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 […]
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 […]
There is no call for “peace on earth, goodwill toward men” that can be made, no legislation that can be enacted, and no control that can be maintained that will sufficiently reign in the desperately wicked designs of the human heart. The only answer to finding peace is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Only the […]
Today, we enjoy many privileges of citizenship in the country in which we live. However, our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is a higher privilege and should supersede any right or privilege we have here on earth. Listen as Paul lays out the case for good citizenship.
Followers of God distinguish themselves by their conduct in the face of difficulty, devastation, and loss. There is a price to be paid for associating with the cause of Jesus. Being a loyal follower of Jesus is not just messy, it is dangerous, hazardous, and potentially life-threatening. It is a matter of life and death! […]
As Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from a prison cell, there were many who wondered what effect his imprisonment would have on his ministry. What happens to the life of a Christian when things “go wrong”? Paul tells his audience that his situation is perfectly fine because God is still in control. And, because […]
Paul wants his readers in Philippi to have exactly what he has: happiness in life. In order to see this accomplished, he prays very simply for them to have an abundant love that is regulated (sorry, John, Paul, George, and Ringo – love is NOT all you need!). Paul then explains what this love will […]