That We May Know Him
The Book of Philippians
Your Giving is Your Gain
November 26, 2023 • Joshua Ryan Butler • Philippians 4:14–23
Philippians 4:14-23 | Josh Butler | By his grace and according to his own design, God has determined that one of the primary means for the sending, supporting, and sustaining of gospel workers is the Church. In part, ‘to be the Church’ means to support the work of gospel ministry, to partner with gospel laborers, and to be an agent of encouragement for those putting their hands to the plow of evangelism and church planting. God is exceedingly gracious for calling every Christian to plan a part in this most glorious of tasks.
The Secret to Contentment
November 19, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 4:10–13
Philippians 4:10-13 | Andrew Murch | Here, Paul discusses the way that the Lord has provided for him in times of need, both through the church in Philippi and through His nearness. In verse 10, readers see Paul discussing how the church’s concern for him has been revived as they had an opportunity to care for him. He continues to discuss throughout the later three verses how the Lord has provided for him by bringing him the contentment that is only found in Jesus! We may not currently find ourselves in a similar situation to Paul (arrested for sharing the gospel) but we all know the trials and temptations that life in our world can bring. Like Paul, let us learn to cast our eyes to Jesus to whom all our joy and contentment can be found.
The Beginning of the End
November 12, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 4:2–9
Philippians 4:2-9 | Andrew Murch | Joy and peace often seem to be a package deal. Like inseparable friends, one is seldom seen without the other. In fact, they even start looking alike after a while. There they are, side by side, in Paul’s list of spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22), and, just as he suggests, they both wave invitingly to us from the lives of those we admire most, as we see in Philippians 4:2-9.
Walk How They Walk
November 5, 2023 • Thomas Terry • Philippians 3:17–21, Philippians 4:1
Philippians 3:17-4:1 | Thomas Terry | Multiple times in the New Testament, Paul refers to the Christian’s citizenship in heaven. Those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are welcomed into his family, given grace, and united together with him. Citizens of the Kingdom of God have different, allegiances, live for a different purpose, and live differently than the citizens of the Kingdom of Darkness. Paul describes those in the Kingdom of Darkness as those who live in sin and unrepentance; they are enslaved to their appetites, celebrating shameful sin, and serving the things of the world. Unlike them, citizens of heaven may reside on earth but their allegiance is to God in heaven. This is the God who is sovereign over all things and in whom we eagerly await his return and redemption of our broken souls and bodies. Until that day, Paul encourages us to stand firm in our faith against the influences of the world remembering to whom we belong.
One Thing
October 29, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 3:12–16
Philippians 3:12-16 | Andrew Murch | Running for the health of it is one thing; running for first place is still another. However, we can look at this passage as one running for their very lives. People facing the fury of a huge storm in a disaster movie don’t go back into their house for the heirloom dining set as the tidal wave approaches their city. They leave all possessions that would weigh them down for the chance at safety. Likewise, soldiers in war do not casually stroll across open spaces hoping that the other side has poor aim. They sprint towards their objective from cover to cover with nerves and senses alert to avoid a fatal shot. Surely, a man chased by wolves in the snowy mountains does not stop to number the jaws barking at his heels. No, he hoofs it with all possible haste towards shelter. The prize is life itself. Giving up the race is to accept death.
Profit & Loss
October 22, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 3:1–11
Philippians 3:1-11 | Andrew Murch | What do we consider as “surpassing worth” in our lives? According to Paul, following Jesus not only involved giving up our self-earned “righteousness,” but embracing a life of suffering, death, and resurrection. Is it worth it? Paul argues that knowing Jesus is the only thing of “surpassing worth.” Is Jesus worth it to you?
The Sniff Test
October 15, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 2:19–30
Philippians 2:19-30 | Andrew Murch | Who doesn’t appreciate a good example? Anyone faced with an important or complicated task can see the value in an example. Elementary-age kids are given examples of good handwriting as they learn. Parents show teenagers how to parallel park before turning them loose on the streets of Clark County. In Philippians 2:19-30, the Apostle Paul offers two good examples for us. After reveling in the humility of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11) and the implications of this humility on the Christian life (Philippians 2:12-18), Paul now presents Timothy and Epaphroditus, two of his gospel co-workers, as examples of service and humility that the Philippians ought to emulate.
Under New Ownership
October 8, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 2:12–18
Philippians 2:12-18 | Andrew Murch | This week, even when it’s uncomfortable, allow God’s word to reveal the places of grumbling and arguing in your heart. Pray that the Lord will give you contentment and love for the life and people that he’s given you.
If-Then
October 1, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 2:1–11
Philippians 2:1-11 | Andrew Murch | God wants his people to be unified, and now more than ever in our current context it seems like we can find a million petty reasons to be divided even in the church. The opening of Philippians 2 challenges our worldly loves, preferences, and opinions, and it confronts us with the work of the God-man.
Fearless Faith
September 24, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 1:18–30
Philippians 1:18b-30 | Andrew Murch | Paul’s letter to the Philippians confronts us with this truth as he declares that in life or death there is only one thing that matters: Jesus Christ. If Paul lives, it will be for Christ. If he dies, it will be for Christ whom he will meet face to face. Nothing else is more supreme. We find this tension in our soul as we wish to declare the same but also have many “loves” that are not Christ. However, knowing and loving Christ at this level is the only antidote for suffering and source of eternal joy.
Marching Orders
September 17, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 1:12–18
Philippians 1:12-18a | Andrew Murch | When we look at the work of our hands and the days before us, it’s easy to lose sight of these two things; gospel work and the hope of eternity. It is both a discipline and an act of grace to be able to look up from our “today” and see where the Lord is working. May he give us those eyes today and may it fill us with joy to see and know Christ’s work in and through us right now.
Best Laid Plans
September 10, 2023 • Andrew Murch • Philippians 1:1–11
Philippians 1:1-11 | Andrew Murch | Paul has reasons to be sad, being separated from the Philippians. But, he has greater reasons to rejoice. Paul could grieve about being removed from brothers and sisters in Christ, but his confidence in Christ Jesus gives him a sure faith that at the very least, he will see these dear friends again on the Day of Jesus Christ. The Day of Jesus Christ is a day that we also look forward to with hope. Not only for the completion of our walk in this life and for the fulfilled righteousness of the Lord, but also for a similar reason as Paul. One day, all those in Christ will stand together before the throne, and generations of faithful men and women will rejoice together forever in Jesus who has saved us. What a day that will be!