A collection of daily Bible commentaries from GoServ Global co-FOunder, Terry Baxter
A good testimony
September 15, 2024
The Validation of Godly Maturity: Philippians 1:27-28
“27) Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28) in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” Philippians 1:27-28
Paul was making no promise of a return trip to Philippi. It was his desires but not a guarantee. He knew he could be of benefit to them, but at the same time they had “in Christ” everything they needed to stand strong and be fruitful.
So he opted for strong advice on interpersonal relationships. This is where the enemy often attacks. He seeks to hinder agape love and create conflict between Christians. So Paul exhorted them to focus on three things.
First, stand firm in one spirit. This is behavior worthy of the gospel.
Second, maintain one mind. The enemy will pull every trick to divide and distract.
Finally, strive and even strain together to advance the gospel. This is the calling of every church and every believer.
As simple as it may sound, if they embraced these three basics, they would maintain a positive testimony and bear much fruit for the glory of God.
A Christian testimony and witness is validated on the level of interpersonal relationships. This is the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in John 13:35; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“27) Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28) in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” Philippians 1:27-28
Paul was making no promise of a return trip to Philippi. It was his desires but not a guarantee. He knew he could be of benefit to them, but at the same time they had “in Christ” everything they needed to stand strong and be fruitful.
So he opted for strong advice on interpersonal relationships. This is where the enemy often attacks. He seeks to hinder agape love and create conflict between Christians. So Paul exhorted them to focus on three things.
First, stand firm in one spirit. This is behavior worthy of the gospel.
Second, maintain one mind. The enemy will pull every trick to divide and distract.
Finally, strive and even strain together to advance the gospel. This is the calling of every church and every believer.
As simple as it may sound, if they embraced these three basics, they would maintain a positive testimony and bear much fruit for the glory of God.
A Christian testimony and witness is validated on the level of interpersonal relationships. This is the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in John 13:35; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Others First
September 14, 2024
For the Sake of Christ and Others: Philippians 1:24-26
“24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26) so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:24-26
Paul longed to step into his heavenly calling, but he could sense his earthly mission was not yet complete. For this reason, he was willing to tarry longer in his afflictions and circumstances to fully establish and build up the body of Christ.
His mind was fixed on others and not himself. He was constantly setting himself aside so he could fully minister to others. Much of the rest of the book of Philippians illustrates this servants heart and calling.
The point at which abundant fruitfulness begins is where self-centeredness ends. The eye fixed on self is blind to the heart and call of Christ. This attitude was exemplified most by Christ Himself. He laid down His life that we might find life.
Every believer needs to wrestle through the call to die to self. If your focus is on self, you can never be a channel of Agape love or gospel living. True influence and power will be absent from your life. All key relationships around you will suffer and dry up. This includes marriage, family, friends and others.
Paul was effective because he laid himself aside completely to serve God and others. He was a giver and not a taker. He was a servant and not a master. His interests were last and not first.
This is the point at which the book of Philippians becomes so profound. It screams of the call and importance dying to self so you can truly serve God and others.
Buckle your seat belt, the Holy Spirit is about to use this small book to expose the stench of self focus and self promotion. He is about to point you down the path that Christ walked and the path that every believer is called to walk. It is a path that puts the interests Christ and others first.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26) so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:24-26
Paul longed to step into his heavenly calling, but he could sense his earthly mission was not yet complete. For this reason, he was willing to tarry longer in his afflictions and circumstances to fully establish and build up the body of Christ.
His mind was fixed on others and not himself. He was constantly setting himself aside so he could fully minister to others. Much of the rest of the book of Philippians illustrates this servants heart and calling.
The point at which abundant fruitfulness begins is where self-centeredness ends. The eye fixed on self is blind to the heart and call of Christ. This attitude was exemplified most by Christ Himself. He laid down His life that we might find life.
Every believer needs to wrestle through the call to die to self. If your focus is on self, you can never be a channel of Agape love or gospel living. True influence and power will be absent from your life. All key relationships around you will suffer and dry up. This includes marriage, family, friends and others.
Paul was effective because he laid himself aside completely to serve God and others. He was a giver and not a taker. He was a servant and not a master. His interests were last and not first.
This is the point at which the book of Philippians becomes so profound. It screams of the call and importance dying to self so you can truly serve God and others.
Buckle your seat belt, the Holy Spirit is about to use this small book to expose the stench of self focus and self promotion. He is about to point you down the path that Christ walked and the path that every believer is called to walk. It is a path that puts the interests Christ and others first.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Depart
September 13, 2024
“Depart” as an understanding of Death: Philippians 1:21-24
“21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22) But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23) But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Philippians 1:21-24
These were not empty words for Paul. Life here meant more fruitful labor for the glory of God. Dying was a promotion to the heavenly presence of Christ. He was hard pressed and well content with either option.
It was in this context that he picked the word depart” to describe death for a Christian. In the process, he used a Greek word that captured the meaning of death more than any other text in the New Testament. Let me explain.
The word “depart” was a secular term commonly applied to four events. Each paints a word picture or analogy of Paul’s understanding of death for the Christian. Let’s briefly look at each secular usage.
First, the word “depart” was used of an oxen that had faithfully pulled the yoke for years for its master. When it became old and ready to retire, a unique ceremony sometimes happened. The owner would take the yoke off for the last time, and the oxen was free to “depart” to the open pasture never to bear a yoke again. Paul pictured death as removing the yoke.
Second, the word “depart” was used of a soldier on the front lines of war with many casualties and much suffering. When victory was finally won, the war torn soldier would role up his tent and supplies for the last time and put any booty in his pack. He was then free to “depart” from the war back to civilian life never to fight again. Paul pictured death as the war being over!
Third, the word “depart” was used of a prisoner who had served his sentence. His prison clothes were removed, he bathed and put on civilian cloths. When the prison door opened this time, he was free to “depart” bondage into a life of freedom. Paul pictured death as freedom from prison.
Finally, the word “depart” was used of a wooden cargo ship that had become storm torn and was no longer sea worthy. The cargo in a ship was called “the burden.” The cargo was unloaded for the last time, any useful gear was stripped off and the ship was taken out of port for the last time. The crew would hoist a sail and set the rudder. Then they abandoned the ship to the open sea. It was free to “depart” never to bear a burden again.
I often use this text and these four word pictures during a funeral service. They are positive pictures of amazing comfort. Death means the yoke is lifted, the war is over, the prison cell is opened and the burden is removed.
No wonder Paul was undecided between life and death. Either way he was a winner. To remain meant more fruitful labor for Christ. To die meant freedom, glory and great gain in the very presence of Jesus.
Ironically, Paul used the picture of taking down a storm torn tent in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 to describe death. The analogy fits the four word pictures mentioned above. The early Christians viewed death as a promotion with the woes, pains, suffering and burden of this life forever removed.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22) But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23) But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Philippians 1:21-24
These were not empty words for Paul. Life here meant more fruitful labor for the glory of God. Dying was a promotion to the heavenly presence of Christ. He was hard pressed and well content with either option.
It was in this context that he picked the word depart” to describe death for a Christian. In the process, he used a Greek word that captured the meaning of death more than any other text in the New Testament. Let me explain.
The word “depart” was a secular term commonly applied to four events. Each paints a word picture or analogy of Paul’s understanding of death for the Christian. Let’s briefly look at each secular usage.
First, the word “depart” was used of an oxen that had faithfully pulled the yoke for years for its master. When it became old and ready to retire, a unique ceremony sometimes happened. The owner would take the yoke off for the last time, and the oxen was free to “depart” to the open pasture never to bear a yoke again. Paul pictured death as removing the yoke.
Second, the word “depart” was used of a soldier on the front lines of war with many casualties and much suffering. When victory was finally won, the war torn soldier would role up his tent and supplies for the last time and put any booty in his pack. He was then free to “depart” from the war back to civilian life never to fight again. Paul pictured death as the war being over!
Third, the word “depart” was used of a prisoner who had served his sentence. His prison clothes were removed, he bathed and put on civilian cloths. When the prison door opened this time, he was free to “depart” bondage into a life of freedom. Paul pictured death as freedom from prison.
Finally, the word “depart” was used of a wooden cargo ship that had become storm torn and was no longer sea worthy. The cargo in a ship was called “the burden.” The cargo was unloaded for the last time, any useful gear was stripped off and the ship was taken out of port for the last time. The crew would hoist a sail and set the rudder. Then they abandoned the ship to the open sea. It was free to “depart” never to bear a burden again.
I often use this text and these four word pictures during a funeral service. They are positive pictures of amazing comfort. Death means the yoke is lifted, the war is over, the prison cell is opened and the burden is removed.
No wonder Paul was undecided between life and death. Either way he was a winner. To remain meant more fruitful labor for Christ. To die meant freedom, glory and great gain in the very presence of Jesus.
Ironically, Paul used the picture of taking down a storm torn tent in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 to describe death. The analogy fits the four word pictures mentioned above. The early Christians viewed death as a promotion with the woes, pains, suffering and burden of this life forever removed.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Paul’s Spiritual Secret
September 12, 2024
Living Well and Dying Well: Philippians 1:19-21
“19) for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20) according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:19-21
Paul had confidence in his coming freedom. Why? He knew the power of prayer and He knew the ways of the Holy Spirit. That is an amazing combination. And sure enough, church tradition holds that Paul was set free and subsequently arrested again and became a martyr for the sake of the gospel.
His monumental spiritual secret is found in the next two verses. According to verses 20-21, Jesus Christ came to mean more to Paul than life itself! His only goal was that Christ be exalted in him whether it meant life or death. He lived to the glory of God and he was committed to die for the glory of God.
Verse 21 defined the explanation point to the life of the Apostle Paul; “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Persecution, fear and death had lost its grip on Paul. He was a winner with Christ no matter what happened. He had totally surrendered his will to the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom.
These were more than mere words for Paul. They were his reality. Jesus Christ was the source of his bold confidence. Fear of man and fear of death lost its grip on him.
He was like Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego in Daniel 3:16-18. The threats of the king and the heat of the fire did not curb their love and commitment to God. The end result was unshakable confidence and courage.
Paul was able to stand alone, look fear and death in the eye and defeat them through his faith. Why? Jesus Christ Himself had become his confidence, joy, peace and hope. He walked with God!
We should settle for nothing less in our own lives. This is the goal of the Christan life and spiritual maturity. This is the point at which the world, the flesh and the devil loose their grip on us! This is the point at which faith becomes sight and glorifying God becomes our only ambition.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“19) for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20) according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:19-21
Paul had confidence in his coming freedom. Why? He knew the power of prayer and He knew the ways of the Holy Spirit. That is an amazing combination. And sure enough, church tradition holds that Paul was set free and subsequently arrested again and became a martyr for the sake of the gospel.
His monumental spiritual secret is found in the next two verses. According to verses 20-21, Jesus Christ came to mean more to Paul than life itself! His only goal was that Christ be exalted in him whether it meant life or death. He lived to the glory of God and he was committed to die for the glory of God.
Verse 21 defined the explanation point to the life of the Apostle Paul; “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Persecution, fear and death had lost its grip on Paul. He was a winner with Christ no matter what happened. He had totally surrendered his will to the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom.
These were more than mere words for Paul. They were his reality. Jesus Christ was the source of his bold confidence. Fear of man and fear of death lost its grip on him.
He was like Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego in Daniel 3:16-18. The threats of the king and the heat of the fire did not curb their love and commitment to God. The end result was unshakable confidence and courage.
Paul was able to stand alone, look fear and death in the eye and defeat them through his faith. Why? Jesus Christ Himself had become his confidence, joy, peace and hope. He walked with God!
We should settle for nothing less in our own lives. This is the goal of the Christan life and spiritual maturity. This is the point at which the world, the flesh and the devil loose their grip on us! This is the point at which faith becomes sight and glorifying God becomes our only ambition.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
The Gospel
September 11, 2024
The Gospel Cannot Be Stopped: Philippians 1:15-18
“15) Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16) the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17) the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” Philippians 1:15-18
The gospel has always had both true and false workers. The genuine workers preach the truth in love through the power of the Holy Spirit. They clearly proclaim the gospel message that Paul gave his life to defend.
False workers twist and distort the gospel message. They do ministry from false motives. Often they seek to exploit people or prey on the poor and ignorant. Their goal is personal wealth while they leave people wounded, confused and disillusioned. Their ultimate goal is to hinder the spread of the gospel.
But Paul rejoiced that the ultimate goal of the good news about Jesus Christ was under the active and dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. He has a way of directing sincerely seeking people to the truth about Jesus Christ.
Saul himself had become a prime example of this principle. He thought he was serving God by killing Christians and hindering the message of Jesus Christ. But God miraculously saved and transformed Saul into the Apostle Paul.
The true gospel cannot be stopped because it is tied to the active power of the Holy Spirit. He has ways to miraculously move people to the truth of the gospel and transform them.
Harsh opponents can become zealous proponents of Jesus Christ and the gospel. Persecutors can become preachers. Sinners can be forgiven and set free. These kinds of miracles happen constantly on the front lines of spreading the gospel. The gospel changes people.
Never give up on anyone nor get distracted from your call to faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ and the gospel. God always prevails and His Word accomplishes its purpose. (See Isaiah 55:10-11)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“15) Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16) the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17) the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” Philippians 1:15-18
The gospel has always had both true and false workers. The genuine workers preach the truth in love through the power of the Holy Spirit. They clearly proclaim the gospel message that Paul gave his life to defend.
False workers twist and distort the gospel message. They do ministry from false motives. Often they seek to exploit people or prey on the poor and ignorant. Their goal is personal wealth while they leave people wounded, confused and disillusioned. Their ultimate goal is to hinder the spread of the gospel.
But Paul rejoiced that the ultimate goal of the good news about Jesus Christ was under the active and dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. He has a way of directing sincerely seeking people to the truth about Jesus Christ.
Saul himself had become a prime example of this principle. He thought he was serving God by killing Christians and hindering the message of Jesus Christ. But God miraculously saved and transformed Saul into the Apostle Paul.
The true gospel cannot be stopped because it is tied to the active power of the Holy Spirit. He has ways to miraculously move people to the truth of the gospel and transform them.
Harsh opponents can become zealous proponents of Jesus Christ and the gospel. Persecutors can become preachers. Sinners can be forgiven and set free. These kinds of miracles happen constantly on the front lines of spreading the gospel. The gospel changes people.
Never give up on anyone nor get distracted from your call to faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ and the gospel. God always prevails and His Word accomplishes its purpose. (See Isaiah 55:10-11)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Refined through suffering for Christ
September 10, 2024
The Refiners Fire: Philippians 1:14
“14) and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Philippians 1:14
Paul’s afflictions for the cause of Christ had an unusual benefit. Those won to Christ through his sufferings were filled with more courage and boldness.
A soft gospel produces soft believers. But, those who come to Christ under the shadow and threat of persecution have an unusual substance to their faith. “… they have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Such is the case of the persecuted church. It produce followers of Christ who have courage and boldness. They do not come to Christ for what they can gain, they come to Christ despite what it might cost them.
Paul viewed this as an unusual benefit of his personal sufferings. His willingness to suffer for Christ and the gospel validated his message. God used his sufferings to pour a courageous spirit on the believers.
This same mystery surfaces again and again throughout the book of Acts. Threats, adversities and persecution added fuel to their praying and power to their preaching. (See Acts 4:28-31)
It was the wealthy church in Laodicea that became lukewarm. (See Revelation 3:14-22). Their gospel and walk with God was distorted by wealth, ease and luxury.
So it is with the western church today. It produces distorted faith and a distorted gospel that is self-centered rather than Christ-centered. Christianity always thrives under the shadows of persecution and suffering. The refiners fire always produces pure gold.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“14) and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Philippians 1:14
Paul’s afflictions for the cause of Christ had an unusual benefit. Those won to Christ through his sufferings were filled with more courage and boldness.
A soft gospel produces soft believers. But, those who come to Christ under the shadow and threat of persecution have an unusual substance to their faith. “… they have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Such is the case of the persecuted church. It produce followers of Christ who have courage and boldness. They do not come to Christ for what they can gain, they come to Christ despite what it might cost them.
Paul viewed this as an unusual benefit of his personal sufferings. His willingness to suffer for Christ and the gospel validated his message. God used his sufferings to pour a courageous spirit on the believers.
This same mystery surfaces again and again throughout the book of Acts. Threats, adversities and persecution added fuel to their praying and power to their preaching. (See Acts 4:28-31)
It was the wealthy church in Laodicea that became lukewarm. (See Revelation 3:14-22). Their gospel and walk with God was distorted by wealth, ease and luxury.
So it is with the western church today. It produces distorted faith and a distorted gospel that is self-centered rather than Christ-centered. Christianity always thrives under the shadows of persecution and suffering. The refiners fire always produces pure gold.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
