’t alienate the person on the other side of the issue.  We can disagree on the interpretation of scripture on these issues.  We cannot disagree on the foundational truths.  Like any family, we are all unique in our gifting, talents and beliefs.  And, we are one…united by the blood of Jesus as part of God’s family.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Lord of the family of God.  Thank you for creating us unique in so many ways.  Empower us to maximize those qualities to be the best version of us that reflects our love for you and others.

S – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23–24 ESV

O – Commentary:

In fact, whatever (cf. v. 17) slaves do should be with all their heart[s] (lit., “out of the soul,” i.e., genuine and from within, not merely by outward pretense) and for the Lord, not for men. While slavery was certainly undesirable, Paul’s goals did not include restructuring social institutions (cf. 1 Cor. 7:17–24). Principles in Colossians 3:22–25 for Christian slaves may be applied today to Christian employees. If more Christian employees today served their employers with genuine concern and as though they were serving God, quality and productivity would increase dramatically! It is the Lord Christ whom all Christians are serving. (This is the only place in the NT where the term “the Lord Christ” is used.) After all, the final “payday” (an inheritance … as a reward) is coming from the Lord 

 Norman L. Geisler, “Colossians,” 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), 683–684.

A – While writing is targeting slaves, it applies to all of us when we look at the work we do.  Part of our expression of love for Christ is our attitude and aptitude we display when we are working.  Do we emulate the same principles of following God when we work in our hearts but also in our deeds?  Love, compassion and strength would not allow us to do a feeble attempt at our work; as we value others, we are compelled to bring our best for them.  Knowing our testimony is on full display while we work, who would want to taint that with a subpar effort or attitude?

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Lord Christ.  Enable us today to use our thoughts, words and actions in a way that displays your love for You and others.  Our testimony while we work will draw people closer to you in relationship.

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.