Episode 851
Exploring Radical Interdependence in Philippians: A Deep Dive | 851
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
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Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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The discourse revolves around the profound themes encapsulated in the epistolary communication of the Apostle Paul to the Philippians, specifically Philippians 2:25-3:1. The narrative elucidates the character and contribution of Epaphroditus, who is portrayed as a paragon of radical interdependence. Paul, in his correspondence, not only acknowledges the logistical assistance provided by Epaphroditus, sent by the Philippian community, but he also emphasizes the emotional and spiritual bonds that underpin their relationship. This relationship serves as a microcosm of the early Christian community's ethos, illustrating the necessity of mutual aid in a world often characterized by isolation and individualism. I find it compelling that Paul’s reflections urge us to cultivate a sense of community where support is not merely encouraged but is an expectation as part of our faith journey. Furthermore, the narrative beckons us to consider the individuals within our own communities who embody this spirit of selflessness and care, thus reinforcing the call for collective responsibility and support.
Takeaways:
- The concept of radical interdependence is vital in understanding early Christian communities and their practices.
- Paul's relationship with Epaphrodites exemplifies the importance of not facing struggles alone in our society.
- Care work is elevated in significance, reminding us to value those who provide essential support to others.
- Joy in God is found through community care and mutual support, highlighting collective joy over individual emotions.
- It is imperative to recognize and support care workers in our communities through tangible actions and advocacy.
- The podcast encourages listeners to engage with the Bible personally, enhancing their spiritual journey through daily readings.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
- VoiceOfGod
Transcript
Radical Interdependence A Study of Philippians 2:25 3:1 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:That's me.
Speaker A: a million people by the year: Speaker A:We do that by giving you a daily reading of the selective reading from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:We're in year C of the Lenten season and we give you a reading that is understandable from the Message version, the New Testament reading relatable some points to ponder, applicable some action steps that you can take.
Speaker A:We have a prayer.
Speaker A:We do all that in under 10 minutes or so.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by our voiceofgoddaily.com the home of the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:Here's our reading for the day.
Speaker A:It's from Philippians 2:25:3, verse 1.
Speaker A:Reading from the Message but for right now I am dispatching Epaphrodites, my good friend and companion in my work.
Speaker A:You sent him to help me out.
Speaker A:Now I'm sending him to help you out.
Speaker A:He has been wanting in the worst way to get back with you.
Speaker A:Especially since recovering from the illness you heard about.
Speaker A:He's been wanting to get back and reassure you that he is fine.
Speaker A:He nearly died, as you know, but God had mercy on him.
Speaker A:And not only on him, he had mercy on me too.
Speaker A:His death would have been one huge grief piled on top of all the others.
Speaker A:So you can see why I'm so delighted to send him on to you.
Speaker A:When you see him again, strong and strapping, how you'll rejoice and how relieved I'll be.
Speaker A:Give him a grand welcome, a joyful embrace.
Speaker A:People like him deserve the best you can give.
Speaker A:Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren't able to complete?
Speaker A:Well in the pro.
Speaker A:In the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it to know him personally and that's about it, my friends.
Speaker A:Be glad in God.
Speaker A:I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters and I hope you don't mind hearing it again.
Speaker A:Better safe than sorry.
Speaker A:So here goes.
Speaker A:What a great reading from Philippians there where Paul is really talking about some ancient wisdom which really speaks to our faith and our faith journey.
Speaker A:Let's talk about this friendship that Paul had with his friend Ephrodite who risked his life to serve others and nearly died the process.
Speaker A:This story along opens up beautiful conversations about mutual aid, community support, and what it means to truly care for another.
Speaker A:Here are some points to ponder.
Speaker A:First, one is radical interdependence.
Speaker A:Paul's letter demonstrates how early Christian communities practice radical interdependence.
Speaker A:Epaphrodites was sent by the Philippians to help Paul, showing how early Christians understood that no one should face struggle alone in our individualistic society.
Speaker A:This reminds us that true faith is lived out in community, supporting each other's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Speaker A:There's also the point about valuing care work.
Speaker A:When Paul says people like him deserve the best you can give, he's elevating the importance of care work and mutual aid in our modern context.
Speaker A:This challenges us to recognize and value those who perform care work those in our communities, whether it's paid or unpaid.
Speaker A:This includes health care workers, community organizers, social workers, and countless others who put themselves on the line for others.
Speaker A:A third point is about finding joy and solidarity.
Speaker A:Paul's instruction here is to be glad in God.
Speaker A:That comes in the context of community care and mutual support.
Speaker A:This suggests that joy isn't just an individual emotional state, but something we find through loving and supporting each other.
Speaker A:It's a reminder that authentic Christian joy often emerges from solidarity and collective care.
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Identify one person or group in your community doing some sort of essential care work.
Speaker A:This could be some sort of an aid organization or a community health worker, or someone who just cares for a family member.
Speaker A:Reach out and ask how you can support their work, whether through volunteering, donations or advocacy of some sort.
Speaker A:Take concrete action to support those who support Support the care workers in your community.
Speaker A:We're going to pray here in just a minute, but I did want to really share with you something else that you can do.
Speaker A:We come to you every day here at the Daily Bible Refresh to read the Word of God and get into your.
Speaker A:Into your ears, into your hearts and minds.
Speaker A:But I really want you to read the work.
Speaker A:Read the Word of God on your own.
Speaker A:Get into the Bible so we have a tool for you to use.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:You can go over to voiceofgoddaily.com and pick it up.
Speaker A:It will help you in your individual Bible study.
Speaker A:Find it at VoiceOfGod daily.
Speaker A:Do pray, Loving God.
Speaker A:Open our eyes to the web of care and support that surrounds us.
Speaker A:Help us recognize the Apaphrodites in our midst, those who risk their well being to care for others.
Speaker A:Give us courage to build communities of mutual aid and support for no one struggles alone.
Speaker A:Strengthen us to challenge systems that devalue care work and guide us toward ways of living that honor our radical interdependence.
Speaker A:May we find joy in solidarity and hope in collective action.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Well, joy in action.
Speaker A:One of the joys and actions that I love is being with you every day here on Daily Bible Refresh to read the Word of God in a way that is understandable, relatable, and applicable to your life.
Speaker A: onaires and million people by: Speaker A:Come tomorrow, bring a friend and we'll enjoy the Scriptures together.
Speaker A:Until that time, remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
