Author: drthomasclothier

⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Humility is defined as counting other people as more significant than you (Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 3:5). The attribute of humility which was so clearly evidenced at the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ is also to be seen within each believer who is in union with Christ. The reason for the demeanor of humility is due in no small part to the blessings God has given to each believer in Christ.

One of the greatest blessings God the Father has provided the church is the example of Jesus Christ’s humility. It’s one thing to talk about humility. It’s another entirely to live and demonstrate this godly characteristic. We are to live humble lives before God and other people. Our example of such a lifestyle is Jesus Christ.

Believers in Christ are to have the mind of humility. This is set forth in today’s text which is one of the classic passages of Christology found in the New Testament. It may well have been sung as a hymn in the early church. It would benefit the church today to sing such a hymn, and often.

To begin with, the Apostle Paul issued forth a command from God: “Have this mind among yourselves.” The statement is an imperative and a non-negotiable belong to and originating from God. Believers are to have the attitude of humility. The phrase “have this mind” takes the reader back to the immediate preceding context of Philippians 2:1-4.

The disposition or attitude of humility is not to be held in isolation but rather it is to be demonstrated among believers in Christ. That’s why Paul said, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” It is to be evidenced among the members of the church. This is because humility was evidenced and demonstrated by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Jesus is our example of humility.

Pastor Burk Parsons writes, “The author of Hebrews writes, “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:1–2). As we grow in the grace and holiness of our Lord, being enabled by God’s free grace to die more and more unto sin and live unto righteousness, we’re called neither to fix our eyes on ourselves nor to fix our eyes on our own sins that entangle themselves around our ankles. We’re called to run with endurance by looking to Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. We are united to Christ and are made able and willing to turn our eyes upon Jesus — away from ourselves — so that by looking to Him, we are motivated to joyful, cross-bearing obedience as we “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him . . . for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Col. 1:10–11). For when we take our eyes off our Lord and set our eyes on ourselves, the Christian life becomes not only miserable but impossible.”

Ask God today to develop within your soul the attitude and actions demonstrating Christ-like humility. It is what it means to be like Jesus.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

Philippians 2:1-11 says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The attribute of humility, which was so clearly evidenced at the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ, is also to be seen within each believer who is in union with Christ. The reason for the demeanor of humility is due in no small part to the blessings God has given to each believer in Christ. What are these blessings?

To begin with, there is the believer’s encouragement in Christ. The word encouragement (παράκλησις; paraklesis) means to come alongside with help, counsel and exhortation. This is what Jesus does for each believer.

Second, there is the believer’s comfort from love. Comfort (παραμύθιον; paramythion) also means to encourage. The image is of Christ coming close to His disciples and whispering gentle and tender counseling words. This tenderness is rooted solely in the sacrificial love of God prompted by His grace.

Third, there is the believer’s participation in the Spirit. The word Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. Participation (κοινωνία; koinonia) refers to a partnership of eternal life which God provides through the regeneration and indwelling ministry and presence of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s soul (I Corinthians 3:16; 12:1-13; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; I John 1:4-6).

Fourth, there is the believer’s experience of God’s affection and His sympathy. Affection (σπλάγχνον; splanchnon) means to feel compassion. Sympathy (οἰκτιρμός; oiktirmos) means to show compassion. Since God demonstrated affection and sympathy to rebellious sinners such as us, then it stands to reason that we are to show the same to fellows believer’s in Christ. This is the Apostle Paul’s conclusion in vs. 2 when he writes, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Believers, while different, are to think the same way regarding their treatment of each other. We are to demonstrate the same love which God demonstrated towards us (Romans 8:5-10).

The apostle’s concern for the church was that she should demonstrate a unity among believers. There should be no divisions while at the same there is to be a commitment to biblical truth. God’s Word must never be sacrificed for the sake of sentimentalism within the church. God’s Word should also never be sacrificed due to disagreements within the church.

How are believers to accomplish this unity among each other? Paul states that it begins with the biblical attitude of humility which is described in vs. 3. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” There is to be no pushing to have one’s own way, no desire for personal glory, but rather humility. Humility is defined as counting other people as more significant than you (Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 3:5).

In fact, in vs. 4 Paul goes on to say, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  This is not a directive to be a busybody but rather to genuinely care for one’s fellow believer.

Who provides the greatest example of humility? Jesus Christ, of course. When next we meet, we will see exactly how Jesus Christ demonstrated biblical humility. The description provides the church with one of its foremost hymns of praise.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

There is arguably no other American annual holiday that is as dominated by music as Christmas. From Thanksgiving to December 25, secular along with sacred music can be heard from seemingly every source imaginable.

From amateur presentations at elementary, middle and high schools, to professional concerts featuring symphonic orchestras, along with background music in stores of all shapes, sizes and products, the sounds of the season are everywhere.

And let us not overlook the various programs and cantatas that many churches annually conduct which serves to brighten up the holiday season. My church, Headwaters Church in Fort Wayne, IN, will be presenting The Carols of Christmas this upcoming Sunday, December 15 at the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus. I am so looking forward to singing in the choir and being a part of this festive Christmas musical. 

The Scriptures are not silent when it comes to worship regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. We have already examined the various praises by Zechariah, Mary, the angels, Simeon and Anna. However, there are also two hymns written by the Apostle Paul which contain some of the most significant theology regarding Jesus Christ the Lord.

These two hymns are found in Philippians 2:1-11 and Colossians 1:15-23. While both focus their attention on Jesus Christ, their themes are noticeably different. Philippians stresses the humiliation of the Lord Jesus while Colossians emphasizes the eternality and exaltation of the Christ. Both contribute volumes of truth regarding the reason for the incarnation of the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity.

Philippians 2:1-11 says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Colossians 1:15-20 says, “¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. ²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

For the next several days, we will take the opportunity to examine both passages in detail. In so doing, my prayer is that we will all take away some important truths about Jesus that we never knew or understood as clearly. Merry Christmas. 

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!  

 

 

  

 

 

^19 “But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, ²⁰ saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” ²¹ And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. ²² But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. ²³ And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:19–23 ESV).

We do not know how long Joseph, Mary and Jesus remained in Egypt following King Herod’s slaughter of the boy children in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. We do know that it was around 4 B.C. because that is historically when Herod the Great died.

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The purpose was for God’s messenger to give Joseph new revelation in light of the king’s death.

The angel said to Joseph, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” ²¹ And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.” The young family’s sojourn was over.

However, when Joseph heard that Herod’s son, Archelaus, was reigning over Judea he was afraid to go there and settle. Perhaps this was because Archelaus was as evil as his father.

One commentary writes that, “Archelaus was Herod’s son by Malthace, a Samaritan woman. He was educated along with his brother Antipas at Rome. He inherited from his father a third part of his kingdom viz., Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, and hence is called “king” (Matt. 2:22). It was for fear of him that Joseph and Mary turned aside on their way back from Egypt. Till a few days before his death Herod had named Antipas as his successor, but in his last moments he named Archelaus”

Once again, God warned Joseph in a dream to not dwell in Judea but rather to settle in the district of Galilee. Joseph, Mary and Jesus began living in a small town called Nazareth. God the Father’s providence is evident because settling in Nazareth would fulfill the Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 53:1-3 which described the Messiah as despised and rejected. Most people from Nazareth were despised and rejected. See John 1:43-51.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Nazareth, an obscure town 70 miles north of Jerusalem, was a place of lowly reputation, and nowhere mentioned in the OT. Some have suggested that “Nazarene” is a reference to the Hebrew word for branch in Isa. 11:1. Others point out that Matthew’s statement that “prophets” had made this prediction may be a reference to verbal prophecies nowhere recorded in the OT. A still more likely explanation is that Matthew is using “Nazarene” as a synonym for someone who is despised or detestable— for that was how people from the region were often characterized (cf. John 1:46). If that is the case, the prophecies Matthew has in mind would include Ps. 22:6–8; Isa. 49:7; 53:3.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Note how the evangelist (Matthew) has taught us about God’s providence. First, we should see that Herod’s hatred of Jesus and slaughter of the young boys in Bethlehem (vv. 16–18) parallel Pharaoh’s attempt to kill Moses (Ex. 1:8–2:10). Moses was the mediator of the old covenant, and in ordaining the circumstances of the birth of Christ to be so similar to Moses’ birth, our Father has prepared His people to receive Jesus as a new and greater Moses, the mediator of a new and better covenant (Heb. 7:22).”

“Secondly, the dreams of warning that Joseph and the magi experience (Matt. 2:12–13, 19–20, 22) show that God has sovereignly overruled man’s attempt to destroy His Son. Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus has been unsuccessful. In fact, it is Herod who dies (in 4 B.C., dating the Savior’s birth therefore between 6 and 4 B.C.), enabling Joseph and his family to return to Palestine (v. 21). After learning that Archelaus is ruling in Judea, Joseph takes Jesus and Mary to Nazareth in Galilee (v. 22). This is wise, for Archelaus could be as ruthless as his father Herod and might very well be a threat to Jesus.”

As we have seen, God the Father was in complete control of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and early childhood. He is also in complete control of our own lives. May each of us rest in God’s sovereign providence.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

¹⁷ Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ¹⁸ “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:17–18 ESV)

When we began this study of the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus, otherwise known as the Advent Season, we initially examined the many prophecies regarding the identity of the Jewish Messiah. We sought to see whether or not Jesus Christ fulfilled those prophecies. With respect to the Messiah’s incarnation, we saw the Jesus Christ indeed did fulfill those prophecies.

One prophecy which took place following Jesus’ birth, perhaps some two years after, is what is referred to as the slaughter of the innocents. This was when King Herod decided that all boys within Bethlehem, and the surrounding area, would be killed in hopes that Jesus would be included in the slaughter. Herod was known for eliminating any real, or suspected rivals or usurpers to his throne. He included Jesus in that category.

The prophecy concerning this mass killing of children is found in Jeremiah 31:15. It is the text from which Matthew quotes. Within the immediate context of the Prophet Jeremiah, the prophecy had to do with the impending Babylonian Captivity of the Jews which occurred in 586 B.C., following two others invasions occurring in 605 B.C. and 597 B.C. The wailing which occurred then prefigured the wailing which occurred some 500 years later by many mothers over their slaughtered children by the orders of King Herod.

Ramah was a city located north of Jerusalem. The possible reason why Matthew mentioned it was because it was the city in which the Jewish exiles returned from the Babylonian captivity after 70 years (Ezra 2:26; Neh. 7:30; 11:33). Additionally, Ramah was another traditional site of Rachel’s burial. Rachel, the beloved wife of the Patriarch Jacob, was considered by many to be the mother of the Nation of Israel. That is why she was seen weeping over these children’s deaths.

One commentator explains that, “Jeremiah 31:15 refers to the figurative weeping of Rachel, who was buried in Bethlehem (Gen 35:19). Jeremiah said she mourned for her descendants carried off into captivity during the Babylonian exile. Like righteous Jeremiah, Jesus was carried off to Egypt, but Rachel had cause to mourn anew at Herod’s murder of her people.”

 Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Matthew’s use of this prophecy appears to portray Jesus as the new Moses (the one who led Joseph’s descendants out of Egypt) who fulfills the prophecy of the second Exodus. Like Moses, Jesus escapes the slaughter as an infant. Like Moses, He is sent to rescue God’s chosen ones.”  

 God has a purpose in everything He sovereignly permits. This is true even when we human followers of Christ do not understand, or even like, what God chooses to do.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16 (ESV)

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” This proverb is adapted from a line in the play The Mourning Bride, by William Congreve, an English author of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The quotation means that no one is angrier than a woman who has been rejected in love.

A parallel proverb could well be “Hell hath no fury like a king who is tricked.” Proverbs 19:12 says, “A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion.”

When King Herod discovered and discerned that the Magi would not return to Jerusalem to inform him of Jesus’ whereabouts, he became furious. The word furious (λίαν; lian) means exceedingly or intensely angry. To say that Herod was upset is an understatement.

Herod’s response is in keeping with his personality. He decided to kill all the male children in Bethlehem and in the surrounding region. The text tells us that the parameter would be boys two years old or under. Why did Herod make this stipulation?  It was because of the time he had ascertained or discovered from the Magi. This indicates to us that Jesus could have been as old as two or younger when the Magi visited him.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “This slaughter of the male children is mentioned only here in the biblical record. Even the Jewish historian Josephus (a.d. 37-100) did not mention this dastardly deed of putting to death innocent babies and young children. But it is not surprising that he and other secular historians overlooked the death of a few Hebrew children in an insignificant village, for Herod’s infamous crimes were many. He put to death several of his own children and some of his wives whom he thought were plotting against him. Emperor Augustus reportedly said it was better to be Herod’s sow than his son, for his sow had a better chance of surviving in a Jewish community. In the Greek language, as in English, there is only one letter difference between the words “sow” (huos) and “son” (huios).”

Even in His infancy, hatred of Jesus Christ was a common occurrence. Beginning with Herod, and continuing to the present day, Jesus’ words from John 15:18-21 which says, ¹⁸ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me” (John 15:18–21).

I do not like the idea, or circumstances, of people hating me for my faith in Christ. However, the Bible tells me to expect it because their hatred for me is because a deeper hatred for the Lord Jesus. Have you encountered such hatred in your own life? Pray that God will give you the strength to be faithful.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

^13 “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” ¹⁴ And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt ¹⁵ and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13–15)

God not only revealed Himself and His will in a dream to the Magi but also revealed Himself by an angel of the Lord to Joseph. Perhaps this was the same angel who had appeared to Joseph to quiet his fears of marrying Mary. We have no way of knowing.

However, we do know that the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” This eliminates any doubt about Herod’s true intentions regarding Jesus and that worshiping the Lord was not one of them. It seems that Herod’s murderous intent was formed before the Magi had reached Bethlehem.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “Egypt was a Roman province independent of Herod, and much inhabited by Jews, was an easy and convenient refuge. Ah! Blessed Savior, on what a checkered career hast Thou entered here below! At Thy birth there was no room for Thee in the inn; and now all Judea is too hot for Thee. How soon has the sword begun to pierce through the Virgin’s soul (Luke 2:35)! How early does she taste the reception which this mysterious Child of hers is to meet with in the world! And whither is He sent? To “the house of bondage?” Well, it once was that. But Egypt was a house of refuge before it was a house of bondage, and now it has but returned to its first use”

“And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt” (Matthew 2:14). The obedience of the Magi in going back to their own country another way in order to avoid King Herod is coupled with the obedience of Joseph in leaving Bethlehem, with Mary and Jesus, and traveling to Egypt to avoid Herod. Joseph and his young family remained in Egypt until the death of Herod, which is historically verified at 4 B.C. However, Matthew is quick to point out that this was also a fulfillment of the prophecy found in Hosea 11:1: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes that, “It is probable that the stay in Egypt was very brief—perhaps no more than a few weeks. This quotation is from Hos. 11:1 (see note there, which speaks of God’s leading Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. Matthew suggests that Israel’s sojourn in Egypt was a pictorial prophecy rather than a specific verbal one such as Matt. 2:6; cf. 1:23. These are called “types,” and all are always fulfilled in Christ and identified clearly by the NT writers. Another example of a type is found in John 3:14.”

God is in providential control of the circumstances of life. He is not detached from our situations but rather providentially works through and in them. May we derive great comfort from this knowledge.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^“And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” (Matthew 2:12 ESV)

Theologians describe God’s disclosure of Himself as revelation. Revelation is defined as disclosure, an exposure of someone or something. Webster’s Dictionary defines biblical revelation as (A). An act of revealing or communicating divine truth. (B). something that is revealed by God to humans. (C). an act of revealing to view or making known. (D). something that is revealed especially an enlightening or astonishing disclosure.

Attached to the definition of revelations are two distinct categories of biblical revelation. These two categories are (1) general revelation and (2) specific revelation.

General revelation is God’s disclosure of Himself in a general way such as in creation. Important portions of Scripture expressing God’s general revelation would include Psalm 8, Psalm 19 and Romans 1:18-32.

God’s specific revelation is God’s disclosure of Himself in a specific way such as by miracles, dreams, visions, angels and audible voices. For believers today, and for the church, God reveals Himself through the specific revelation of His Word.

Within today’s passage, God revealed Himself to the Magi in a dream. It appears that each of the Magi were warned by God. The word warned (χρηματίζω; chrematizo) means to disclose a divine message from God. God divinely warned the Magi not to return to King Herod.

The Magi immediately obeyed. This obedience is evidences by the fact that they departed from Bethlehem and began to journey back to their own country. Only this time they went back to their own country another way than how they originally came. This allowed them to not journey near Jerusalem where they might be seen by either King Herod or his assistants. This may indicate that the Magi traveled with a large caravan.

Dr. John MacArthur, from his book God with Us: The Miracle of Christmas, writes, “Matthew tells us that the Magi, ‘having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod…departed for their own country by another way’ (Matthew 2:12). There almost seems to be a double meaning in that statement.  They returned to their country by a different geographical route, to be sure. But they also were now followers of another way in the spiritual sense. That’s true of everyone who turns to Christ and becomes one of His worshippers in spirit and truth: ‘If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).”

Are you a new creation in Christ? If you are, you know the changes which have occurred in your life since your conversion. Take time today to thank God for making you a new creation in Christ.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!