Jeff Englund

June 25, 2025June 25, 2025

Philippians 1:28b – Things to Come

A picture of a simple road sign. I wooden post with a pointed wood board pointing right, marked "HEAVEN" and another wooden sign board pointing left marked "DESTRUCTION." A heavenly light shines from the heaven side of the picture and the glow of a raging fire radiates from the destruction side of the picture. (Grok)

This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Summary: The Bible often mentions signs and wonders meaning miraculous events. The kind of “sign” Paul refers to in this passage is a bit different. Paul considers it a proof of things to come.

Generally speaking, Paul’s words about the Gospel are instructional. Yet, now and then, he makes an undeniably clear statement about good and bad, right and wrong.

In this passage, Paul makes such a statement.

June 24, 2025June 25, 2025

Philippians 1:26a – Fighting Fear

Picture of a small child dressed as a boxer (Pixabay)

… without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

Summary: Paul’s words in this passage touch on a nerve that everyone has experience with: fear.

To get the context for this passage, let’s step back and take a look at Paul’s entire thought:

“… I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus

An image of a swan caught in the focal point of a camera lens (Pixabay)

… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…

Summary: “Striving together” suggests a coordinated effort between people. On closer examination, we discover that a loose association of believers can also “strive together.”

When was the last time you found yourself “striving together” with anyone? Do you remember? What were you striving for?

June 21, 2025June 22, 2025

Philippians 1:27b – Standing With Paul

Picture of an old rotary phone (Pixabay)

Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit…

Summary: Paul’s words put us in mind of the power of God to connect us in his Spirit.

Our modern world is an amalgam of strange and conflicting realities.

On the one hand, technology has made it possible for us to be more connected with other people than ever. Do you want to talk with someone? Reach for your cell phone and call. If you don’t want to talk, you can text, or at the other end of the spectrum, you can use the video feature and call, talk, and see the person(s) you are talking with.

June 20, 2025June 22, 2025

Philippians 1:27a – Living Worthy

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Summary: Paul’s direct instruction about how we ought to conduct ourselves is the foundation for a lifetime of study and practice.

Finally — Paul provides us with a straightforward sentence!

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of ________ (fill in the blank).”

June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

Philippians 1:26 – Pointing to God

A picture of a person in Paul's day, with their left hand raised towards heaven and their right hand over their heart, earnestly talking to the others about God. (Grok)

… so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Summary: Paul’s use of the word “boast” allows us to take another look at our dual nature in Christ.

“Boasting” is an interesting word. The Greek word Paul used is “kaúchēma,” which can mean “boasting,” “glorying,” or “rejoicing” (Strongs G2745*). The Strong’s Concordance adds an interesting note about this word. It says it can be used in a “good or bad sense.”

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025

Philippians 1:25b – When Paul Met Jesus

… for your progress and joy in the faith…

Summary: Paul’s mission to the churches is somewhat unique and is summed up in this passage.

I find it interesting how God stage-manages his will in the world.

If I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought that the “Acts of the Apostles” would have been a story about how the former disciples of Jesus had become apostles to the world. But that didn’t happen.

June 17, 2025June 17, 2025

Philippians 1:25 – What About Him?

Picture: Peter asks Jesus about John (John 21:20-21)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you…

Summary: As we read the words of the Bible, it is easy to jump to conclusions. Jesus’ disciples did the same thing. Yet, if we step back from the words it becomes easier to see the meaning.

Paul is convinced that it is necessary for him to remain “in the body.” In the passage for our meditation, he affirms this when he tells the Philippians, “I know that I will remain.”

Paul is smart. He understands that the timing of his “departure” is not his to choose (Matthew 25:13, Luke 12:13-21). When he says, “I know that I will remain,” he is most likely relaying his conviction that God wants him to remain.

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025

Philippians 1:24 – The Invisible Realm

A picture of a single cloud in a blue sky. (Pixabay)

… but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Summary: This meditation considers what Paul means by saying he can “depart” (Verse 23) or “remain in the body.”

Paul’s words are quite clear in this passage. The discussion of whether or not he should “remain in the body” clearly implies that the alternative is to leave the body.

What does this mean?

June 14, 2025June 16, 2025

Philippians 1:23 – The Power of the Vine

Picture of grapes on a grapevine (Pixabay)

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…

Summary: Understanding the power of the Gospel is the key to understanding what happens after our bodies die.

Many of you who are reading this have much more experience with death than I do. Some people are better suited to dealing with trauma than others. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of deaths this past year. Many of those who are dying are afraid, but every now and then, you hear of people who, like Paul, “desire to depart and be with Christ.”