Having just described his attitude of pressing on to the “goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (v. 14), Paul encouraged the brethren to follow his example. He does not mean he is the standard, but as he wrote to the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate …
Continue reading Philippians 3:17-4:1
Paul had great affection for the brethren in Philippi. He answered the Macedonian call, and laid the foundation of Christ (cf. Acts 16:6-40). He witnessed the gospel working on the heart of Lydia and her household, and experienced a distraught man in the jailer transition to a state of rejoicing in the Lord with his …
Continue reading Philippians 2:19-24Those in the world dwell on things that are ungodly. They have an appetite for immoral, and disorderly things, and they “set their mind on earthly things” (cf. 3:19). In contrast, Paul, by inspiration, commands that the Christian meditate on things that are of virtue, and worthy of praise. Our thoughts should not be filled …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9The apostle Paul continues to write of “the brethren in the Lord” who are “bold to speak the word without fear” (v. 14). He makes a distinction between two groups of those considered in verse 14. Both preached Christ. There is no doubt that the preaching considered was truth. Paul would have never condoned false …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18