Christ – Three Minute Bible

February 20, 2026February 21, 2026

1 Timothy 1:16 – What God Can Do

Picture of an old yardstick labeled "GOODNESS" (Grok)

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Summary: Paul’s conversion and life for Christ is an example for all of us.

Why would God put up with you or me or anyone else, for that matter? Why would he be patient with people who disrespect him, even when they are trying to do what is right?

February 17, 2026February 18, 2026

1 Timothy 1:14b – A Gem Called Jesus

A large beautiful gem with a cross in the center (Grok)

… along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Summary: Paul points us to the idea that Jesus needed faith, too.

In addition to God’s grace, or perhaps part of it, is the “faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

January 3, 2026January 4, 2026

Philippians 4:23b – The “Amen!” at the End

Amen.

Summary: The word “Amen,” is handy to know for several reasons. In our closing meditation, we look at a few things Paul mentions in his letter.

As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is worth taking a few minutes to look back over Paul’s words to us. (He is, after all, a messenger of God to you and me.)

November 13, 2025November 13, 2025

Philippians 4:1b – In the Lord (Part 2)

Picture of a man with the cross of Christ glowing within his chest. (Grok)

… stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Summary: As we consider the rest of this passage, we rediscover the wisdom Paul shared in Chapter 3.

In the first part of our meditation on this passage, we looked at the phrase, “in the Lord.” In this meditation, let’s look at the phrase, “in this way.”

What does Paul mean?

November 8, 2025November 10, 2025

Philippians 3:21a – Under Control

Picture of a lit candle against a black background (Pixabay)

…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,

Summary: Power is desired by those who want control over others. Jesus shows us that real power is revealed when we can control our desire for power over others.

Consider what Paul is saying in this passage: Jesus Christ has the power to bring everything under his control.

Wow.

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Philippians 3:15b – Who’s In Charge?

And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

Summary: Ultimately, God is in charge. There is a great deal of comfort in that.

Some time ago, a man was leading a small study group at his church. In the course of preparing for the study, he wrestled with a Biblical passage that dealt with the nature of sin.

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize

St Paul crosses the finish line in a footrace dragging his chains behind him (Grok)

… and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Summary: Life is not a game, but sometimes thinking in terms of a contest helps us visualize what is at stake in life.

What kind of prize motivates you?

Is it a trophy?

Are you excited by the thought of having your picture and name in the paper?

Do you work extra hard if the prize is money?

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Philippians 3:10b – The Day Jesus Died

Picture of statuary of Jesus on the cross (Pixabay)

[I want to know Christ—] yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings…

Summary: Suffering and resurrection are bound together in this passage. One leads to the other.

The day Jesus died is confusing because so much was happening at the time. Consider, for a moment, all the threads associated with that day.

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death

a picture of a wilderness scene at sunset. In the center of the image stands a doorframe by itself. The door is open and a bright white light beams out through the doorframe into the twilight. (Grok)

I want to know Christ—

Summary: Paul has been talking about his relationship with Jesus. In this passage, he looks forward to something most people fear.

These five words, “I want to know Christ —,“ are a stunning statement coming from a man who has actually MET the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9). He was personally chosen by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15). Paul received his Gospel by direct revelation from Christ (Titus 1:3). Paul knows Christ rather well.

October 14, 2025October 15, 2025

Philippians 3:8 – Just Jesus

Picture of Jesus holding a lamb (AI- Pixabay)

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…

Summary: When Paul compares the things of this world to knowing Christ Jesus, he makes us think about what we value in life.

Paul has just walked us through all the things he considered his “gains” in life (Philippians 3:7). What were his “gains?” They were the material things that put him ahead of others.