Philippians 4:8–9, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,...
Philippians
Thinking on What is Pure and Lovely in the Word of God
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is...
The Peace of God that Passes All Understanding
Philippians 4:6 ESV, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and...
The Righteousness of God by Faith
Philippians 3:7–9, "7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as...
Paul’s Former Confidence
Philippians 3:4–6, "4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews;...
The Threat of Legalism
Philippians 3:2-3, “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.” False teaching steals joy because...
Rejoice in the Lord
Philippians 3:1, “Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” “I choose joy.” My friend spoke these words through tears as she relayed the story of her husband...
Honoring Christ’s Servants
Philippians 2:29–30, "29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me." Epaphroditus, whose work we read about in Philippians 2:25–30, was...
The Severity of Epaphroditus’ Illness
Philippians 2:27–28, "27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be...
The Return of Epaphroditus
Philippians 2:25–26, "25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was...
The Proven Worth of Timothy
Philippians 2:21–24, "21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with...
Paul’s Commendation of Timothy
Philippians 2:19–20, "19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare." We often think of Paul’s epistles as weighty theological...
Paul’s Love for His Audience
Philippians 2:17–18, "17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." In calling the Philippians to “hold fast to the word...
Clinging to the Truth
Philippians 2:16, “holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Theologians have long recognized that when Scripture speaks of the Christian life and sanctification, the imperative (what we...
A Snapshot of the Trajectory of the Christian Life
Philippians 2:14–15, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Up to this point, Paul uses his...