 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: - Philippians 2:5-7
Humility does not lower the importance or level of our abilities. Yet, it does point to the one that "shines" when our abilities are displayed. This aspect of humility focuses on the phrase in verse 7 which says that the master "made Himself of no reputation". The Greek word used means "to make empty".
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 Like birds flying about, So will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it.” - Isaiah 31:5
Many truths were communicated in the scriptures through observing natural processes or animals. These parables, proverbs or metaphors can speak great faith into the believer. For this writing, allow the scriptures to speak faith into your life by these “birds in the word” and may the Father’s grace guide you into all truth that you may grow and increase thereby.  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14
After Jesus answered this fig tree, it is vital for the scriptures to note that the disciples heard what Jesus spoke. The account recorded in Matthew adds this phrase: “…and presently the fig tree withered away” (Matt 21:19). The word “presently” is key and potentially could cause confusion.  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14
The context of this verse is really tied to verse 13 which says, “And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.” One may first ask that if “the time of figs was not yet” then why did the master expect to see figs? Background study shows that the fig tree produces two types of figs: One, the early fig (also referred to as “winter” or “green” figs) called “paggim” which were a smaller fig produced on the strength of nutrients left in the branch during the winter, and the second was the full fig which was produced later after the leaves. So, ultimately, although it was not time for the “full” figs, if it had leaves it was communicating that it at least had early figs.  And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5b
More and more, the Lord is revealing that our lives follow the path of our most dominant thoughts. This is not said to put anyone in condemnation for some of the hardships that they may have experienced, but to say that we need to take responsibility for the way that we think and the thoughts that we allow because they do have great and lasting impact on our lives.  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God – 2 Corinthians 10:5a
Before we come to the focal “b” portion of 2 Corinthians 10:5 (coming up in part 6) let’s pause to bring clarity to some of part “a”. The Apostle Paul was primarily writing here in concern of defending the Gospel against systems of worldly philosophy that he had been encountering.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds – 2 Corinthians 10:4
From the time we get up in the morning until the time we lay down there will be a continual stream of thoughts coming at us and one of the things that we have attempted to show in this series is just how ill-equipped we actually are at handling our own mind… on our own. For example, I may consider myself a good driver but that doesn’t mean that I’m ready to go NASCAR, and  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18
Perspective is everything. Another key in taking thoughts captive and keeping our minds from being overburdened with care and worry concerning what we may be currently facing is building up our hope and expectation on what God has before us – waaay over.  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. – Psalms 34:1
Many don’t realize the destructive force of worry and doubt. They are a part of Satan’s system of fear that can deafen the ears of the believer from hearing God’s voice of direction, open doors to satan to meddle in our lives, and hinder the effectiveness of our faith. When we feel that we have too much on our mind, it could be a sign of not enough from our mouth. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath Ephesians 4:26
Many take this verse to think that it’s okay to be angry, mad and begrudging of others ALL day…just as long as you take care of it by night time. I realize that even some bible translations imply this. Yet, this is a misconception that not only can be tremendously faith hindering, but also goes against the unity |
Word Worx Layout:Section 1 - Word study Archives
February 2025
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