There once was a time when Paul had been more religious than any of the false teachers of his day. He had been more religious, more “Jewish”, and more zealous for works righteousness (prior to his conversion) than any of the imposters with whom he now contended. He had once believed what they still believed. But then he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Paul’s ego had been arrested and his legalism, moralism, nationalism, and ritualism (on which he prided himself) was brought to utter ruin. Those things were not only worthless to him but were in fact wicked, because they made him an enemy of Christ. How about you?
Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.
12 - The Joy Of God's Grace
Philippians 3:4-11
September 17, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
01 - Introduction: The Joy Set Before Us
June 11, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
In his prison-epistle to the Christians in Philippi (in the province of Macedonia), we learn that Paul’s joy was not dependent upon his circumstances. Although he had been imprisoned for almost four years at the time of his writing (1:18), he rejoiced always and was content in all things (4:11)—even in the face of his uncertain fate (2:17, 18). For that reason alone (and owing to the fact that there are 15 explicit references to either "joy" or "rejoicing") the concept of Christian joy is the central theme of PHILIPPIANS. How about you? Do you find joy in all things? Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.
02 - The Joy Of Brotherhood
June 18, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
As Paul languished under house arrest in Rome, his joy overflowed. The believers in Philippi, to whom he was writing, were a brotherhood to him. In his letter, therefore, he didn’t concern himself with his own circumstances inasmuch as he was thinking of their faithfulness. He wasn’t focused on his own afflictions inasmuch as he focused on their love for him and each other. And he wasn’t so much concerned about his own suffering inasmuch as he was concerned about their steadfastness. To Paul, the brotherhood of believers is a unique fraternity that, if honored, can bring spiritual joy. Do you agree? Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.
03 - The Joy Of Suffering (Part 1)
June 25, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
Paul once wrote that no matter how bad things get in a believer’s life, God can (and will) use the “bad” to produce “good” (cf. Rom. 8:28). Paul experienced this truth firsthand while imprisoned in Rome. In his letter to the Philippians (written under house arrest), the apostle expressed his joy over his difficult circumstances. But why? It’s because he saw God bring about a greater good from it all—namely, the salvation of Roman guards to whom he could preach non-stop. Are you able to see the good in the midst of your pain? Do you believe that, for believers, “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28), no matter what? Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.