CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! – Peace On Earth

Show Notes

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

SHOW NOTES:

What does it mean to do the work of Christ? To serve the Lord? Jesus came to serve, and He paid the ultimate price… on the cross… for our sins. Out of gratitude for His unspeakable gift, we serve Him and live our lives to bring glory to God.

But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

– Philippians 2:22-24

How has Timothy proven worth? His faithful service to Jesus Christ. Paul offered kind and truthful words of commendation for his ministry partner, Timothy. Now, he speaks to them about one of their church leaders, Epaphroditus.

So, receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

– Philippians 2:29-30

In these verses, Paul strongly commends Timothy and Epaphroditus. They have served, suffered, and fought for the Gospel message. Receive them with great joy!

Listen to the podcast on the Discover God’s Truth website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-7

SHOW NOTES:

In the book of Philippians, Paul praises the believers in Philippi and calls them to unity as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He reminds them that the key to achieving unity is for each one to adopt Christ’s humility. Paul also speaks of joy and rejoicing despite the opposition of others.

But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

– Philippians 2:17-18

In the opening verses of chapter three, Paul warns his readers about the Judaizers, who emphasized the importance of circumcision. These leaders believed it was a prerequisite for justification (Acts 15:1).

Without life-changing faith, circumcision is merely an outward sign without an inward reality. Similarly, baptism without life-changing faith is just a submersion in water. We should be cautious of those who focus only on the external. (See 1 Samuel 16:7)

Paul adopted the Judaizers’ attitude of confidence in the flesh to strengthen his argument. He did this to demonstrate that his rejection of Jewish advantages was not due to a lack of them in his life.

Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also, if anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more …

– Philippians 3:4

Listen to the podcast on the Discover God’s Truth website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-11

SHOW NOTES:

What do you truly value in life? The apostle Paul had an impressive resume and presented seven significant points in Philippians 3:5-6. However, he then writes this statement for his readers.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

– Philippians 3:7

Paul had to unlearn much of what he once took pride in, as all these separate gains had become worthless. What Paul had previously viewed as “gain” was now lost because of his personal relationship with Christ. Additionally, a significant shift occurred in the focus of his life.

So that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.

– Philippians 3:8b-9a

Paul recognized the importance of knowing Jesus, which includes both intellectual and heartfelt understanding. To gain a deeper insight into Christ, Paul sacrificed everything else in his life. God attributes the righteousness of Christ to anyone who places their trust in Him. Paul encourages us to approach the Father and attain righteousness through our faith in Christ.

Listen to the podcast on the Discover God’s Truth website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

SHOW NOTES:

Happy New Year!

We’ve been seeking the Lord’s guidance and direction for a word that will become our focus in this new year as we study God’s Word and walk with Him: worship. Worship is a way to show God that we love Him and recognize Him as our Creator, Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. It also allows us to express gratitude for all He has done—His great and mighty deeds.

King David’s song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 offers words of worship and guides our thoughts toward honoring the Lord. This praise song, which reflects several psalms, begins with a call to worship that includes the nations. Worship embodies our declaration of God’s greatness and glory.

This hymn emphasizes God’s deeds, words, greatness, and worth. Worship should focus on God rather than on man. In this New Year, let’s encourage one another in the spiritual discipline of worship. The Lord God Almighty deserves our praise and worship!

Listen to the podcast on the Discover God’s Truth website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

SHOW NOTES:

As we begin today’s passage, remember that Paul is not looking at his Damascus Road conversion and saying, “I’ve arrived.” For Paul and each of us, the spiritual life is a journey, and we should seek to progress in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to know Him better.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

– Philippians 3:12

Progress, not perfection. Paul encourages us to “press on.” We have not yet attained perfection. We will be spiritually perfected only when we are promoted to heaven.

Many of us are familiar with this famous quote –

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.”

– John Newton

May this song encourage you in your daily walk with God.

Listen to the podcast on the Discover God’s Truth website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

SHOW NOTES:

Paul expresses affection for his readers several times in chapter three of Philippians.

Dear brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

– Philippians 3:17

His invitation is not prideful but reflects his personal journey with the Lord over the past few decades. Paul has faced many trials, endured much suffering, and confronted significant challenges in life. He is a bit further along the path and encourages them to follow his example and those of Timothy and Epaphroditus.

In verses 18 and 19, Paul expresses strong emotion as he warns against those who “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Do not follow these people! Their minds are set on earthly things, but we are citizens of heaven, and we are eager for Him to return as our Savior.

He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

– Philippians 3:21

Be encouraged and hold on to these precious words from the Apostle Paul.

Listen to the podcast on the Discover God’s Truth website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.