The joyful life that Paul describes to the Philippians is not lived in a vacuum. Paul and the Philippian believers needed one another to survive. Theirs was a genuine relationship built carefully over many years that allowed them to both lean on and support one another. Today, listen as we hear Paul’s reminder to joyfully […]
As we look into God’s Word, we discuss its interpretation (what it means) so we can apply it to our lives. Since Paul has told us what God’s Word teaches, it is our responsibility to apply and practice it – and Paul shares how that is a joyful responsibility to fulfill!
Following Jesus is designed to be intensely personal. Paul shows the Philippians how following Jesus makes a practical difference to the life of those seeking to live a joyous life. This is a powerful, personal style of living that finds its power in joy that only God can give and is accessed by prayer to […]
Paul describes at least two joyful ships in this passage, but not the kind you take for a cruise on the high seas. Paul discusses the joy that comes to the follower of Jesus from fellowship and citizenship.
Paul has encouraged the Philippians to focus their lives on the joy that comes from Christ alone. No outside influence can bring the joy that Christ provides. No external advantage will replace the internal peace that Christ gives freely. Paul continues to discuss this life of joy by using a race setting. He gives them […]
Paul has repeatedly set before the Philippian believers the pattern of joyful living: one that ignores the advantages of self to serve the interests of others. Not everyone encouraged these believers to live this way! There were those who insisted there were advantages to one particular practice, ritual, or set of rules. Paul warns those […]
Pastor Bruce McLain, state representative of the California Association of Regular Baptist Churches, shares with us this morning the qualities that allow a church – or even an individual – to have a lasting positive impact on their surroundings. The church at Thessalonica was an example to everyone in their day and serves as our […]
Paul shows us how to put the peace that only God can give into action by sharing the real-life examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus. Those who follow Jesus as their example will find themselves living life in much the same ways as these two men – sharing both help and hope.
With Christ as the pattern, Paul shows how it is actually possible to live in such a manner. Two requirements must be met to live in peace, and we look at them this morning: the working of salvation and the shining of our life as a light.
In order to highlight what he meant by placing others’ needs ahead of your own, Paul offers a supreme example: that of Jesus coming to earth in human form. When we fully grasp the extent of what He set aside, we gain a deeper appreciation for His love. Because of Jesus’ actions, He has become the center […]