Philippians
Experiencing The Joy of The Submissive Mind
Some people try to make verse 12 say we need to “work for our salvation” instead of “work out our salvation.” Paul is writing to people who are already Christians. He is telling them to put into practice in their daily living what God has already worke …
Christ is Preached
Evangelist and Bible teacher Wendell Calder entitles this book “Praise from Prison.†One of the biggest robbers of joy in the Christian life is circumstances. In this passage Paul stresses the fact that there are no accidents with God. His confinement was doing …
Paul Held Great Esteem For Epaphroditus
Another shining example of Servanthood was Epaphroditus who also had a deep concern for his friends at Philippi (vv. 25-30). Since the church had sent Epaphroditus to bring gifts and money to Paul they probably intended for him to stay and assist Paul indefinitely. However, …
Our Citizenship is in Heaven
The apostle called for his readers to share with him the pursuit of Christ likeness. What he wanted for himself he also wanted for them (v. 15). His plea to the Philippians was that they would live up to what they had already attained, which was a righteous position in Chri …
Paul’s Prayer For The Church in Philippi
Paul uses three thoughts that describe true Christian Fellowship: 1. I have you in my mind (vv. 3-6). – It is remarkable that Paul is thinking of others and not of himself as he waits for his trial in Rome. His mind goes back to the believers in Philippi, and every time he thinks …
Losing Religion to Find Salvation
In chapter one we learned that circumstances can rob us of our joy. In chapter two Paul showed us how people can also rob us of our joy. Now in chapter three he shows us how we need to be careful as things will also rob us of our joy (v. 7). It is very easy for us to get …
The Secret of Contentment
Paul was not the victim of circumstances but victorious over circumstances. Instead of having spiritual ups and downs as the situation changed, he went right on, steadily serving Christ. He found contentment in things Christ provided. At times Paul experienced definite fi …
The Joyful Life is The Life of Sacrifice And Service
Paul points out in this passage that choice servants of God should provide examples for others to follow. He introduces to us two of his helpers in the ministry, Timothy and Epaphroditus who are this kind of example (vv. 19-30). The Christians at Rome were not really interested i …
Paul’s Greeting to The Philippian Church
This is one of Paul’s most informal letters. With this church he did not feel the need to assert his Apostolic authority. His overflowing love for them is obvious. He even allowed them to send him money which was very unusual for him. Paul is imprisoned, yet he uses the term for …
Unity Through Humility
The Apostle Paul said: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Cor. 1:12-13). In chapter one we learned how circu …