Dominoes – Acts 16:6-40; May 14, 2017
Main idea: Things might not go to plan, but all things work within God’s plan.
When Paul first went to Philippi, it was the first time that the gospel was ever preached in Europe. But the Church began in Philippi in humble beginnings. Just one woman was converted. In attempting to keep evangelizing, Paul was beaten and thrown into prison. All throughout this story, it seems to be one setback after another but the sovereignty runs throughout this entire passage.
32 Words – Philippians 1:1-2; May 21, 2017
It can be so easy to skip past the opening greeting in Paul’s New Testament letters, but the opening of this passage has more to say about Jesus and theology than most Christians say in a week! Paul points to the grace, the unmerited divine favor, that Jesus offers on the cross and the peace that results from a knowledge of the grace of God.
Gospel Impact – Philippians 1:3-11; June 4, 2017
The gospel was everything to Paul. And he opens up his letter by expressing his thanksgiving for the people at the Church in Philippi, and also rejoices in the work that God is doing in these believers. Through thick and thin, there has been unity between the church and Paul. This passage reminds us of what God has done and continues to do in the lives of those who have faith in him. It also shows us the assurance of salvation we have through the saving work of Christ.
Go, go Gospel! – Philippians 1:12-18; June 11, 2017
The gospel is unstoppable. Paul was writing from prison. And instead of wallowing in self-pity, his focus was that the gospel was still being preached. This passage is an important reminder that even when things seem like setbacks, God is still at work, opportunities to witness and share still arise. Throughout history, societies have fought against the gospel. But through much adversity, the message has continued to spread throughout the world.
To live is Christ – Philippians 1:18-26; June 18, 2017
To live is Christ and to die is gain.
This is a radical idea in our world. But for the Apostle Paul, while facing the uncertainty of imprisonment, knew that a sweeter thing than life itself was knowing Jesus. We can have a taste of that now, with devotion to God, prayer to God, ministering for God. It’s a life changing truth to recognize: the transcendence of walking with Jesus.
Faith under fire – Philippians 1:27-30; July 9, 2017
As Paul sits in prison for the gospel, he reminds the Philippians that being a follower of Christ is to suffer for Christ in a fallen world that is opposed to the gospel.
United with Christ, united in Christ – Philippians 2:1-4; July 16, 2017
Be the you in unity. Our unity within the church is meant to flow from our union with Christ.
Humility and glory – Philippians 2:5-11; July 23, 2017
Live humbly before a humble God.
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. Holy and righteous, God came to earth. He emptied himself of privilege so we could be blessed. He left heaven for a world that rejected him so he could redeem those who trust in him. And trusting in Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. Recognizing that we cannot be good enough to earn a holy God.
Impact – Philippians 2:12-18; July 30, 2017
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
This passage touches on a number of important theological themes. Genuine faith and the result of a transformed life. And while God transforms believers from the inside out, we are called to follow where God is leading and live as God is showing us.
Christ-centered Ministry – Philippians 2:19-30; August 6, 2017
Every Christian has a ministry. In this passage, we see qualities of a faithful minister and things to look for in those who minister to us. They might not always be the things our culture values. But this passage also isn’t meant to glorify these ministers. It’s mean to point us to the life changing gospel message in which they trusted.
Spiritual accounting – Philippians 3:1-11; August 13, 2017
There was a common problem in the early Church. People were trying to add onto the gospel. But Paul was able to beat those people at their own game. He had been born and raised Jewish, had rigidly adhered to the Law. If anyone could be justified by his life, it was Paul, but then he explains why it’s all worthless compared to knowing the gospel message.
Nearsighted – Philippians 3:12-21; August 20, 2017
Live on earth like you want to live in heaven.
The greatest promise that God makes to us is that we get to be with him. And while we await that, we can know, follow, love and worship God today. It’s easy to get bogged down by life, but Christians have hope through the gospel and are called to have an eternal and heavenly perspective.
Tricycle – Philippians 4:1-9; August 27, 2017
We are called to rejoice in the Lord, always. Not just when things are going well. Living life with a relationship with the God who created the universe and who is infinite in grace and goodness should cause joy! In this passage, Paul is also elaborating on how a relationship with God is meant to impact our daily lives.
The secret to contentment – Philippians 4:10-13; September 3, 2017
Contentment does not come naturally for people. It’s always easy to want more. To want a circumstance to change. But in this passage, we see that it is not our circumstances that are meant to drive our contentment and joy. It is a relationship with Jesus. In good times and in difficult times, contentment can be found in Christ.
Neutron Stars – Philippians 4:14-23; September 10, 2017
You need to know that God knows what you need.
Philippians tells us that God always provides what we need for His purposes to be accomplished. This isn’t to say that we always get what we want, or that we’re given lives free of difficulty and adversity. It’s not even saying that we always know what we need most, but God does know, and he blesses His people in various ways. It’s a wonderful promise of God which we should rejoice in, but the greatest promise God makes is that we get God.
