During the Christmas season, it can be easy to think of Christ’s birth merely as an inspiring store – but it is far more meaningful than that. Philippians 2 highlights the steps Christ took downward from heaven, starting with His birth as a human baby and leading to His wiling, obedient death on the cross.…
The Apostle Paul in this passage deals with the secret of knowing real peace of mind. God’s goal for His children is that we live free of all worry and care. By taking everything to God in prayer we are able to experience the peace of God that will keep our hearts and minds through Christ…
This message uses 2 Cor 1 and Phil 1 to show that the Christian Life is essentially a shared life, given to us by God and lived in His presence. Here on earth, we have fellowship with God in Trinity, which is a foretaste of heaven. Philippians 1:21-23 English Standard Version 21 For to me…
This message examines how Paul recognised that he was a work in progress. He recognised the difference that Christ had already made in his life, but had set his mind on pressing towards perfection, because of the security that he had in Christ. Philippians 3:12 English Standard Version Straining Toward the Goal 12 Not that…
Paul is writing to the Philippians from prison and yet he says he knows what it is to be content! For Paul, contentment is not found in circumstances, but it is always found in Jesus! Many people struggle today with feeling content and that is because it is based on our situation. In these verses…
Let us marvel once again at Christ’s humility in the incarnation. Philippians 2:1-11 English Standard Version (ESV) Christ’s Example of Humility 2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the…
God has saved us through Jesus Christ, and is now working in us to transform us into the image of Christ. We must respond to his working and fully work out the implications of our salvation. Lights in the World 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in…
Constantly growing in love leads to fruitful living 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians…
Nurturing a thankfulness for others is vital for a flourishing life. Greeting 1 Paul and Timothy, servants[a] of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers[b] and deacons:[c] 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer 3…
This message begins focussing on the honour given to Christ the night of His birth, but also in prophecy. It shows that God’s purpose in the Incarnation is the salvation of His people. It concludes by showing us that the King of the Jews in the manger was to die as the King of the…