Although giving in to persecution & doctrinal errors are primary threats, there are still other threats to the health of a church. You get many indications from early on in Philippians that all is not as it should be in Philippi. 1:27, 2:1-4, 2:14-15. Our ability to be appear as ‘blameless & harmless, children of […]
Philippians 4:1 An Urgent Plea to a Beloved People
After reminding the Philippians of their citizenship in heaven, of their returning Savior, of their new bodies in the resurrection, and of the great consummation of all things that will take place at Christ’s return, Paul changes his tone completely in Philippians 4:1; from exultation to urgent plea. Paul’s love for the Philippians, his desire […]
Philippians 3:20-21 Citizens Awaiting a Savior
It was a hard week at Maynardville Fellowship. We had three deaths that impacted our church. We had much sickness, and worrisome test results from members. Where do we look for encouragement to keep walking according to the pattern of the apostles? Here, in this timely texts! Listen as Pastor Matt encourages us from Philippians […]
Philippians 3:18-19 Enemies of the Cross of Christ
There are two competing interpretations of Philippians 3:18-19 centered the identity of these ‘enemies of the cross of Christ.’ Which one is right? We cannot be sure. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this lack of clarity actually supports a right understanding of the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture.
Philippians 3:12-14 Three Keys to Reaching the Goal
A Christian’s greatest desire is not attainment in this life but the attainment of the life to come. But in order to lay hold of that goal a few things had to be in place. Listen as Pastor Matt examines three keys to attaining the ‘prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus; 1) The […]
Philippians 3:3_ The Marks of Heart Circumcision
What does it mean to be ‘circumcised of heart?’ How can you determine if you are or not? Paul leaves no doubt concerning how to answer this critical question. Listen as Pastor Matt looks at what it means 1) to worship God in the Spirit 2) to glory in Christ Jesus and 3) to place […]
Philippians_ A Mid-book Review/Preview
Have you ever struggled understanding the relationship between prayer and God’s Sovereignty? You are not alone, but there are answers. Listen as Pastor Matt examines the book of Philippians to get the ‘big picture.’ Paul trusted God to preserve the Philippians in the faith (1:6), but this confidence does not keep him from praying drives […]
Philippians 2:9-11 The Response of the Father to the Son: The Name Above Every Name (Part 2 of 2)
Philippians 2:9-11 teaches that in response to Jesus’ humble obedience the Father ‘highly exalted’ Him. We comprehend that God has exalted Jesus to the loftiest of heights, but what does it mean next when Paul states that the Father ‘gave Him a name above every name?’ What is that name? What does that name accomplish […]
Philippians 2:9 The Responses of the Father to the Son_ Part 1 of 2
Walk with Pastor Matt as he looks at Philippians 2:9 to see how the Father responded to Jesus’ life as a humble servant; as one who put Himself in a vulnerable position for others, as one refused to display His power for His own benefit, as one who trusted the Father so much that He […]
Philippians 2:7-8 Four Aspects of Being Empty
Philippians 2:5 exhorts us to have the mind of Christ and then Philippians 2:7-8 fleshes that out for us. What does that look like? Instead of selfish ambition and empty conceit we see Christ relinquishing glory and emptying Himself of His rights. Walk with Pastor Matt as he examines four convicting aspects of becoming empty, […]