The Ineffectiveness of Self-righteousness (Philippians 3:4-11)

Jesus was very clear when He said, “not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt 7:21). We are not saved by our good deeds, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8-9). Born-again Christians doContinue reading "The Ineffectiveness of Self-righteousness (Philippians 3:4-11)"

Beware and Be Well (Philippians 3:2-3)

After telling the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord”, Paul cautioned them to “look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.” With this warning, Paul contrasts the opponents of the gospel and the true people of God (3:2–3). Specifically, Paul is warning the Philippians aboutContinue reading "Beware and Be Well (Philippians 3:2-3)"

Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1)

There are some things that should go without saying, but often bear repeating. For example, it should be perfectly clear and self-evident that the Christian life is joyful. However, as we learn in the book of Philippians, Christians often need to be reminded that the Christian life is joyful. We need a continual reminder becauseContinue reading "Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1)"

Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)

Photo by Ghost Patriot from Pexels The Philippians loved Paul. When they heard he was in prison, they sent one of their own members named Epaphroditus to deliver a gift to help meet his needs (4:18). Paul was greatly blessed by Epaphroditus and the Philippians’ kindness, so he decided to send Epaphroditus back to theContinue reading "Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)"

The Second Sunday of Advent: The Son of the Most High! (Luke 1:26-45)

It is the Second Sunday of Advent and today we shall remember when “the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth to a virgin [whose] name was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27). The angel told her good news! His Name is Jesus Have you ever wondered why the angel told MaryContinue reading "The Second Sunday of Advent: The Son of the Most High! (Luke 1:26-45)"

The First Sunday of Advent: Stay Awake! (Mark 13:33-37)

The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival/coming. Even though it starts near the end of our calendar year, it is the start of the Christian calendar year. When we observe Advent, we celebrate the birth (arrival) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a time to retell theContinue reading "The First Sunday of Advent: Stay Awake! (Mark 13:33-37)"

Roses and Thorns (Philippians 2:14-18)

Alphonse Karr provided a helpful perspective on the difference between grumbling and gratitude when he said, “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” Are you in the habit of grumbling and complaining? It is almost impossible not to complain because there are so many opportunities toContinue reading "Roses and Thorns (Philippians 2:14-18)"

Work Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-13)

When a sentence begins with the word therefore, you need to know what the therefore is there for. Paul, having finished calling the Philippians to imitate Christ’s humility, wrote “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your ownContinue reading "Work Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-13)"

Jesus: Fully God & Fully Man (Philippians 2:5-11)

In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul used Jesus as the perfect example of humility. Jesus humbled Himself by entering our world and further humbled Himself by dying on the cross so that we may be reconciled to the Father. Before we go further into Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we shall dive deeper into what Paul meantContinue reading "Jesus: Fully God & Fully Man (Philippians 2:5-11)"

Exhortation to Humble Service (Philippians 2:1-11)

Humility is a virtue that we usually commend in others. We, on the other hand, are more likely to defend ourselves rather than humble ourselves. We are quick to justify ourselves and our actions because we don’t want to admit our faults. In Philippians, Paul wants the church in Philippi to have a joyful faithContinue reading "Exhortation to Humble Service (Philippians 2:1-11)"