Category Archives: Philippians

Working It Out While He Works It In

There is a divine dynamic revealed in Philippians 2. An apparent partnering of man’s determination and God’s direction, of human effort and holy enabling. A matter of individual pursuits and Sovereign pleasures. Chewing this morning on the implications of working … Continue reading

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Complete My Joy

You can’t read Paul’s letters and not know that he had high aspirations for the church. Seeing people saved was one thing–one great, glorious, eternity changing, heaven rejoicing thing. But Paul’s desire for those saved went beyond guaranteed fire insurance, … Continue reading

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The Fruit of Righteousness

They had begun well. Paul wanted them to finish well. Though he was confident that the “good work” begun in them was of God, and that God would complete that work (1:6), he also knew it required their cooperation. Though … Continue reading

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True Companion

At best, he’s a bit player. A walk-on in a stage production. A cameo appearance in a movie. Doesn’t have a speaking part. Name’s not even listed in the credits. You barely notice him. He’s a no name. But this … Continue reading

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The Surpassing Worth of Losing It All

For many, it simply wouldn’t add up. They’d do the math, look at the profit and loss statement, and then take a pass on making the trade. But not Paul. He was all in. Convinced of the surpassing worth of … Continue reading

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The Way Up is Down

It is the greatest “rabbit trail” in all of Scripture. Paul’s going in one direction when, led by the Spirit of God–the Promoter of Christ, he heads down another. One moment he’s exhorting the Philippians to be like-minded, the next … Continue reading

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Far Better

I’m thinking that, sometimes, the difference between a portion of Scripture being familiar and fantastic is simply your season. Your current life experience creating a filter, or perhaps more aptly a magnifying glass, which takes something you’ve read, memorized, and … Continue reading

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Prayer, Praise, Practice, and Peace

Continuing to hover over Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians in the first part of chapter four. He’s writing to faithful believers who have faithfully supported him. He’s writing to fearful believers who are worried about Paul and the implications of … Continue reading

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The Command in the Shadow

Three commands in rapid succession. That’s what I notice as I’m reading the first part of Philippians 4 this morning. And though they should carry equal weight, I’m thinking the reality is that the command in the middle is overshadowed … Continue reading

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Proven

“I’ll take lesser-appreciated New Testament people for 800, Alex.” “Ok. And the answer to the question is: Paul said of him, ‘For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their … Continue reading

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