Philippians: Paul's "Stairway to Heaven"?

[homwardbound]

“The Lord God, the Father of the risen Son Jesus (Yashua) is in charge, still to this day, the way in is through the risen Son, not of man works, otherwise man has reason to boast”

its a boast to accept what Jesus taught and believe it’s the truth and follow after him believing his words are true and will come to pass ? How so ?

wouldnt it rather be a boast of I reject the lords own words telling me how to be saved and have eternal life and think there’s another way when he said there isn’t ?

It seems to me if I accept the things the lord said will save my soul and know I need to learn the truth from him to be saved it’s not a boast but an acknowledgement that without him I’m lost and can’t be saved but if I hear and believe him I’ll surely live forever

““I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:1-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

is Jesus tesching them to boast about something or to trust and obey the things he told them and they would be fruitful and live ?

Christian’s have to get away from the idea that the obeying the lord Jesus by the gospel is something anyone is boasting about but rather it is hearing what our savior said will save us and believing it learning from God himself also following after those things beginning to apply them to life

Ask yourself is Jesus wrong about eternal judgement when he said this ?

““Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:28-29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Is paul wrong ?

“God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:6-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

was johns heavenly vision of eternal judgement wrong ?

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20:12-13, 15‬ ‭

as we learn the Bible we start to think we underersnd it all but then we hear things we didn’t know about or hadn’t heard or read ourselves . Really there’s a pretty simple consistent doctrine of what God is doing .

One aspect that is certain is this

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭

this has been written before n the prophets the gospel and epistles for centuries thousands of years now

Therefore what must I do, besides, believe God, Son is risen for me too? Oh and simply love others as I am loved first by God through Son? I am in by God, thanks to God and so are all others too, that are sincere in belief toGod too.
I am saying, evil is out and about to trip up anyone it can, to this day (Job 1) anyway it can. one of them is boasting, I got it and you do not got it as I got it attitude, is of flesh nature, not of God (Luke 18:9-14). we all are of flesh and blood. None of us are perfect. Maybe you might be getting a little bit haughty? You decide, I see to not be in pride ever as evil is out and about to get anyone that way, in them thinking they got it, when others compliment them, and then they think, Oh yeah I have been a good boy, haven't I?
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1. Job 1:6
   Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
   In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations
2. Job 1:7
   And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

There is freed from Fear, for perfect Love, God's casts out all fear
There is freed from fear that is haughty. That I see to watch out for, when other say to me I am good. I am not good, only God is good


Romans 11:17-22

Living Bible



17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree, some of the Jews, have been broken off. And you Gentiles who were branches from, we might say, a wild olive tree, were grafted in. So now you, too, receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in God’s rich nourishment of his own special olive tree.
18 But you must be careful not to brag about being put in to replace the branches that were broken off. Remember that you are important only because you are now a part of God’s tree; you are just a branch, not a root.
19 “Well,” you may be saying, “those branches were broken off to make room for me, so I must be pretty good.”
20 Watch out! Remember that those branches, the Jews, were broken off because they didn’t believe God, and you are there only because you do. Do not be proud; be humble and grateful—and careful. 21 For if God did not spare the branches he put there in the first place, he won’t spare you either.
22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is very hard on those who disobey, but very good to you if you continue to love and trust him. But if you don’t, you too will be cut off.

 

[SilverFox7]

I think honestly because I was letting it get to my head thinking a little too much about myself doing good maybe the lord let me see that I’m still as flawed as ever but he’s giving me grace and not to forget it

i took that lesson from it honestly for a few days there I was really finding it hard to not see myself as this really great example for the church I attend lol got a bit delusional which is out of character I think the lord just set me straight rather gently

your story is alarming and shows the type of world we live in for sure. I think when we begin to acknolwedge that we’re called to live as the lord taught us like your saying there but we also don’t forget that when we fail like I did that say clearly I sinned , but more clearly God is still gracious and forgiving to correct me and forgive me.

I've been there many times myself, brother. When I think I'm doing great and have things under control, that's when I have to eat some "humble pie" to see how rotten at the core I still am and how much I need God to change my heart to reflect His goodness and grace. It's like Paul said himself, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) nothing good dwells..." (Rom. 7: 18). When I drift away from God or He needs to remind me of my true nature, it is not a pretty sight to say the least.

I like what Paul has to say about rejoicing and trusting in the Lord as well:

Philippians 2:18-22

New King James Version

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your [a]state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Despite the trials we face and the sin that so easily besets us, we can be "glad and rejoice" in the life that Christ has given us. Notice how fondly Paul commends his young apprentice, Timothy, for being "like-minded." I think that's really important - we need to be like-minded with God through the Holy Spirit's power within us, and we need to strive to be like-minded with one another in the Church.

It sounds like Timothy was an exception because Paul laments that "...all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." Even as Christians, we can so easily get ensnared in the ways of this world instead of fully committing our lives to Christ. I can certainly attest to that personally, and I have a long way to go to reach that level Paul and Timothy did to have "proven character" focused on serving "in the gospel."

 

[SilverFox7]

I think honestly because I was letting it get to my head thinking a little too much about myself doing good maybe the lord let me see that I’m still as flawed as ever but he’s giving me grace and not to forget it

i took that lesson from it honestly for a few days there I was really finding it hard to not see myself as this really great example for the church I attend lol got a bit delusional which is out of character I think the lord just set me straight rather gently

your story is alarming and shows the type of world we live in for sure. I think when we begin to acknolwedge that we’re called to live as the lord taught us like your saying there but we also don’t forget that when we fail like I did that say clearly I sinned , but more clearly God is still gracious and forgiving to correct me and forgiveme now when my hair is white as much as when it was brown and only had a grey here or there

were called to a very high goal but we’re given a very capable and provisional tool kit and supply of grace and mercy as well to reach for it

if our mind is about following the lord with our heart and mind and life we’re going to notice a lot of falling short in ourselves if we acknolwedge it when. It comes to light he will change it for us and wash it away

I've been there many times myself, brother. When I think I'm doing great and have things under control, that's when I have to eat some "humble pie" to see how rotten at the core I still am and how much I need God to change my heart to reflect His goodness and grace. It's like Paul said himself, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) nothing good dwells..." (Rom. 7: 18). When I drift away from God or He needs to remind me of my true nature, it is not a pretty sight to say the least.

I like what Paul has to say about rejoicing and trusting in the Lord as well:

Philippians 2:18-22

New King James Version

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your [a]state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Despite the trials we face and the sin that so easily besets us, we can be "glad and rejoice" in the life that Christ has given us. Notice how fondly Paul commends his young apprentice, Timothy, for being "like-minded." I think that's really important - we need to be like-minded with God through the Holy Spirit's power within us, and we need to strive to be like-minded with one another in the Church.

It sounds like Timothy was an exception because Paul laments that "...all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." Even as Christians, we can so easily get ensnared in the ways of this world instead of fully committing our lives to Christ. I can certainly attest to that personally, and I have a long way to go to reach that level Paul and Timothy did to have "proven character" focused on serving "in the gospel."

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Amen brother yes you see you have that high goal pauos talking about the pursuit of Christ

air doesn’t matter what stage we are in we just need to get rooted then those little leaves pop up two little leaves not even noticed among a forest but the little things osnt is rooted now and always growing as the rain falls and the sun rises and sets the little leaves grow and soon there’s a little stock later branches and foliage form and grow later small parcels of fruit begin to bud on and on u til you have a healthy fruit tree bearing fruit that others can eat from

the little plant when it roots already had a future existsnce as a tree but without a caretaker pruning and removing the bad diseased branches the tree may get infected and die before it grows

We can and should rejoice brother but also there’s this part of we haven’t gotten there yet whoch many haven’t

Im all for rejoicing in the lord but also when we have failed

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:9-10‬ ‭

My point is if I’m a believer and I’m just serving the devils Will by my own lusts still this is t a reason to rejoice it’s a reason to let godly sorrow have it’s work in us to induce repentance

theres this too is my point

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
‭‭James‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the joy of the lord is irresistible when we begin to take steps of faith in him rather than sit in our dungeon pretending our chains arent gone when a prisoner steps out of the sari dingy cell is when joy forms and comes from the heart

We should have joy in him , we should also feel sorrow and repent of our sins in him which works together to produce true godly joy that doesn’t rely on circumstance

theres what God has done for us and offered freely to us , then there’s what we are taught to do when we begin to believe

Gods working on us but we also have a role working together with him

“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. ( what we’re called to do )

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”( what he is doing within us so we can don our part )
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Pilgrimshope]

I've been there many times myself, brother. When I think I'm doing great and have things under control, that's when I have to eat some "humble pie" to see how rotten at the core I still am and how much I need God to change my heart to reflect His goodness and grace. It's like Paul said himself, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) nothing good dwells..." (Rom. 7: 18). When I drift away from God or He needs to remind me of my true nature, it is not a pretty sight to say the least.

I like what Paul has to say about rejoicing and trusting in the Lord as well:

Philippians 2:18-22

New King James Version

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your [a]state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Despite the trials we face and the sin that so easily besets us, we can be "glad and rejoice" in the life that Christ has given us. Notice how fondly Paul commends his young apprentice, Timothy, for being "like-minded." I think that's really important - we need to be like-minded with God through the Holy Spirit's power within us, and we need to strive to be like-minded with one another in the Church.

It sounds like Timothy was an exception because Paul laments that "...all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." Even as Christians, we can so easily get ensnared in the ways of this world instead of fully committing our lives to Christ. I can certainly attest to that personally, and I have a long way to go to reach that level Paul and Timothy did to have "proven character" focused on serving "in the gospel."

Yes nite what Paul’s saying the correct frame of mind is “ I haven’t reached my girl of perfection on Christ yet but I press towards tbat high goal “

It’s a pursuit . This is discipleship we have a tescher and we are striving to be more like him tbrough belief in him. Learning from him applying his wisdom to our lives based on the fact that we heard and believed him

think of how Jesus treated his disciples this is us and our means of relationship to him one consistent thing of many he taught then was to follow him believe in him follow after him go where he’s going walk after him he’s our leader

what your describing is that pursuit that’s taken hold of your heart you’ll never be equal to Jesus in this life but your heart is fixed upon him that highest of goals to be just like the son of God . This design keeps us growing as we grow we may think I’ve reached the summit I’m done

about then we reach the summit and see another Bally and peak beyond us and so we take a break a minute and we set out to that next peak that’s surely the summit it keeps us from complacency all the while we have this treasure that is all our hope this promise of Christ that if we stick to him we’re going to live forever with him and not perish