Joshua 3:1

Joshua 3:1 says, And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.  Joshua and the people of Israel got an early start, and came to the Jordan, where they stopped before they passed over.  Once again, they were on the edge of the promised land.  In this life, we will always be camped on the edge of the promised land.  Though we can never pass over until we die or Christ returns, we must always be ready to go.  Verse two states, And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;  They were camped there for three days.  Verse three declares, And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.  Then, the officers went throughout the host, the people of Israel, and said that when they saw the ark of the covenant and the priests bearing it that they were to follow it.  The ark of the covenant represented the presence of God.  Today, we need to make sure that we are following the will of God when we move to do something for Him.  Since the Holy Spirit is with us always, we must simply seek God's leadership in all that we do and not move on without that leadership.  Verse four adds, Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.  The people were told to keep a space between themselves and the ark of the covenant, and then to follow where it went, because they were going where they had never been before.  Though we do not have a physical separation between us and the Holy Spirit if we are followers of Christ, we still need to make sure that wherever we go, even if it is somewhere that we have never been before, that we are following the leadership of God.  Verse five proclaims, And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.  Joshua told the people to sanctify themselves, because tomorrow God was going to do wonders among them.  I believe that if we are going to see God do great wonders among us today that we as His people must first sanctify ourselves.  The lost people of the world are definitely not going to sanctify themselves before God, but we as Christians can never afford not to, and we can only be sanctified by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse six adds, And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.  Joshua told the priests to take the ark of the covenant and pass over before the people.  Again, this represented God going ahead of them.  Verse seven declares, And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.  God told Joshua that as of that day He would begin to magnify Joshua so that the people would know that He was with Joshua just as He had been with Moses.  Earthly leaders may come and go, but God will always remain the same, and He will call people to various tasks in the world.  As followers of Christ, we simply need to follow those that He places in positions of authority through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse eight adds, And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.  Joshua was to tell the priests that when they came to the Jordan that they were to stand still in the Jordan.  They were now on the brink of passing over to the promised land.  We today will always be on the brink of the promised as long as we live.  We will not pass over into the promised land until God brings us there.

Joshua 2:15

Joshua 2:15 says, Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.  Rahab lived in a house on the town wall.  I guess some people would say that the spies were fortunate that she did, but I believe that God was at work even before the spies got there.  Rahab had acknowledged the power of the God of Israel.  Verse sixteen states,  And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.  Before she let them down, she told the two spies to go to the mountains and hide for three days until the pursuers left, then go on their way.  She wasn't just helping them get out of the city, but she was telling them how to get safely out of the country.  When we present the gospel and someone accepts it, then that person will get safely to his or her heavenly home.  The gospel is not just a way to escape a temporary situation, but is a way to everlasting salvation.  Verse seventeen declares, And the men said  a way unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.  Then verse eighteen adds, Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.  The two spies said that in order for them to be blameless in the oath that Rahab was going to have to take some action when they returned.  She was to bind a line of scarlet thread to her window and have her family there with her.  Though Christ died for the sins of all people, if His death is to have any impact in our life, we must take the action of accepting His sacrifice individually.  Of course, we cannot accept salvation for our family, but we can share the gospel with them.  Verse nineteen continues, And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.  The spies told Rahab that if anyone went out of the house that they were responsible if any harm came to them.  As long as they remained in the house, the spies would be accountable if any harm came to those inside.  As long as we remain faithful in our spiritual relationship to Christ, then if harm were to come to us, spiritually He would be responsible, but this will never happen.  Also, the spies had to believe that when they returned that they would be victorious, and we today know that we are already victorious through our faith in Christ if we have accepted Him as our Savior and Lord.  Verse twenty concludes,  And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.   Rahab had to be faithful in not telling anyone what she had done or what the spies were to do for her.  Now, we do not have to be silent about what God has done for us, but are told to share the good news of Christ with everyone.  That is the way that we are faithful in our relationship to Christ.  Verse twenty-one declares,  And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.  Rahab agreed, and the spies departed and she bound the scarlet ribbon to the window.  She was already preparing for their return.  We today must be preparing for the return of Christ, even if it does not happen in our lifetime.  When He does return, it will be to late to accept His salvation.  Verse twenty-two says, And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were gone: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.  The two spies went to the mountain and hid for three days as Rahab had advised them to do, and they were not found.  Verse twenty-three adds, So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:  After the three days passed, the spies returned safely back over the Jordan and gave their report.  If we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, then we are already assured that we will pass safely out of this life and into our heavenly home.  Verse twenty-four concludes, And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.  These spies declared that God had already delivered the land to them and that the people there fainted at even the mention of the name of the Israelites, and more specifically their God.  Lost people and those who are actively working against God may not faint when they come into contact with a Christian, but the victory is already ours through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  As then, the victory and honor go to God.

Joshua 2:1

Joshua 2:1 says, And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.  These spies weren't sent to see if the people of Israel should go into the land, but to get the lay of the land.  They came to Rahab, the harlot's house.  One thing we need to remember is that women had very few rights in those days, so this likely wasn't her choice of what to be in life.  We should be careful about judging people based strictly on what they do.  Verse two states, And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.  The king of Jericho was made aware of the presence of the two spies.  Verse three adds, And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.  The king not only knew that they were in the country and why they were there, but he knew where they were.  This could have been Rahab's opportunity to profit from telling the king what he wanted to know, or she could have let her fear compel her to tell him.  When we are serving God, we cannot afford to be guided by profit or fear.  Verse four declares,  And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:  Rahab hid the two spies then lied to the king, telling him that they had been there but they left and se didn't know where they went.  Had the king found them there, the spies wouldn't have been the only ones who have likely been killed, but Rahab would have too.  We must stand up for what is right even it puts us in danger.  Verse five adds, And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.  Rahab said they the two men had gone out at about the time of the closing of the gate, and if they hurried they might catch them.  She continued in her lie to protect these two men, who were strangers to her.  Verse six proclaims, But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.  The two spies were hidden on the roof, and were evidently effectively hidden.  Verse seven adds, And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.  Those looking for the spies chased them to the Jordan, and as soon as they left in pursuit the gate was closed.  Now, the spies were trapped inside the city walls, so it would have still looked very uncertain to them that they could escape.  When things look bad and we are on a mission from God, we need to remember that He is still in charge.  Verse eight states, And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;  Then verse nine adds,  And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.  Rahab came to the two spies and said she recognized the power of their God.  The first step anyone can take today in order to claim salvation through faith in Christ is to recognize Who God is.  Verse ten says, For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.  Rahab said they knew of the power of the God of Israel.  It was not the people of Israel themselves that they gave credit to, but their God.  Many people today recognize the power of God, but instead of acknowledging Him, they want to discredit Him.  Verse eleven adds, And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.  Instead of wanting to come into a right relationship with God, the people simply were very afraid of Him.  If we do not accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, then we have every reason to fear God.  Verse twelve continues, Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:  Rahab asked that they show mercy to her  and her father's house, just as she had shown mercy to them.  Verse thirteen declares,  And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.  I don't know how Rahab got into the position that she was in, but she wasn't just concerned about herself.  She was concerned for her whole family.  We today should be just as concerned for our families.  Verse fourteen concludes,  And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.  The two spies agreed with what Rahab had asked them to do.  We today need to help others come to know Christ, whether they have helped us or not.

Joshua 1:10

Joshua 1:10 says, Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,  Then verse eleven adds, Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.  Joshua sent word throughout the people of Israel to get ready, because within three days they were to cross over Jordan to possess the land that God had promised them.  He did not send spies nor did they vote on it.  They were simply told to be ready to go.  When we know what God wants us to do, we simply need to get ready and do it as soon s possible.  Verse twelve states,  And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,  Then verse thirteen continues, Remember the word which Moses the servant of the  LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.  Joshua told the Reubenites, the  Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh the promise to them from God by Moses had not been forgotten.  Joshua was the new leader, but a promise made by God through Moses still applied.  Verse fourteen declares, Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;  Joshua said that as Moses had told them that they would remain on this side of the Jordan, but that their mighty men would go with the rest of the nation to help secure the land on the other side.  Even if we remain where we are when we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we have a responsibility to do all that we can to help our fellow believers throughout the world.  We cannot just sit in safety and ignore what is going on with other Christians who are suffering for their faith.  Verse fifteen adds, Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.  Joshua said that once the land on the other side of the Jordan was secured, then the men could return to their peace on this side of the Jordan as Moses had commanded.  Joshua did not change the promise of God made through Moses.  We should never attempt to change the promise of God made to others today, but as Christians, must still be united as one people under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse sixteen declares, And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.  These two and a half tribes agreed to do all that Joshua commanded.  They could have said that since Moses was dead that hey would just stay where they were as he had promised, but they were willing to follow Joshua's command.  When one church leader dies today, or even just leaves the position of leadership in a particular church, we as followers of Christ must be willing to follow the next person that God places in that position.  Verse seventeen continues, According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.  They said that they would listen to Joshua as they did to Moses, as long as God was with Joshua as He was with Moses.  The only way to know for sure if God was with Joshua was to follow him and see if God continued to work through him as He did through Moses.  If someone new comes into a position of leadership in a particular church, then they must follow God's teachings and directions if we are to follow them.  We may only know after we start to follow their leadership.  If they begin to teach things that are contrary to God's word, then we should point this out, and if the refuse to change what they are teaching, then we should seek God's will as to the best way to handle the situation.  We should never refuse to accept this new leader simply because we liked the old one better.  Verse eighteen concludes, Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.  They made a strong commitment to Joshua.  Anyone who rebelled against Joshua would be put to death.  We need that same unity and commitment to Christ today.

Joshua 1:1

Joshua 1:1 says, Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,  Moses had died after the wilderness wanderings, and God chose Joshua to be the new leader.  Joshua was one of the spies who had said that the people of Israel should go into the Promised Land all those years ago.  The people were going to need a leader who had a strong faith in God.  Verse two states, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.  God had told Moses that even though the people of Israel would be allowed to go into the Promised Land when the generation that lacked the faith to do so had died, that Moses himself would not be allowed to.  Like Moses, no matter how close we are to God, our actions bring consequences in this life.  God told Joshua it was now time to go over the Jordan into the land that God gave them.  Verse three declares, Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.  God did not say that whatever land they could conquer would be theirs, but that everywhere they set foot God would give them.  We today do not have to fight to claim our heavenly home, but God has already giving it to us if we put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  The battle is already won.  Verse four adds, From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.  God defined the land that was to be theirs.  I believe that this was so that Joshua would know when the people had claimed all the land that God had promised them.  Even though Joshua had been told that wherever their foot trod would be theirs, this was still under the guidance of God.  Defining the area kept them from not going far enough or from going too far.  When we follow Christ today, we must make sure that we are following where He directs us to go.  Verse five says, There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail, nor forsake thee.  God made a promise to Joshua, but this was based on Joshua remaining faithful to Him.  God would be with Joshua just as He had been with Moses, and no one could stand against Joshua as long as he lived.  God will be with us the same way today, and as long as we live by faith in Him, no one can stand against us to keep us out of the Promised Land, which for us is heaven.  Verse six states, Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.  God told Joshua to be strong and of good courage.  Joshua had proven himself to be that way before, and he needed to continue to do so.  If we have been strong and of good courage in the past in our relationship with God, we need to continue to be so for as long as we live.  God said that He was going to fulfill the promise made to their fathers, and He will fulfill the promise made to all who believe in Christ when He declares the time to be right.  Verse seven adds, Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.  God told Joshua to be strong and very courageous under the law that He had given Moses.  Joshua was not to turn from it in any way.  We today must be courageous through our relationship to Christ, never deviating in our faith.  God's law has not changed, and we are to be guided by it.  Verse eight continues, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Like Joshua, we cannot depart from God's law if we are to be successful in our spiritual journey.  Also, like Joshua, we are to meditate on the law of God day and night so that we walk in His law.  When we do, we will prosper spiritually.  Verse nine concludes, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.  Once again, God commanded Joshua to be strong and of good courage, because God was going to be with him wherever he went.  We today have that promise in an even greater way.  Wherever we go as followers of Christ, God is with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  If we are being obedient to God, we never have to fear anything in this world.

We will review some of the things we learned from Philippians.  First, we should be thankful for our fellow Christians and let them know that we are.  Paul was continually writing to his fellow believers to let them know how much they meant to him.  We today can do so much more easily than he could.  We have almost instantaneous communication today, so we should utilize it for God's glory and the edification of our fellow believers.  The next thing we learn is that circumstances should not determine our willingness to praise God.  Paul was in prison, but he still praised God.  Along the same line, we should not allow our material status to determine our contentment in life.  Paul said he was content if he had an abundance or if he had a lack, and so should we be.  Paul warned us to beware of those who preached the gospel as being a way to material success.  Also, like the believers at Philippi, we should be willing to give to support those who are doing God's work and have a need.  I don't believe that we are to give so that they can have everything they desire, but everything that God says that they need.  We also need to realize that at times our fellow believers are going to disagree with each other, and when they do we need to help them settle their differences so that they will not interfere with the spreading of the gospel.  We must all work together through the leadership of the Holy Spirit if we are to successfully share the gospel with the world.  Finally, like Paul, we must claim the promise that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  I believe that through Christ means under His leadership, and when we are following His leadership we can do anything that we need to do by the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish what we have been called to do.  This is not a promise that we can do anything that we desire or decide to do, but that we can do anything that God calls us to do, by His power.

Philippians 4:11 says, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  Paul said that he wasn't speaking to them about their helping him because he had wanted anything more for himself.  Paul said he had learned to be content whatever state he was in physically.  We need to learn to be the same way.  If we are following Christ to have great material wealth, or become disappointed in God when we struggle in the world, then we are following Him for the wrong reasons.  We need to be content in God, no matter what our physical or financial state may be.  Verse twelve states, I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  Paul said he knew how it was to have more than enough and to not have near enough and to be hungry and full.  Sometimes, I believe that we are more faithful, or close to God, when we are in need than we are when we have an abundance.  It is important that we remain faithful, no matter our status in the world.  Verse thirteen declares, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  This is quite a statement of faith.  I believe that Paul meant that he could do all things that God led him to do through his faith in Christ.  We can do everything though the power of Christ if what we are doing is in accordance to His instruction and is for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.  Verse fourteen adds, Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.  Paul again commended the Christians at Philippi.  Paul never just bragged on himself for the purpose of having others glorify him, but always gave God the glory and acknowledged that others were being faithful to God as well.  If we begin to extol our own virtue so that other people might glorify us for our faith in God, then we have lost our focus.  Verse fifteen says, Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.  Paul said that when he departed Macedonia, that the church at Philippi was the only one to ask him about giving and receiving, which meant to support him in his travels to spread the gospel.  We today need to be very supportive of missionary work around the world.  We may not be able to go, but we can give.  Verse sixteen adds, For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.  Paul said when he was in Thessalonica that they sent him support on more than one occasion.  We need to be noted for our support of mission work in the world today.  Verse seventeen continues, Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.  Paul said that he wasn't acknowledging them because he wanted anything from them, but because their giving brought them a blessing from God.  We today should never give in order to bring a blessing to ourselves, nor should we ask others to give that we might be better supported.  Both giving and receiving should be done for the glory of God.  Verse eighteen declares, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.  Paul said he had everything he needed and more because of their generous giving, and that their giving was a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.  When we give generously to the work of God, it is a sweet smelling sacrifice to Him.  Verse nineteen adds, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Paul told the believers at Philippi that God would supply their every need according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ.  We cannot interpret this to mean that God is going to give us everything we desire.  Paul was in prison when he wrote this, and he wasn't writing to a bunch of rich people in Philippi, but to struggling Christians.  If we ask for something material from God, it must be so that the gospel might be spread further and that God may be glorified, and never just so that we may be enriched.  Verse twenty proclaims, Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Paul said that everything that he had told them was to be for the glory of God the Father forever and ever, amen.  All that we do today should also be done for the glory of our heavenly Father.  Verse twenty-one states, Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.  Paul was closing his letter, and asking the Christians at Philippi to salute every saint in Jesus Christ and sending greetings from those that were with him.  Saints are not super religious people, but those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.   As followers of Christ, we are all saints, and no one has to declare us so.  Verse twenty-two adds, All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.  Paul said that their were even believers in Caesar's household, and they especially saluted the believers at Philippi.  We should never be surprised at where we find Christians today.  Then verse twenty three concludes, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  This was written to the Philippians from Rome.  Paul closed by asking that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them.  The best thing that we can do for fellow believers today is to ask for the grace of God to be with them.  We will next look at the book of Joshua.

Philippians 4:1 says.Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.  Paul spoke very highly of his fellow believers at Philippi.   Then, he asked them to stand fast in the Lord.  Even if we are highly spoken of because of our faith in Christ, we must never falter, but stand fast in that faith.  If we do falter, then we must ask forgiveness and return to that steadfast faith.  Verse two states, I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.  Paul speaks of two women, Syntyche and Euodias, who it would seem were disagreeing with one another, asking them to be of the same kind in the Lord.   As followers of Christ, if we disagree with another believer, we should pray that God would lead us to be of the same mind in Christ.  If we are, then we will always do what is right.  Verse three says, And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.  Paul did not demand that the other Christians help these two women, who he called fellow laborers of his in the gospel, but he humbly asked them to.  Paul had no doubt that their names, as well as Clement and others, was written in the book of life.  If we have disagreements with other Christians, that does not remove their name or ours from the Book of life.  Once we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are forever saved.  Verse four states, Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Paul did not say occasionally rejoice, or when things are going well rejoice, but to rejoice always in the Lord.  Paul was in prison, yet he was rejoicing in the Lord.  When we rejoice based on our earthly situation, we may not often rejoice, but if we rejoice in our redemption through our faith in Christ, we always have a reason to rejoice.  Verse five declares, Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Paul asks them to live in moderation, because the Lord is at hand.  Paul said they were to do this because the Lord was at hand.  Through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life if we are a Christian, the Lord is always at hand.  Verse six states, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Verse seven adds, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Just as Paul told the Christians at Philippi then, we aren't to live in fear, but we are to make our needs known to God by fear and supplication.  Paul didn't say we were to make our wants known, but our needs, and that we were to do so with thanksgiving.  When we turn everything over to God, then we will know the peace of God, which we can not truly understand with human thought.  Verse eight declares, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Paul called on them to seek those things that true, honest, just and pure.  These would be the things of God, and these are the things that we today as followers of Christ should be seeking.  Verse nine adds, Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  Paul held himself up as an example, not from his life before he became a Christian, but from his time after.  If we hold ourselves up as an example of what it means to be  Christian, we better be sure that we are living by the principles that God teaches us.  Verse ten concludes, But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.  Paul said that he rejoiced in their care for him during the last year.  He said he knew before that they lacked the opportunity.  We can only help others when we have the opportunity, and we cannot help everyone.

Philippians 3:16 says, Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.  Paul told the Christians to walk according to the salvation that they had already attained by faith.  They were not to obey God to attain salvation, but because they already had by accepting Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  Like them, we are to walk in obedience to our faith, not to attain salvation, but because as followers of Christ, we have already attained it.  Verse seventeen states,  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.  Paul said that they were to look to him as an example.  At this time, he was imprisoned for his faith.  Of course, Paul did not say that he was the only one that they could use for an example of faithfulness to Christ, but he did say that any others that they used should walk in faith as he did.  I believe too often today we use those who profess to follow Christ and are very successful materially as examples to follow.  At times, they may even encourage us to use them as example if we want to be materially successful, but we were never promised material success in the world, so I believe that we need to be wary of them.  It is not impossible to be a Christian and be rich, but when someone declares that if we are faithful enough to Christ that He will make us rich, then they need to look at Paul, who instead of being rich was imprisoned.  Verse eighteen adds,  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  Then verse nineteen concludes, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)  I believe that this is as clear a warning as there can be that not all who profess to be Christians really are.  Paul said that he had already warned the followers of Christ at Philippi about them, and that he did so with weeping.  Paul said that these who professed to follow Christ but didn't were ruled by their belly, or material things.  We need to be just as concerned about those who proclaim any way of faith other than the way of the cross.  If we are only following Christ for material success, then we are attempting to follow for the wrong reason.  Verse twenty declares, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Paul said their conversation was in heaven from whence they looked for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul was referring too all those whom it was good to follow as an example.  Our life today should point others to Jesus Christ and should always be lived in obedience to Him.  Verse twenty-one adds, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  I believe that Paul was referring to a change that will occur as soon as we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Though we may still live in this same old body for the rest of our life, we are to become a new creature by Christ.  Though we will not be perfect, we are a part of the family of God from the day we accept Jseus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and it should change our very nature.

Philippians 3:8 says, Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  Paul had been a powerful man in the Jewish religion.  He was well educated and looked up to by his peers.  He said counted this all as nothing but a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ as his Lord.  I don't believe that this means he had given up so much, but that what he had before, no matter how of much importance it was viewed by the world and by himself, was worth nothing.  Paul was saying not that he had sacrificed, but that he had gained.  We need to have that same attitude today.  We cannot look back feeling that we lost anything when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse nine states, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  Paul said he found righteousness through Christ and not through the law.  Righteousness can only come by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  We might try to find a right relationship with God through the law of God, and if anyone could, Paul could have, but he knew it was impossible.  Righteous, being in a right relationship with God, comes only through faith in Christ.  Verse ten declares, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  By faith. Paul could know Jesus Christ.  By faith, we can know Jesus Christ.  Paul knew the power that came from the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ defeated sin and death by his resurrection.  Paul said that by faith he could know the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ.  We need that same type faith today.  We are not called to great affluence and power when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, but are called to be humble servants, taking up our cross daily.  Paul was willing to follow Jesus Christ even if it cost him his life.  The question is, "Are we?"  Verse eleven adds, If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  I believe that Paul was saying that he would willingly give up everything, even his life, to have an everlasting relationship with Christ.  I don't believe that he was questioning whether he might have this relationship, but was stating the truth of the fact that he did.  We today can have that same assurance.  Verse twelve continues, Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Paul said he knew had not attained perfection, but that he strived for it through his faith in Christ.  He said he had been apprehended by Christ.  We today, as followers of Christ, are not perfect, but we are to strive for perfection through our faith in Christ.  Everything in our life should be apprehended, or controlled, by our faith in Christ.  Verse thirteen states, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  Paul said he hadn't achieved perfection, but that he did not look back on what he had before becoming a Christian, but that he looked ahead to what he was through his relationship with Christ.  Likewise, we cannot look back but must look ahead by faith in Christ.  Verse fourteen adds, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Paul said he pressed on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God through Jesus Christ.  We should recognize what a great calling we have through Christ today, and daily walk by faith in Him.  Verse fifteen concludes, Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.  Paul asked that all the believers in Christ in Philippi be of a like mind as he was.  This is still the way that we should be as followers of Christ today.

Philippians 3:1 says, Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.  It might seem strange to start a chapter with finally, but we have to remember that Paul did not write chapters and verses but a letter.  Chapters and verses were added many years later, but they in no way change the message.  Paul said that the Christians at Philippi were to rejoice in the Lord.  We should always rejoice in the Lord if we are followers of  Christ.  Paul said wetting these things was not grievous to him and for them it was safe.  Sharing God's word with others should never be grievous to us, and if it is accepted, it should bring spiritual safety to those who accept it.  Verse two warns, Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.  These dogs were not the four legged creatures, but people who would lead the believers in Christ at Philippi away from God, as were evil workers and those that would lead them to concision, or arguments and disagreements.  We need to beware of these same type people today, and we certainly should never be one of them.  Verse three adds, For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.  Circumcision was a physical act that identified the people of Israel as the people of God.  Paul said that those who believed in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord were the circumcision, or people of God, now.  This was not a physical act, but a spiritual one, and they were to have no confidence in any physical acts to bring them into a right relationship with God.  Salvation is a spiritual relationship and always has been, even when the people of Israel used a physical act to identify as God's people.  The people still had to personally believe in God as the Creator, Sustainer, and ultimate Redeemer of humanity.  Verse four declares, Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:  Paul begins to give his credentials, not to say that this saved him, but to say that it didn't.  We can come from the best Christian family and be educated in the best Christian schools and it does not save us, just as Paul's earthly credentials did not save him.  Verse five adds, Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;  It would be hard for anyone to have a better heritage than Paul did, but he knew that his had only left him a lost person in the eyes of God.  Verse six adds, Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.  Paul said that he was a very zealous Jew, persecuting Christians wherever he could.  We may not physically have persecuted Christians today, but if we have not accepted Christ and have spoken out against Him, we are just as guilty as Paul was.  Verse seven concludes, But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  This heritage that Paul had been proud of, that he counted for his credit, he now willingly counted them as loss for Christ.  We must likewise count everything that we did before accepting Christ as a loss, or of no value.

Philippians 2:19 says, But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.  Paul did not say he was just sending Timotheus, or Timothy, to them, but he was doing so under the guidance of the Lord Jesus, in Whom he put his trust.  Paul wanted a first hand report of the state of the Christians at Philippi.  As Christians, no matter what we want, we need to make sure that when our plans are made that made by the guidance of Christ and by our faith in Him.  Verse twenty states, For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.  I believe that Paul was saying that Timothy was of the same mind as he was and shared in his concern for the Christians at Philippi.  Paul wanted someone that he felt he could trust to go to them, and we should have other Christians that we can trust to do God's work if we cannot do it ourselves today.  Verse twenty-one declares, For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.  Paul said that too many of the others around him sought their own will and not the will of Christ.  I believe that Paul was referring to others who professed to be following Christ.  Hopefully, we would be one that Paul would send and not one seeking our own will.  Verse twenty-two adds,  But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.  Paul said that Timothy actions spoke to his obedience to Christ and that he was like a son to Paul.  Timothy had grown into a man of great faith.  We may not always start with great acts of faith, but we should always grow in our faith and our acts should speak for themselves.  Verse twenty-three says, Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.  Paul said he would send Timothy soon, since he thought that he would soon see how things would go for him.  Had Paul been set free, he might have gone with Timothy, but he was making plans for his not being set free.  If we were to be imprisoned for our faith, we would need to make plans for the work that we are doing for Christ to be carried on by others through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Verse twenty-four adds, But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.  Paul was still trusting in the Lord that he would be able to come to them soon.  This did not mean that his trust would falter if he wasn't.  We should always trust that God will work out things for the best, but it may not always be the way that we want it to work out.  Verse twenty-five states, Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.  Paul said he planned to send Epaphroditus, his brother and fellow laborer in Christ.  Verse twenty-six adds, For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.  He said that Epaphroditus wanted to come to them, but that as they had heard he had been sick.  Verse twenty-seven continues, For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.  Paul said that God had healed Epaphroditus, much to Paul's relief.  We should feel a sadness when we hear of our fellow Christians being sick or otherwise suffering for the gospel.  Verse twenty-eight says, I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.  Paul said that he sent Epaphroditus more carefully, that when the Christians at Philippi saw him they could rejoice at his recovery.  Paul also said that this would make him less sorrowful, I believe because he knw that Epaphroditus would be in good hands.  Verse twenty-nine adds, Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:  Then verse thirty concludes, Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.  Paul asked them to receive Epharoditus with all gladness, because he had almost died because of his work for Christ, without regard for his own life.  We should pray that people can say the same thing about us today.

Philippians 2:12 says, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  Paul commended the Christians at Philippi for always being obedient, not to him, but to God.  Paul said they had done this when he was with them, but they did it even more so since he had been gone.  We do not obey men but God, and we should do so whether the preacher is present or not.  I have heard people say or do something wrong when a preacher is present and apologize to him, but God is there all the time and He is the One Who should be apologized to.  Then, Paul said that they were to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.  This did not mean that they could do anything to save themselves, other than accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord,  Until we accept the salvation of Christ personally, we should fear and tremble at our standing with God.  Verse thirteen states, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Paul clarifies that it is God Who works to bring about their salvation and their calling.  It is because of the good pleasure of God that salvation is even possible, and it is also at His good pleasure that we are called to serve Him.  God does not need us to do His work, but He allows us to be a part of it.  Verse fourteen declares, Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  Murmurings and disputings are nothing new in the church.  Paul warned against them to the Christians at Philippi, and the warning still applies today.  Too often, church members, those who are supposed to be Christ's representatives in the world today, get mad at another member and leave the church.  If we are to be effective in presenting the gospel to the world, then we must learn to at least get along with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Verse fifteen adds, That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  Paul said that they were to do this so that they could be blameless and harmless sons of God without rebuke.  He also acknowledged that they were to do this in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.  We may see the nation today as crooked and perverse, but we cannot be like those who do not know Christ.  We cannot lash out with hatred and anger.  We are called to be a shining light in the world, and we cannot do this if we act the same as the rest of the world.  Verse sixteen continues, Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.  Paul said that they, like him, were to hold forth to the word of life, the gospel, so that they could rejoice together in the day of Christ, the judgment day to come.  If we are to rejoice in that day, we likewise must hold forth to the gospel, living by faith in Christ.  In verse seventeen Paul declares, Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.  Paul said that if he were to die so that others might come to know Christ and live as faithful Christians that he would rejoice with them.  Do we have that same type of faith today, or do we think that we should be happy no matter what is happening to other Christians and even the lost people of the world?  Verse eighteen adds, For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.  Paul said that the followers of Christ at Philippi were the same way.  We today need to rejoice in God, even if our faith leads us to suffering at the hands of those who do not know God.

Philippians 2:1 says, If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  These were not really questions, but statements of fact.  If the followers of Christ at Philippi really believed these things to be true, then what Paul asked next would easy to do.  If we today believe that we find consolation in Christ, comfort in His love, fellowship of the Holy Spirit and have the mercy of God in our soul, then nothing that we are asked to do for God and our fellow Christians will be too hard.  Verse two states, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Paul did not say if they wanted to fulfill his joy that they should come and set him free.  He said that they were to be likeminded about those things just mentioned and to be of one accord and of one mind.  We often hear the expression that nobody is going to tell me what to think, but as Christians, the word of God should tell us what to think, and it should be consistent  with what our fellow believers think. Verse three declares, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  God tells us through Paul that we are to do nothing through strife and vainglory.  If we are being obedient to Christ, we cannot brag on how great we are and we should not do things that are simply done to bring strife with others in order to glorify ourselves.  We are to have an attitude of humbleness, so that we will not esteem ourselves better than others.  If anyone at that time could have felt morally superior to others, it would have been Paul, but he warned against such an attitude.  Verse four adds, Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  I believe that this means that we are not to just seek what is good for us individually, but we are to seek what is good for everyone, our fellow believers and maybe more importantly those who do not believe.  The souls of nonbelievers are at stake.  Paul was willing to bear all kinds of abuse to reach out to the lost, and he did so without becoming bitter toward them.  We today need that same attitude.  Verse five says, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  As followers of Christ, we are to have the mind of Christ.  As long as we ask what would Jesus do in a situation, and act accordingly to the best of our ability, we will never go wrong.  Verse six states, Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  Christ was willing to give up His heavenly home and come to earth to die for the sins of rebellious people.  We are to have this same mindset.  No, we cannot die for the salvation of others, but we should be willing to die to reach them with God's word.  Verse seven adds, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  If Jesus gave up everything for us, becoming a lowly servant of no reputation, and we are to be likeminded with Him, we should also be willing to give up everything in order for others to come to know Him.  Verse eight continues, And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Some people today, who profess to be Christians, would seem to be unable to be humble in the world, and would certainly not be willing to die that someone else might be saved.  We, as followers of Christ, are called upon to take up our cross daily, and that means to die to self will and desires.  Verse nine declares, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  Jesus Christ is exalted above all by God, because He willingly gave up everything to die for the lowest of individual.  Verse ten adds, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  Every knee bowing to Jesus did not happen in Paul's lifetime, and may not happen in ours, but it is already an accomplished fact that when God says the time is right that it will happen.  Verse eleven concludes,  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  For some, bowing to Jesus and confessing that He is Lord to God's glory will come to late.  This must be done while we are still alive and awaiting the return of Jesus Christ.  It will be a terrible day for those who fail to acknowledge Christ, since they rejected redemption through His sacrifice.

Philippians 1:21 says, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Paul said that his life was to be lived out so that Christ would be reflected through him.  Paul saw death as a gain and not a loss, but he did not want to die just because he would be with Christ forever.  Like Paul, no matter how bad things get in life because of our faith in Christ, we should always live by faith so that the world will see Christ when they look at us.  I personally don't think that we should fear death, neither should we look forward to dying as long as we have work left to do for Christ.  Verse twenty-two states, But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.  Paul said that living in the flesh, or this world, was the fruit of his labor.  No matter what was happening in his life, he was a witness for Christ.  Paul then said if the choice was his, he wasn't sure what he would chose, to live in this sinful world or to go on to be with Christ.  It was not his choice to make though, and it will never be ours.  If we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, as long as God gives us life we are to work for His glory, and when we die, we will be with Him forever.  Verse twenty-three adds, For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  Paul said he was in a dilemma.  He desired to depart, or leave this life, to be with Christ.  I know today, many days it may seem better to simply go on to be with Christ in our heavenly home, and that desire may be stronger the more we suffer for our faith, which most of us here in America have never really done much.  Then, verse twenty-four continues, Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.  Paul said that continuing to live was more needful for those that he had and was witnessing to.  Paul may have felt that death would be better for him, but it would be a selfish choice.  As followers of Christ, we should never live by selfish choices, but should always live that Christ will be glorified and others will benefit from our following God's call.  Verse twenty-five declares,  And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;  Paul said  that he had confidence that he was to abide for awhile longer, for the furtherance of the joy and faith of those believers at Philippi.  We today need to realize that if we as followers of Christ are still living, it is not for our benefit but for the benefit of our fellow believers and for those that we can yet witness to.  Verse twenty-six adds, That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.  Paul said that he believed that he would come to the Christians at Philippi again, so that their rejoicing in Jesus Christ would be more abundant.  Paul did not say that they would rejoice in him, but that they would rejoice in Christ because of his coming to them.  No matter how popular a preacher may be today, if we celebrate the fact that he is coming to us and glorify him instead of Christ, then we are not following God's will.  Verse twenty-seven states, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  Paul said that whether he came to them or not, he wanted to hear that they were standing fast in one spirit and with one mind, and that was to present the gospel of Christ and to live by God's guidance.  Our faith should never be in another person, but in Christ alone.  Verse twenty-eight declares, And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.  Paul said that they were not to be terrified by their adversaries, whose actions were for the perdition of those adversaries, but was to the Christians salvation and the glory of God.  We need never live in fear of the world today if we are faithful in our relationship with Christ.  Verse twenty-nine adds, For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;  Paul said not only were we called to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His sake.  This is about as far as we can get from the concept that as Christians that God wants us to always be prosperous.  Verse thirty concludes, Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.  Paul said he knew that many of the believers at Philippi had the same conflict, but called on them to follow his example of putting it all in God's hands.  That should be the way that we live our lives today.  We know that as followers of Christ we have an everlasting home with God, and life will be so much better when we get there, but we should live everyday for God's glory until God calls us home.

Philippians 1:12 says, But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;  As already stated, Paul was in prison when he wrote this.  He did not say that he felt God had failed him and ask the Christians at Philippi to pray for his release.  He said instead that he wanted them to know that everything that had happened in his life since he had accepted Christ as his Savior and Lord had happened to help further the gospel.  Paul was not telling them that God wanted them happy so they only had to visualize what they wanted and claim it.  I believe that God expects us to do all for the furtherance of the gospel today if we are Christians, and not to be concerned about our circumstances if we faithful to Him.  Verse thirteen states, So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;  Paul said that people in the palace, and in all other places, knew of his bonds and why he had them.  Paul was imprisoned because of his faithfulness to God, and if we find ourselves suffering today, we need to make sure that it is because of our faithfulness to the gospel and that all the world knows this.  Verse fourteen declares, And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear  Paul said his bonds gave other Christians a boldness to speak the word without fear.  I don't believe that this was because of Paul's imprisonment, but because of his attitude while he was imprisoned, as well as going through all the other things that he had suffered for the gospel.  When we hear of someone being imprisoned or maybe even executed for proclaiming the gospel, does it make us bold, or does it fill us with fear?  Verse fifteen says, Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:  Paul said that not all people were preaching the gospel of Christ for the same reason.  Verse sixteen adds, The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:  Paul said some people were even preaching the gospel out of contention to try and add to his affliction.  I believe that these would have been people who were preaching that Paul couldn't truly be a Christian if he was imprisoned.  If we are to believe that God only wants us to be happy and successful, then we would have to have that same attitude today.  Verse seventeen continues, But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.  Paul said that others preached the gospel out of love, knowing that Paul was a living example of what it meant to follow God's will no matter what.  Do we use as an example those who profess to be Christians and are materially successful in the world today, or do use those who are suffering for the sake of the gospel?  Verse eighteen asks, What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.  Paul asked what his attitude should be.  Then he said he rejoiced when the gospel was shared, whether the attitude of the one sharing it was correct or not.  Paul was not standing in judgment of others, as long as the gospel was being shared.  Though we must be firm in keeping the gospel true, and that is Jesus Christ crucified, resurrected and Lord, if we do then we don't need to worry about the method of presentation or even the reason behind it.  Verse nineteen adds, For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,  Paul said that his being in bonds would turn to his salvation through the prayers of the people at Philippi.  He was not saying that his imprisonment would bring him salvation, but that it would work for the glory of God no matter the outcome.  We must be just as faithful today.   Verse twenty concludes, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  Paul said he put his complete faith in God, and he was not ashamed that he was imprisoned for the sake of the gospel.  He said he would continue to be faithful to God as long as he lived, and if he were to die for his belief, then he would still be content in his faith.  We today do not need to worry if it becomes dangerous to proclaim the gospel, but we simply need to live out our faith in Christ.  We, like Paul, mist be willing to die for our faith.

Philippians 1:1 says, Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:  Paul was a prisoner in Rome at this time, and Timothy was there assisting him.  Paul identifies himself and Timotheus, or Timothy, as servants of Jesus Christ.  The letter was written to all those who believed in Christ at Philippi, including, but not limited to, the religious leaders.  Paul did not believe that the religious leaders were the only ones who should hear from him, but that all the followers of Christ were equally deserving to hear.  We need to acknowledge the same thing today, and that is that we may have different callings in service to God, but we are all equal spiritually.  Verse two states, Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul wishes the Christians there grace and peace, and without the grace of God there can be no real peace, and by His grace we should always be at peace in the world if we are followers of Christ.  Verse three says, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,  Paul said that he thanked God every time he thought about the Christians at Philippi.  We should also thank God when we think about our fellow Christians today.  Just as they are important to God, they should be important to us.  Verse four states, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,  Paul said that he always prayed for their joy, which could only come from a right relationship with God.  I don't believe the things of this world will ever bring us joy, but no matter what is going on in the world around us, we should have joy because of our relationship with God through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse five says, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;  Paul said that they had remained true to the gospel from the first day that they had accepted it.  We need people to be able to say the same thing about us today.  Verse six declares, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:  Paul said that they were confident in the fact that Jesus Christ could complete the work that He had started in them.  When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, our salvation is assured, but it will not be completed until Christ returns.  Until then, we must simply stand fast in our faith.  Verse seven adds, Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.  Paul said that even in his bonds it was good too think about the Christians at Philippi, because they were also partakers of, or believers in ,the gospel.  We today should also thank God for our fellow believers, because we all work together for the glory of God.  Verse eight says, For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.  Paul said that God would be a witness to how much he cared about these fellow believers.  Can we say the same today?  Verse nine adds, And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;  Paul prayed that their love would abound more as they learned more to be obedient to Christ.  As we grow closer to God through Christ, our love for our fellow Christians and especially for the lost of the world should grow.  Verse ten continues, That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;  As Paul told the believers at Philippi, as we live by faith, our actions should be approved by God.  When we do, the things that we do will be excellent and sincere.  Verse eleven concludes, Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.  As with Christians of all times, we should be filled with the fruits of righteousness of Christ..  Righteousness is not something that we attain on our own, but comes only from obedience to God through our faith in Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Next, we find Moses and the people of Israel at the Red Sea.  They had Pharaoh's army chasing them and the Red Sea blocking them, and they immediately forgot what God had already done and thought they were going to be killed.  If we are doing what God leads us to do, and find ourselves in a seemingly impossible situation, we should still keep our faith in God.  As with the people of Israel, God will provide a way of escape, even if we lose our mortal life.  We just have to remain true to Him.  For the Israelites, the way of escape came when God parted the Red Sea.  I hear people  occasionally referring to Moses parting the Red Sea, but he didn't do it.  God did, though he worked through Moses using the rod that God had given him, which I hadn't mentioned, to show God's presence in the act.  We today need to be certain that God receives the credit for the things that He does through us.  After Moses and the people of Israel passed through the Red Sea on dry land, Pharaoh and his army chased them in and were drowned when God allowed the waters to close in again.  As stated when discussing this passage, the people of Israel did not pass through a marshy area as some claim, or Pharaoh and his army drowned in that same marsh.  When the people of Israel were on the other side and Moses went up the mountain to receive God's law, they immediately forgot all that God had done and demanded that Aaron make them a god.  Even though Aaron was God's spokesman for Moses, he did as they asked.  Today, we as followers of Christ cannot give in to the demands of the world and attempt to make false gods in our lives.  On the mountain, God knew what was going on below.  We cannot hide our sins from God, even if we think He is not watching us.  Moses interceded for the people, but when he came down and saw what they had done, as they worshipped the golden calf, he became angry.  We should be upset if we see those who are supposed to be God's people worshipping the things of this world.  I believe that anyone who claims that Christianity is a way to material blessings and that all we have to do is claim them is misrepresenting the gospel.  After dealing with the people and Aaron, who was not truthful about what had happened, Moses had to go back up the mountain, because he had literally broken God's law, the tablets on which the law was inscribed.  Even if we see others who profess to be Christians breaking God's law, we cannot afford to allow their actions to cause us to do the same.  When the people complained, as they often did, about being led out of Egypt only to starve when they were free, God again provided for their needs.  We need not complain about God's lack of providing for us, because if we live by faith in Him, He will always provide for our needs.  Finally, we have a record of the building of the tabernacle in accordance with God's design.  God planned it and then he equipped people with the ability to build it.  Today, we have God's salvation plan to share with the lost world.  Salvation comes only through God's plan, and He equips us, as followers of Christ, to share it with the lost people of the world.  Just as Moses followed God's leadership at that time, so must we today.        

Then we find Moses before Pharaoh.  This was possibly the last place that Moses wanted to be, since the last Pharaoh had declared a death sentence on him, but he went.  We today must be willing to go anywhere that God sends us, even if it places us in a dangerous situation.  Moses really had but one message for Pharaoh, and the was that God said for him to him to let God's people go.  We are to carry the gospel into all the world today, and the message is that the sins of the world are to let a person go through their faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord.  We know that in the New Testament, Christians were often still servants or slaves, but they were spiritually free.  When Moses proclaimed God's message, through Aaron, to Pharaoh. he refused to listen over and over again.  The world today is going to refuse to listen to Gods message of salvation over and over again.  Still, God continued to send Moses to Pharaoh with the same message.  The consequences for not listening got a little more severe each time.  When a person hears the message of salvation over and over again and refuses to listen and accept God's salvation, that person will ultimately suffer the greatest consequence, and that is everlasting separation from God.  I personally believe that even if they are materially rich that they will suffer each day from a lack of real peace in their lives.  God had Moses prepare the people of Israel for deliverance from the ultimate plague, the death of the first born.  They had been spared from the other plaques, but now they ere required to take a particular action in order to be spared, and that was to place the blood over their door.  We today may benefit from being with God's people, but in order to claim salvation, we must take a particular action, and that is to accept the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, so that we might be passed over from everlasting spiritual death by being covered by His blood.  The people of Israel who chose to not put the blood over their door would not be spared, just as people today who refuse to accept Christ as their Savior and Lord will not be saved.  Even someone who is a part of the most devout family of believers in Christ will not be saved until they personally accept Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Even after Pharaoh finally agreed to allow the people of Israel to go, and they were going with great material wealth, he again changed his mind and started after them with an army to bring them back.  Today, when a person is close to salvation, which gives someone the greatest spiritual wealth available, we can be certain that those who do not believe in Christ will do everything possible to keep that person from salvation.  In some parts of the world, this might be an actual physical assault.

Next, we see that Moses' identifying as an Israelite led him to intervene on behalf of another Israelite, at which time he killed and buried an Egyptian.  Moses thought his act was hidden, but it was seen by others.  We today may think that our sins are hidden, but if no one else sees them, God does.  Moses' action would bring consequences, just as our sin today does  Though God forgives our sins, that does not mean that He removes all the earthly consequences for them.  Because of what Moses did, he had to flee from Egypt and Pharaoh, for fear of Pharaoh because Pharaoh had ordered him to be killed.  Moses spent many years working for his then father-in-law, and was doing very little if anything to help his fellow Israelites.  When we are running from our sins, we can do very little for our fellow Christians.  Then, Moses encountered God.  Though God had protected him as a baby and he identified with the people of Israel, Moses so far had not had an encounter with God that we are told of.  I believe that Moses knew Who God was, but that did not mean that he knew God.  We today may know Who God is, but until we have a personal encounter with Him, through Jesus Christ, then we do not really know God.  God called Moses for a particular task, and I am sure it was not one that Moses wanted to do.  Moses was to go to Pharaoh, who was a different one by now, and tell him that God said that Pharaoh was to let the people of Israel, God's chosen people, go.  God may today call us to go into situations that we don't want to go into, and some might even be dangerous, but we must be willing to go.  Moses first asked God who he should say had sent him, and God replied, "I am that I am."   We either accept the fact that God is God, or we do not.  Moses began to offer excuses.  He could not speak well.  Moses was looking at his own abilities instead of the power of God.  God answered Moses' concern by telling him that He would send Moses' brother Aaron to speak for him.  God will answer our concerns today when He calls us to do something for Him.  We simply have to put our faith in God and not in our self.

We will look at some of the lessons learned from the book of Exodus.  The first thing that we see is that God miraculously spared Moses when he was a baby.  We could say that his mother did this, but I believe that it was the work of God.  We know that Moses' sister Miriam played a big part in his being placed in a better situation.  She had kept an eye on Moses to see what was going to happen to him and was instrumental in having his mother being placed in charge of his upbringing.  God works through both males and females to accomplish His will, then and today.  Just as Moses could not have been spared without God being behind the situation, we today cannot be saved except through accepting the  sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  We know that Pharaoh ordered the killing of the boy babies because he was afraid that the people of Israel would become to great, and there are people today who would like to kill those who are Christians because they are afraid that we will become to great.  We also know that today many unborn babies are killed before they are born simply because they are seen as an inconvenience, which is even worse than what Pharaoh was doing.  Then, we see that Moses grew up in the household of the Pharaoh, with all the benefits that this brought, but he still knew that he was an Israelite.  I am not sure if this was because of the influence of his mother or not, but as we will see later, he knew.  No matter how rich we may be materially today, in order to claim salvation, we must identify as a part of the kingdom of God.  This can only come through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Hopefully, our mothers and fathers will point us to Christ.  Having grown up with the riches of the Pharaoh, Moses still knew that he was an Israelite.  We must never allow the riches of the world to keep us from coming to God, and when we do, we can never allow the riches of the world keep us from identifying as followers of Christ.

Exodus 40:31 says, And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:  Moses, Aaron and Aaron's sons washed their hands and feet at the laver.  The laver was not there simply for ceremonial purposes, but was there to physically cleanse the hands and feet of those who were to come closest to God.  We today are not just ceremonial cleansed by the blood of Christ, but we are spiritually cleansed in order to come close to God.  Of course, the laver would be of no use unless Moses, Aaron and Aaron's sons used it in accordance with God's directions, just as the death of of Christ is no good to an individual unless it is accepted by faith as an atonement for the sins of that individual.  Verse thirty-two states, When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.  This simply tells us that they obeyed God's command, just as we must today if we are to serve Him effectively.  Verse thirty-three adds, And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.  The work of the tabernacle was finally finished, as God had instructed Moses to build it. The people then had to simply use it as it had been intended to be used.  Today, the work of  redemption is finished, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross, according to God's plan.  We simply have to accept it.  Verse thirty-four declares, Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.  A cloud then covered the tent of the congregation and the tent was filed with the presence of the LORD.  This was a visible sign of God's presence.  We today may not have a physical sign of God's presence, but if we are a Christian, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the presence of God in us.  Verse thirty-five states, And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.  Even Moses, God's spokesman to the people, was unable to enter the tent of the congregation when it was filled with the presence of God.  We today, through the sacrifice of Christ, have unlimited access to God.   Verse thirty-six adds, And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:  When the cloud was removed, the people of Israel continued on their journey.  We today have God with us wherever we go on our journey of life.  Of course, God had not abandoned them when the cloud disappeared, but the symbol of His presence was gone.  Likewise, we do not have a physical symbol of God with us, but like the people of Israel, we must simply go by faith.  Verse thirty-seven continues, But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.  When the cloud didn't go up, the people of Israel did not move.  We today must not move until God directs us to if we are to be effective in doing His work.  Verse thirty-eight concludes, For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.  There was a cloud on the tabernacle by day and a pillar of fire on it by night throughout all the journey of the people of Israel.  God is with us today if we are followers of Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  This concludes Exodus, and next we will go to Philippians.

Exodus 40:17 says, And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.  The tabernacle was completed and raised up.  When Jesus had completed His work on earth, He was raised up, and if we accept Him as Savior and Lord of our life, then we are raised up to everlasting life.  Verse eighteen states, And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.  As God's representative to the people of Israel, it says that Moses raised up the tabernacle, but we know that he did not do it alone.  Today, if one person receives credit for doing great things for God, we can be certain that the person did not do it alone.  There are always many people working behind the scenes.  Verse nineteen says,  And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.  Verse twenty adds, And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:  When the tent of the tabernacle was up, the ark of the testimony was put inside.  When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, our body, our tabernacle, is raised up to God and the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us.  Verse twenty-one states, And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.  The ark was placed behind the veil, as God had commanded.  This was to separate the people, except for the high priest, from the ark.  We today are not separated from God by any veil if we are Christians, but the lost people of the world cannot see the works of God because they refuse to believe in Him.  Even though we have the Holy Spirit living in us, the world does not see Him except through our works and worship.  Verse twenty-two says, And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail.  Then verse twenty-three adds, And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.  Verse twenty-four continues,  And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.  These were the things that the people of Israel would see when they came into the tabernacle.  Verse twenty-five states, And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.  Moses lit the lamps as Good had commanded to provide light inside the tabernacle.  As followers of Christ today, we are to shed the light of Christ into the spiritual darkness of the world.  Verse twenty-six declares, And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:  Verse twenty-seven adds, And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.  This altar was used to burn sweet incense to the LORD at this time.  When we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, this is a sweet incense to God.  Verse twenty-eight says, And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle.  Verse twenty-nine adds, And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.  The altar of burnt offering was set up by the door of the tabernacle for offering sacrifices to God.  If we are to come into God's presence today with our sins forgiven, we must come through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  Verse thirty concludes,  And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.  Water was placed between the tent of the congregation and the altar, so that anyone going to the altar could cleanse himself or herself.  We today are cleansed by the shed blood of Christ.. .

Exodus 40:1 says, And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  Then verse two states, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.  God had given Moses instructions on how to build the tabernacle, and now He was giving him instructions on when it was to be used.  It was called the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.  It had not only been built according to God's instructions, but it had been built for God's purpose, just as church buildings must be today.  The church building is for the congregation to gathering in, but must be built and used for God's purpose.  Verse three says, And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail,  Next, the ark of the testimony was to be set up in the tabernacle.  This represented God's law.  God's law must direct everything we do as a church today.  Verse four states, And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.  Next, the table and candlesticks were to be put in place.  Verse five adds, And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.  Verse six continues, And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.  Verse seven continues, And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.  This was to separate the holy of holies from the rest of the congregation and the priests.  We have no such dividing point today.  If we are a follower of Christ, we do not have to go through anyone else to have access to God.  Verse eight says, And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.  Verse nine declares, And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.  The tabernacle was to be anointed with the anointing oil and it was to be considered holy.  We today as Christians are anointed by the blood of Christ and are to be holy, or set aside for Him.  Verse ten states, And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.  The altar was to be sanctified as the altar of the Most High, which is the only true God.  Verse eleven adds, And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.  Everything associated with the tabernacle was to be anointed.  Since our bodies today are the temple, or tabernacle, of God, if we are followers of Christ, then everything we have and do should be consecrated to God.  Verse twelve declares, And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.  Then verse thirteen adds, And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.  First Aaron was to be cleansed and consecrated for his service as priest.  We today set aside certain people as preachers and deacons, but that does not make them better than any other Christian, just as Aaron was no better of his own merit then any other person in Israel.  He was simply chosen by God for this purpose.  Verse fourteen states, And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:  Verse fifteen adds, And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.  Aaron's sons were to likewise be consecrated as priests, and this says for an everlasting priesthood.  I believe that when Jesus died on the cross that those that accept Him as Savior and Lord become a part of the everlasting priesthood.  We all have equal access to God.  Then verse sixteen declares, Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.  God's instructions to Moses were no good if they weren't carried out, just as God's instructions to us today are no good if they aren't carried out.  Like Moses, we must do as God commands us.

Exodus 39:27 says, And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,
Aaron and his sons were to be the priests.  They had special coats made for them.  Our actions today should be the thing that set us apart from the world as followers of Christ.  Verse twenty-eight states, And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen, Then verse twenty-nine continues, And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.  Girdles and bonnets would be associated more with women today, if they were to be worn at all, but the way that people dress has changed many times over the centuries, and even varies in different parts of the world today.  Verse thirty states,  And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.  On the plate of the crown was written, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.  These garments were not made to have people worship Aaron and his sons, but were made to set them aside so that the people would be called on to worship God.  Whatever we wear and whatever we do today as Christians should point people to HOLINESS TO THE LORD.  Verse thirty-one adds, And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.  The outfits of Aaron and his sons were completed in accordance with God's directions to Moses.  We today, as followers of Christ the priesthood of believers, have no particular garments that we are to wear, even if we are a preacher or teacher, but I believe that we should dress our best wherever we go, since we represent God to the world.  Verse thirty-two declares, Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.  The people completed the work of the tabernacle, which included making the garments for Aaron and his sons, in accordance with God's plan.  As Christians, we will never complete God's work in this lifetime, but we must always do our work for God in accordance with His plan.  Verse thirty-three says, And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,  Verse thirty-four adds, And the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers’ skins, and the vail of the covering,  These two verses and the next few simply tell us that the people brought the finished tabernacle and its furnishings to Moses.  We today bring the work that we have done for God to Him, spiritually if not physically.  Verse thirty-five says, The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,  Verse thirty-six states, The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,  Verse thirty-seven adds, The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,  The ark of the covenant contained God's law that was given to Moses on the mountain, and the candlesticks were used to cast light on the Ark of the Covenant.  We today as followers of Christ should have God's law written  in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit should light it up for us.  Verse thirty-eight says, And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,  Verse thirty-nine adds, The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,  The altar was where sacrifices were made to God.  Christ made the only acceptable sacrifice for all the sins of all the people, so all we can do is accept His sacrifice for our sins by faith.  Then we are to be a living sacrifice for God.  Verse forty says, The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,  Then verse forty-one adds, The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’ garments, to minister in the priest’s office.  All the hangings and the holy garments of Aaron the priest and his sons were brought to Moses.  Then verse forty-two declares, According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.  All the work was done in accordance with God's instructions to Moses.  Today, as Christians, we must make sure that all that we do for God is done in accordance with His :directions.  Verse forty-three concludes, And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.  Moses looked at what the people had done and saw that it was done in accordance with God's command, and then he blessed it.  Our work today, if examined by someone, should always be done in accordance with God's will.  When it is, God will bless it.