Built-In Radar

Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and see in me – practice these things, and …

A Lesson on Reasonableness

Philippians 4:5, ESV, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” What is Paul teaching and instructing in Philippians 4:5, by that word, “reasonableness” used in the ESV? The HCSB version states Philippians 4:5 this way, “Let your graciousness be known to everyone.” The New King James says, “Let your gentleness …

Let Me Repeat This Again

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say Rejoice.” Paul was unusual. Here he sat in prison and he was telling other people to “rejoice.” Paul repeats himself in his encouraging words to the Philippians in Philippians 4:4, and says twice, “Rejoice in the Lord.” He stated this also in Philippians 3:1, …

Examples Of Great Leadership Or Just Wanting To Be Great

Philippians 3:17, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the examples you have in us.” What does radical dependence upon Christ look like? Paul knew he was not perfect, yet he still used himself as an example of someone to follow who has learned to deal with …

Pressing On When You Do Not Feel Like It

Philippians 3:14-15, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything, you think otherwise, God will reveal that to you.” Paul had perseverance down pat. He has rightly been called a man …

Get UP! Let’s Go!

Philippians 3:10-11, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” “That I may know him.” That was the goal and purpose on Paul’s heart while he was sitting in …

Sometimes Maintaining Joy Is A Sacrifice

Philippians 3:1-2, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.” We all experience disappointments, challenges out of our control. Paul is …

When Spiritual Progress Gets Slowed Down

Philippians 2:14-16, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 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, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may …