Paul reveals the secret to satisfaction, and he should know because he has been rich and poor, lived as a political powerbroker and a persecuted preacher. Yet, he has found the sweetness of contentment and shows us how to find it too.

Philippians 4:10-13 NIV
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

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A sound mind comes from a strong spirit, and when it comes to addressing anxiety, we have some clear choices to make. In this section of his letter, Paul outlines some simple, straightforward steps to a life of serenity and sanity.

What fills us controls us and we are what we think. So here we learn the critical importance of a “renewed mind” (Rom 12:2) and “taking captive every thought” (2 Cor. 10:5.)

Philippians 4:1-9 NIV
1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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Here is a fascinating article by Dr. Russell Moore grappling with the issue of the Christian citizen’s responsibility to God and (or?) government. When do we submit? When do we refuse? The Bible is pretty loud on the subject.

Dr. Moore addresses the question raised by a young pastor about the ethics of his decision to be a “conscientious objector” to paying Social Security taxes. In doing so, Moore slices like a razor through the ethical dilemma with Yoda-like mastery and raises a lot more ethical (and biblical) issues that speak directly to believers and their relationship to ordained human institutions.

I think this article will be a particular interest to political junkies.

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You were wired by the Creator to experience unspeakable, unstoppable, unending joy. This chapter shows us the antidote for depression, fear and anxiety and gives a prescription that fills the deepest longing of the human heart.

C.S. Lewis said that as humans, we are far too easily satisfied and he was right. We settle for counterfeits and caricatures, circumstantial happiness, fleeting pleasures, meaningless accomplishments. And at it the end of the day, the nagging nothingness remains, reminding us of the cry of the human heart. Well God understands that longing. He put it there. For a reason. For himself.

Philippians 3:17-21 NIV
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

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Mohler begins by describing a report from the Religious Institute celebrating the changing landscape of attitudes toward sexuality in liberal “mainline Protestant” denominations (contrasted with evangelical ones.) Specifically, he identifies the inroads and gains made by advocacy groups such as the Religious Institute in championing the causes of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender persons in religious organizations and churches.

But the real value of this article is actually found in the concluding remarks:

The Religious Institute wants liberal preachers to talk more about sex. My guess is that they will. But what about evangelical pastors? Where is the teaching about God’s gift of sexuality and the glory of God in marriage? Where is the teaching about the Bible’s grace in telling us what is sin? Where is the acknowledgment of human brokenness? Where is the honesty about the struggle to bring all things under submission to Christ? Where is the preaching about how the Gospel lays claim on every dimension of our lives? Where is the teaching about how sex relates to sanctification and holiness?

Where indeed? *crickets chirping*

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Here is one of the prized works in my library that I have found myself returning to many times over the past several years. I first met Millard Erickson in New Orleans when I was working on my masters program in the late 90’s. He was a guest lecturer at the seminary, facilitating a week-long seminar on postmodernism and faith. He is one of the most regarded and renowned theologians of our day. But this little book (159 pages) doesn’t read like it was written by a dusty theologian. It is approachable and understandable and actually very enjoyable. When I begin discipling a new believer, there are only about three books I strongly recommend along with the Bible, and this is one of them. It is also helpful for that twenty-year infant still wading in the shallow end of the pool.

Does It Matter That I’m Saved takes the treasure chest of soteriology (doctrine of salvation) and breaks it down and unpacks it in a way that not only illuminates, but inspires. When someone really begins to wrap their heart and soul around the truths inside this book, they are building their faith on solid biblical ground. That sure foundation will prove invaluable when the inevitable difficulties and storms rise and beat against the house that faith built.

Erickson uses winsome and plain language to explain conversion, faith, justification, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, assurance and glorification–the major themes of the New Testament letters. One glaring omission from his treatment of salvation is the issue of predestination. He leaves that complicated little gem for another place and time.

The book is no longer in print, but you can still find it on Amazon. Get it. Read it. Give it away. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy.

[See also my series on soteriology called Unwrapping the Gift.]

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Further up and further in, Paul shows us the now/not yet reality of our rescue. The glory of the Gospel is that it not only saves us, it changes us. Training is key to this transformation, so we “strain” for the goal of the upward call.

Too often we let our past define us. We stay stuck, or at best, we run in circles like a dog chasing its tell. Paul shows how to get our behinds out of the past (tip of the hat, Pumbaa) and put the past behind us and press on. We agonize in training so that we might become what we have not yet attained — maturity and perfection.

Paul shows an attitude of humility and self-awareness. This attitude punishes our pride and devastates any self-righteousness in us that would cause us to judge others without offering hope. It pushes us forward to glory that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-16 NIV
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

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