Euodia & Syntyche had a problem. They looked for faults in one another. They focused on where they disagreed to the point that they saw little use for one another. They dwelled on what the other was wrong about. They dwelled on what was not respectable in the other. They likely picked at areas where […]
Philippians 4:5-7 A Forbearing Versus An Anxious Spirit
Disagreement and discord are two different things. How do we maintain unity in the midst of disagreement? How do we disagree as Christians? The carnal response is aggression and worry, but there is a better way. Listen as Pastor Matt examines Philippians 4:5-7 to show us the key to displaying a beautiful forbearing spirit instead […]
Philippians 4:2-3 Yet Another Threat
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 […]
