1 PETER 4:1"STAND FAST IN THE LORD" In chapter 3 of Philippians, Paul warned of the danger of false teachers. He stressed the importance of having heaven as one's only goal. He also pointed toward heaven as the place where Christ's followers maintain their citizenship. Because of all thes things, th... [ Continue Reading ]
DIRECTIONS TO TWO CHRISTIAN WOMEN Paul beseeched two women by name. He did not take sides, but asked each to change. He wanted them to lay aside their differences and be united in purpose in the Lord's service. Paul asked an unnamed co-worker to help these women lay aside their differences. The wom... [ Continue Reading ]
MAINTAINING THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND Paul was in a Roman prison, yet he could tell those in the Philippian church, "Rejoice...rejoice". The reason for this can only be that he was "in the Lord" and knew all would work out for his good (Romans 8:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:12). He knew his labor would not com... [ Continue Reading ]
THINKING ON THINGS THAT WILL YIELD THE PEACE OF GOD Those things given thoughtful consideration will have a great impact on one's life (Proverbs 23:1-35; Proverbs 7:1-27; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:34). Knowing this, Paul gave a list of things to think on. He would have Christians think on "true thin... [ Continue Reading ]
THANKFULNESS FOR A GENEROUS CHURCH Paul did not want to seem ungrateful so he commended the Philippian church for their good work. They shared, or had part in, his suffering when they helped. Actually, our word, "fellowship" would fit here in place of the word "shared" (1 Peter 4:14). From Paul's v... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSINGS ARE FOUND IN GIVING Paul was not concerned about material provision for himself, but was glad because they would be blessed for it (1 Peter 4:17). The apostle told the Ephesian elders "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the w... [ Continue Reading ]
CLOSING WORDS Paul reminded the Philippian brethren that all praise and glory rightly belong to God. In the sermon on the mount, Christ told his disciples, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The apostle, knowing... [ Continue Reading ]