Episodes

  • Philippians: Learning to Be Content

    Philippians: Learning to Be Content

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    There are certain passages in this book that are downright stunning to me. For instance, Paul doesn’t just tell the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord,” he tells them to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). He doesn’t just say, “don’t worry,” he says, “don’t worry about anything” (Phil. 4:6) Now in today’s passage, Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Phil. 4:12)

    Remember, Paul isn’t able to say these things because his life has been easy. Just the opposite! He faced life-threatening circumstances over and over again, all for the sake of Christ. Indeed, at the very moment he penned these words he was chained to a guard in a Roman prison. Even so, Paul had “learned the secret” of being content.

    What can we learn from Paul that can help us learn to be content no matter what comes our way?

    The Greek word Paul uses for contentment means “satisfaction with what one has; independence from all things and all people.” It’s the idea of not needing anything, anyone, or any change in the circumstances in order to be at peace.

    But how do you get there? In Paul’s day, as in ours, there were two philosophies that people followed to ease their discontent. Counterfeit contentment, you could say.

    Contentment isn’t a matter of giving in to stoicism. Stoicism believes the goal is to get rid of desire, to eliminate emotion. In other words, to simply not care.

    In today’s parlance, the watchword would be “whatever.” “My job’s been eliminated. Whatever. I don’t care.”

    But this is not what Paul is talking about.

    Contentment isn’t a matter of turning in to self-sufficiency. This is the philosophy of the Cynics. One of their beliefs is to trust no one but yourself.

    The problem with that is, the only resources you have are the ones you can muster up, and when those run out, you’re out of luck. That’s why Cynics are seldom content; they’re bitter.

    So, what’s Paul’s secret? It’s found in verse 13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

    This is one of the most popular verses in the Bible, used as motivation by athletes and millions of others facing challenging situations. But we would do well to understand that the original context of these words has to do with learning to be content. What they remind us is that


    Contentment is a matter of leaning in to divine sovereignty. Paul’s contentment was anchored in His awareness that Christ was enough and that his life was controlled by a sovereign God who worked all things together for our good and His glory.

    Here are some actions steps that can help us when discontentment creeps in.

    Ponder: thank God for all that you do have. Discontentment is largely triggered by ingratitude. Instead of focusing on what isn’t, thank God for what is. One of the secrets of contentment is gratitude.

    Wonder: ask yourself what God might be up to. God is always at work. What might He want you to learn about Him, about you? How might He use these circumstances for the greater progress of the gospel?

    Surrender: trust God’s heart rather than your understanding. There will be times when God’s actions baffle us. In those moments, we much surrender our need to understand the situation and fall back on what you know is true about God – His character and love for you.

    Text: Philippians 4:10-13, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; 12:7-12

    Originally recorded on February 1, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Think—Do

    Philippians: Think—Do

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    We have been given the incredible offer by God to not only find forgiveness, but to experience transformation. We have been made different to make a difference.

    How is this transformation done? Romans 12:2 gives us a hint. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation starts in the mind.

    Paul teaches the same thing in Philippians 4:8-9. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—THINK about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice (DO). And the God of peace will be with you.”

    THINK—DO. According these verses, the transformed life begins on the inside with what you think. Your outward action – that which you do – is an overflow of that. THINK—DO.

    Cognitive psychology has confirmed what the Scriptures have taught and from that study, have identified two “laws.”

    1. The Law of Cognition: You are what you think.

    Another way to say it is: the way you think creates your attitudes, shapes your emotions, and governs your behavior.

    Using trees as an illustration, Jesus taught that if the inner life (what you can’t see) is healthy, the outer display (the fruit—that which you can see) will be healthy also. If the stream of your thoughts is “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute” then you will be able to “do” or “put into practice” that which is delightfully different.

    By the same token, if the inner life, the unseen life of a person is unhealthy—if the stream of thoughts is misguided, false, impure or ugly—then that will become evident as well. The state of your inner life will inevitably leak out.

    2. The Law of Exposure: Your mind will think most about what it is exposed to.

    What repeatedly enters your mind eventually shapes your thinking and ultimately expresses itself in your behavior. It’s like creating mental ruts in our brains—pathways worn deep by repeated patterns of thought.

    These ruts can be destructive, like resentment, complaint, negativity, worry, or lust. Or they can be life-giving, “whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely,” etc.

    How can you change the ruts you’re in?

    Catch the negative or untrue thought. Replace it with that which is true and contstructive.Guard your mind by being careful about what you expose yourself to.Build structures that can help you create new ruts, such as worship, Scripture reading, and community.

    Text: Philippians 4:8-9; Romans 12:2

    Originally recorded on January 25, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

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  • Philippians: A Gentleness Known to All

    Philippians: A Gentleness Known to All

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    What are you known for? Your wit, appearance, talent, or success? Perhaps you’re known for your sharp tongue or short fuse. Or maybe it’s for your biblical knowledge and wisdom.

    But none of these things (not even the positive ones) are mentioned by Paul as noteworthy. Rather, in Philippians 4:5, he says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

    Gentleness. The Greek word is hard to translate but it implies “generosity, goodwill, magnanimity, bigheartedness, forbearance, mercy toward the failures of others, charity toward the faults of others.”

    One way to understand what gentleness looks like is to look at the life of Jesus. In Luke 7, we see three examples of gentleness in action. The first encounter is with a Roman centurion – a gentile - who asks Jesus to heal his servant.

    The second encounter occurs when Jesus’ journey is interrupted by a funeral procession. A local widow had lost her only son.

    The third encounter was potentially the most embarrassing for Jesus. While seated at a dinner in the home of a prominent citizen, a woman, known to be a prostitute, comes in, sits next to Jesus, and bursts out crying.

    How did Jesus handle each of these encounters? And what can we learn about how to make gentleness known to all?

    Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren’t too narrow to engage those who are different from you.

    Jews would never associate with Gentiles, but Jesus went out of His way to help Roman soldier.

    Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren’t too important to reach out to those who are below you.

    It wasn’t even the “important” person who needed help. It was a servant. Yet Jesus healed him. To be gentle is to love and serve the “little” people.

    Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren’t in too much of a hurry to care about those who have needs beyond you.

    When Jesus saw the grieving widow, His “heart went out to her.” See, people mattered more to Jesus than His schedule. In fact, the needs of people were not seen as interruptions in His schedule, but part of His schedule. So, Jesus stopped, spoke to the woman and raised her son from the dead.

    Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren’t too proud to embrace those who might be embarrassing to you.

    No one was too low in the social pecking order for Jesus to associate with. In fact, knowing how seldom such people were cared for, Jesus seemed to intentionally seek out the last, the least, and the lost, unconcerned about what it did to His reputation.

    What do you do when you encounter those whose mere proximity to you would be embarrassing?

    None of these people to whom Jesus expressed gentleness ever served to advance His position. But His action certainly enhanced His profile. People were filled with awe and praised God. Moreover, a servant, a widow, and a prostitute were transformed.

    I ask you again: What are you known for? I pray it will increasingly be said that your gentleness is evident to all.

    Text: Philippians 4:5; Luke 7

    Originally recorded on January 18, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: The Word on Worry

    Philippians: The Word on Worry

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    In this passage, the Apostle Paul makes one of the most extraordinary statements of this entire letter: “Do not be anxious about anything.” Anything? I can understand saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” but “Don’t worry about anything?”

    It would be easy to dismiss Paul’s words if he were some lofty, ivory-towered theologian. But remember, Paul was writing this letter from prison! If anybody had reason to worry, it would be him. He literally didn’t know if he would survive from one day to the next. And yet, letting go of worry was how he lived–how he survived.

    How is that possible? Let’s see if we can find some answers by looking at three questions:

    Where does worry come from?What does worry cost?How is worry defeated?

    1. Where does worry come from?

    Your culture and history and biology can set you up to be a worrier. But we all wrestle with worry because we all have problems.

    An expert in this field says that worry results primarily from two things:

    A heightened sense of vulnerability, andA diminished sense of power.

    We worry because we’re vulnerable and exposed and we know we can’t do much about it.

    Conversely, where there’s a decreased sense of vulnerability and increased sense of power, anxiety will be lessened.

    This is why Pauls reminds us to “Rejoice in the Lord.” When you have entered into a relationship with Him, you have no reason to be anxious because Someone real big is with you

    2. What does worry cost?

    Worry causes all kinds of physical ailments. But it also leads to a “divided mind.” That’s literally what the Greek word means. Worry multiplies problems actually keeping me from finding a solution.

    3. How is worry defeated?

    We said earlier that when you increase your sense of power, anxiety is diminished. That’s why Paul tells us, “Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything.”

    Pray about the big stuff. Pray about the little stuff. If something is big enough to be in your thoughts, it’s big enough to pray about. And when you do, soon you’ll find a sense of God’s peace settling down over you.

    Text: Philippians 4:4-7

    Originally recorded on January 11, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: The Porcupine Dilemma

    Philippians: The Porcupine Dilemma

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    The church at Philippi faced a problem that believers have faced down through the years. How do you pursue the dream of extending God’s Kingdom when you have to do it with actual, real-life people – people who can so easily rub you the wrong way?

    Like porcupines, we can be prickly and cause a lot of hurt and harm to others. That’s why porcupines are solitary creatures. They live alone
until it’s time for mating.

    This is the porcupine’s dilemma: How do you get close enough to multiply without getting hurt?

    In nature, porcupines have found a way to avoid the quills and come together in a unique mating dance. All for the sake of reproducing their kind.

    Friends, we face the same dilemma. We struggle to relate to those who rub us the wrong way. And we’re tempted to either withdraw or lash out. But if we could see that there’s something bigger at play – the multiplication of disciples – perhaps we could learn to do an awkward dance with one another.

    This is what Paul is calling two women to do in this text. Their names are Eudia and Syntyche and Paul pleads with them to get along. These women are leaders in the Philippian church but their break down is so severe, so costly to the community, that Paul calls them out.

    He then asks someone he calls “loyal yokefellow” to intercede. When believers break down, it’s the responsibility of those who know and love them to help them reconcile.

    Let’s look at how Paul handles this situation and see what we can learn about handling breakdowns.

    1. Paul doesn’t take sides.

    Most likely this was not an issue of right and wrong, but rather an intense differing of opinions. So, Paul doesn’t side with either one.

    2. Paul doesn’t say that their strong opinions weren’t justified.

    His apparent neutrality probably tells us that he thought both women had legitimate points of view.

    When it comes to the work of the Kingdom, we can be gripped by a “beautiful anger,” a powerful passion for a cause. And that’s great! What’s not great is to condemn others for not sharing it or to say that their passion is unworthy.

    3. Paul doesn’t say they have to be friends.

    Reconciliation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be best friends. There will be people you just don’t resonate with, and that’s okay.

    However


    4. Paul does challenge them that their breakdown is costing the community.

    Even the most faithful, mature, and committed people can become so passionate about their points of view that they can poison the very thing they love.

    5. Paul does ask them to be open to mediation.

    Remember that this letter would have been read aloud to this church body. These women would have heard Paul’s request to “get help. Do whatever it takes to resolve this.”

    Follow the pattern Jesus gave us in Matthew 18. When you break down with someone, go to them – just the two of you. If that doesn’t work, get help. Bring in a mediator.

    6. Paul does call them to remember what they do share together and let that unite them.

    These ladies had “contended by his side” (v. 3). They had labored together in this Kingdom mission. And Paul reminds them
and us
 that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

    Text: Philippians 4:2-3

    Originally recorded on January 4, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Running the Race

    Philippians: Running the Race

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    One of Paul’s favorite metaphors for the transformational journey everyday disciples are on was the footrace. Paul saw the life of faith as a race to be run... and run well.

    The goal of this race is to be like Jesus. And while we will never fully achieve it in this life, each of us should keep pressing on toward that goal.

    There are four keys to running your race well.

    1. Dissatisfaction

    A healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo of your discipleship can push you to keep growing, keep learning, keep maturing.

    2. Devotion: “one thing I do”( v. 13)

    Every serious runner knows that if he/she is to have any hope of winning the race they’re committed to, it will take real devotion. They go into training for the race. They seek advice from other runners who they respect. Often they engage a coach to help them.

    The parallels to the spiritual race are quite obvious. If you hope to run well, you will have to go into training and engage in some spiritual disciplines. You will need to find others you can learn from and who can encourage you (community). And you will probably need a coach (mentor, discipler, accountability partner) who will push you when you feel like coasting.

    3. Direction: “forgetting what is behind” (v. 13)

    I can’t tell you how many races have been lost when runners, rather than looking ahead, chose to look behind. When Paul talks of “forgetting what is behind,” he is saying, “I am no longer letting the past influence or control my race.” Stop living in the past and start leaning into the future.

    4. Determination: “I press on” (vs. 12, 14)

    In a long race, it is often the middle miles that the run gets hard. The excitement of the start has faded, and the finish line seems so far away. It’s easy to slow down. It’s tempting to give up.

    It’s the same in race of faith. In those early days of walking with Jesus, you ran with such enthusiasm, willingly making the sacrifice, but now it’s hard. The miles seem to never end, and the encouragement is few and far between.

    Don’t you give up! Press on, my brothers and sisters! Press on!

    Text: Philippians 3:12-16

    Originally recorded on November 16, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Easter: Why Are You Crying?

    Easter: Why Are You Crying?

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    She is mentioned more than any other character in the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, yet she is often overlooked. Her name is Mary Magdalene.

    She had been there at the foot of the cross that Friday for every moment of the six horrific hours Jesus hung there. She heard every word, every groan. Then she watched Him cry out, breathe His last and die.

    Mary watched as they took down His body and place it in a borrowed tomb. And she sat there in the garden, watching as the stone was rolled in place and sealed.

    She was shocked, numb, unable to move. Her grief would have been overwhelming. The One who had changed her life, restored her dignity, and given her purpose
 was dead.

    The following day was the Sabbath. No work, no travel. She hunkered down with her grief and waited.

    On Sunday, Mary and some friends left for the tomb early in the morning bringing spices and linen to wrap Jesus’ body in. On the way, they questioned among themselves how they were going to move this huge stone. But when they arrived, they found the stone rolled away!

    When Mary saw that, she did not think, “Resurrection!” She thought, “Grave robbers!” She quickly ran to tell Peter and the others.

    Peter and John ran back to the tomb. There on the slab were the strips of linen that had bound Jesus’ body. Instantly, they believed. Jesus was alive!

    After the men left, Mary stood outside the tomb crying. When she finally got up the nerve, she bent over to peer into the tomb. To her amazement, there inside were two angels. They asked her, “Why are you crying?”

    She turned around and through her tears saw the figure of a man in the garden. He asked her the same question: “Why are you crying?”

    She was confused, thinking it was the gardener. And then He spoke one word. “Mary.” He called her name. And in that instant, she knew. He was alive! Jesus was alive!

    Her tears of grief turned to tears of joy as she threw herself into His arms. What a reunion!

    I’ve been thinking about the question Mary was asked on that resurrection Sunday. “Why are you crying?” Mary was crying because she thought it was all over. Friday had won. The dream was dead. Hope was gone.

    Maybe you can identify with Mary. It feels like all your hopes and dreams seem have died. You’re confused and frightened. You feel hopeless, like you have no future. And I suppose you have every right to cry, if that’s really the way it is. If, indeed, Friday has won.

    But what if that’s not the case? What if Jesus really is alive? And what if He is calling your name today?

    It’s true! The Resurrected Jesus is alive and well and He knows your name. He is calling out to you. Can you hear Him?

    He is calling you to believe that Friday doesn’t have the last word, and you can trust Him for what concerns you.

    Text: Matthew 27:55-61; John 20:1-18

    Originally recorded on April 12, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 2

    Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 2

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to live under the “performance plan” – to try to be good enough, to jump through all the religious hoops in order to be “righteous” before God.

    Then one day, he met Jesus, and this man who had taken such pride in his performance, saw perfect righteousness for the first time – a righteousness so brilliant that it blinded him. And in that instant, Paul saw how far short he fell of it. He saw Jesus for who He really is, and Paul declared his belief and cried out for mercy. In that moment, stripped of the rags of self-righteousness, he was clothed in the robe of God’s perfect righteousness. (Is. 61:10)

    The same is true for all of us. No matter how hard we try, we cannot get rid of the stain of sin on our own. Jeremiah 2:22 says, “Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me
”

    But what we can do is to allow God to cover over our sinfulness with His righteousness.

    “True righteousness,” Paul says in Phil. 3:9, “does not come from the law.” We can’t earn it by following the rules or doing good deeds. Those things aren’t sufficient to remove the stain of guilt we all have before a holy God. Instead, God offers the amazing gift of “righteousness... through faith in Christ...righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”

    How is this possible? How can it be that faith in Christ can accomplish what all those rituals couldn’t?

    God made a way for the stain of sin to be dealt with. Jesus Christ came into our world, lived a sinless life among us, taught us how to love and showed us how to live. Then He went to the cross where He paid the penalty for our sin and rebellion and rose again defeating sin’s hold and giving us the hope of eternal life with Him.

    But it’s not enough to just know this. It changes nothing if you don’t take the next step. Entering into a relationship with Jesus can be thought of in terms of A-B-C.

    A- Admit: “I admit that I’m a sinner. I’ve got stains, God. I know I can’t remove them or pay for them. I acknowledge that I’ve gone my own way and done my own thing and I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

    B- Believe: “I believe that Jesus is Your Son and the only Savior of the world. I believe He died on the cross for me and that His blood is sufficient to cleanse my stain.”

    C- Commit: “God, I commit myself to you from this day forth. Lord Jesus, even as I ask you to be my Savior, I commit to following after You, learning from You, and living for You.”

    Text: Philippians 3:2-9

    Originally recorded on November 2, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 1

    Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 1

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    Our world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we’ll make the cut.

    It’s not surprising, then, that “the performance plan” shows up in the realm of religion as well.

    Religion could be defined as: a system of beliefs, rituals, and behaviors by which a person can be made right with God. It is an attempt to make the ultimate cut.

    This “performance plan” approach is what Paul is warning about in Philippians 3. “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh
” (vs.2-3)

    In order to understand what Paul is talking about, we have to go back to the story of Abraham found in Genesis 17. There God makes a covenant with Abraham. In essence, “I will be your God and you and the descendants I give you will be my people.” Then God chose circumcision as the outward sign of this covenant.

    Circumcision became the symbol of man’s need to be cleansed from sin at the most basic point of his identity. But from the very beginning, this outward act was secondary to something of far greater importance: an inward belief.

    In Genesis 15:6 we read that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Faith came first – then the symbolic action.

    The problem is that all too quickly the Jewish people came to believe that to get right with God all a man had to do was to be circumcised, bypassing the heart change altogether.

    But making the cut and getting on God’s team has never been a matter of performance. It is a matter of turning to Him in faith, confessing your sinfulness and receiving His forgiveness.

    In the N.T. this became clearer. Jesus came to replace the old system, giving His life to offer access to not only God’s team but to God’s very family. And He offered that to one and all as a free gift received by faith.

    Enter the Apostle Paul – or Saul as he was formerly known. He had not only been taught this misunderstood performance plan, he had become its greatest proponent. In fact, he was so committed to it that he had sought to snuff out the Jesus movement.

    And then one day, he encountered Jesus who offered Him grace, forgiving him and freeing him from the need to perform. Paul never got over that and devoted the rest of his life to sharing this good news.

    He would go from town to town, planting communities of Jesus-followers. After getting these churches grounded, Paul would head off to a new city to continue spreading the gospel.

    Now, many of these new believers were Gentiles – uncircumcised non-Jews. And after Paul left, often a group of people called “Judaizers” would come in behind him and tell these young non-Jewish believers that in order to truly be saved, they had to become Jews. More specifically, they had to be circumcised. In other words, faith alone wasn’t enough. They had to jump through the hoops of the performance plan.

    When Paul heard about this, he came unglued! This is what he was confronting in Phil. 3:2.

    He says, “Do you want to compare performance? My pedigree, degrees, and zeal are second to none. Yet all of that is utter garbage because it didn’t deal with my heart. Only Jesus can do that.”

    Are you still depending on the performance plan to be made right with God?

    Text: Philippians 3:2-9

    Originally recorded on October 26, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Unconquerable Joy

    Philippians: Unconquerable Joy

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    Philippians chapter 3 begins: “Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you this and it is good for you to hear it again and again.” (TLB)

    Whatever happens
rejoice in the Lord. Really? Whatever happens?

    Before you dismiss Paul’s words, keep in mind that when he wrote them, he was in prison! Yet even there he lived a life of unconquerable joy. And so can you
whatever your circumstances.

    How does one rejoice in the Lord always?

    One way to begin is to note that it doesn’t say, “Be happy always.”

    Happiness is an emotion that is dependent upon your circumstances.

    Joy is a decision that is independent of your circumstances. Joy has been called “the defiant nevertheless.”

    What does a joyful spirit look like?

    A joyful spirit is not dependent upon outward circumstances but on an upward focus.

    It’s born of an unshakable conviction that God is too good to be unkind, too powerful to be thwarted, and too deep to explain himself. When the bottom falls out, the question to ask is not, “why?”, but “what?” “What do you want me to learn from this?”

    A joyful spirit in your struggle will have greater impact than any words spoken out of strength.

    Joy in the midst of suffering is a more powerful sermon than any religious rhetoric.

    A joyful spirit takes life and trusts God one day at a time.

    The psalmist said: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps. 118:24) Yesterday is past and tomorrow hasn’t’ happened yet. All we have is today. So choose joy now.

    Text: Philippians 3:1; 4:4; Psalm 137; Habakkuk 3:17-19

    Originally recorded on October 19, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Light-Bearers and Hope-Bringers

    Philippians: Light-Bearers and Hope-Bringers

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    When Jesus ascended into heaven after the resurrection, He put the entire future of His Kingdom movement into the hands of a group of ordinary men and women. They had no wealth, no position or power, still Jesus entrusted them with the mission of taking the gospel to the world.

    It was a pretty audacious plan! But through the power of the Holy Spirit, this ragtag band of 120 disciples soon became thousands of believers. And by the year 300 AD, historians estimate that over half of the population of the Roman Empire proclaimed faith in Christ.

    How did they do it? It wasn’t because they had resources or government assistance or positions of influence. No, the early church grew because the presence and power of Jesus in their midst created a community the likes of which the world had never seen. A community where rich and poor, male and female, slave and free loved, honored, and valued one another. A community that demonstrated a love, generosity, and courage that was truly counter-cultural. “And people
 liked what they saw.” (Acts 2:27 MSG)

    This upside-down way of life is what Paul is calling the Philippians to. He says: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Phil.2:14-16)

    He first urges them to be “blameless”: amemptos = without fault or compromise. Their lives should be not only compelling but consistent.

    They are also to be “pure”: akeraios = unmixed, unadulterated. Their behavior should be consistent with the way of Jesus and come from pure motives, no hidden agenda.

    Consistent behavior with pure motives will stand out in our warped and crooked world.

    “warped”: skolios = deviates from what is right and true. Paul says we live in a world that is bent and twisted, out of whack, not as it was intended to be.“crooked”: diastrepho = distorted and destructive. It’s a world filled with violence, injustice, and oppression.

    It’s a pervasive darkness that is desperately in need of light. Paul urges his friends to live in such a way that their lives shine in the darkness just like the stars shine brightly the dark of night.

    Jesus calls us to do the same. “You are the light of the world
let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14-17)

    The book of Proverbs puts it this way: “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” (Prov. 11:10) The “righteous” are those who are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community.

    When God’s people are blessed by God, they turn right around and become a blessing to their city. The presence of God’s people causes those in the city to say: “We are so glad you’re here.”

    Opportunities abound to touch our city. Jesus’ call is for us...you and me...to shine the light in the darkness. It’s up to us, friends. He has no other plan.

    Text: Philippians 2:14-18

    Originally recorded on September 28, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Extreme Makeover, pt. 2

    Philippians: Extreme Makeover, pt. 2

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    In our last episode, we began talking about what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you
” (Phil. 2:12-13). We said that if we hope to see the ongoing transformation of God in our lives, we must cooperate with God in the process.

    Transformation of any sort involves three elements:

    V – VisionI – IntentionM – Method

    Take the example of an NFL player. Their vision is to win the Super Bowl. But to accomplish this vision, they must intentionally arrange their lives around the methods that will get them there. Even if those methods are costly! Why? Because the vision drives them.

    The same thing is true in our spiritual journey. What is it that will compel us to grow? The vision of the day all will kneel and proclaim that Jesus is Lord. The day we will stand before Him and hear Him say, “Well done.”

    But that kind of life will not just happen. You don’t stumble into that kind of maturity. It will take intention.

    But what method, practice, or activity will help us experience that vision?

    I believe that spiritual disciplines are essential methods of spiritual training.

    Spiritual disciplines are activities that enable you to receive power and life from God. Things like Bible study, prayer, fasting, solitude, confession, community, and worship are valuable training methods.

    Spiritual disciplines are not an indicator of spirituality. As with an athlete, the disciplines are the drills that prepare you for the game. They are not the game itself. Spiritual disciplines are not the end in themselves. Rather, they should train us to be more kind, generous, forgiving, wise, and courageous. That’s the real game.

    Spiritual disciplines are not a way to earn favor with God. We don’t engage in these practices because we’re trying to impress or please God. We do them because we love Him and want to be more like Him.

    Spiritual disciplines are not necessarily unpleasant. Rather than being onerous or drudgery, spiritual disciplines can and should be life-giving and joy-filled.

    Spiritual disciplines are a matter of personal choice. Which disciplines result in the transformation you’re looking for? Do those!

    But remember, spiritual transformation only happens when we cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the place to start your extreme makeover is by starting each day with the discipline of presentation. “Oh, God, fill me this day with Your Spirit. Do Your work in me.”

    Text: Philippians 2:12-13

    Originally recorded on September 14, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Extreme Makeover, pt. 1

    Philippians: Extreme Makeover, pt. 1

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    Makeover shows have been exceedingly popular television viewing for decades. Do you remember the show, “Extreme Makeover”? They took ordinary people and completely changed their appearance. The transformations were astonishing!

    While we may never be the recipient of that kind of makeover, the Bible says that an extreme makeover is possible for those who place their faith in Christ. Not only is such transformation possible, it’s expected!

    But the changes Jesus wants to make are not necessarily on the outside. They are on the inside
where it matters most.

    The Apostle Paul talked about this a lot, telling us that God’s plan for us to be to “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29), to be “transformed into His likeness” (2 Cor. 3:18). And in Philippians 2, he writes: “
continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...” (vs. 12)

    Notice he doesn’t say “work for your salvation,” or “work to keep your salvation.” He says “work out your salvation.” There are aspects of our maturity that require our involvement and effort.

    God does what we cannot do; but He will not do what we are to do.

    Verse 13 says that God is not only cheering us on in this transformation process, but He is helping us. If we hope to become more loving, more patient, more gentle, or more self-controlled, it will require the dual partnership of us working with God as He does His work in us.

    Elsewhere, Paul uses sports to illustrate the idea of working out our salvation. He says that in the same way that an athlete goes into training in order to win the prize, so we should “train yourself to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7).

    Spiritual transformation is not a matter of trying harder, but of training wisely.

    How do you go into this kind of training? Well, there are some classic training techniques for spiritual transformation. They are known as the spiritual disciplines, such as: Bible study, prayer, Scripture memory, community, accountability, worship, and service.

    These disciples are themselves indicators of maturity. Rather, they are the means to spiritual maturity.

    An extreme makeover really is possible if you are willing to rearrange your life around those activities that enable you to receive power and life from God.

    Text: Philippians 2:12-13

    Originally recorded on September 7, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Vindication!

    Philippians: Vindication!

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    Have you ever wondered, “Is it worth it?” Is all the sacrifice and effort for the Kingdom really worth it? Is all the ridicule and mockery for following Jesus worth it?

    Well, friends, today we are going to find the answer. And that answer is: Yes. It is worth it!

    How do I know? Let’s look at Philippians 2:9-11 together.

    “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    In the previous episode, we talked about how Jesus climbed down the ladder. From the glories of heaven, he lowered himself and became a human, a servant even, and ultimately gave His life to die on a cross.

    Was it worth it? Hebrews 12:2-3 indicates that Jesus was able to endure all this because of what He knew was coming. Jesus, for the future joy set before Him, endured the present pain of sacrifice.

    What is that future joy? Phil. 2 gives us a clue. It points to a coming day when God will:

    Exalt Jesus to the highest place.

    The Greek term means “hyper-exalted.” Because of His sacrifice, the Father bestowed on the Son even more rights, privileges, and honors than He had before.

    Give Jesus the ultimate name.

    Verse 11 tell us that name: Lord. The Greek is kurios – deity, sovereignty, and authority in the highest possible sense. Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

    At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow:

    in heaven – the angels and the redeemed who’ve gone before uson earth – those alive when Jesus returns, whether saved or unsaved. under the earth – demonic spirits and those who died without Christ.


    Jesus’ exaltation to the highest place guarantees our vindication. It proves we were right. Jesus really is Lord. We were right to give our lives to Him.

    I love these words from Jesus Himself in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible:

    “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what He has done.” (Rev. 22:12)

    One day, all who have given up everything, sacrificed, and served for the sake of Christ, will receive a reward from Jesus Himself.

    So, as Paul writes to the Corinthians: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Cor. 15:58)

    What’s the apostle saying? Even as a life of sacrifice was worth it for Jesus, it will be worth it for us.

    Text: Philippians 2:9-11

    Originally recorded on August 31, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Downward Mobility

    Philippians: Downward Mobility

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    All our lives, we are encouraged to climb up the ladder. The word “up” has come to be cherished in our society. It’s a word reserved for winners, heroes, and overcomers: upscale, up-and-coming, upper class, upwardly mobile. The premise, indeed the promise, is that if you devote yourself to climbing up the ladder and making it to the top, that’s where all the good stuff is – status, significance, and success.

    Of course, devoting yourself to ladder climbing can carry a cost. Often to climb up, you need to climb over others. Because your focus is upward, you pay no attention to those below you.

    But the cost is more than worth it - or so we’re told. The problem with ladder climbing is it’s not only lonely at the top, it’s empty.

    But Jesus didn’t come to climb up the ladder. He went down the ladder.

    Philippians 2:5-8 gives a beautiful, poetic picture of the upside-down life of Jesus.

    “
who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage
” (v.6)

    There is a boatload of theology in these verses:

    “being” = huparchein = that which one is in very essence and which cannot be changed “in the very nature” = morphe = an essential form which never alters

    Paul is making it clear that Jesus always was, is, and always will be fully and unalterably God. To put it into our context, He started at the top of the ladder. But note which direction Jesus goes.

    “
rather, he made himself nothingby taking the very nature[b] of a servant,being made in human likeness.” (v. 7)

    Jesus’ downward mobility began with simply taking on human flesh with all its limitations. But His descent didn’t stop there. He came not just a man, but as a servant, spending time with lepers and prostitutes.

    And still, His descent continued.

    “And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (v.8)

    Jesus, the One who flung the stars into space, voluntarily gave Himself over to die. And not just any death. Death on a cross – the most painful, humiliating way to die.

    Jesus’ story is not a rags-to-riches story. It’s a riches-to-rags story (burial rags).

    Why did He willingly pursue this downward path?

    He was not committed to climbing up the ladder but to accomplishing God’s purposes.

    Now vs. 5 takes on new meaning. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

    Jesus’ descent was meant to be an example for us to follow.

    Jesus came as a servant, not in spite of the fact that He was God, but because He was God.

    It is the nature of God is to give and to serve. Jesus, when He came in the form of a servant, was not disguising Who God is; He was revealing Who God is.

    Intentionally moving down the ladder is the most God-like thing a person can do.

    Text: Philippians 2:5-8

    Originally recorded on August 24, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: When One Wins

    Philippians: When One Wins

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    In Philippians 2, Paul calls his friends – and us – to live in a totally countercultural manner. This “upside-down living” is the very opposite of what our society sees as normal. The irony is that by living upside down, we’re actually helping to turn the world right-side up.

    Having been called to unity, Paul now urges us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4)

    Let’s unpack this a bit. The phrase “selfish amibition” comes from the Greek word “eritheia” or “selfishness.” The word was used to describe three kinds of people:

    A mercenary – a soldier who fights for pay. A politician – who seeks his own advancement and gain over the good of the people.A gambler – whose gain was always at the expense of someone else.

    The other phrase here is “vain conceit.” It comes from the Greek “kenodoxia” or “empty glory.” It’s the idea of making a claim you can’t back up; having an overly exaggerated view of yourself.

    Another way to think of these ideas is: selfish ambition pursues personal goals; vain conceit seeks personal glory. Paul is saying, “Friends, have nothing to do with this lifestyle. Rather, think of others as better than yourselves!”

    Talk about countercultural! We’ve been taught to “look out for#1!” We’re afraid that “looking to the interests of others” will cost us. It’s a scarcity mindset that says, “If they win, I’ll lose.” It’s why we have such trouble “rejoicing with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15).

    Ultimately, the reason we struggle to celebrate others’ wins comes down to our view of God. If we think that God has a limited supply of grace – of blessing – then someone else’s blessing means there is less for me.

    But the reality is God’s grace is not only unmerited, it’s unlimited. To live “upside-down” is to have an abundance mindset! God is intimate in His focus, generous in His favor, and limitless in His supply.

    You can freely look to others’ interests when you’re convinced that God is looking to yours.

    Text: Philippians 2:3-4

    Originally recorded on August 17, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: God's Favorite Word

    Philippians: God's Favorite Word

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    What do you think God’s favorite word is?

    While we aren’t given a direct answer to that question, I’d like to hazard a guess. It’s a word found in the first two verses of Philippians 2: “
.make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

    I think God’s favorite word is
 ONE.

    God is so committed to the idea of oneness and unity among His people and so longs for intimate community to flourish here and now that it’s difficult to overstate His heart for its protection. Our unity—our oneness—not only glorifies Him but also sends a clear message to a broken, fragmented world.

    We see that clearly in the life of Jesus. On the night He was betrayed, the Savior prayed for His disciples and for future disciples yet to come. He prayed “ that they may be one as we are one
so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (Jn 17:22-23)

    To Jesus’ way of thinking, one of the greatest evidences of His transformational power was relational unity. Indeed, it was the undeniable unity of the incredibly diverse first church that caused an amazed world to say, “How they love one another!”

    But this unity is fragile. Traditional loyalties, personal preferences, and individual desires die hard. Real unity in a diverse community, while a beautiful sight to behold, requires constant attention.

    That’s why Paul urges the Philippians to get along. We don’t know exactly what the threat was to their unity, but likely it was the same thing that threatens many churches today. When people feel passionate about an issue, and others don’t share their passion, conflict can arise.

    Paul begins his admonition by offering
 The Motivation for Unity

    paraklesis = encouragement paramuthion = consolation koinonia = partnership, fellowshipsplanchna = deep affectionoiktirmos = mercies

    Have you experienced any of these in the community of faith? If so, then use it as motivation to fight for unity within the Body of Christ.

    Paul then shows us
The Marks of Unity:

    auto phronete = likemindedness Look for places of common understanding and genuine agreement. agape = selfless and sacrificial response Giving up one’s rights for the greater good. to en phronountes = intent on one purpose Keep the big picture in mind, the ultimate vision: the Kingdom of God

    Jesus gave His life that we might enter into His eternal family and demonstrate our unity to a watching world. So how committed are you to honor the oneness He died for?

    Text: Philippians 2:1-2

    Originally recorded on August 10, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Same Struggle

    Philippians: Same Struggle

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    Paul had told his friends, the Philippians, how he had suffered for the sake of Christ. Now, he tells them that they will face the same struggle.

    Rome, at this time, was the mightiest power on earth. It had utterly crushed its opponents. To be a Roman citizen was to be at the top of the pecking order. Because of their loyalty during a time of war, Philippi had been given the honor of citizenship and became an outpost for the Roman army.

    In addition, when Paul wrote his letter, Nero was the emperor. To elevate himself in the eyes of the populous, the people were to refer to Nero as “our Lord and Savior.”

    Can you see a potential problem for followers of Jesus?

    Paul had already bucked the system and was in prison, facing an uncertain future. Now he writes to the church in Philippi that they, too, will suffer for the sake of Christ.

    He tells them not to be afraid of those who oppose them (vs. 28). The Greek word is: “pturo” = alarmed. It refers to being intimidated by something that shouldn’t really scare you. Even though Christians were dying for refusing to deny Jesus as Lord and Savior, Paul is reminding them that in the end, there’s nothing to be afraid of. They may kill your body, but they can’t kill your soul
 and the future that awaits the believer is worth it all.

    Paul continues that their suffering would “be a sign” - “endeixis” = proof, evidence. That you are willing to stand your ground and remain loyal to Christ sends a message that there is a higher God than Caesar, and one day, the whole world will bow before Him.

    The word for “suffer” here is “pascho” = to be afflicted. It’s the same word from which we get “paschal lamb” – the term used for Jesus, the One who was sacrificed to the redemption of mankind. Paul is calling this kind of suffering redemptive, something that will ultimately bring life.

    Will suffering like this be easy? No. The word for “struggle” in vs. 30 is “agon,” from which we get “agony.”

    If you are pursuing a life of allegiance to Jesus, you will face the challenge to bow before “Caesar”: the Caesar of status, success, financial security, or comfort. Then you, too, must decide: will you stand tall no matter the cost?

    Text: Philippians 1:27-29

    Originally recorded on August 3, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Deliverance of Another Kind

    Philippians: Deliverance of Another Kind

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    When Paul wrote his letter to his Philippian friends, he was under house arrest in Rome, chained constantly to a Roman guard. But Paul saw this as an opportunity for the gospel. He had a captive audience! As a result, members of the palace guard were coming to Christ and taking their new-found faith with them to the far reaches of the empire.

    God was at work! Paul was aware that God was using his imprisonment to advance the gospel.

    His mindset is reflected in a theory by Albert Ellis called The ABC’s of Emotional Life.

    A = Antecedent. The starting point is the situation you find yourself in.C = Conclusion. This is the way I respond to the situation and the conclusions I draw.

    But the thing that gets us from A to C is:

    B = Beliefs. It’s my beliefs about what happened to me (the antecedent) that ultimately determine the way I feel. That’s why two people can go through the exact same situation and have polar opposite responses. Their beliefs are different.

    Here are Paul’s antecedents: He is in chains. He’d rather be out preaching the gospel, but instead, he’s in prison with a good chance of being executed.

    If Paul’s beliefs had been, “I’ve failed; my life is over,” you’d expect them to lead to negative emotions like despair or fear.

    But Paul believed that God was still in control. He believed that even what appeared to be bad would end up being used for good.

    This unshakable belief brought him to this conclusion: “
because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Phil. 1:18)

    The ABC’s of Paul’s emotional life were:

    Antecedent: Life is difficult.Belief: Jesus is Lord.Conclusion: I will rejoice.

    You find this mindset throughout Scripture. The OT character of Joseph captured it perfectly when he said: “What you intended for evil, God used for good.” (Gen. 50:20)

    You could say that Paul’s perspective was this: “I have given up trying to get God to engineer the circumstances I want. Rather, I’m devoting my life to partner with God in the circumstances He’s allowed.”

    In his letter, Paul goes on to ask the Philippians to pray that the things that had happened to him would result in his deliverance. But he is not saying, “Please pray that I will be released.” Rather, he is saying, “Pray that no matter how difficult this gets, I will not dishonor God. Pray not that I will be delivered from my circumstances. Pray that I will be delivered in my circumstances.”

    Text: Philippians 1:11-20

    Originally recorded on June 29, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Philippians: Loving Much and Well

    Philippians: Loving Much and Well

    · The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

    There are many kinds of prayer and many reasons for prayer, but most of the time, it seems that we pray when there is a need or crisis. Such prayers are appropriate and powerful! But is that all God had in mind when He gave us the gift of prayer? Was its sole purpose to serve as a spiritual fire extinguisher with the sign stating, “Break glass in case of emergency”?

    I decided to do some research by studying how the Apostle Paul prayed. Multiple times in the letters he wrote to the churches he planted, we find these wonderful prayers. These prayers are more than just for the obvious needs. They go much deeper.

    We have one of those prayers recorded in Philippians 1:9-11.

    And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

    This is more than simply asking God to “be with” them! Paul is praying that they would grow in their capacity to love.

    Let’s look at four keywords in this prayer that we can bring into our own prayers – for ourselves and others.

    1. Abound: “perissos” – meaning no limit, exceedingly, out of measure.

    It’s in the present progressive tense, which means it is ongoing. Literally, Paul is saying, “may your love expand more and more and more. May you be more loving today than you were last year and may you be more loving a year from now than you are today.”

    For Paul, living a life characterized by love mattered more than anything. (1 Cor. 13)

    2. Knowledge: “epignosis” - full knowledge; not merely knowledge about something but knowledge born of personal encounter and involvement

    If we want to love a person well, we must know them well. So many of our relationships are superficial. Even in families and among friends. We don’t really know each other. Is it any wonder our love is so shallow?

    3. Insight: aesthesis - moral discernment, especially in ethical matters

    The word has to do with making wise decisions in the heat of the moment. Have you ever felt pressured by someone who said, “If you love me, you’ll do this”? Yet the reality is the most loving thing to do is to say no. "No, I'm not going to lie for you.” “I’m not going to cover for you.” “I’m not going to enable you or join in that behavior.”

    4. Discern: “dokimazo” – test, prove, scrutinize

    Paul is challenging these folks to be careful and not be fooled. It may not be an issue of right and wrong but good, better, and best. “Is this what’s best?”

    I want to love well and love much, don’t you? Let’s start praying that very thing.

    Text: Philippians 1:7-11

    Originally recorded on June 22, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

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