text:
Philippians 2:16 holding fast (PAPMPN) the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run (1SAAI) in vain nor toil (1SAAI) in vain (NASB: Lockman)
Greek: logon zoes epechontes, (PAPMPN) eis kauchema emoi eis hemeran Christou, hoti ouk eis kenon edramon (1SAAI) oude eis kenon ekopiasa. (1SAAI)
Amplified: Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
ESV: holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
NET: by holding on (holding out, holding forth) to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.
KJV: Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
NLT: Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Phillips: For you hold in your hands the very word of life. Thus can you give me something to be proud of in the day of Christ, for I shall know then that I did not spend my energy in vain. (Phillips: Touchstone)
Wuest: holding forth the word of life, to the end that I may have a ground for glorying reserved for the day of Christ, this glorying being because of the fact that I did not run in vain nor did I labor to the point of exhaustion in vain. (Eerdmans)
Young's Literal: the word of life holding forth, for rejoicing to me in regard to a day of Christ, that not in vain did I run, nor in vain did I labour
HOLDING FAST THE WORD OF LIFE: logon zoes epechontes (PAPMPN): (Phil 1:27; Ps 40:9; 71:17; Mt 10:27; Lk 12:8; Ro 10:8-16; Rev 22:17) (Jn 6:63,68; Acts 13:26; 2Ti 2:15, 16, 17; Heb 4:12; 1Pet 1:23; 1John 1:1)
Lightfoot has "holding out" (as offering) whereas other translations render it "holding fast" in the sense of faithfully persevering in the Christian faith.
John MacArthur notes that "Holding fast is from epecho, which is perhaps better rendered "holding forth," as in the King James Version. The terms Paul normally used for the idea of holding fast, or holding on to, were echo or katecho (cf. 1Co 11:2; 15:2; 1Th 5:21; 1Ti 1:19; 3:9; 2Ti 1:13). The context of the present text also makes clear that the point is not believers' remaining faithful to (i.e., holding onto) God's truth, but rather their sharing with others (holding out) the redeeming word that brings eternal life. (MacArthur, J. Philippians. Chicago: Moody Press)
Rainy writes that hold forth the word of life may mean that the saints at Philippi were to "hold by it and to hold it out,--the expression used in verse 16 may have either meaning; and virtually both senses are here. In order to give light there must be life. And Christian life depends on having in us the Word, quick and powerful, which is to dwell in us richly in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This must be the secret of blameless Christian lives; and so those who have this character will give light, as holding forth the Word of life. The man's invisible character itself does this. For while the word and message of life is to be owned, professed, in fit times proclaimed, yet the embodiment of it in the man is the main point here, the character being formed and the practice determined by the "word" believed. So also we are said to live by the faith of the Son of God. The life of faith on Him, is the life of having and holding forth His Word. (Read the rest of his note in The Epistle to the Philippians)
James Draper makes a good point - We often think that some Christians do not witness, but they all do witness! The trouble is, some give the wrong kind of witness. They give a witness that says, "God is insignificant and unimportant in my life." As God's salvation is worked out through us, we will offer the Word of Life to those around us, expecting them to take it.
It seems to me that holding fast to the Word (and thereby being held fast by it) and holding out the Word of life are not incompatible interpretations. You can hardly hold it out unless you are holding it fast! The latter then implies the former.
Holding fast (1907) (epecho from epí = upon + écho = have, hold) means literally have or hold upon. To hold fast. To hold firmly to (hold firmly to a particular belief) To direct towards. To give attention to. To hold out, then to hold one's mind toward. To observe.
It is found in the phrase in secular Greek "held straight for the beach".
In this verse the present tense calls for them to hold fast to the Word continually, continuing to believe it. The context also allows for the interpretation of the continuing to hold forth the Word of Life as described in next section.
Epecho can also mean to have hold out towards as an offer (e.g., as used in secular Greek of offering someone food or wine). Holding out like a torch.
When used of the mind it mean to fix the mind upon, give heed to, keep close watch on, pay attention (cf 1Ti 4:16). In this use the idea is that of a constant state of readiness.
In some contexts epecho means to direct one's mind or attention to a particular object or event, to notice or to watch (cf Luke 14:7, Acts 3:5) direct one's mind to a thing,
Finally epecho can mean to stay or remain in a place beyond some point of time and so to stay on or remain. It can also mean to keep back or detain a person = hold oneself back. (cf Acts 19:22; Ge 8:10; 2Chr 8:5)
Epecho is found 5 times in the NAS (Luke; Acts 2x; Philippians;1 Timothy) and is translated: give… attention, 1; holding fast, 1; noticed, 1; pay close attention, 1; stayed, 1.
Here are the NT uses of epecho…
Epecho is found 12 times in the Septuagint (LXX) :Gen. 8:10, 12; Jdg. 20:28; 1 Ki. 22:6, 15; 2 Ki. 4:24; 2 Chr. 18:5, 14; Job 18:2; 27:8; 30:26; Jer. 6:11
See discussion of "Hold Fast" Versus "Hold Out" In Philippians 216 -- By Vern Poythress
Spurgeon - You are to hold forth the Word of life as men hold forth a torch. Your shining is largely to consist in holding forth the Word of life.
Note that in Phil 2:14-16, Paul emphasizes three characteristics of those who would be "lights" in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation.
H C G Moule -Holding forth - as offering it for acceptance; presenting it to the notice, enquiry, and welcome, of others. The metaphor of the luminary is dropped.—It is intimated that the faithful Christian will not be content without making direct efforts, however humble and unobtrusive, to win attention to the distinctive message of his Lord. (The Epistle to the Philippians)
Vance Havner - Hold forth the word of life. We are not depositories but dispensers, stewards, and witnesses, not just to enjoy the gospel but to share it. It is not a secret to be hidden, but a story to be heralded.
Adam Clarke on Holding forth the word of life—An allusion, some think, to those towers which were built at the entrance of harbors, on which fires were kept during the night to direct ships into the port. Genuine Christians, by their holy lives and conversation, are the means of directing others, not only how to escape those dangers to which they are exposed on the tempestuous ocean of human life, but also of leading them into the haven of eternal safety and rest. That I have not run in vain—This appears to be a part of the same metaphor; and alludes to the case of a weather-beaten mariner who has been long tossed on a tempestuous sea, in hazy weather and dark nights, who has been obliged to run on different tacks, and labor intensely to keep his ship from foundering, but is at last, by the assistance of the luminous fire on the top of the tower, directed safely into port. Live so to glorify God and do good to men, that it shall appear that I have not run and labored in vain for your salvation.
Life Application Commentary - Christians can develop a "fortress mentality" about surviving in a depraved world. Such a mind-set prefers to withdraw into church or family, away from the evil world, shutting it out. But Paul didn't support a fortress mentality. Instead, he required believers to take the gospel out into the culture. It is a waste of energy just to leave a light on. Church people must help illuminate the way so that others can find Christ. (Barton, B, et al: The NIV Life Application Commentary Series: Tyndale)
Ron Mattoon - He, who would shine as a light, must burn. No candle can give light without the wax being consumed. If we are going to shine for Christ, we must give of ourselves. Don't be surprised if the Lord does not use you if you are unwilling to give of yourself and be used of God. (Mattoon's Treasures from Philippians)
Steven Cole - Our lives shine as we put off grumbling and disputing and live in joy, especially during trials. But, also, we have a message we hold forth: "the word of life" (Phil 2:16). The gospel--that Christ died for our sins, that He arose victorious over sin and death, that He offers a full pardon from the wages of sin to all who will receive it by faith-- that good news is the power of God to salvation for all who believe. The gospel is not just a set of propositions or doctrines to subscribe to, although it involves certain non-negotiable doctrines. The gospel brings the very life of God to those who are dead in their transgressions and sins (Ep 2:1-10). Those apart from Christ are not pretty good people who just need a little help to solve some of their problems. According to Scripture, they are spiritually dead, separated from the life of God. But when we hold forth to them the word of life, God can use it to raise them from the dead, to give them eternal life. (Read the entire excellent message)
Word of Life - In Greek this phrase is placed first for emphasis. It is a beautiful descriptive name for the Scripture and in context refers to the Gospel which, when believed, produces spiritual and eternal life (cf. Eph 2:1-note, Jn 3:3, 5 5:24 6:63 12:48).
Word of Life means that it is the Word which is life (genitive of apposition) and which gives life (genitive of source). In other words the Gospel is not like just any word but is a word which has life in itself and which leads to life. Paul makes it clear that this "Word of life", the gospel, is unique and supernatural writing to the Colossians that…
When the angel released Peter from prison (where he was being held for preaching the gospel), the angel commanded Peter…
Vine feels that "The word of life is not here the Living Word, the Person (as in 1John 1); only John uses logos in that sense; it is the (living and life giving) message, the gospel. It is called the Word of life because it ministers spiritual life and imparts the knowledge of God and of His Son Jesus Christ, which the Lord said "is eternal life" (John 17:3). (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson )
Vincent adds that the word of life is…
Jesus said that "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (Jn 6:63)
Peter added "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life." (Jn 6:68)
Scripture has numerous descriptions of The Word as shown in the following list (based on the NASB translation) which is worth studying if you have time… (This list would be a fruitful Meditation [See also Primer on Biblical Meditation])
Metaphors (what is a metaphor?) for the Word of God…
Related Resources:
Delighting in the Word of God - See discussion of delight
Quotations - Scripture or the Word of God
Inductive Study on the Power of God's Word
Memory Verses by Topic - consider bookmarking this page
SO THAT IN THE DAY OF CHRIST I HAVE CAUSE TO GLORY: eis kauchema emoi eis hemeran Christou : (Phil 1:26; 2Cor 1:14; 1Th 2:19)
So that - Expresses the purpose of their (the Philippians saints) walking (conducting their lives) by either holding fast or forth the Word of life (Other descriptions of the Word). Either way (remaining faithful to the Word or giving out the Word) will be a praiseworthy situation for their "spiritual mentor" Paul when he stands before the Righteous Judge, Christ Jesus, at the Bema Seat. Are you so redeeming your short time on earth (Jas 4:14, Job 7:7, 14:1,2, Ps 37:2-note, Ps 90:9-note, 1Pe 1:17-note), pouring your life into others, intentionally discipling them, equipping them to be steadfast in the faith, so that you too might have cause to glory at the Judgment Seat of Christ? To ask it another way, are you so living in a manner worthy of the Lord that you are not looking forward to your personal appearance at the Bema Seat of Christ? Let me encourage you to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead (Phil 3:13-note), consciously, prayerfully (Pray Ps 90:12-note) determining to redeem the time you have left (Ep 5:15, 16-note, Col 4:5KJV, Col 4:6KJV-note), motivated not by guilt but by His promise of a reward for faithful, Spirit energized, grace endued labor for the Lord and His renown (cp Rev 22:12-note, Col 3:23, 24, 25-note Mt 25:21, 23, Lk 19:17). As someone has well said "You can't control the length of your life, but you can control its depth." (from The Brevity Of Life - Our Daily Bread)
Lehman Strauss - Paul did not live to please himself. He lived and labored in the light of "the day of Christ." In that day he wanted to rejoice in abiding fruit. So he held forth the Word of life. To waste his time in performing works that have no lasting spiritual qualities, and that would be burned up, would be to labor in vain. He who would shine as a light must burn. No candle can give light without the wax being consumed. No lamp can give light if its oil is not being consumed. John the Baptist was "a burning and a shining light" (John 5:35). So was Paul! (Ed: And so too can you be dear saint!) (Lehman Strauss Commentary - Devotional Studies in Philippians)
John Phillips - Paul wanted to be as successful as possible in spreading the gospel. He wanted to persuade people to accept Christ, and he wanted his converts to do the same. And he wanted his converts to teach their converts to spread the gospel. At the judgment seat of Christ their reward would be his reward. Paul's cup of rejoicing would overflow if those he had won to Christ were to hear the Lord say to them, "Well done." Then he would know he had not labored in vain. (John Phillips – Exploring Philippians: An Expository Commentary)
Day of Christ (see discussion of this "day" at note 1 and/or note 2, See also Second Coming) in the present context refers to Christ's return and His subsequent judgment of believers (see note on Bema Seat of Christ)…
Paul voiced a similar thought in other letters…
H C G Moule commenting on cause to glory writes "Literally, "to (be a) rejoicing for me."… He looks forward to a special recognition of his converts at Philippi, at the Lord's Coming, and to a special "joy of harvest" over them. (The Epistle to the Philippians)
To glory (2745) (kauchema akin to aucheo = boast + euchomai = pray to God <> auchen = neck which vain persons are apt to carry in proud manner) strictly speaking describes either a boast (the act) or the ground or the matter of glorying or boasting (the object). The boast can be either proper or improper (sinful, as in 1Co 5:6), and whether it is a good or bad sense is determined by the context.
Webster's 1828 definition of "boast" nicely summarizes the good and bad sense of boast…
(Bad sense) To brag, or vaunt one's self; to make an ostentatious display, in speech, of one's own worth, property, or actions. (Good sense) To glory; to speak with laudable pride and ostentation of meritorious persons or things… Usually, it is followed by of; sometimes by in.
If you would glorify your God
People who sing their own praises
Those who sing their own praise are usually off key
Tozer once said of boasting (in the bad sense)…
is an evidence that we are pleased with self; belittling, that we are disappointed in it. Either way, we reveal that we have a high opinion of ourselves.
The related verb is kauchaomai which means to boast over a privilege or possession. The idea is to take pride in something (in a bad sense - Ro 2:23-note, in a good or legitimate sense - Ro 5:2-note, Ro 5:3-note; Ro 5:11-note - in Romans 5 kauchaomai = "exult")
The related word kauchesis is the act of glorying as in Ro 3:27-note, but Ro 4:2 kauchema speaks of the grounds for boasting. In 2Co 8:24 kauchesis describes Paul's act of boasting about the Corinthians whereas in 2Co 9:3 kauchema refers to the ground on which Paul boasted.
Kenneth Wuest commenting on Gal 6:4KJV writes "The word rejoicing is kauchema which means "that of which one glories or can glory, matter or ground of glorying." The word is not connected with the word glory (doxa [word study]) which is used of God's glory. It means glory in the sense of exultation, self-congratulation. It does not however have the idea of an excessive or unjustified estimate of one's self that the English word boasting has. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans)
BDAG - (1) act of taking pride in something or that which constitutes a source of pride (Ro 4:2, Gal 6:4), (2) expression of pride, boast, what is said in boasting (2Cor 9:3)
NIDNTT - kauchēma (Pindar) refers to the subject of boasting, to the words used by the boaster, and occasionally also to the act of boasting, although for the latter (especially in the NT) the noun kauchēsis is more frequently found. kauchēsis (Epicurus) can likewise on occasion be used to denote the subject of boasting. Although the ancient Greeks recognize legitimate pride in oneself (e.g. Homer, Il., 6, 208), there is a clear appreciation of the distinction between this and unwarranted bragging, which was pilloried by the satirists and others. Plutarch also attacked ostentation in an essay on Self-praise without Envy. (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan or Computer version)
EBC - kauchēma, means something one can boast about, rather than kauchēsis, the act of boasting. (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan Publishing or computer version)
Kauchema - 11x in 11v in NAS - Translated in NAS as - boast(3), boast about(1), boasting(3), proud(1), proud confidence(1), reason to be proud(1), reason to glory(1), something to boast about(1). The KJV renders kauchema as --- rejoicing 4, to glory 3, glorying 2, boasting 1, rejoice 1.
Romans 4:2-note For if Abraham was justified (dikaioo [word study] - declared righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
Comment: In other words if Abraham could save himself by what he could do (his works, his keeping of the law), he would have grounds for boasting. Paul's point is that Abraham found nothing according to the flesh, for if he had, he would have had something to boast about.
A T Robertson: The rabbis had a doctrine of the merits of Abraham who had a superfluity (a quantity in excess of what he needed for salvation) of "credits" to pass on to the Jews (Lk 3:8) (Study Notes on 4:2)
David Guzik: For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about: If anyone could be justified by works, they would have something to boast about. Nevertheless such boasting is nothing before God (but not before God).. This boasting is nothing before God because even if works could justify a man he would still, in some way, fall short of the glory of God. (Ro 3:23) This boasting is nothing because before God, every pretense is stripped away and it is evident that no one can really be justified by works. (Romans - Chapter 4)
Illustration of "Salvation by Works": A preacher, long-departed from the truth of the gospel, told the following story to summarize the faith he taught. It seems that a frog one day fell into a pail of milk, and though he tried every conceivable way to jump out, he always failed. The sides were too high, and because he was floating in the milk he could not get enough leverage for the needed leap. So he did the only thing he could do. He paddled and paddled and paddled some more. And oila!—his paddling had churned a pad of butter from which he was able to launch himself to freedom. The preacher's message was: "Just keep paddling, keep on working, keep on doing your best, and you will make it." We smile at this exaggerated simplification, but this actually describes our American "man on the street" folk religion quite well. Despite the fact that "Amazing Grace" is our favorite hymn, most people think that if you just do your best you will somehow make it to Heaven. Modern man is, as a matter of fact, deeply hostile to the concept of justification by faith alone through God's grace. He is much more comfortable with the motto: "We get our salvation the old-fashioned way. We earn it!"
A survey by the Barna Research Group suggests widespread confusion about the gospel - even among churchgoers who feel responsible to spread the gospel. Almost half of the respondents (46%) say they have a personal responsibility to explain their beliefs to others. Most of those "evangelizers" (81%) believe that the Bible is accurate in all its teachings and that Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected (94%). But 48% of the evangelizers also believe that "if people are generally good, or do enough good things for others… they will earn places in heaven." "There is plenty of reason for churches to worry if nearly one-half of their people who believe in evangelism also believe in salvation by works," says George Barna, president of the Barna Research Group. "The central message of Protestantism is in salvation by faith alone in Christ, yet (many) Protestant evangelizers seem to be preaching a different message." Respondents from "mainline" Protestant churches tended to believe in salvation by works more frequently than those from "evangelical" churches. Yet pastors from mainline churches seemed more confident in their members' ability to evangelize. Almost half (46%) of mainline pastors believe their congregations are qualified to present the gospel, while only one-fourth (24%) of Baptist pastors do.
In a 1992 survey ~1/3 of born-again Christians (and 54% of all respondents including so called "born again") stated that all good people will go to heaven whether they have embraced Jesus Christ or not. (They need to read Ro 3:19,20 and then Ro 3:21-4:25) Furthermore almost 25% of "born again" respondents said that while Jesus was on earth He sinned like other men!
As G. K. Chesterton has said, "Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid."
BOTH WERE WRONG - A businessman well known for his ruthlessness once announced to writer Mark Twain, "Before I die I mean to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will climb Mount Sinai and read the 10 Commandments aloud at the top." "I have a better idea," replied Twain. "You could stay in Boston and keep them."
The Thief on the Cross - Dwight L Moody : "The thief had nails through both hands, so that he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so that he could not run errands for the Lord; he could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God; and he took it. Christ threw him a passport, and took him into Paradise.
How Do You Get to Heaven? This question will bring a variety of answers. A confusion of views is evident in the following sampling of opinions gathered for the Radio Bible Class program 'Sounds of the Times'
• "God wouldn't send you to hell." (New York)
• "I'll cross that bridge when I get there." (Boston)
• "You have to believe in God." (Miami)
• "There is nothing I can do about it." (New York)
• "I don't dare say that I know I'm going." (Los Angeles)
• "Keep the Ten Commandments." (San Francisco)
• "How I live my life… being kind to other people." (Boston)
• "Jesus gave His life for my salvation." (Los Angeles)
• "I couldn't care less." (Boston)
• "Be a good person." (Gainesville)
• "I feel I'd go to hell." (San Francisco)
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?
Comment: The idea is that the Corinthians boast that they be the holy body of Christ and can still hold to the world's profane moral standard and do so without being affected by the profanity - Paul says "no" this boasting is not good for the body. The Corinthian church was actually proud that they were ignoring the immoral man's notorious sin! "They thought it showed the whole world how "loving" they were. But you don't show "love" to a body by being kind to a cancer!" (Guzik) The "little leaven" was Paul's metaphor describing the evil in the church, specifically the immoral person he had just described in 1Cor 5:1, 2,3, 4, 5 and mentioned again in 1Cor 5:13).
John MacArthur paraphrases this as follows: "Look where your arrogance and your boasting have brought you. Because you still love human wisdom and human recognition and the things of this world, you are completely blinded to the blatant sin that will destroy your church if you don't remove it."… In a more modern figure he was saying, "Don't you know that one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel?… A large congregation, an impressive Sunday school, active witnessing and visitation and counseling, and every other sort of good program give no protection or justification to a church that is not faithful in cleansing itself. When sin is willingly, or even neglectfully, allowed to go unchallenged and undisciplined, a larger church will be in danger of a larger malignancy! (MacArthur, J: 1Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos or Wordsearch)
Guzik on a "little leaven": The leaven mentioned isn't merely yeast, but a pinch of dough left over from the previous batch, as in the making of sourdough bread. This is how bread was commonly leavened in the ancient world, and little pinch of dough from the old lump could make a whole new lump of dough rise and "puff up" – so the work of leaven was thought to be an illustration of the work of sin and pride. The presence of a little can corrupt a large amount. In this light, the Passover command to purge the leaven had a health purpose. This method of fermentation, used week after week, increased the danger of infection or food poisoning, so at least once a year, the Israelites started from scratch. (Guzik)
1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
John MacArthur comments: Kauchema refers to that in which one glories or to the basis for glorying. It also carries the idea of rejoicing or reveling. Because it is frequently done in pride, boasting is usually a sin; but it need not be proud and sinful. Paul's boast was not intended to convey arrogance but joy. He was so glad for that spiritual privilege and commitment in which he rejoiced that he would rather die than contradict it. He had his priorities right, receiving his joy from exercising his privilege to restrict his freedoms rather than from using them. His boasting was far different from boasting of his accomplishments, as he immediately makes clear. (MacArthur, J: 1Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos or Wordsearch)
David Guzik: Paul's boasting wasn't that he preached the gospel (he had to do that: for necessity is laid upon me), but that he was able to do it without asking his hearers for support. Remember that Greek culture, which the Corinthian Christians were so approving of, looked its nose down upon all manual labor. Even though the Corinthian Christians seemed to think less of Paul because he worked with his own hands to support himself, Paul was not embarrassed by this at all. He will boast about it! (Guzik)
1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel (euaggelizo/euangelizo [word study]), I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion (anagke [word study]); for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
MacArthur: He gloried (boasted) in the gospel but not for it. He had absolutely nothing to do with the giving or the content of the gospel. He simply received the revelation. Nor was he boasting of his commitment to or ability in preaching the gospel. He did preach the gospel, more diligently than anyone of whom we know, but for this he was under compulsion (Ed: Paul was "constrained" in light of Christ's clear call on his life -- see Acts 9:3, 4, 5, 6, 26:13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, Ro 11:13, Acts 26:19).
2 Corinthians 1:14 (Read context= 2Co 1:12, 13 - where "proud confidence" = the related noun kauchesis) just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours (Ed: our reason to be proud), in the day of our Lord Jesus (Ed: Second Coming).
Comment: This verse is somewhat difficult to understand. The NET Bible says "that we are your boast even as you are our boast."
Here is the NLT paraphrase of 2Cor 1:13-14NLT to help understand this passage:
Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can't understand (Ed: That is, he really was telling the truth, and he wasn't communicating with manipulative hidden meanings). I hope someday you will fully understand us, even if you don't understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.
Henry Morris: "A crown of rejoicing" (see 2Co 1:14KJV) awaits those who will be greeted by people won to Christ, in part through their witness, in the day when Christ returns (compare 1Th 2:19-note). (Defender's Study Bible Notes - online)
2 Corinthians 5:12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion (aphorme [word study] = base of operations, material with which to glory) to be proud (KJV = glorying) of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride (kauchaomai = boast) in appearance (externals ~ reputation = what others see) and not in heart (internals ~ character = what God sees! 1Sa 16:7).
MacArthur comments that kauchema: "here it refers to their confidence in his spiritual integrity (cf. 2Co 1:14; 9:3; Gal 6:4; Php 1:26; Php 2:16; Heb. 3:6). Turning the tables on his accusers, Paul denounced them as those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. Because their outward religious appearance did not match the corruption that was in their hearts they, not Paul, were the hypocrites lacking integrity. (MacArthur, J: 2Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos or Wordsearch)
2 Corinthians 9:3 (Context = 2Cor 9:1,2 where "boast" in v2 = kauchaomai) But I have sent the brethren (Ed: Titus and two unnamed Christians), in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty (kenos [word study] = without content, hollow) in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared;
MacDonald: They (Titus and the other 2 brothers) were being sent (to the Corinthians) so that Paul's boasting concerning the Corinthians would not be in vain with regard to the collection. The mission of the three brethren would be to ensure that the collection was prepared by the time that Paul got there. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson)
Galatians 6:4 (Context = Gal 6:1, 2, 3) But (contrast = what's being contrasted?) each one must examine (dokimazo - used of assaying metals or testing money - see word study) his own work, and then (assuming he passes the test) he will have reason for boasting ("rejoicing" in Gal 6:4KJV) in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
Comment: Paul's point is that we need to test ourselves to be sure our motives are pure and our purpose is to bring glory to the Father (Mt 5:16) when we consider giving spiritual help to someone cause in a trespass! If we "pass this test" then we have a ground for glorying, rejoicing or boasting.
John Stott on Gal 6:1-4: Notice the assumption which lies behind this command, namely that we all have burdens and that God does not mean us to carry them alone.
David Guzik: But let each one examine his own work: Instead of deceiving ourselves, we must take a careful and a sober examination of our works before God. If we don't, and if we carry on under our self-deception, then we may think our works are approved before God, when really they aren't. We want to have our work approved before God, so that our rejoicing on the day of reward can be for our own work (himself alone), and not in the work of another. There is another aspect to rejoicing (boasting) in himself. It means having joy at your own walk with the Lord, instead of feeling spiritual because some around you perhaps are overtaken in any trespass. (Guzik)
William MacDonald adds: This seems to be a warning against the habit of comparing ourselves with others, and finding cause for satisfaction. The apostle points out that we will be examined individually and not in comparison with others at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Therefore, we should take heed to ourselves, so that we might be able to rejoice in our work rather than in others' failures. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson)
Philippians 1:26-note (Phil 1:25) so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
John MacArthur: So that translates hina, which, when used with a subjunctive verb, introduces a purpose clause. Paul's continuing to serve the Philippian church would be for the purpose of causing their proud confidence in him to abound in Christ Jesus through his coming to them again. In the Greek text, the phrase in Christ Jesus precedes the phrase in me, and that is the order Paul must have had in mind, the idea being: "in order that your proud confidence may abound in Christ Jesus, as He is seen in me." (MacArthur, J. Philippians. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos or Wordsearch)
Philippians 2:16-note holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Hebrews 3:6-note but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house-- whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence (parrhesia = literally bold speech, freedom of speech) and the boast of our hope (In Scripture "hope" not = "hope so" but is an absolute assurance that God will do good to me in the future. See elpis [word study]) firm until the end.
Comment: Be aware what this verse DOES NOT teach - It does not mean that one is saved by hanging on the to the end! It does mean that continuation to the end is the proof of the reality of one's faith.
MacDonald: At first this might seem to imply that our salvation is dependent on our holding fast. In that case, salvation would be by our endurance rather than by Christ's finished work on the cross. The true meaning is that we prove we are God's house if we hold fast. Endurance is a proof of reality. Those who lose confidence in Christ and in His promises (boast in our hope) and return to rituals and ceremonies show that they were never born again. It is against such apostasy that the following warning is directed. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson)
EBC - The Christian looks forward eagerly, expecting God's triumph. To be God's house, then, means to persevere in quiet confidence, knowing that one has matter for pride in the Christian hope. (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan Publishing or computer version)
I Howard Marshall has the following summary in answer to his article entitled "Should Christians Boast?"…
Zmijewski suggests that the verb kauchaomai (and by extension kauchema) has two meanings, depending on the object. One is positive: "to take pride in"; the other is negative: "to brag." The former usage has the meaning of "to rejoice, exult or express confidence in someone or something." It would be better not to use the term "pride" (or certainly not the term "boasting") in that context since it is so open to misunderstanding.
The positive usage arises when one is rejoicing about other people and about what God is doing rather than about oneself or one's own successes, although believers can also exult in what God is doing in their own lives. The negative usage tends to be about oneself and to involve elements of comparison with other people. It may also be "empty" in the sense that the pride is misplaced, and it is always so when it takes place in relation to one's spiritual status and expresses self-sufficiency without the need for God and His grace.
Further, human boasting tends almost inevitably to involve comparison with other people and establishing one's superiority to them. For the New Testament, however, there is an expression of joy and confidence in what God does in a person that involves no sense of superiority to or comparison with others. Yet the risk is particularly great even at this point. A person may be tempted to take the credit for what God does and to think he or she is better than others even when thinking of what God has done.
The New Testament teaching, then, is clear. There is a boasting in things human, and there is a rejoicing and confidence in God and what He does. The former is illegitimate and sinful, and the latter is appropriate and good. It follows that "boasting" is often used in a negative way, and even when it is being used in a positive way, a person runs the risk of that exultation or rejoicing sliding over into pride and comparison with other people.
There is only one thing in which Christians can glory and that is the cross of Christ, by which they are crucified to the world and its standards and achievements (Gal. 6:14). (Should Christians Boast -- By I. Howard Marshall - BSac 159:635 July 02)
Kauchema - 15x in the non-apocryphal Septuagint (LXX) - Dt 10:21; 26:19; 33:29; 1Chr 16:27; 29:11; Ps 89:17; Pr 11:7; 17:6; 19:11; Jer 13:11; 17:14; 51:41; Zeph 3:19-20; Zech 12:7. Below are some of these uses…
Deuteronomy 10:21 "He is your praise (Heb = tehillah = praise, song, adoration; Lxx = kauchema) and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.
Deuteronomy 26:19 (Context = speaking of Israel - Dt 29:18) and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise (Heb = tehillah = praise, song, adoration; Lxx = kauchema), fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God, as He has spoken."
1 Chronicles 29:11 (David's prayer) "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory (Heb = tipharah = beauty; Lxx = kauchema) and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Psalm 89:17 For You are the glory (Heb = tipharah = beauty; Lxx = kauchema) of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted.
Spurgeon explains: Surely in the Lord Jehovah have we both righteousness and strength. He is our beauty and glory when we are strong in him, as well as our comfort and sustenance when we tremble because of conscious weakness in ourselves. No man whom the Lord makes strong may dare to glory in himself, he must ascribe all honour to the Lord alone; we have neither strength nor beauty apart from him. (Ed: That is the Lord is the ground of any and all boasting in the life of a believer.)
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory (Heb = tipharah = beauty; Lxx = kauchema) of sons is their fathers.
Proverbs 19:11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory (Heb = tipharah = beauty; Lxx = kauchema) to overlook a transgression.
Jeremiah 13:11 'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,' declares the LORD, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise (Heb = tehillah = praise, song, adoration; Lxx = kauchema) and for glory; but they did not listen.'
Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise (Heb = tehillah = praise, song, adoration; Lxx = kauchema) .
Zephaniah 3:19 (Zeph 3:17 God is actually singing) "Behold, I am going to deal at that time with all your oppressors, I will save the lame And gather the outcast, And I will turn their shame into praise and renown In all the earth (Context = The end of the Great Tribulation and beginning of the Millennium) - Zeph 3:15 describes Messiah dwelling in their midst! see Ezekiel 34:24; Zechariah 14:9,16; Matthew 19:28). 20 At that time I will bring you in, even at the time when I gather you together; Indeed, I will give you renown and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I restore your fortunes before your eyes," Says the LORD.
Henry Morris comments: For thousands of years, including today, the name Israelite or Jew has been a reproach and a byword in all nations. In the day when the Lord will "turn back your captivity," however, it will not be a reproach but "a praise!" (Defender's Study Bible online - see all Dr Morris' interesting comments on Zephaniah 3)
Zechariah 12:7 "The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory (Heb = tipharah = beauty; Lxx = kauchema) of the house of David and the glory (Heb = tipharah = beauty; Lxx = eparsis = lifting up, elation, pride) of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah.
This word study on kauchema in the context of Philippians 2:16 begs the practical question we each need to answer…
(See Note)
Edwards writes…
In this section although not specifically stated, Paul clearly has in mind the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema or Judgment Seat of Christ for believers), where he would see the fruits of his ministry.
He feels a responsibility not only to see souls saved but also to present every man perfect in Christ (Col 1:28-note). The success of the saints at Philippi in working out their own salvation and proclaiming the gospel to others will be a cause of boasting to Paul.
Alexander Maclaren discusses the relationship between the faithfulness of the saints at Philippi and Paul's glorying in the Day of Christ…
BECAUSE I DID NOT RUN IN VAIN NOR TOIL IN VAIN: hoti ouk eis kenon edramon (1SAAI) oude eis kenon ekopiasa (1SAAI): (Isa 49:4; 1Co 9:26; Gal 2:2; 4:11; 1Th 3:5)
Paul like any good spiritual financier desires that his costly "investments" will yield a good return. He does not want his investment in their lives to yield nothing and so he appeals to them. He cannot run their race but in a sense is seeking to motivate them out of love for him to run their race with endurance, to fight the good fight, to keep the faith and to finish their course that they might receive the award awaiting all those who have loved the Lord's appearing and have lived accordingly (2Ti 4:8-note)
Spurgeon - The apostle was the founder of the church at Philippi; he had watched over them with all the anxiety of one who had planted and watered, and who looked for the increase. He therefore appealed to the affection that he knew they had for him. "I have run," argues the apostle, "with all men looking on and gazing, many of them hating and scoffing. I have run with all my might; would you have me run in vain? I have labored more than they all," the apostle could say, "would you have me labor for nothing?" He knew the answer they would give him would be, "No, beloved Paul, we would see you win the prize for which you ran, and reap the fruit for which you labored." "Well," argues the apostle "but I cannot, except you shine as lights in the world; you disappoint my hopes, you snatch the prize from my grasp, you fill me with anguish, if you are not holy, heavenly minded witnesses for Christ." God's ministers cannot bear the thought of having labored in vain. And yet if some of us were to die, what would remain of all we have done? We do not wish to rob faithful ministers of the result of their labors, and yet we shall do so unless we join heartily with our brothers in spreading the gospel, and do our best to live in holiness and Christian love.
Adolf Deissmann alluding to the fact that Paul was a weaver of tent-cloth has the following thought regarding Paul's frequent use of the word "labor" writing that the
Run (5143) (trecho) literally refers to moving forward rapidly and so to run. In the Septuagint it was used to describe the running of a warrior in battle. Trecho means to progress freely and advance rapidly. The idea is to spend one's strength in performing or attaining something.
Trecho - 20x in 17v - Matt 27:48; 28:8; Mark 5:6; 15:36; Luke 15:20; 24:12; John 20:2, 4; Rom 9:16; 1 Cor 9:24, 26; Gal 2:2; 5:7; Phil 2:16; 2 Thess 3:1; Heb 12:1; Rev 9:9. NAS = ran(7), run(7), running(3), runs(1), rushing(1), spread rapidly(1).
In the phrase "I did not run in vain… " Paul speaks as if looking back over his life from that future day when he is standing at the Judgment Seat in the Day of Christ. The word picture ("run in vain") is an athletic metaphor taken from the Greek stadium in which races were run in order to receive a temporal prize. Here Paul alludes to the eternal prize even as he did in his letter to the Corinthians where he wrote…
Vain (2756) (kenos [word study]) means empty, fruitless, without usefulness, of things that will not succeed and that are to no purpose
In Galatians Paul spoke of the possibility of "running in vain" writing that…
Toil (2872) (kopiao [word study] from kópos = strike or cut and then to labor, fatigue. Kopos is used in secular Greek of "a beating," "weariness" as though one had been beaten and "exertion" was the proper word for physical tiredness induced by work, exertion or heat) means to to exhibit great effort and exertion, to the point of sweat and exhaustion. To physically become worn out, weary or faint. To engage in hard work and can imply difficulties and trouble. Kopiao was sometimes used to refer to athletic training and was a word in common use among the down-trodden masses of the Roman world.
Kopiao - 23x in 21v - Matt 6:28; 11:28; Luke 5:5; 12:27; John 4:6, 38; Acts 20:35; Rom 16:6, 12; 1 Cor 4:12; 15:10; 16:16; Gal 4:11; Eph 4:28; Phil 2:16; Col 1:29; 1 Thess 5:12; 1 Tim 4:10; 5:17; 2 Tim 2:6; Rev 2:3. NAS = diligently labor(1), grown weary(1), hard-working(1), labor(3), labored(4), labors(1),toil(4), wearied(1), weary(1), work hard(1), worked(2), worked hard(1), workers(1), working hard(1).
Paul voiced a similar concern over those in Galatia writing…
On the other hand Paul also wrote to the church at Corinth…
Paul mentions a related idea --"shared my struggle" -- in Phil 4:3 (see note) using a different word, sunathleo.
The work described by kopiao was left one so weary it was as if the person had taken a beating. Kopiao speaks not so much of the actual exertion as the weariness which follows the straining of all one's powers to the utmost.
Lightfoot says that kopiao
"is used especially of the labor undergone by the athlete in his training… "
In a figurative use kopiao means to become emotionally fatigued and discouraged and so to give up or lose heart. For example, Jesus addressing the church at Ephesus says
"you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary (have not fainted or become exhausted)." (Rev 2:3)
This church had not yielded to disappointment, ingratitude, or criticism, but had remained faithful to the Lord, loyal to His Word and to the work to which He had called them.
Paul uses kopiao to describe the quality of labor involved in ministering for the Lord (Ro 16:6,12, 1Co 4:12, 15:10, 16:16, Gal 4:11 Php 2:16 Col 1:29 1Thes 5:12 1Ti 4:10 5:17).
Paul wanted to look back on his ministry and see that all his efforts were worthwhile
If the Philippians would continue to hold forth the Word, Paul would have ground for glorying when the Lord Jesus comes for His saints, for he would not have run his Christian race in vain nor would he have bestowed exhausting labor on the Philippians in vain, for the results of his efforts in Philippi would be apparent in the soul-winning activities of the saints there.
In Our Daily Walk F B Meyer has the following devotional entitled "Shining Lights"…
The Power Of Light - Some of us may not especially enjoy poetry. But often a few lines of verse will grip our imagination, as do the following by Francis Thompson: "The innocent moon, which nothing does but shine, moves all the laboring surges of the world."
The moon is nearly 240,000 miles from Earth and is only 1/400th the size of the sun. With no light or heat of its own, it reflects the radiance of that greater heavenly body. It appears to be relatively insignificant. Yet, the moon quietly and almost imperceptibly moves the oceans of the world by its gravitational pull.
Most of us may not seem all that influential or well-known. We don't have the giftedness, the wealth, or the position to make much of an impact on our society. Our names don't appear in the newspaper, nor are they mentioned on television. We may think that all we can do is practice our faith in the humdrum routines of everyday life. But perhaps, unnoticed by us, we are having an influence on the people around us by our Christlike attitudes and actions.
Let's not be concerned, then, about our seeming lack of influence. Instead, do what Jesus commanded: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). --Vernon C. Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Pilot Lights - In 1982, a London pastor watched as a man stood on the church steps and witnessed to passersby about Jesus. The pastor had never seen anything like it. He admitted that before that day he had considered himself an evangelist because he preached evangelistic sermons. But that night a fire was kindled in his heart. He promised God he would begin talking to people outside his church as well as inside.
The pastor invited members of the church to join him, and the weekly venture became known as Pilot Lights. Just as a pilot light stays lit and ready to be used, members of the Pilot Lights commit themselves to be faithful to God and available for Him to use to tell others about Christ. After a time of training and prayer, they walk the sidewalks near the church every Saturday morning, talking with people about Jesus.
Our churches are to be places of wonderful friendship and support. But perhaps, like the pastor in London, we need to raise our eyes to see people just beyond the walls of our traditional practice. It's important to share the glow of worship together, but the sidewalks of life are filled with people who need to see the light of Christ shining through us (Phil 2:15).
Let's step outside and be "pilot lights" burning with God's love today. --David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Shine! - Author Anne Lamott once wrote that the people she admires have "purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy… They follow a brighter light than the glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful."
In my experience, such people are not simply religious. They are committed disciples of Christ. Jesus explained why His followers have a sort of luminous quality. "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12). Believing in Jesus as our Savior, we now can light up the world. We are told, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
This doesn't mean we must always display an artificial cheerfulness. Many of us don't possess a sunny disposition. We may struggle with moods of depression. We may have to battle melancholy. But in the Holy Spirit's power, we can be like the Christians to whom Paul wrote, "You shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15). As Francis of Assisi put it: "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; … where there is darkness, light."
Just as the moon reflects the radiance of the sun, so we who believe and follow the Savior can reflect Him who is the light of the world. -- Vernon Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Finding Our Way Home - Author Anne Lamott tells about a 7-year-old girl who got lost in a big city. The girl frantically ran up and down several streets, looking for a familiar landmark. A policeman saw the girl, realized something was wrong, and offered to help. So she got in the car and he slowly drove through nearby neighborhoods. Suddenly the girl pointed to a church and asked the policeman to let her out. She assured him, "This is my church, and I can always find my way home from here."
Many people think the church is an archaic institution, no longer relevant in our modern world. Yet I am convinced that a church that faithfully teaches the Bible and proclaims the good news of salvation through Christ provides exactly what we all need to "find our way home."
When our churches are fulfilling their God-given function, believers humbly serve and care for one another, encouraging each other to follow Christ's example (Philippians 2:1-11). Those groups of believers, by their words and lives, also point a lost world to Jesus. They serve "as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life" (Php 2:15, 16).
A church that teaches the truth about Christ is not only relevant but desperately needed in our world. It can help people of all ages to find their way home. Vernon Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Shine Where You Are - The name of Peter Carter is probably unknown to most people today. He was a 19th-century American Presbyterian pastor. He wasn't as famous a pulpiteer as Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He didn't write great works of theology like his contemporary Charles Hodge. He never achieved the international recognition of Henry Ward Beecher of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. But he lived his faith in such a way that he encouraged hundreds of people to trust and serve Jesus Christ. Carter radiated the Savior's love to children as well as to adults.
For example, a visitor asked some of the children in Carter's Sunday school if they knew the Good Shepherd. "Oh, yes," they answered. "He's Pastor Peter Carter." Missionary-statesman Robert E. Speer said, "If all the reasoned arguments in support of Christianity were destroyed, Peter Carter and the two or three men like him I have known would remain for me as its impregnable basis and defense."
Even if we think of ourselves as rather ordinary believers, all of us can by God's grace be shining lights that "glorify [our] Father in heaven" and point people to the Savior (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14, 15, 16). We too can be flesh-and-blood evidence that the gospel is true. --Vernon Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Lights In The Darkness - I once read about a woman who felt very much alone at her workplace because she was the only Christian. She was often ridiculed for her faith and accused of being narrow-minded. Finally she became so discouraged that she considered quitting her job. Before doing that, however, she talked with her pastor. After listening to her complaints, the minister asked, "Where do people usually put lights?" "In dark places," she replied.
She quickly recognized that her place of work was indeed a "dark place" where "light" was vitally needed. So she decided to stay where she was and become a stronger influence for Christ. It wasn't long before a number of her fellow employees—13 of them, in fact—came to know Christ as their Savior.
As "lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15), we who are believers in Christ have the privilege of illuminating its dark places. Although we are not of the world, we are in the world. We must not allow ourselves to be shaped by its pressures; instead, we are to exert our influence on it.
If you are in an unusually difficult and ungodly atmosphere, call to mind Christ's words, "Let your light so shine before men" (Matthew 5:16). Remember, it's the dark places that need the light. —R W De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Lights in the World - It's easy to see that we live "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation" (Phil. 2:15). We are continually reminded that we live in a fallen world by our own sinful tendencies, by newspaper headlines that report horrifying crimes, and by a society that is growing accustomed to gross immorality.
Against this backdrop of darkness, followers of Jesus are told to be "lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). Yet our conduct often reflects a dim and distorted image of Him. That's why Paul warned us against "complaining and disputing" (Php 2:14) and urged us to put our salvation to work with reverence for God (Php 2:12, 13).
We may wonder why the apostle didn't mention something more scandalous than complaining. But relatively few of us are guilty of "headline" sins, while all of us have been guilty of the smugness, pride, and self-centeredness that erupts in murmuring and quarreling. And these "lesser" sins can be just as destructive.
Paul knew that we need to be spiritually alert to evil and nip it in the bud. By heeding these exhortations we will "become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault" (v.15). Then we will be sure to shine as lights in this dark world. --Herbert Vander Lugt (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)


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$429,900 160 acres 4604 N Scotts Ridge Road, Madison, IN 47250 - Jefferson County
160 acres Madison, IN
Want to be a farmer and grow big deer and turkeys too? How about a country home with beautiful views? You can do it all right here. This tract contains over 18 acres of tillable land that could be used for food plots or production and a nice return on investment. The well-managed timber is in great shape and could be ready for another harvest in 7-12 years providing a consistent return on investment. If you are a deer hunter you understand how to use the wind in your favor. The fields have great access and can be approached from almost any wind direction. You'll also find brushy edges, some early successional cover, and some mature forest contributing to a healthy and diverse habit supporting a healthy wildlife population. The pond ap
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A little about meFlag Profile
Short Bio: Married, one child, five step-children (all grown); B.A. degree from Cornell University, majored in goverment; formerly employed as a newspaper reporter, editor, and later in public relations and fund-raising.
Machine: Notebook computer configured with an expansion base for use as a desktop, a zip plus external drive, a laserjet printer, all connected by wireless to another desktop, router and broadband connection.


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Transfer Order No. 106 in respect of Shri G.C. Meena, RCOM
Non release of Family Pension & Pensionery benefits to Smt. Rajani P. Wahile
Online grievance petition of Smt. Swadesh Srivastava, Ajmer regarding pension
Circular for submission of Annual Performance Assessment Reports (APARs) (Blank forms available at Download-Administrative)
Application of Mining Surveillance System (MSS) for Major & Minor Minerals- Organizing Capacity Building Workshops for State Governments by IBM
The Minerals Development and Regulation Division is the premier wing of the department which ensures mineral conservation, systematic & scientific development of mines and protection of environment in and around mines with an aim of sustainable development of mineral resources of the country, through statutory enforcement as well as promotional activities. It is headed by the Chief Controller of Mines at the headquarters. The Minerals Development and Regulation Division has 3 zonal offices, 12 regional offices, and 2 sub -regional offices. The zonal office is headed by the Controller of Mines and regional offices by Regional Controller of Mines. The Chief Controller of Mines is assisted by the Chief Mining Geologist and is supported by Geological Mapping Cell & Mineral Map Cell and Technical Management and Information System Cell (TMIS Cell).
During the inspection/studies of mines, guidance is also given to mine managements for the adoption of appropriate technology, systematic mining, upgradation and utilization of low grade minerals, stacking of mineral rejects for future use, and in all environment management matters.On receipt of stoping notices, mines are inspected in detail to ensure adequacy of development, to explore feasibility of improved method for stoping and other ancillary aspects. Environmental problems, during and subsequent to cessation of mining activities are taken care of for which suitable advice is given to the mine managers so that the environmental pollution and degradation caused due to mining activities are minimized to the extent possible. The division also launches prosecution in the court of law for defaulting mine owners for violations of various provisions of MCDR, 1988.In every region of MCCM Division a Mining Plan Grievances Committee (MPGC) has been constituted comprising representatives of mine owners, RQPs and State Directorate of Geology and Mining and IBM for the redressal of grievances of RQPs and entrepreneurs, if any, in connection with disposal of mining plans. Besides this, in every region meeting with RQPs and mine managements are held every year with the objective of providing guidance and redress problems faced by them in implementation of various provisions of MCDR, 1988
Chief Controller of Mines
2 nd Floor, Block 'A',
Indira Bhavan, Civil Lines, Nagpur-440001
Telephone No. 91-712 - 2560961
Fax No. 91-712 - 2565488
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Shri Ranjan Sahai
Indian Bureau of Mines
2nd Floor, Indira Bhawan,
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Phone:+91 712 2560041
Fax: +91 712 2565073
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All reader reviews by zdrose
The Chutney
It was the first dinner out for me and my husband by ourselves since we moved to London. Nice experience. We will defenitely go again, with our families when they come to visit us.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8


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Invaluable for creating a protected environment for tender plants and extending your growing season, VegTrug's Large Greenhouse is the perfect place to raise seedlings and summer crops that become too tall for cold frames. Durable in adverse weather and great for retaining heat, the VegTrug Greenhouse's PE cover is mesh-reinforced and offers high UV protection. Featuring a dual zipper and roll up door, this walk-in greenhouse not only allows easy access to tend to your plants, but also lets you control ventilation and humidity to help improve the speed of growth and keep them as healthy as possible.
Easy to erect, the sturdy push-fit frame can be assembled in minutes and since it's made from powder coated steel, is resistant to rust and corrosion and will last for years to come.
Important Features of the VegTrug Large Greenhouse:
Size: W 143cm x H 190cm x D 186cm
Colour: White and Green
Long Lasting and Durable Cover
Roll Up Door
Rust Resistant Steel Frame
Quick and Easy Assembly
More Info
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We offer two different delivery options for all of our products (delivery rates and services offered by marketplace sellers may vary):
Receive free standard delivery* on orders of £40 or more.
Standard Delivery (2-6 Business Days) - £3.99
Speedy Delivery (1-2 Business Days) - £8.99
Speedy Delivery (1-2 Business Days) - £8.99
Orders are dispatched Monday-Friday and you will receive an email notification as soon as your items have left us.
For further information on our available delivery options, click here to view our delivery section.


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Welcome to the next 5 days of Birthdays! I have had a some great posts burning a hole in my drafts folder and thought it would be great to share them with you in a small Birthday showcase!
This post had been sitting in my draft box for a while (beginning of May) and I was a little hesitant to publish it then because I forgot to take photos of the cards. Only to realize that I took a couple with my phone and posted it to instagram when I was in mid creativity!
I apologize that these weren't taken with my usual set up 🙂
The last Saturday in April, I was teaching a glitter class at Classic. We had a couple of surprises as it was Shirley's Birthday on the Friday and Deana's on the Sunday sooooo Saturday just after class was perfect to celebrate both!
I just love the bold bright colours of Bo Bunny's Ambrosia which reminds me of Deana's bright, bubbly personality and couldn't resist using them on her card! Toss in a splash of alcohol inks to add some dimension with a Verve stamp and voila! It makes me smile!
For Shirley's card, I had a little something different in mind. Shirley just loves gears and anything with gears. Naturally I grabbed the Cuttlebug Gears embossing folder and copper shimmer card stock. The doily reminds me of a big gear and to cut it out of the copper card stock was perfect. I added a strip of Be Creative tape on top of some black ribbon and burnished Copper glitter over top because it's tough to resist glitter. I love the font script of Verve sentiments, it adds the right tough of elegance that's so Shirley.
Thanks for visiting today, come by tomorrow for more Birthday goodness!


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Sapphirestonescapes.com is a 1 year old domain, situated in United States. The domain is linked to the IP address 188.8.131.52 which is provided by the hosting company Athenix Inc..
It was registered by RON HALL , who can be reached at . The site is owned by SAPPHIRE STONE SCAPES. Registration details show that it was registered on 08 Jan 2016 through eNom and will expire on 08 Jan 2017.
It is being generated using WordPress 4.4.1. The site is being served through Microsoft-IIS/8.5.