Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 11/19/2023

Last week, we began walking through Philippians as we delved into Joy in Living, specifically, how we can be Confident Enough to be joyful for this Thanksgiving season and all year.

This week, we will continue this month of Joy in Living as we dig into the letter in a message titled What a Way to Live.

Let’s read Philippians 1:12-20.

Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl observed, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

If we pursue happiness instead of choosing joy, we’ll become, as Frankl put it, “plaything[s] of circumstance.” Our inner peace will be tossed back and forth according to the whim of events beyond our control. But if we choose our attitude—the one essential freedom that can’t be taken away from us—we can choose joy even amid the cruelest circumstances.

I am convinced that joy does not come from without, but from within. A life of calm, peaceful satisfaction, a positive attitude, a contented spirit—these aren’t dependent on circumstances but on our mindset. The way I see it, there are two types of people:

It’s not enough, though, simply to say, “I choose to be happy, or I choose joy.” The Bible’s not a self-help manual to stir up your inner power of positive thinking. That’s rubbish. When I talk about a “positive mindset,” I’m talking about the joyful disposition that comes from the renewal of the mind by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:2). “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” That’s the internal work of God. But God also uses external means to reinforce His work in us, like when we intentionally set our minds on the things of God (Phil. 4:8). “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

So the question that we need to ask ourselves is: On a daily basis, what do you think about? What occupies or takes up residence in your mind?

In Philippians 1:12–20, Paul embodies the decision to live a joyful life in spite of troubling circumstances. Remember who it is we’re talking about. He wanted to go to Rome as a preacher. Instead, he went as a prisoner. As a Roman citizen, he had the right to be treated with fairness and justice. Instead, he had been mistreated, falsely accused, and unjustly arrested. On top of all this, he was shipwrecked during his journey to Rome! If anybody had a right to look at the world through dim lenses, complaining that he had been victimized, it was Paul. But even through all this, he did not complain. He was confident, despite hardship (1:12–14); joyful, in spite of others’ ill will (1:15–18); and hopeful, regardless of uncertainties (1:19–20).

In light of the chain of events leading to his imprisonment, Paul was convinced that his circumstances had turned out as God had planned as he wrote, “Everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News ” (1:12). I love that! There’s no pouting, no “woe is me” mentality. Rather than viewing his chains as intolerable restrictions, he saw them as God-appointed megaphones to get the gospel's message into the imperial barracks. Because of his imprisonment under the ever-watching eyes of Roman soldiers, the cause of Christ had become known to “everyone here, including the whole palace guard” (1:13). In other words, the gospel had penetrated into places it never would have without Paul’s “tragic” arrest.  He realized that his prison sentence allowed the Good News to impact the very center of the Roman government!

Think about it. With each changing of the guard came a new opportunity for sharing Christ, for telling his compelling story of conversion. How he was once a persecutor of Christians. How he had met the Lord Jesus face-to-face. How he had gone from enemy to emissary overnight. For two to three years, the guards heard Paul pray, preach, and dictate letters. They listened as he conversed with others about the consequences of sin and offered a new start by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. In this way, the gospel penetrated the imperial palace like an arrow through armor.

None of this could have happened had Paul chosen despair instead of joy. Instead of asking, “Why did this have to happen to me?” he asked, “How has this resulted for God’s benefit?” He rejoiced that the unfair circumstances brought about by those trying to silence him ended up amplifying (megaphone) the proclamation of the gospel far and wide. His own positive attitude during imprisonment encouraged those who were still free. They could put up with more, suffer more, speak out more…and spread the gospel with far more courage than they had before (1:14).

What Paul’s enemies had intended as a death blow to Paul’s ministry had breathed new life into the church worldwide! I wonder if the words of the ancient patriarch Joseph (son of Jacob/Israel) ever entered Paul’s mind as he reflected on his circumstances with a smile: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Gen. 50:20).

Besides being confident even amid hardship, Paul was also joyful in spite of what other people did to harm him. While Paul was stuck under house arrest, he had to count on others to carry on the work of spreading the gospel beyond the cities he and other apostles had already reached. Many had picked up the torch and were bearing it honorably in the same spirit of self-sacrificial love as Paul had. I think of Timothy, Luke, Mark, and others who were faithful to Paul’s cause.

But with Paul stuck in a pit stop, his absence also encouraged others to infringe on his mission field with less honorable motives. Some began preaching the gospel not because the love of Christ compelled them, but because they saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to do what Paul had done and to get a little of the glory they thought Paul had received.

I can imagine that, as Paul’s faithful friends visited him in his rented home and saw his unbelievably optimistic attitude, they may have become a little frustrated. Let me employ a little creative license:

(Scarfs/Signs)

Paul smiles widely, eyeing the Roman guard sitting nearby. “Isn’t it amazing how God’s working through all this?” He waves his hand around his home and then gestures toward the soldier. “Did you hear what Claudius here said? The guards were talking about Jesus last night! The palace guards!”

“Huh?” Luke lifts his pen from the parchment on which he has been writing since lunch, ignoring everything that has been going on all afternoon. “Oh, yeah. Sure, that’s true.” He sets down his pen. “But think of all the places where you could be taking the gospel.” He points down at his paper. “I’ve been writing this account for that court official, Theophilus, all about the adventures we’ve already had. It’s so amazing! So thrilling! I know there’s more ahead. You still haven’t made it to Spain like you wanted. But you’re stuck here. We have to get you out of Rome as soon as we can. I have this plan—”

Paul interrupts Luke with a wave of his hand. “Luke, so many other workers are rolling up their sleeves and digging in. I think being ‘stuck’ here may be a good thing. It’s actually gotten people off their seats and serving. I feel like many of those guys were a little intimidated by me. Now they’re boldly preaching in my place!”

Luke takes a deep breath. “About that …”

“Well,” Luke says, “you need to know that there are some, well—” he pauses, searching for the right word. “Let’s just call them ‘less than sincere’ people preaching out there. Not that they’re spreading heresy. It just seems like they’re trying to make a name for themselves. Mark thinks they’re driven by envy—envy of you and of each other. They’re actually acting like it’s a big competition, to see who can plant more churches. I even think a few might be trying to nudge you out a little while you’re stuck here. All the more reason for us to figure out a way to get you out as soon as possible.”

Paul lets out a long sigh and responds, “Hmmm. You know what, Luke? So what if some are preaching with wrong motives? So what if some are a little too interested in themselves? So what if there are some who are taking shots at me while I’m out of pocket? None of that matters. What matters is this.” He leans in and looks Luke right in the eyes. “Christ is being preached, even more than when I was out there myself. And that thought alone is enough to make me rejoice!”

Although we have no official record, a conversation like this could have occurred. We do know Paul had been made aware of some fresh contenders out in the field—some preaching Christ “from envy and strife” and “selfish ambition,” while others preaching with pure motives (1:15–17). In either case, Paul concedes, that Christ is being preached (1:18).

But isn’t this a contradiction in Paul’s teaching? Didn’t he strongly condemn those who were preaching a “different gospel” in Galatia (Gal. 1:6–9)? Is he now okay with false preaching? No! In Galatians, the apostle denounced those who misinterpreted the gospel message into a message of works. They were preaching heresy. In Philippians, he’s rejoicing that despite the impure motives of some, the authentic good news about the true Jesus is still being proclaimed.

A heretic with sincere motives is still preaching a gospel that has no power to save anyone. But a presentation of the truth, even by those who aren’t living in accordance with it, still has the power to bring a person to faith. Never forget: It’s the work of the Holy Spirit, not His empowered preachers that saves people.

So far, we’ve seen Paul model a particular lifestyle for us by remaining confident through hardship (1:12–14) and choosing to be joyful despite others who might otherwise rob him of reasons to rejoice (1:15–18). Now, Paul shows us how to be hopeful, regardless of uncertainties (1:19–20).

With the gospel spreading and people proclaiming Christ, Paul was greatly encouraged, not simply in spite of Paul’s imprisonment but because of it. This helped boost his trust in God instead of deflating his confidence. Yes, Paul’s future was filled with countless uncertainties. I’m sure some reminded Paul that his own legal situation in Rome could conceivably take any number of negative—even tragic—turns. But Paul chose to be hopeful despite the uncertainties. He was confident that the Philippians’ prayers and the Lord’s provision would ultimately result in his deliverance, likely referring to a literal release from prison (1:19).

But what if he wasn’t set free? What if his opponents somehow rigged the system, like they had done in the case of Jesus Christ? What if Paul faced the same path as his Lord? Despite these uncertainties, his hope remained. He was unafraid and unashamed. Whether he lived or died, he knew Christ would be exalted (1:20).

The secret to living well is the same as the secret to having joy: the centrality of Jesus Christ. Keeping Him as our top priority in life will give us great joy. Many people today are in a relentless but empty pursuit of happiness through other means. If that’s you, Please stop! True happiness is the cultivation of a Christ-empowered life.

When Christ is the center, He replaces anxiety, fear, and insecurity with contentment and impacts our perspective regarding the three areas of concern Paul has described in this section. The three truths outlined in the bulletin insert correspond to these three areas and will help us live well even when we suffer.

First, when Christ is the center, He changes our attitude toward our circumstances. I once read that one of the requirements for working alongside Mother Teresa in her ministry in India was a joyful attitude toward life. Surrounded by so much pain and suffering, there was nothing in the appearance of their work that would make somebody feel anything but sadness and sorrow. But their inner joy reached out to those in need and took them in, washed their wounds, and set them on the road to recovery. Those who live with an internal, abiding joy can’t help but seek to conform or even transform their attitudes toward circumstances to their deep-seated convictions. It’s transformative! Choose today to serve with joy rather than suffer under the circumstances.

Second, when Christ is the center, He delivers us from our preoccupation with how others view us. The more Christ means to us, the less other people’s opinions mean. We’ll care less about how many “friends” or “followers” we have on social media. We’ll care nothing about how many “likes” we get on something we post. How silly we’ve become! Over the years, I’ve been bothered less and less about pleasing others, not because I care less about people, but because I care more about Christ—His priorities, His passions, His pursuits, and His plan for me. The more I care about my relationship with Christ, the more I can earnestly care about others and their needs. If I make Christ the center, He delivers me from my preoccupations with others. Choose today to care more about the mind of Christ than the opinions of others.

Third, when Christ is the center, He calms our fears about ourselves and our futures. People frequently say when worried, “I might die!” Let me tell you: Unless you happen to be among the generation that sees the Lord return, there’s no “might” about it. You will die. So will I. Death has it out for all of us. It may not be for years, or it may be soon. You don’t know, and you can’t know. The last thing you should do is worry about when you’ll die; instead, you should focus on how you’ll live. If Christ is the center, it doesn’t matter whether we live long or short lives, whether we die sooner or later. What matters is that we love Him, serve Him, and rejoice in His salvation today. Christ will take care of our tomorrows. Choose today to think more about focusing on Christ, His death, and His resurrection than about fretting over your own life and death.

Isn’t it amazing that everything starts to make sense when the person of Christ is in complete focus, centrally located in our hearts and minds? Order emerges out of chaos. Clarity out of confusion. Life from death. As the title of today’s message says: What a Way to Live!

Next week, we will continue this month of Joy in Living as we find Paul perplexed in a message titled, Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Please read Philippians 1:21-30.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2318 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. It’s a pleasure to have you join me today as we explore Proverbs 26:8-14 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we’ll uncover insights into the folly of giving honor to fools, the importance of setting boundaries with the lazy, and the consequences of allowing laziness to persist.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into the wisdom of Proverbs.

These verses vividly depict the folly of giving honor or authority to fools and the uselessness of wisdom in the mouth of a fool.

How can we understand the danger of giving honor to fools and the importance of discernment in our interactions?

Recognize the danger of giving honor or authority to fools and exercise discernment in your interactions. Choose to withhold honor or recognition from those who demonstrate foolishness or lack of wisdom, knowing that doing otherwise can lead to disastrous consequences. Cultivate a spirit of discernment and wisdom in your decision-making, seeking counsel from trusted advisors and weighing the potential risks and benefits before making any decisions. Additionally, be mindful of the words you speak and the messages you convey, ensuring that they are rooted in wisdom and understanding, and avoid allowing foolishness to taint your actions or decisions.

Now, let’s explore verses 10-11.

These verses illustrate the folly of hiring fools and the tendency of fools to repeat their foolishness.

How can we understand the importance of setting boundaries with the lazy and the consequences of allowing laziness to persist?

Recognize the importance of setting boundaries with the lazy and avoid enabling their behavior. Choose not to hire or associate with those who demonstrate laziness or lack of diligence, knowing that doing so only leads to further folly and incompetence. Instead, encourage and empower others to take responsibility for their actions and strive for excellence in all they do. Cultivate a spirit of diligence and perseverance in your own life, setting a positive example for others to follow. Additionally, be mindful of the consequences of allowing laziness to persist, knowing that it can lead to stagnation and decline. Cultivate a heart that is characterized by diligence and industriousness, knowing that it is the key to success and fulfillment in life.

And finally, let’s turn our attention to verses 12-14.

These verses contrast the hopelessness of those who are wise in their own eyes with the foolishness of the lazy.

How can we understand the danger of self-deception and the consequences of allowing laziness to persist?

Guard Against Self-Deception and Laziness: Recognize the danger of self-deception and guard against the temptation to think too highly of oneself. Choose humility and self-awareness, acknowledging your own limitations and seeking counsel from others. Avoid falling into the trap of laziness, knowing that it only leads to stagnation and decline. Instead, cultivate a spirit of diligence and perseverance, taking responsibility for your actions and striving for excellence in all you do. Be mindful of the excuses you make for your laziness, knowing that they only serve to perpetuate the cycle of inaction. Cultivate a heart that is characterized by humility, diligence, and perseverance, knowing that it is the key to success and fulfillment in life.

And there you have it, my friends, insights from Proverbs 26:8-14. These verses offer us timeless wisdom for exercising discernment in our interactions, setting boundaries with the lazy, and guarding against self-deception and laziness.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2317 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. It’s a pleasure to have you join me today as we explore Proverbs 26:1-7 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we’ll uncover insights into the folly of engaging with fools, the danger of returning to past mistakes, and the importance of discernment in our interactions.

So, let’s embark on our exploration of Proverbs.

These verses paint vivid pictures of the paradox of honor with fools, the futility of undeserved curses, and the necessity of discipline for the foolish.

How can we understand the folly of engaging with fools and the importance of discernment in our interactions?

Recognize the folly of engaging with fools and avoid entangling yourself in their arguments or disputes. Choose instead to exercise discernment in your interactions, knowing when to walk away and when to engage. Cultivate a spirit of wisdom and discretion, choosing to invest your time and energy in relationships that edify and uplift you. Additionally, be mindful of the words you speak, ensuring that they are seasoned with grace and wisdom, and avoid cursing others unjustly, knowing that such curses will not land on their intended target.

Now, let’s explore verses 4-5.

These verses present a paradoxical admonition regarding responding to the foolish arguments of fools.

How can we understand the wisdom behind not engaging with foolish arguments and yet responding when necessary?

Recognize the importance of discernment in responding to foolish arguments. Choose not to engage in futile debates or arguments with fools, knowing that it only leads to further folly. Instead, focus your energy on pursuing wisdom and understanding, and avoid being drawn into meaningless disputes. However, there may be times when it is necessary to address foolish arguments, especially when they pose a threat to truth and righteousness. In such cases, respond with grace and wisdom, seeking to bring clarity and understanding rather than engaging in fruitless arguments.

Now, let’s turn our attention to verses 6-7.

These verses vividly depict the folly of entrusting important tasks or messages to fools and the uselessness of wisdom in the mouth of a fool.

How can we understand the danger of returning to past mistakes and the importance of discernment in entrusting responsibilities?

Recognize the danger of entrusting important tasks or messages to fools and exercise discernment in delegating responsibilities. Choose to entrust essential tasks only to those who are reliable and trustworthy, knowing that doing otherwise can lead to disastrous consequences. Cultivate a spirit of discernment and wisdom in your decision-making, seeking counsel from trusted advisors and weighing the potential risks and benefits before making any decisions. Additionally, be mindful of the words you speak and the messages you convey, ensuring that they are rooted in wisdom and understanding, and avoid allowing foolishness to taint your actions or decisions.

And there you have it, my friends, insights from Proverbs 26:1-7. These verses offer us timeless wisdom for avoiding entanglement with fools, exercising discernment in our interactions, and being mindful of the responsibilities we entrust to others.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 11/12/2023

Last week, we began a new series in the letter to the Church in Philippi, where our focus for this month will be Joy in Living for this Thanksgiving season. We explored some insights and background into this letter,

This week, we will begin walking through Philippians as we delve into Joy in Living, specifically, how we can be Confident Enough to be Joyful.

Let’s read Philippians 1:1-11, on page 1825 in your Pew Bibles.

Ours is a frivolous age with lots of shallow, empty laughter…like the laugh tracks on a sitcom…but very little absolute joy.

Most people stumble around in perpetual confusion—darkness, really. As they seek genuine joy, they satisfy themselves with only occasional glimpses of light—artificial light. Occasionally, it’s sad to say, that some of the light they’re attracted to is a consuming fire. It destroys their lives rather than illuminating their minds or warming their hearts.

Paul would have understood this plight as he, too, groped around in darkness until that glorious day when the light of the gospel of Christ shone brightly into his life (Acts 9:1–19). Although he often experienced suffering from that day, he rarely let the darkening fog of discouragement cloud his mind or drive out the light of joy.

His letter to the Philippians, embossed with unfading joy on every page, proves that. For Paul, joy was more than a fleeting emotion; it was part of his ingrained character. How could that be? Paul was confident that God was at work, in complete control, and allowed all things to occur for one ultimate purpose—God’s greater glory.

Paul understood that joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances, possessions, or other people. Joy is an attitude of the heart determined by/ confidence in God. Paul knew he had no control over the struggles and strife of life. But by yielding to the Spirit’s work in his soul, Paul’s trust and hope in God could guide him like an inner compass, keeping him on joy’s course regardless of how strong the gale-force winds blew.

Poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox put this idea beautifully in her poem:

“The Winds of Fate”

In the first chapter of Paul’s joy-filled letter to the Philippians, we come face-to-face with his bold, joyous confidence, setting the trajectory for more to come. He extends a warm greeting to the Philippians in 1:1–2, offers joyful thanksgiving in 1:3–8, and lifts them up in prayer in 1:9–11.

As in all his letters, Paul begins with a customary gracious greeting. When the Philippians took the scroll from the hand of Epaphroditus and unrolled it (see 2:25; 4:18), the first words they would have seen in the Greek text were “Paul and Timothy” (1:1). These were not strangers, not remote leaders governing impersonally from a distance through go-betweens—these were loving shepherds and beloved friends.

Though sometimes including multiple names could indicate a coauthorship (e.g., 1 Thessalonians), in the case of Philippians, Timothy probably was just a scribe and wasn’t involved in the actual composition of the letter itself. Throughout the letter, Paul uses the first-person singular, indicating that he’s personally the source of the words. Why is Timothy included, then? Because the Philippians would have had fond memories of that wet-behind-the-ears “intern” who had just joined Paul and Silas before their original arrival in Philippi (see Acts 16). Timothy had been there when Paul shared the gospel with Lydia as our praise song reminded us at the place of prayer by the river, or when Paul cast the spirit of divination out of a slave girl and caused a great upheaval among the pagans of Philippi, or when Paul and Silas were dragged off to prison as a result, and when the fledgling church grew despite their founding apostle and prophet being beaten and jailed. No doubt Timothy had been forced to step up and begin to lead the best he could in the absence of Paul and Silas. Now, over a decade later, Timothy was still at Paul’s side as a “kindred spirit” of “proven worth” (Phil. 2:20, 22).

Today, icons, statues, and paintings of apostles tend to portray people like Paul and Timothy as larger-than-life heroes. If they aren’t bulked up and poised for epic action, their faces glow, halos orbit their heads, and miracles flow from their fingertips. What a contrast to Paul’s own humble, self-demoting label “servants of Christ Jesus” (1:1)! The term Paul uses, Doulos, means “one who serves another to the disregard of his own interests.”

Paul then identifies those to whom he writes: both the membership of the church in Philippi (“God’s holy people in Christ Jesus”) and the leadership (“overseers and deacons”). The Greek word translated as “overseers” (episkopos) refers to a group of leaders keeping a watchful eye over those in their charge. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), an episkopos served as judge, treasurer, or supervisor of the priests and the Levites serving in the temple. Elsewhere in the New Testament, Peter calls Jesus the episkopos of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25). In this sense, the church official designated by this term is someone charged to “shepherd” (poimainō) the church, to serve as an undershepherd to the Lord, leading His flock on His behalf and under His authority. Paul listed the qualifications of an “overseer” in a letter to Timothy, who served in Ephesus then (1 Tim. 3:2–7).

The deacons, in turn, assisted the overseers in various ministry-related tasks. The term diakonos carries the idea of serving obediently, willingly, and submissively from a heart of humility. The Latin translation of the Greek term diakonos is minister, from which we get this particular title. In the New Testament, diakonos can refer to a servant with a specific mission (Rom. 15:8), a personal assistant (Matt. 22:13), or a person in the office of “minister” in a local church (Phil. 1:1). Acts 6:1–6 recounts the appointment of the first deacons in the church. Paul uses the term for “minister” in the general sense of a self-sacrificing servant in the kingdom of Christ. We are all ministers in building God’s Kingdom.

The church in Philippi, of course, had multiple people appointed to both offices—overseers/elders and deacons/ministers (Phil. 1:1). They were tasked with the “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ,” (Eph. 4:12). From the youngest to the oldest, from the recently baptized believers to Philippi’s first converts, from followers to leaders, Paul calls them all “saints” (Phil. 1:1) and blesses them equally: "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” (1:2). Though this was a standard greeting in Paul’s letters, it’s a profoundly deep theological statement. Grace and peace are essential blessings for living the Christian life, especially for carrying out Christian ministry. These things can’t be conjured from within; they are gifts of God through Jesus Christ.

Paul’s fond memories of the Philippians prompted him to follow his gracious greeting with joyous thankfulness and prayer (1:3–4). He had no regrets, ill feelings, or unresolved conflicts regarding the Philippians. His heart was filled with joy as he reminisced on the times he had spent with them—their first meeting over a decade earlier when the church was planted (Acts 16) and another gathering during his third missionary journey (Acts 20).

But his thankfulness and joy were not inspired by mere nostalgia. Paul indicates in Philippians 1:5 that the Philippians, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Their commitment to Christ and the proclamation of His word never let up, not for a moment.

Like most of us, Paul experienced great disappointments, from churches and individual brothers and sisters in Christ. But not from the Philippians. The thought of them didn’t make his stomach churn; instead, it prompted him to thankfulness, joy, and prayer.

Because of the Philippians’ past perseverance and present passion, Paul was confident in their future faithfulness (1:6). He did not doubt that God was at work in Philippi, that He had plans for that church, and that He was in control /and would see them through to the end. The Greek verb translated as “completion” in 1:6 is epiteleō, which means “to bring about a result according to plan or objective.” God had begun the work of spiritual growth, ministry participation, and faithful Christian witness among these believers. And He would stay at it until He called them home or until Christ stepped back into this world to reward them for their Spirit-enabled labor.

Paul exposes his deep feelings in 1:7–8. Far from being a cold, get-it-done apostle, Paul didn’t hesitate to share his deep emotions. He always had the Philippians: “I have you in my heart” (1:7). G. Walter Hansen unpacks the meaning of this phrase nicely: “When Paul tells his friends that he has them in his heart, he is expressing more than a sentimental feeling; he is stating the commitment of his heart to give his life for his friends.” Their commitment to him through thick and thin and their participation in the gospel ministry only strengthened his heartfelt commitment to them. They were more than friends. They were lifelong partners in Christ.

Because of this, Paul wrote, I long for all of you with affection (1:8). Notice how many times Paul repeated the word “all” in 1:1–8:

He greeted all of God’s holy people. (1:1)

He thanked God all the times I remember you. (1:3)

He prayed for all of them. (1:4)

He felt strongly about them all. (1:7)

They were all fellow partakers of grace. (1:7)

He affectionately longed for them all. (1:8)

From the family of Lydia to the Roman jailer’s household, from the elders and deacons to the new believers, the deep love Paul felt for the church in Philippi made his heart leap in his chest as he yearned to spend time with them again.

This profound thankfulness and love led to specific prayers for the Philippians, as it should for us. Christians shouldn’t just say, “You’re in our thoughts.” We should say, “You’re in our prayers”—and we should mean it! Paul certainly did. His deep, joyful contemplation of the Philippians prompted him to pray for specific things that can only come from God.

First, he prayed that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (1:9). I like to picture love like a river. It needs to be guided by the banks of knowledge and discernment. Paul isn’t telling the Philippians to let their love blind them to truth and righteousness, so they overlook sin and compromise holiness. That’s a false interpretation of “love” we often see in the world today. The best interest of others guides true Christian love. With true knowledge and discernment, love learns to spot the phony, the wrong, and the evil. It learns to “be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless” (1:10). This love, guided by wisdom, will preserve believers in righteousness until “the day of Christ”—the Second Coming, when the Lord Jesus will reward them for faithfulness.

Second, Paul prayed that they would be filled with the “fruit of righteousness” (1:11). Don’t confuse this with self-righteousness, personal piety, or self-motivated works. Paul refers to the righteousness of Christ working in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit to produce fruit in our lives (see Gal. 5:22–23). The result of such good works empowered by God will be “the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11)—not our own praise and glory. Jesus said essentially the same thing: “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father,” (Matt. 5:16).

What a solid basis for abiding joy! When Paul scanned the ten-year life span of the body of Christ in Philippi, he had every reason to rejoice in confidence, as expressed in thanksgiving, prayer, and praise.

Let’s revisit Wilcox’s “The Winds of Fate,” which provides another reminder about setting our sails for joy:

While I don’t believe in random fate, I do believe in Biblical Faith that apart from confidence in the providential care of God, the winds of strife can quickly capsize our vessels and leave our souls drowning in despair. To set the course of our souls to experience genuine joy, let’s recall a few principles from Paul’s opening words in Philippians 1.

First, confidence brings joy when we focus on the things we’re thankful for. Paul could have looked back ten years in Philippi and recalled the demon-possessed woman frustrating their preaching. He could have remembered his arrest and beatings. He could have dwelled on his imprisonment and expulsion from the city. Instead, he recalled the positives about the Philippians: their conversion, their faithfulness, their growth and participation in ministry, and their continued perseverance.

Second, confidence brings joy when we let God be God. Paul had every confidence that the work God had begun in the past among the Philippians, God would bring to completion in the future. This meant God would continue to work in the present. Let’s make this personal. When we stop trying to play God in our lives and let Him accomplish our spiritual growth in His way, We’ll look differently at the winds of strife that blow through our lives. And while we’re at it, we need to stop trying to play God in other people’s lives through constant worry, anxiety, and manipulation. We need to pray confidently in every circumstance that comes our way and thank God for His promise to navigate us through it.

Third, confidence brings joy when we keep love within its proper limits. Those limits are knowledge and discernment. Asking two questions can help us here: To whom should we direct our love? And how can we best express that love? I’ve learned that loving our children doesn’t mean giving them everything they want. It often means giving them what they don’t want. The same applies to spouses, friends, colleagues, and those we minister to. But that takes intimate knowledge of the person and their strengths, weaknesses, needs, and desires. It also takes discernment—how, when, and where to meet those genuine needs.

Let’s conclude with a series of questions:

How are your sails set today?

Are your sails tattered and torn?

Are your sails a casualty of relentless storms of strife?

Are your sails in need of the mending that only Christ can provide?

Have you lowered your sails in defeat, surrendering to the gale-force winds?

Or have you confidently hoisted them to the top of the mast to open yourself to the Spirit’s wind guiding you where He wills?

Let me encourage you to take this step confidently: Set your sails and mark a course for the harbors of joy. Let us all be Confident Enough to be Joyful!

Next week, we will continue this month of Joy in Living as we...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2315 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. It’s a pleasure to have you join me today as we explore Proverbs 25:22-28 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we’ll uncover insights into the power of kindness in overcoming evil, the importance of self-control and patience, and the value of personal growth and restraint.

So, let’s dive into the wisdom of Proverbs.

This verse illustrates the destructive power of gossip and the harm it inflicts on both the gossiper and the one being talked about.

How can we understand the significance of refraining from gossip and choosing kindness instead?

Recognize the harmful impact of gossip and choose kindness instead. Refrain from engaging in gossip or spreading rumors, knowing that such actions only lead to pain and division. Cultivate a heart that is filled with kindness and compassion, choosing to uplift and encourage others with your words. Practice the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated, knowing that kindness has the power to overcome evil and bring healing to broken relationships.

Now, let’s explore verse 23.

This verse uses the imagery of a north wind bringing rain to illustrate how gossip incites anger and discord.

How can we understand the correlation between gossip and anger, and the importance of exercising self-control?

Exercise Self-Control: Recognize the correlation between gossip and anger, and choose to exercise self-control in your speech. Refrain from gossiping or speaking hastily, knowing that such actions can lead to anger and conflict. Cultivate a spirit of self-discipline and restraint, choosing to think before you speak and only using your words to build others up. Practice the art of listening attentively and speaking thoughtfully, knowing that self-control is a key ingredient in maintaining healthy relationships and fostering peace.

Now, let’s delve into verses 24-25.

These verses highlight the importance of harmony in relationships and the refreshing effect of good news.

How can we understand the significance of fostering peace in our relationships and embracing the refreshing effect of good news?

Recognize the importance of fostering peace in your relationships, even if it means sacrificing comfort or luxury. Choose to prioritize harmony and unity, knowing that a peaceful home is far more valuable than material possessions. Cultivate a spirit of humility and forgiveness, choosing to extend grace and compassion to those around you. Additionally, embrace the refreshing effect of good news, knowing that it has the power to uplift and rejuvenate the soul. Cultivate a heart that rejoices in the success and happiness of others, knowing that good news is like cold water to the thirsty, bringing refreshment and joy.

And finally, let’s explore verses 26-28.

These verses caution against compromising with the wicked, seeking self-glory, and lacking self-control.

How can we understand the importance of integrity, humility, and self-control in our lives?

Recognize the importance of upholding integrity, humility, and self-control in your life. Choose not to compromise with the wicked or seek self-glory, but instead, remain steadfast in your commitment to righteousness and humility. Cultivate a spirit of self-discipline and self-control, knowing that it is the key to fortifying your character and protecting yourself from temptation. Practice humility in all areas of your life, choosing to honor others above yourself and seek the greater good. Cultivate a heart that is characterized by integrity, humility, and self-control, knowing that these qualities are essential for living a life that honors God and blesses others.

And there you have it, my friends, insights from Proverbs 25:22-28. These verses offer us timeless wisdom for choosing kindness over gossip, exercising self-control, fostering peace in relationships, and upholding integrity, humility, and self-control in our lives.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 11/05/2023 - (10/29 was Missions Sunday)

Last week was our Outreach/Mission focus with Jeff & Candy Waite of the Gospel Mission Food Pantry. Partnering with others worldwide to build God’s kingdom is a blessing.

This week, we begin a new series in the letter to the Church in Philippi, where our focus for this month will be Joy in Living for this Thanksgiving season. Today, we will explore some insights into this letter, and next week, we will begin walking through Philippians.

As an introduction today, let’s read Philippians 1:1-2.

As we sang the song “I’ve Got The Joy” along with our children’s message today, it makes you wonder why some church gatherings seem to have lost their joy. There certainly are exceptions where there are joyful believers and rejoicing congregations. I’m thankful I’ve have the privilege to serve in such a congregation here at Putnam. But sadly, truly joyful Christians are a rare species in some congregations.

To be clear, when I say “joyful Christians,” I’m not talking about silly or foolish Christians. I’m not talking about Christians who think everything’s a joke. And I’m certainly not talking about sarcastic, cynical, or sneering Christians. I’m searching for genuinely joyful Christians—the kind of joy that looks more like contentment and peace than excitement or happiness. This type of joy is what the letter to the Philippians is about. It is the joy mentioned during our children’s video this morning in Psalm 16:11, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Let's ask ourselves a few questions if we think it does not apply to us. Are we together, and each of us individually, part of the joyful remnants? Or have we forgotten how good it is to smile? Have our burdens caused our shoulders to sag and our backs to slouch? When was the last time we really let the joy of the Lord change our countenance?  If we’re like most people, we could probably use a healthy dose of real joy.

Thankfully, that’s the theme of the book of Philippians. Paul’s letter is saturated with joy from the first word to the last. Talk about a message desperately needed today! In our world of downers and disappointments, setbacks and failures, tragedies and disasters, how easy it is to let despair take over.

I can’t think of anything that reveals the person and work of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers more than the manifestation of joy. The Christian’s most obvious advertisement is that they have something that can make a real difference in a world scraping for just an ounce of contentment and happiness.

I’ve never spent time in jail, but when we lived in NC, I did visit almost every week a co-worker and fellow believer who was wrongly accused and kept in the county jail for 18 months before he was completely exonerated. I learned much about the legal system during that time.  I know men and women who are involved in prison ministry. Along with hospitals and cemeteries, jails are among the most joyless places on earth. How strange it seems, then—from an utterly worldly perspective—that Paul and Silas were singing for joy while chained up in a dingy prison in the city of Philippi.

On one occasion, having been arrested, beaten with rods, and thrown into jail, Paul and Silas had every reason to be bitter. They could have been angry at their enemies, unhappy with their circumstances, or even upset with God for allowing it all to happen. But instead, come midnight, the beleaguered apostle and his associate sang joyous praises to God—with every tormented prisoner and every sour-faced guard within earshot (Acts 16:22–25).

Fast-forward a dozen years. Paul is again under arrest—this time not languishing in a dank cell awaiting an uncertain punishment, but under house arrest in his own rented home in the city of Rome (Acts 28:30–31). Between ad 61 and ad 63, Paul was forced to stay put in the Roman Empire's great capital while waiting for a hearing before Caesar’s court. But he wasn’t cut off from the outside world. Even though a soldier was guarding him day and night (Acts 28:16), Paul enjoyed a measure of freedom that enabled him to continue his teaching and writing ministry.

During this lengthy house arrest stay, Paul drafted the four letters that New Testament scholars call the “Prison Epistles”: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. The first is considered a “circular letter,” addressed to the church in Ephesus but written to a more general audience with the intent that it would be circulated among the churches in Asia Minor. As such, Paul discussed some profound theological issues that would be doctrinally foundational and practically fruitful for many believers. The shorter letter to the Colossians shares some similar themes with Ephesians. Still, Paul wrote it to a specific church with particular challenges from false teachers, even though he expected it to be passed around to other churches (Col. 4:16). Although brief in comparison to other New Testament letters, Paul’s pointed letter to Philemon—a leader in the church of Colossae—dealt with the specific issue of what to do with a particular runaway slave, Onesimus, who had become a Christian.

The letter of Philippians was sent separately to Macedonia instead of Asia Minor and is unique not only when compared to the other three Prison Epistles but also within the New Testament itself. For example, unlike most New Testament books, there aren’t any significant problem passages for scholarly puzzle solvers to wring their hands over, such as the letter of Hebrews. It’s a pretty straightforward presentation with an easy-to-follow argument. Remarkably, the letter doesn’t contain a single Old Testament quotation, perhaps indicating that its original audience comprised mostly Gentile Christians and few Jewish believers. Also, Philippians sustains the theme of joy throughout the letter, using the word in each of its four chapters and mentioning “joy” or the related verb “rejoice” a dozen times throughout. /Finally, this letter mentions Jesus Christ over forty times, with the obvious implication that Jesus and joy go hand in hand. Overall, Philippians comes across as warm, encouraging, and affirming, the most positive of all Paul’s letters … even though he wrote it while under arrest!

Philippians 1:1 leaves no doubt that Paul authored this letter with the assistance of his longtime companion Timothy, who had been with Paul when the church at Philippi was established (see Acts 16). Though a few scholars have proposed alternate locations for the composition of Philippians, the majority hold that Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome. This is my view, too.

The audience is clear: Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi, a city in Macedonia on the northern shore of the Aegean Sea. Because of the relatively small Jewish population in Philippi during the first century, the majority of Christians in the Philippian church were Gentiles—Romans, Greeks, local Thracians, and perhaps displaced peoples from Asia Minor and Egypt.

By the time Paul wrote Philippians, the church had been in existence for over a decade and had steadily grown from its humble beginnings as a small house church in Lydia’s home (see Acts 16:40). In Philippians 1:1; Paul mentions not only “the saints” but also a plurality of leadership: “overseers and deacons.” This suggests a church of dozens of members. Even in its infancy, however, the Philippian church was known for its generosity in rendering financial aid to Paul’s mission (4:15–16). Paul wrote this letter first to thank the Philippians for supporting his ministry (4:14–16).

 

They had distinguished themselves in self-sacrificial giving. Second, Paul wrote to give them a general warning against false teachings (3:2, 17–19). Third, he wrote to encourage them to stand firm and strive for the faith (1:27–28). Fourth, he wrote to encourage the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, despite their outward circumstances—to find Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy in living, serving, sharing, and resting.

Rejoice in the Lord…Always! It’s usually challenging to capture the essence of a letter in one word, but in the case of Philippians, that one word is joy. Paul didn’t write to answer any profound theological question, solve some knotty practical problem, or deal with a specific sin. Instead, he wrote to express and encourage joy. In a way, the book of Philippians is a showcase of joy. Like a treasure on display in the center of a gallery, joy can be examined from several angles to appreciate its brilliance better. Each of the four chapters reveals one of the distinct facets of that joy.

Let’s look at Philippians at a Glance. In Chapter 1, we learn there is joy in living, even when we don’t get what we want (1:6–7), when there are difficult circumstances (1:12–14), or when there are conflicts (1:21–30). To find joy in living, there has to be something more than good feelings and comfortable settings. That something is actually Someone—the Lord Jesus Christ (1:21). In Chapter 2, we learn there is joy in serving. It starts with the right attitude—humility (2:3–8); it’s maintained through the right theology (2:12–13); and it’s encouraged by the right models, such as Christ, Timothy, and Epaphroditus (2:5–8, 19–23, 25–30). In Chapter 3, we learn there is joy in sharing. Paul shares a warning (3:1–2), a testimony (3:3–11), a goal for living (3:12–16), and a command (3:17–21). Finally, in Chapter 4, we learn there is joy in resting. In one of the finest passages ever written on contentment, Paul explains how to find joy in resting that’s not undermined by circumstances (4:6–7, 10–13).

Philippians truly is a precious gem of joy, one that shines with enthusiasm and pulsates with encouragement. As we study its principles and adopt its precepts, it can also turn our drab lives into brilliant jewels—jewels that shine with a living, serving, sharing, and resting light in a world that desperately needs it.

Starting more in-depth next week in Part 1, Joy in Living (Philippians 1:1–30), Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians to encourage them to find Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy in living, serving, sharing, and resting. Though it contains sound doctrine and practical insights that have proven relevant throughout the centuries, Philippians is not primarily a theological treatise, but a loving letter of friendship from one brother in Christ to his extended spiritual family. Even when he warns the Philippians about false teaching, he does so warmly and graciously, expecting the best from his readers. In Chapter 1, this theme of joy is exemplified as Paul encourages the Philippians to find Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy in living—even when things don’t seem to be going their way. It opens with Paul’s cheerful admission that his prayers for the Philippians always kindle the warmth of joy in his heart (1:3–4). He also demonstrates personal joy and optimism amid challenges and difficult circumstances beyond his control (1:6–14). This is a message every generation of believers needs to hear! Whether we face conflicts or setbacks, we can find joy in living if Jesus Christ is the source and center of our lives. Regardless of whether we continue on in this world, striving for the gospel, or we pass on to the next to be with Christ, we’re to keep our focus on Him, the source of our joy (1:21–25). As the children sang, let us all apply to our lives…let us have… joy, joy, joy, joy,…down in our hearts…because of the love of Jesus.

Next week, we will continue this month of Joy in Living as we dig into the meat of the letter in a message titled Confident Enough to be Joyful. Please read Philippians 1:1-11.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2313 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. It’s a pleasure to have you join me today as we explore Proverbs 25:15-21 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we’ll uncover insights into the value of patience and perseverance, the importance of gentle words in difficult situations, and the transformative power of kindness and generosity.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the wisdom of Proverbs.

These verses highlight the persuasive power of patience and the impact of gentle words, using the analogy of honey to illustrate moderation in speech.

How can we apply the principles of patience, moderation, and gentle speech in our interactions with others?

Recognize the persuasive power of patience and the impact of gentle words in diffusing conflicts and fostering understanding. Choose to cultivate patience in your interactions, knowing that it has the potential to persuade even the most powerful individuals. Additionally, practice moderation in your speech, using gentle words that have the power to break down barriers and build bridges. Cultivate a heart that is characterized by patience, moderation, and gentle speech, knowing that these qualities have the power to transform relationships and bring about reconciliation.

Now, let’s explore verse 17.

This verse offers practical wisdom on maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships and avoiding overbearing behavior.

How can we understand the importance of maintaining balance and respecting boundaries in our relationships?

Recognize the importance of respecting boundaries and maintaining balance in your relationships. Choose not to overstep boundaries or impose on others, understanding that doing so can strain relationships and lead to discomfort. Instead, cultivate a mindset of sensitivity and discernment, knowing when to give others space and when to engage in meaningful interaction. Cultivate a heart that values balance and respects the boundaries of others, fostering healthy and harmonious relationships.

Verses 18-19 continue with reflections on the transformative power of kindness and generosity.

These verses emphasize the harm caused by deceitful words and unreliable individuals, using vivid imagery to illustrate their destructive nature.

How can we understand the importance of honesty and reliability in our interactions with others?

Recognize the transformative power of kindness, honesty, and reliability in building trust and fostering healthy relationships. Choose to speak truthfully and refrain from spreading lies or deceitful rumors about others, understanding the harm they cause. Additionally, cultivate a reputation for reliability and dependability, knowing that trust is built on consistent and trustworthy behavior. Cultivate a heart that is characterized by kindness, honesty, and reliability, knowing that these qualities have the power to transform lives and enrich relationships.

Now, let’s turn our attention to verses 20-21.

These verses depict the insensitivity of offering superficial cheer to someone who is suffering, using vivid imagery to illustrate the discomfort it causes.

How can we understand the importance of empathy and sensitivity in our interactions with others?

Recognize the importance of empathy and sensitivity in our interactions with others, especially during times of suffering or distress. Choose to offer genuine support and comfort to those who are hurting, rather than resorting to superficial cheer. Cultivate a heart that is characterized by empathy and sensitivity, knowing that genuine compassion has the power to bring healing and comfort to those in need.

And there you have it, my friends, insights from Proverbs 25:15-21. These verses offer us timeless wisdom for practicing patience and gentle speech, respecting boundaries, valuing kindness, honesty, and reliability, and showing empathy and sensitivity in our interactions with others.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2312 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. I’m thrilled to have you with me today as we unpack Proverbs 25:8-14 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we’ll uncover insights into the importance of exercising discretion in conflict resolution, the value of speaking truth in love, and the refreshing effect of wisdom on those who listen.

So, without further delay, let’s venture into the wisdom of Proverbs.

These verses advise against rushing into legal disputes and emphasize the importance of resolving conflicts amicably before they escalate.

How can we apply the principle of settling differences quickly and avoiding unnecessary legal battles?

Recognize the wisdom in avoiding hasty legal disputes and prioritize resolving conflicts amicably. Choose to seek reconciliation and mediation, rather than allowing disputes to escalate into costly legal battles. Cultivate a mindset of patience and humility in resolving conflicts, understanding that peace and harmony are worth pursuing at all costs.

Now, let’s delve into verse 11.

This verse praises the beauty and value of timely advice, likening it to golden apples displayed in a silver basket.

How can we appreciate the beauty and value of timely advice in our lives?

Recognize the beauty and value of timely advice in guiding and shaping our lives. Choose to appreciate and seek out wise counsel from trusted sources, knowing that timely advice can offer clarity and direction in times of uncertainty. Cultivate a heart that is receptive to wisdom and open to learning from others, understanding that timely advice can be a precious gift that enriches our journey.

Now, let’s explore verse 12.

This verse emphasizes the value of receiving constructive criticism with a receptive heart, likening it to precious gold jewelry.

How can we embrace the refreshing effect of wisdom found in constructive criticism?

Recognize the refreshing effect of wisdom found in constructive criticism. Choose to receive valid criticism with humility and gratitude, understanding that it has the potential to refine and enrich our character. Cultivate a heart that is open to feedback and committed to growth, knowing that embracing constructive criticism is a pathway to greater wisdom and maturity.

Verses 13-14 continues with reflections on the value of speaking truth in love.

These verses highlight the refreshing effect of reliable messengers who speak truthfully and faithfully convey messages.

How can we understand the value of speaking truth in love and its impact on those around us?

Recognize the value and impact of speaking truthfully and faithfully conveying messages. Choose to be a reliable messenger who speaks truth in love, refreshing the spirits of those around you. Cultivate a habit of honesty and integrity in your communication, knowing that your words have the power to uplift and revive others.

And there you have it, my friends, insights from Proverbs 25:8-14. These verses offer us timeless wisdom for exercising discretion in conflict resolution, valuing timely advice, embracing constructive criticism, and speaking truth in love.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 12/31/2023

Last week, during our blessed Christmas Eve service, we looked at The Misfits of Christmas with Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba, and Ruth and came to the understanding that in Christ, we are all designed to bring others into the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ our Savior.

This week, as we reflect back on 2023 and look forward with hope and anticipation to 2024, we will look into the lives of two devout persons who have been waiting all of their lives for the coming Messiah in a message titled, The Oldest Bucket List: Simeon and Anna.

Today's scripture passage is Luke 2:21-38 on pages 1591-1592, in your Pew Bibles.

you may now dismiss[c] your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

We all have hopes and aspirations that we want to accomplish. One such story is that at the tender young age of ninety, the late President George H. W. Bush strapped himself to Sgt. First Class Mike Elliot, a member of the Army's Golden Knights parachute team, and jumped out of an airplane near his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

 

Bush, a former World War II fighter pilot, was fulfilling a series of promises he had made to himself—this one a vow to go skydiving in his nineties. This jump was made a bit easier. After all, he was a veteran skydiver after taking the leap at ages eighty and eighty-five!

 

You are probably not necessarily dreaming of falling out of an airplane at a ridiculously high altitude, on purpose. However, some of you have done so. If I were to ask you, you probably have your dreams you'd like to see fulfilled by the time you leave this earth. I know I have a very long list of what I would still like to accomplish if God permits, or if Christ does not return to complete God’s kingdom. With the advancements in medical technology, it is not out of the realm of possibility of living to 120 or more. The question is, how can we impact the Kingdom of God in the next several decades?

 

Like President Bush, we all have a bucket list. Since the 2007 movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, this idea of a list of high-value experiences, to be completed before we “kick the bucket," has become part of our cultural lingo. What is on your bucket list?

 

I’ll admit that my list has changed somewhat over the years and is now more focused on what significance I can bring to those in my world, as opposed to how much worldly success I can achieve.

 

In the first century, they didn't call it a bucket list, and Morgan Freeman wasn't there to narrate the high jinks, but the same poignant desires that inspired these dreams were present in human hearts. And in the Christmas story, Luke records the longings of two otherwise ordinary people.

 

Simeon and Anna make their cameo appearance at an otherwise common Jewish purification ritual. Today, we put Mary and Joseph in spotlights,/ adorning our nativity sets and Christmas cards. But in this first century, Luke peels back the curtain on an otherwise ordinary day. No spotlights. No press releases. There is no TV coverage.

 

To outside observers, Mary and Joseph were just another Jewish family showing up at the temple for the purification rite. They were following the Jewish law. Eight days after birth, Jesus was circumcised, and thirty-three days after circumcision, Mary and Jesus were back here in the temple for the purification ceremony and the presentation of their child to the Lord for His service.

 

But here is where this moment is anything but ordinary. That baby, after all, is the Son of God,/ the One whose words breathed out creation,/ sculpted Adam and Eve from the dust of the ground, /and breathed into His own parents the breath of life. Jesus was publicly identifying with His people, Israel, by submitting to the circumcision. Jesus, perfectly submitting to the Law that only He could perfectly fulfill, the spotless One identifying with the impure so that Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, and all true believers might one day become pure.

 

Mary and Joseph carried with them two turtledoves (pigeons) as part of the sacrifice offering. There is, of course, deep irony here. Though they carried the Lamb of God in their arms, they were too poor to purchase a lamb and had to settle for the lesser turtledoves. It reminds us of the kind of people among whom God chose to dwell. The kingdom of Christ breaks in, not in the palaces or private estates of the powerful, but among the common, the meek, the kind of people who had to dig for enough shekels to afford turtledoves. And the baby held so tightly in their arms would one day become the perfect sacrifice for sins that these slain animals symbolized, the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world.

 

But here’s the thing. Nobody in the temple that day was looking for a Christ child. Nobody was seeking a Savior. Nobody expected, on this of all days, a moment that would be written down later in ink by Dr. Luke and preserved as Scripture for us to read today. There was a heaviness in Jerusalem that day, and most days. It had been centuries since God had spoken directly to His people. And every time Jewish people trudged past their temple (waving the Roman Flag), they had to see the Roman flag, flying high above their land, a visual slap in the face reminding them of their lost glory.

 

Would-be messiahs had come and gone. Now, they were ruled by men like Herod,/ whose corrupt ascension to power and ruthless leadership further disillusioned ordinary Jews. None of them realized the solution for the corruption in Rome, /the misconduct in Herod’s palace,/ and the sin in their own hearts /was resting in a carpenter's arms, just a few feet away.

 

Even the religious elites in this temple, who pored over the ancient books and prided themselves on knowing every last arcane point of theology, were oblivious to Jesus.

But among the crowds that day,/ not among the waiting parents,/not among the religious leaders,/ was a mysterious old man and a mysterious old woman. Unlike their peers, the cynics, and religious leaders, Anna and Simeon held on to a seemingly impossible wish (their bucket list) grounded in a radical faith in the Scriptures' promise of a coming Messiah. Would God appear in the flesh in their day?

Though most missed the signs /and the prophecies/ and the star./ Though many dismissed the frenzied tales of those shepherds./ Though even the authorities ignored the searching of the traveling Eastern mystics,/ Anna and Simeon waited and believed.

They studied the Scriptures and the prophecies. But more than that, they listened to the voice of God's Spirit.

So who is this Simeon character who appears from the shadows, into the gospel story? Interestingly, we still don't know who Simeon was over two thousand years later. Luke wrote his eyewitness account meticulously and thought only one thing mattered in Simeon's bio: (v25) “righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.”

We don't know anything about his family. We don't know what town he was born in. We don't even know his occupation. All the markers we use to describe ourselves and those we befriend are gone. Only one thing mattered to Luke: Simeon was a faithful follower of Yahweh who, unlike those around him, still believed God would work to save His people.

Simeon believed the promise of a coming Servant-King, /the son of David,/ threaded throughout the law and the prophets./ He may not have understood everything he read,/ but he knew enough to believe./ Simeon knew sufficient to listen to the Holy Spirit's whisper and was more in tune with God than the scholars paid to study and the scribes paid to teach.

 

Imagine the scene in the temple that day. An old man, stooped and graying, came daily to the temple, expecting the Messiah. The religious people probably think he's an eccentric. They make jokes behind his back. There's Simeon. He thinks the Lord is coming today!

Every day, he scans the crowd. Every day, he asks the Lord, “Is this baby the one?” The Lord says, “No, Simeon, this is not the one.”

 

And then, finally, one day, the Spirit of God whispers those words: This is the day. This is the One. You will meet the Son of God.

 

Perhaps Simeon was reminded of how Israel's last great king was chosen. A similarly aging man, Samuel, of faith, approached Jesse's lineup of young men, asking the Lord, Is this the next king? And the Spirit answers Samuel, each time, No, this isn't the one. Finally, David, the unlikely shepherd boy, summoned from the shepherds' fields, enters.

 

Imagine how Simeon's aging heart leaped within him. “Can I hold your child?" he asks. And in his arms, Simeon carries the frail, newborn baby whose arms would one day carry Simeon from sin to salvation. He looks into the eyes of his tiny Savior, the same Jesus who holds up the universe with His power.

 

What wells up in Simeon’s heart were words he had been preparing to share his entire life. A prayer that has been memorized, sung, and framed from caves to cathedrals throughout church history from Luke 2:29-32:

I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

I can die because I've seen Your salvation. This, for Simeon, was no ordinary baby. He would be not only Simeon's salvation but the salvation of the world, people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This is the One of whom God spoke to Abraham, when He promised that the patriarch's heir would bless the nations. This is the One of whom God spoke to David when He promised the monarch an everlasting kingdom. This is the One of whom the prophets spoke, a Lion of the tribe of Judah, a suffering Servant, a conquering King. Simeon had met Jesus, and Simeon was ready to die. (His bucket list was fulfilled)

 

Death, of course, is a strange subject for Christmas. It doesn't make for heartwarming holiday entertainment. But Simeon knew he could face death —something every one of us will face one day—because he met the One who has conquer death.

 

There is so much for us to learn from Simeon's life. His perseverance, attentive listening to God in a cynical age, and worship of the baby Jesus. But what is most important about Simeon—and you and me—was his relationship with Jesus. Simeon could die, not because he checked off the right religious boxes or performed all the outward rituals of the Jewish faith, but because he put his faith in the God-man.

As we reflect on this, I can't help but wonder and pray that we, too, have peace with God. You and I, like Simeon, can be unafraid of death because you can know and understand that this baby is the triumphant, conquering Jesus whose own death and resurrection defeated sin, death, and the grave.

 

Don't misunderstand: Simeon wasn't seeking death. And neither should we. But there is a sweet assurance in knowing that when our time comes, whether tomorrow or in fifty years, we can face death with peace because we know the Prince of Peace.

 

In my experience, the people who are most full of life, who walk through every day with joy and energy, are those who are most at peace with their own mortality, who understand that this baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas defeated the grave. This is why Paul could say, of his contentment in Philippians 1:21, For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. Either way, he has peace, and Christ is glorified.

 

This is the central message of Christmas. No doubt today, as we conclude the warmth and busyness of another December, as we enjoy the season, let us remember that we set aside time, as believers, not merely to gather with family or to sip warm beverages, but to acknowledge the central truth of Christianity: Jesus has come to save us from our sins.

 

This Jesus, Simeon knew, wasn't just an ordinary baby. He may not have understood precisely how it would all play out, nor did he fully grasp the mystery of God becoming human (neither do we). But Simeon knew enough to know that Jesus would not only be the long-awaited Messiah every Jewish person longed to see; He would be “a light for the Gentiles.” This is often repeated in the gospel narratives of Jesus' birth./ In Mary's song. /In Zechariah's praise./ In the words of the angel to Joseph.

 

Jesus was and is a Savior for the entire world. We need to understand this truth. Sometimes, we are tempted to think Jesus came only to save people who look like us. Still, we are told, from the promise to Abraham in Genesis through the words of the prophets and on into the gospel narratives and on through the letters of Paul and into John's vision in Revelation, that the kingdom of God is made up of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

 

And let's not forget the tremendous cost of our salvation. This day in the temple was a day of celebration and dedication, but Simeon's words were not all pleasant for Mary to hear, especially his proclamation in verse 35 And a sword will pierce your own soul too. (Mary’s soul) This is not what new mothers want to hear about their motherhood, but Simeon knew that the promise carried joy and pain, blessing and anguish. The baby whom Simeon held, who cooed and kicked and delighted his young parents, would one day endure the unjust trial, motivated by bloodthirsty crowds. The very people He formed as Creator would laugh at His cries of pain. The world He came to save would send Him to His death. Most of all, the Father with whom He communed in all eternity would see His Son not as the pure and spotless Lamb, but as the embodiment of all the sin and anguish of a rebellious human race.

 

This sword was Mary's unique calling. One day, she would kneel at the foot of an ugly Roman instrument of execution: a cross. One day, she would weep, with the others, as He lay dead in a borrowed tomb. One day, she would question, fear, and doubt the angel’s promise.

 

Simeon's word to Mary was rooted in the prophet's vision of a coming King who would both suffer and conquer, who would reign over His enemies and yet be pierced for the transgressions of His people. This is why Christmas is wonderful yet violent, far from the sentimental holiday we often celebrate. The kingdom of God was to first come through the violent death of the Son of God.

 

But Mary, like all of those who believe, could find hope that the baby she held would not only pay for the sins of those who nailed Him to the cross, but would...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2310 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. It’s a joy to have you join me on this adventure today as we explore Proverbs 25:1-7 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we’ll uncover insights into the value of hidden wisdom, the honor of kings in searching out truth, and the removal of impurities to reveal the pure gold within.

Let’s head out and embark on our journey through the wisdom of Proverbs.

This verse sets the stage for a collection of additional proverbs attributed to Solomon, gathered during the reign of King Hezekiah.

How can we understand the value of hidden wisdom contained within these proverbs?

Recognize the significance of the wisdom contained within these proverbs, handed down through generations. Choose to delve into their depths, understanding that hidden wisdom holds great treasure for those who seek it. Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and insight, knowing that wisdom is a precious gem waiting to be discovered.

Now, let’s turn our attention to verses 2-3.

These verses highlight the privilege of kings to search out truth and the unfathomable mysteries of creation.

How can we appreciate the honor bestowed upon kings to seek out truth and understanding?

Recognize the honor bestowed upon kings to search out truth and understanding. Choose to emulate their pursuit of wisdom, actively seeking knowledge and insight in all areas of life. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration, understanding that the pursuit of truth leads to enlightenment and growth.

Verse 4-5 continues with reflections on removing impurities to reveal the pure gold within.

These verses draw a parallel between refining silver and removing wickedness from the king’s court.

How can we understand the importance of removing impurities to ensure justice and security?

Ensure Justice and Security: Recognize the importance of removing impurities to ensure justice and security. Choose to uphold righteousness and integrity in all areas of life, knowing that removing wickedness strengthens the foundation of society. Cultivate a commitment to justice, actively working to remove corruption and injustice from your sphere of influence.

Now, let’s explore verses 6-7.

These verses offer practical wisdom on humility and patience, cautioning against presumptuousness and advocating for humility.

How can we apply the principles of humility and patience in our interactions with others?

Recognize the wisdom in practicing humility and patience in your interactions with others. Choose not to demand attention or seek positions of prominence, but wait for opportunities to arise naturally. Cultivate a humble attitude that values others above yourself and demonstrates patience in waiting for God’s timing.

And there you have it, my friends, insights from Proverbs 25:1-7. These verses offer us timeless wisdom for valuing hidden wisdom, appreciating the honor of seeking truth, ensuring justice and security, and practicing humility and patience.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!