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“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, ESV) These verses outline the purpose for which Philippians was written. In Paul’s fondness for the people of this church, he wants even more for them. His prayer for them is it that: Their love may abound more and more.That they would grow in knowledge and discernment.That … [Read More...]

“It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:7, ESV) Paul describes himself and the Philippians as “partakers in grace.” As we will see later in the Book of Philippians, humility is a key to joy. But before we get there, Paul relates an essential element of humility. That is a realization of our utter dependence upon God. We all need the grace of God. We cannot live without it. It is only by God’s grace that we are … [Read More...]

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) God began a good work. We go back to Genesis, and it says that he created the heavens and the earth. And it was all good! He created you. Psalm 139:14 declares that you are wonderfully and fearfully made. In God’s good wisdom, he gave you your life and being. You are a precious and valuable part of his creation. Furthermore, you were so valuable to him that he gave Jesus to die for you. You are more valuable to him than you realize. You probably … [Read More...]