Philippians – Be Still…

Philippians 1:9 – Growing Faith

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” (Philippians 1:9)

This is not only a prayer we can pray for ourselves but for other believers in our community. As Christ-followers, it’s common to pray for each other. I have so many fond memories of praying for others and being prayed over.

Context (Philippians 1:3-11): Paul opens his letter with a beautiful prayer for the believers in Philippi. You can tell that Paul has a special relationship with his audience and cares deeply for their faith journey. Our memory verse is part of that prayer, and we can claim it for ourselves. There are so many profound parts of this prayer. Be sure to read the whole thing and be blessed as if Paul were praying just for you. Continue reading “Philippians 1:9 – Growing Faith”

Philippians 4:13 – Our Strength

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

This is one of my all-time favorite verses. I have claimed this verse as truth for many years and on many occasions. It’s even on my Bible cover. A children’s song called “I Can” resonates in my head, which helps kiddos remember this verse. More on that in a moment!

Context (Philippians 4:10-20): This verse is one of the ones people, like me, like to memorize, but the context may change the meaning. Paul is thanking the Philippians for their monetary gifts and support, and during his acknowledgment, he speaks of his own challenges as a missionary for Christ. What a powerful testimony of finding blessing in whatever season of life he lives in and pointing to God’s involvement in his life. Continue reading “Philippians 4:13 – Our Strength”

Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Usually, we focus on the positive things we should do to reflect good character and be more Christ-like. Here the verses focus on some “don’ts” as well. Either way, from whatever angle we come at these behaviors, this is good counsel. How much better the world would be if people just behaved like Paul suggests.

Context: In Chapter 2, Paul is sharing with us how we can have an attitude like Christ. We know he was 100% man as well as 100% God, but we can learn so much from how Jesus lived and behaved. He could not sin because he was God, so we have to work extra hard to try and attain some of what Paul teaches us. This chapter is full of great wisdom, but these verses go a long way to helping us be better humans. Continue reading “Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This”

Philippians 4:6-7 – Why Pray?

^“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Do you ever worry? There’s a lot to worry about as we go through our lives from tests in school, the safety of our children, finances, travel, growing old, etc. What is it for you? Remember God doesn’t want us to worry. Challenge yourself with a little longer memory verse here. Verse 6 is powerful all on it’s own as a reminder to pray. Adding verse 7 answers the question, “Why?”

Context: Paul’s letter to the Philippians is full of great wisdom and encouragement for the new Christians. He wants them to stay true to the Lord. They, too, must have been struggling with situations that were testing their faith. These verses are part of the solution Paul offers to encourage them in their faith. Continue reading “Philippians 4:6-7 – Why Pray?”

Philippians 4:15-23 – Unexpected Blessing

Read Philippians 4:15-23

As Paul concludes his letter, you would expect him to wish his friends well. And he does, a couple times, in fact. But Paul also seeks God’s additional blessing on them for their financial faithfulness in supporting his mission.

When we give out of love or admiration for a ministry, probably the last thing on our minds is, “what’s in it for me?” Do you think the Philippians’ generosity was motivated by an expectation of recognition? I don’t think so. But Paul wanted them to know that he had noticed and was blessed by their continued support for him.