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 3:15-16 The Imperfections of the Perfect
Immediately after saying in Philippians 3:12 that he has not yet been perfected Paul immediately includes himself as numbered with those who are perfect. Is this a contradiction in the Bible? Not at all! A paradox is a statement or group of statements that is/are seemingly contradictory or that goes against one’s natural intuition. Philippians […]
Philippians 2:17-18 Beyond Teaching and Motivation to Example and Experience
You have probably heard it said, ‘Do as I say do not do as I do.’ NONSENSE! That sentiment is the opposite of discipleship and was antithetical to the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Paul has instructed the Philippians toward humility and Christian love in Philippians 2:1-11, and now in Philippians 2:17-18 he points to […]
Philippians 2:12-13 Work Out What God Worked In
Even people who know very little Scripture often know that the Bible says, ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.’ Often people use this text as an anti-church proof text. They quote this verse implying that the church is unimportant, and that a person’s religious faith is simply between them and God. They […]
