For many years I have taught that the New Covenant is really a Jewish book. Except for this verse perhaps:
Philippians 2:14 – Do everything without complaining and without any arguing.
Can Rabbi Saul of Tarsus really mean this? J Arguing is practically our national sport here in Israel. And complaining is part of our Jewish culture and heritage, developed over thousands of years. It’s even recorded in the Bible (again and again).
Perhaps the solution to this theological predicament is that Saul (Paul) was writing to the Gentiles. Yes, they (not us) could be expected to do all without complaining or arguing.
No, this verse is for everyone, including you and me, Jew and Gentile, male and female, White and Black, old and young. We have no excuses. Apparently the Philippians also had a bit of a problem with this particular character trait. If not, why would Paul have written to them about it?
If it’s written in the Bible, it must be possible. Let’s pray: “Lord, Help us to do all things without any complaining and any arguing, but with grace and thanksgiving. Amen.”
Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.
He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.
Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.