The Worthy Life: STAND-STRIVE and SUFFER

The Christian walk is not about lunches or dinners, outings, recreation or even retreats. While these are all good things when limited and kept in proper perspective. Today, I am going to show you what God tells us through the Apostle Paul in Philippians that above all things, God calls us to live “The Worthy Life”-meaning that He calls us to STAND, STRIVE and even SUFFER.

The Book of Philippians is the most personable letter that Paul wrote bar none. In this letter, Paul is thanking the Philippians church for their support and addresses subtly som underlying issues the church must have been facing at that time. For Example: in Philippians 1 verses 14-19, Paul says: 

“And most of the having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from ENVY and RIVALRY, but others from good will.The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put there for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice” (Philippians 1:14-19)

MINISTRY MOTIVES

Paul’s example of steadfastness and witness under adverse circumstances made others bold to witness, though not always from the right motives. Those preaching from EVNY and STRIFE were not heretics, since they were preaching Christ. But apparently they were Jealous of the attention Paul received, and they they determined to sow seeds of dissension in order to cause him trouble. “SOME preached and ministered from goodwill”, meaning that other Christians preached Christ with good motives. They thought well of Paul and of the gospel message and were dedicated to serving God faithfully.

Paul uses the words “SELFISH AMBITION”: The motives of these believers were anything but good. The term for “Selfish Ambition” implies that they did not preach to honor God or to help Paul but rather to gain applause, attention and followers for themselves (2:3) NOT SINCERITY. Paul believes that these preachers actually desired to cause him additional problems while he was in prison. In the end, in essence, Paul is saying “There motives are between them and God,” Whether preaching was done for false motives or or purse, Paul was please that the gospel was being spread.

Paul is not condemning error like he did when he called down a curse on these who corrupt the gospels in Galatians 1:6-9. The issue was MOTIVE and ATTITUDE, not doctrine. Paul says “ I rejoice”, meaning that simply “TO BE GLAD”. Regardless of the motive though (v.15), if Christ was preached, Paul rejoiced. What a contrast is his noble and magnanimous spirit. How did he rejoice rather than grow angry and vengeful? I came from focusing on Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2).

With this backdrop and background, Paul says “LET YOUR MANNER OF LIFE BE WORTHY” (vss. 27-29). 

This is a political term meaning to “LIVE AS CITIZENS” (of heaven 3:20). To do this, believers should STAND, STRIVE and SUFFER as the church at Phillips were up against those who opposed the Gospels. Paul devotes the main section of his letter to instructing the Philippians on the importance of conducting their lives as servants who have dedicated themselves to their Lord. He illustrates this teaching by referring to the manner in which Jesus Christ , Timothy, Epaphroditus, and himself lived the “WORTH LIFE”.

LIVING THE WORTH LIFE
Paul said “LET YOUR CONDUCT” the word used could refer to discharging the obligations of a citizen, Because Philippi held the privileged status of a Roman colony, it’s citizens understood the responsibilities associated with citizenship. 

Paul where commanded them to shift their perspective from the earthly realm to the heavenly one., They should live in this world as citizens of another world, the heavenly kingdom. And their conduct reveal and reflect their heavenly citizens.

STAND FAST: This meant that they were not stand alone in isolation but together in oneness of spirit and mind, united for a common goal-being Christ.

STRIVING TOGETHER: Means teamwork is the key concept expressed by this Greek word, which literally means “to engage together in an athletic contest.”

“FOR THE FAITH”:  Paul makes’ clear that God never intended believers to be alone. His plan is that we should gather together in a church in order to strengthen and encourage each other (2:2). Paul was urging them to strive together, not just for the sake of their individual faith, but also on behalf of the truth of Christianity, their common faith.

TO SUFFER (v29): Suffering is actually a gift from God, for in the midst of suffering He comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:5) and enables us to rejoice (1 Peter4;12, 13). suffering is a blessing because it brings eternal reward (Matt. 5:1-12; 2 COR. 4:17; 2 Tim. 2:12). God sees suffering as a tool to accomplish His purpose o both in His son (Heb. 2:10) and in His children (1Peter 1:6, 7). Suffering moreover, matures us as Christians in the present (James 1;2-4) and enables us to be glorified with Christ in the future (Romans 8:17). 

CONCLUSION:
Let’s keep in mind that the Christian walk is not primarily about lunches or dinners, outings, recreation or even retreats. While these are all good things when limited and kept in proper perspective. Rather-God makes clear through Paul through Philippians chapter on-not only that we can, but that we SHOULD-better yet, we are COMMANDED by God to STAND, STRIVE and even SUFFER for the spread of the Gospel message-the TRUTH of Jesus Christ. And this is what it means to live the WORTHY LIFE. I trust you will join me in giving this some even deeper thought and prayer-despite where we are at in our Christian life-as live out your own Christian walk in our modern, godless age. 

When I was in seminary, the question was raised as to if pets or animals in general go to heaven. Our professor, Dr. Norman Geisler said this: “Jesus Christ came to earth and died on the Cross for the human race, not animals.” I was working out at the gym one day when one of the regulars, who had just moved to Charlotte, NC from California told me that one of her beloved dogs died; and would that dog go to heaven. I have her the same answer. But, was that the whole story? That’s what we are going to look at today.

In a peace by Michael Housman, Founder of GotQuestions.Org, Housman wrote that “The BIble does not give any explicit teaching on whether pets or animals in general have souls, or spirits, or whether pets and other animals will be in heaven.

His answer was short but the animals not having souls maybe up for debate.

We can use general biblical principles to develop some clarity on the subject though Housman wrote. The Bible states that both man (Genesis 2:7) and animals (Genesis 1:30; 6:17; 7:15 and 22) have the “BREATH OF LIFE” that is, both man and animals are living beings. Furthermore, the primary difference between human beings and animals is that humanity is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), while animals are not.

Being made in the image and likeness of God means that human beings are like God in some ways; they are capable of spirituality; they have a mind, emotion, and “will”; and part of their “being” continues after death.

If pets and other animals do have a “soul” (or spirit or immaterial aspect), it must therefore be of a different and lesser “quality”. This difference possibly means that pets and other animal “souls”  do not continue in existence after death.

Another factor to consider regarding whether pets will be in heaven is that animals are a port of God’s creative process in Genesis. God created the animals and said they were good (Genesis 1:25). Therefore, there is no reason why there could not be pets and animals on the NEW EARTH as described in (Revelation 21:1). 

In the end, there will most definitely be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). It is impossible to say definitely whether some animals of these animals might be the pets we had here on earth. We do know that God is just and that when we get to heaven, we will find ourselves in complete agreement with His decision on this issue, whatever that turns out to be.

So, there you have it. I think that’s the best answer on the subject in all honest. Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to our channel and check out StevenGarofalo.Com for exclusive content and early release of our two weekly podcast.

Until next time, I’m your host Steven Garofalo, and this is your reason for truth for today.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD ECONOMY

Government corruption comes to the advantage of a few-but at the expense of many if not all the rest of society. Today, I am going to show you through Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 that vanity and wealth, if not kept accountable, will devour one’s honor and the honor or the nation in whole. Let’s get started.

The Vanity of Wealth and Honor is an interesting subject in light of wealth, corruption, and the human heart. This subject effects many things, including what makes a good economy. 

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, verses eight to nine, Solomon says the following:

Ecclesiastes 5:8-9
“8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.”

COMMENTARY: There are two things king Solomon is saying here within the theme of the vanity of WEALTH and HONOR. Wealth and honor are two different things, as one can have wealth with or without honor or honor with or without wealth. That being said, let’s look at verses 8 and 9 independently to see the simple message God provides us today through Solomon.

BREAK DOWN
Ecclesiastes 5:8-9

THE ABUSE OF AUTHORITY & WEALTH
 “8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them." 

COMMENTARY: Verse 8 clearly illustrates that there is a corruption at every level of government, with higher level oppressors plundering the equally oppressive lower-level magistrates. This perhaps explains the st state of America and the world. With blackmail running. Rampant and the public sector unchecked, they have been robbing the everyday citizen of their hard earned money. As a result, the system became insulated and division between the haves and have nots became more defined. When the high level government officials rob and abuse those below them, someone above that person robs and abuses the higher level person himself.

In America, where we print money out of thin air for the world, in this short period of history, there is little need to plunder those under one authority because there is so much to steal that those in authority can simply pay them off or blackmail them; whichever is most convenient. Either way, Solomon makes abundantly clear that when there is nobody minding the ship, evil perpetuates to the point of overtaking the government in whole. As a result, we end up with a 2024 government, riddles with corruption, immorality, blackmail, lawlessness, and all other things evil due to the lack of God-ness which equates to “goodness”. 

Economically speaking, when this happens to a country, its own economy begins to decline into debt due to their insatiable desire and emotional need for more money and resources. When resources are stripped and money is squandered, the elite few are smart enough to collect those resources and money and we end up with a U.S. Stock Market where only 5% holds up to 80%  of the entire market wealth. 

WHAT IS THE ANSWER?
The answer and solution is to keep to return to the system we created in the first place which is free market capitalism that allows those who desire to work hard, to have a fair chance at success, making money and turning a fair profit. This is called “honor for everyone”.

HONOR FOR EVERYONE
"9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.”

CONCLUSION:

Government corruption comes to the advantage of a few-but at the expense of many if not all the rest of society. Vanity and wealth, if not kept accountable, devours one’s honor and the honor or the nation in whole. Solomon (Qohelet) considered goverment to be frustrating becuase it was a necessary evil, something deply flawed but indespsnsible. On the one hand people sould "not be shocked" when they see OPPRESSION and injustice in a governmental province (v.8). After all, bloated government bureaucracy tends to frustrate justice (v.8b). On the other hand, government has it advantages (v.9). Many hold to the belief that this verse continues the negeative assessment of government. Others see this passage better understood more positively since it fits with Qohelet's normal pattern of "on the one hand, on the other.." way of teaching. 

Even a corrupt government is better than anarchy, which devastates a country, it's culture and in Solomon's time, an agrarian economy that would lead to starvation. Keeping to God's ways is the only solution to man's sinful nature; especially in governmental rule. In the end, a king who devotes himself to developing the resources of the land ushers in a systems that brings the opportunity for profit to all, not just the corrupt few.