Motives in Ministry – Philippians 1:12-18
Rivalry and jealousy between Christian ministers is not a new or rare phenomenon.
How did Paul feel about ministers who were motivated by ambition and envy?
Paul’s Courage – Philippians 1:19-27
What was Paul relying on for courage in his trial?
What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel?
Suffering and Standing – Philippians 1:27-30
This week we look at Philippians 1:27-30 and at the influence of church leaders, the goal of unity, standing firm in the face of opposition, and suffering.
Harmony and Humility – Philippians 2:1-5
With Jesus’ example in mind, what should be our attitude towards others and our attitude about ourselves? (Philippians 2:1-5)
The Creed (Hymn) of Philippians 2:6-11
The creed Paul quotes in Philippians 2:6-11 expresses the depths of humiliation Jesus Christ endured as well as his ultimate exaltation which results in glorious cosmic and universal worship.
Living as Lights in the World – Philippians 2:12-18
This article looks at what “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” means and what it means to “shine as stars.”
Timothy and Epaphroditus – Philippians 2:19-30
Of all his letters addressed to churches, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is the most personal. In Philippians we get to meet some of the people associated with the church, albeit briefly, people such as Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Joy in Philippians and in the Bible
In the New Testament, joy is closely associated with the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and with suffering and persecution.
The Judaisers and Circumcision – Philippians 3:1-3
Who were the Judaisers? And what does Paul say about circumcision in Philippians 3?
Paul’s Hebrew Heritage – Philippians 3:4-8
Paul had invested many years and much effort in strenuously studying and following Pharisaical Judaism. However, he willingly relinquished and forfeited all the advantages and privileges of his heritage and training. In fact, Paul saw the advantages as disadvantages and the privileges as liabilities. Paul had come to realise that following the traditions of Judaism, or any amount of human effort, was not able to earn him salvation or enable him to gain Christ.
Righteousness and Justification – Philippians 3:9
What is the righteousness that comes from God? What does it mean to be justified? What does it mean to be reconciled with God?
The Onward, Upward Call – Philippians 3:10-14
Paul was not lumbered with past regrets or even past triumphs. His focus was onward and upward. What is the “upward call of God in Christ” mentioned in Philippians 3:14? Is it heaven or something different?
Maturity and Perfection – Philippians 3:15-19
Paul did not regard his goal of spiritual maturity as something only special Christians should aspire to, but as something all Christians should aim for.
The Day of Christ – Philippians 3:20-4:1
Paul refers to the Day of Christ three times in his letter to the Philippians. What is the Day of Christ? Are you looking forward to this Day?
Ministers at Philippi: Women and Men – Philippians 4:2-5
Women and men ministered together in the Philippian church. Who were these ministers?
Prayer and Peace – Philippians 4:6-9
In Philippians 4:6-9, Paul tells the Christians in Philippi to be “anxious for nothing”, and he provides the antidote for worry and anxiety.
Money and Ministry – Philippians 4:10-20
Our attitude to money can be a powerful force in our lives. Our attitude towards wealth and financial security could well be an area that God needs to work on.
Closing Greetings – Philippians 4:21-23
This is the final session of our Philippians Bible study. This short entry looks at Paul’s closing greetings and blessing. It also looks briefly at Nero, the Roman Emperor in rule when Paul wrote Philippians.
Advice to Newlyweds
The first year or two of marriage can be bewildering, disappointing, and even painful, for some newlyweds. I offer this advice in the hope that it may prevent some conflict and heartache.
Junia in Romans 16:7
This article is about Junia—a minister mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:7—using and critiquing the ESV as a reference. Was Junia really a female apostle?
Instant Christianity?
When we entrust our lives to Jesus, our eternal life begins. Our salvation is a done deal, or so it would seem. Is it really a case of instant christianity?