June 2025 – Page 3 – Three Minute Bible

June 6, 2025June 6, 2025

Philippians 1:19b – Deliverance

Picture of a man running a race (Pixabay)

… what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Summary: It turns out that Paul’s statement about deliverance is not as simple as it sounds. Exploring the possible meanings of the word opens doors to better understanding our role as Christians.

What does Paul need to be delivered from?

The easy answer to this question is that Paul is in prison, and he wants to be released, free to pursue his mission of spreading the Gospel. Unfortunately, that doesn’t feel very satisfying.

June 5, 2025June 5, 2025

Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well

picture of a sailboat on the water illustrating that God's Spirit is like the wind (pixabay)

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…

Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus.

In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him.

The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025

Philippians 1:18c – Rejoice!

Picture of Paul in a Roman jail cell, looking up to heaven with joy on his face (Grok)

And because of this I rejoice.

Summary: In the face of adversity Paul defies the temptation to despair and instead finds reason to rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is alive and well.

Why is Paul rejoicing?

He has just listed a litany of reasons to be glum. First and foremost, he is in prison: literally in chains. Then, while he is chained, all his rivals are free to do their dastardly deeds unfettered by Paul’s presence to restrain them.

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025

Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing

Picture of a field of wheat with weeds growing in it. (Grok)

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

Summary: Paul is pondering what is most important in life. In this passage, he shares his conclusion that at the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ is preached.

How much Jesus is enough to save a soul?

This question may sound silly, but it stems from the passage before us. What does Paul mean by “in every way?” Does it matter if I preach a little Jesus or a lot? Is how I preach Jesus more important than the fact that I preach Jesus? What if I preach Jesus, but I do it in a way that you don’t like?

June 2, 2025June 3, 2025

Philippians 1:18a – Things That Matter

A man balances on top of a red and white beachball (Grok)

But what does it matter?

Summary: When Paul poses the question, “[W]hat does it matter?” we are forced to confront the central issues of the Gospel.

Indeed, what does it matter if Christ is preached to stir up trouble for Paul? In fact, what does that even mean? Can someone teach the Gospel like Paul does and at the same time “stir up trouble” for him?

Standing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a bit like trying to stand on one foot while balancing on a ball. The true Gospel is the sweet spot where you can stay upright. The reality is that we tend to fall off the ball on one side or the other.