Philippians – Page 15 – Three Minute Bible

June 28, 2025June 28, 2025

Philippians 2:1-2 – Paul’s Request

A graphic representation of a building (sky scraper) made from words. (Grok)

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Summary: Paul’s thoughts are sometimes complex. In this meditation, we take a 30,000-foot view of Paul’s thoughts in his passage in hopes of seeing the “bigger picture.”

If you have read this blog for any length of time, you are probably shocked to see a meditation that is based on two entire verses at once. Never fear! We will, no doubt, dissect this in future meditations. However, given the complexity of Paul’s thought here, I thought it best to begin with an overview.

June 27, 2025June 27, 2025

Philippians 1:30 – Struggles

A man arm wrestles with the devil.
(Grok)

… since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Summary: The NIV’s use of the word “struggle” prompts us to examine Paul’s intent more closely.

Struggle? What struggle?

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

Philippians 1:29 – Suffering for Jesus

Picture of a man, hand to his forehead, outside in the rain (Pixabay)

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…

Summary: Understanding the suffering Paul asks us to do for Christ requires that we look past our own pride and love as Christ loves.

I don’t know about you, but the idea of suffering has never appealed to me. Of course, there are different kinds of suffering. The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 is a good illustration of this.

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.