The 3:16s (part 2)

I don't expect to get this done right now, but I think I will post about three more books or so. Without further ado...

Philippians 3:14-16

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Paul is saying here that he seeks to live out his life in a Godlike manner. How else are we supposed to "live up to what we have already attained?" (Obviously salvation). While salvation is through faith, faith without works is meaningless. James 2:26 - "As the body without spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." While works alone are not enough to enter heaven, faith without works is impossible. Note that "all who are mature should take such a view." Naturally, the converse is also true. You must take reach a view to have reached maturity in your faith. Also, God makes all points of His plan clear as necessary.

This is a very amazing set of verses that I'm actually pretty upset that I've never read before.


Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Christians should congregate in churches, that they might encourage one another and keep each other true to Christ. Pretty obvious, but very important nonetheless.


(First Thessalonians has no 3:16. Second Thessalonians' 3:16 is just a farewell message to Paul's audience.)



1 Timothy 3:16

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

This verse explains the life of Jesus as conciscely as possible. It is good to reflect upon the First Coming of Christ, particularly as we approach the date of His birth, as we anticipate the Second Coming. Jesus, the embodiement of the Word of God (John 1:14), should have each facet of his life, as depicted in this verse in 1 Timothy, celebrated by all Christians all the time, but this time of the year is most important.


Until next time, where the reason I started posting these becomes clear, and my favorite verse written by Peter. Part three should (hopefully) conclude this series. Also, if I don't get on any more, Merry Christmas!