Category: Philippians

Posted on

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). 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well”
Posted on

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. 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:18c – Rejoice!”
Posted on

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?

Continue reading “Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing”
Posted on

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. 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:18a – Things That Matter”
Posted on

Philippians 1:17b – The Human Herald

Paul, writing about spiritual forces. (Grok)

… not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 

Summary: Looking at Paul’s letter from a human perspective reveals a Paul who is, like us, an imperfect vessel. 

As you no doubt remember from our last meditation, Paul is talking about the people who preach Christ for unchristian reasons. So far, Paul has mentioned that they are motivated by “envy and rivalry” (Verse 15) and “selfish ambition” (Verse 17a). In this passage, he adds that they hope to “stir up trouble” for him while he is in prison. 

Who would do such a thing, and why?

Continue reading “Philippians 1:17b – The Human Herald”
Posted on

Philippians 1:17a – Pineapple on Pizza

A slice of Canadian Bacon and pineapple pizza (Pixabay)

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition…

Summary: This passage provides us with an opportunity to explore the nature of sin and its impact on sharing the Gospel with others. 

How should we understand Paul’s words in this passage? I know that they sound straightforward, but are they? Let’s examine them more closely.

He writes, “The former (those who  preach Christ out of envy and rivalry) preach Christ out of selfish ambition…”

Continue reading “Philippians 1:17a – Pineapple on Pizza”
Posted on

Philippians 1:16 – Carry On

Picture of an eagle's head. (Pixabay)

The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 

Summary: Paul’s description of those who shared the Gospel out of love touches the heart as we explore the relationship Paul had with his followers. 

The word Paul uses for “love” is that well-known Greek word, “agapē.” This form of love is most often associated with God’s love for us. 

Human love is often transactional. We “love” in a way that demands “love” in return. If we are not loved as we think we should be, human love can turn to hate in an instant. 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:16 – Carry On”
Posted on

Philippians 1:15 – Motives

a picture of the elderly woman, gray haired, sitting in a purple high back chair, while she holds a black and white photograph - of the rich pastor in an expensive suit - in an antique frame (Grok)

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

Summary: Preaching Christ is a privilege and an honor for those whose hearts are fully committed to the Kingdom of God. 

Have you ever wondered what God thinks about people who preach Jesus on TV and appear to get rich doing it? 

Once, many years ago, a door-to-door salesman sat down in a tidy apartment with a tiny elderly woman. He was there to tell her about the products he was selling: Bibles and Bible books. 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:15 – Motives”
Posted on

Philippians 1:14b – Contagion

Picture of people proclaiming God's Word with the Lion of Judah in the background (Grok)

… most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Summary: Confidence in the Lord is something every true believer desires. In this life, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Our primary weapon is to proclaim the Gospel without fear. 

Paul’s chains were made of iron. They were heavy, they bruised and chaffed the skin, and they could not be ignored. There are other chains in this life that are not as obvious. One of them is fear. 

The online dictionary defines “fear” this way:

Continue reading “Philippians 1:14b – Contagion”
Posted on

Philippians 1:14a – Remembering Our Heroes

And because of my chains…

Summary: Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all who have fought for our country and died for our freedoms. 

Note: This meditation was written for publication on Memorial Day, 2025. 

Chains, for the person bound by them, are a constant reminder of confinement. A person who is chained is a slave to the chains. 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:14a – Remembering Our Heroes”
Proudly powered by WordPress