In Philippians 3:7-10 we learned how the apostle Paul sought to intimately know the Lord Jesus Christ, to share in His sufferings, and have a mind that was eternally focused on the goal of being resurrected from the dead. We also saw how important it is that we not only know the Lord, but that […]
We last left off with the apostle Paul noting that all the earthly achievements and religious prestige he had once possessed was of no value in saving his soul. Today let’s continue looking at this and just how passionately he wanted to make the point that salvation is by faith alone. But whatever things were […]
When Paul opened what we know as chapter 3 of his letter to the church in Philippi, he began with a stark warning to look out for false teachers that led believers astray with errant doctrines. One of those was the assertion that certain religious rites must be followed for a Christian to obtain or […]
We left off a few weeks ago with the apostle Paul instructing believers to do all things without grumbling or disputing and to live above reproach even among a wicked generation (cf: Phil 2: 14-16). He continues with his exhortation, by writing: But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon […]
As we head into the most important week of remembrance and celebration for believers, we come to an incredible passage in Philippians that not only helps us consider the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice, which started long before the cross, but also convicts us as we consider our own struggle with pride and choosing our will […]
I’ve heard it said that the Bible was written for believers. While it certainly contains powerful truths that apply to every human, I believe this statement is generally true. Why? Because to understand, appreciate, and live by God’s Word, we must have faith and be guided in comprehension by the Holy Spirit. A lot of […]
As the world becomes more and more perverse each day, Christians must remain strong and united in the faith. The call to live differently from the unsaved permeates the Bible. God commanded His people, whether it be under the old covenant or the new covenant, to be separate – holy – from the world (cf: […]
We’ve come to a passage, and specifically a verse, that is one of the more popular in Scripture: Philippians 1:21. It is often quoted, printed on coffee mugs and wall art, and sung in songs. But as we’ve become accustomed to, it’s best to examine verses carefully to have a deeper and more accurate understanding […]
If accepting Christ and living for Him meant these things for us, would we still do it? Would we ‘sign up’ to follow Christ if it meant walking away from everything? This is the life Paul lived, and countless more of our brothers and sisters in Christ have experienced both in the past and across the world today.
Witnessing a fellow Christian joyfully endure suffering for the cause of Christ can be an opportunity for us to grow in faith, to see God’s sustaining power, and give us more resolve to proclaim the gospel in the face of opposition.