PHILIPPIANS
JOY IN ADVERSITY
1 Jul 2018
Common Joy (Philippians 1:1-11)
by Tan Huai Tze
One often overlooked source of joy God has given us is in what we share in common with other believers. In the opening verses of Philippians, we see that we have a common partnership in the gospel, a common affection for one another, and a common destiny of being made pure, blameless and righteous by God through Christ. All of this is by grace, and so we rejoice.
8 Jul 2018
Joy in the Unstoppable Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18)
by Tan Huai Tze
Paul has been imprisoned for preaching the gospel, but his imprisonment has resulted in unbelievers hearing the gospel, and believers becoming emboldened to share the gospel. Among the emboldened though, are those motivated by envy and selfish ambition. Nonetheless, Paul rejoices as long as the pure gospel is preached, because his source of joy is not in what he does for Christ, but what Christ did for him.
15 Jul 2018
A Joyful Assurance (Philippians 1:19-30)
by Jon Iverson
God grants his people deep assurance through our prayers for one another. Our basis for assurance is our union with Christ, and this assurance enables us to be united, to be courageous and to suffer well.
22 Jul 2018
Gospel Unity in Christlike Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)
by Kenneth Teo
Selfish ambition and self-interest are enemies of unity. Paul exhorts us to unity through humility of mind, which is ours in Christ. Although he was God, Christ humbled himself to the point of death for sinners. Those saved by his mercy should live with that same humility. As we look forward to seeing Christ glorified and sharing in that glory, we are enabled to do so.
29 Jul 2018
Joyful Obedience (Philippians 2:12-18)
by Tan Huai Tze
Why obey if salvation is all of grace? Because obedience is the natural outcome of a life saved by Christ and is therefore evidence of salvation: the more you obey, the more you are personally assured of your salvation. Obedience is also for public witness. Living in obedience to Christ commends Christ to the world. Obedience also puts us in solidarity with the saints of the ages.
5 Aug 2018
Gospel-Worthy Influencers (Philippians 2:19-30)
by Kenneth Teo
After encouraging the Philippians to live lives worthy of the Gospel, Paul goes on to commend examples of those who are doing so. What are the characteristics of these people? They are those who work for the Gospel, who are shaped by the Gospel and who joyfully suffer for the sake of the Gospel.
12 Aug 2018
Joyful Confidence (Philippians 3:1-11)
by Tan Huai Tze
Where we place our ultimate confidence determines our true joy and security. The world – even the religious world – urges us to be confident in our associations and achievements. Paul urges us to find our confidence and glory in Christ alone. That is the place of true joy and eternal security.
19 Aug 2018
Joyful Progress (Philippians 3:12-4:1)
by Tan Huai Tze
Paul uses his personal example to show the need for us to press on and strain forward toward Christlikeness in the Christian walk. This pursuit is personal, and also corporate: we need others. Most of all it is grace that enables and sustains us in the race.
26 Aug 2018
Joyful Agreement (Philippians 4:2-9)
by Tan Huai Tze
Disagreements are part of life. Paul shows us that working through our disagreements with the gospel can be for our growth, our good and God’s glory. He shows us that God has given us the practical and spiritual resources we need to do just that.
2 Sep 2018
Joyful Partnership (Philippians 4:10-23)
by Tan Huai Tze
Paul concludes the book of Philippians by thanking the Philippians for their generous gift to him. He thanks them for their mutual concern, but at the same time is careful to not be beholden to them: he is content in Christ. Finally, he shows them that their generous giving is a reflection of their receiving of the generous gift of grace in Christ.