The Christian’s Contentment
David Royes
The Apostle Paul ends his letter to the Philippians thanking them for their generous gift. He takes the opportunity to underscore that while their gift was a blessing, it never became his God. He gives his readers a picture of Godly contentment: the discipline of the believer, the ambition of a community and the strength […]
Deliberate Rejoicing
David Royes
As Paul begins to close his letter, he emphasizes the great theme of rejoicing. He calls the church at Philippi to see rejoicing as a labor rather than a feeling! He exhorts them to guard their hearts from anxiety, to teach their minds in obscurity, and to use their strength to be Godly.
Stand Firm Thus
David Royes
In light of opposition and enemies of the cross, Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians is not to conquer but to stand firm. Leading up to this command, he gives three ingredients of standing firm: A gospel humility, a discerning mind and a heavenly perspective. Questions for further discussion How does the gospel allow us […]
The Effect of Being in Christ
David Royes
Christians are described by the apostle Paul, not as being with Christ, or next to Christ, but as being “IN CHRIST”. Continuing his exhortation to live worthy of the gospel, Paul shows how the Philippians are Called to the mind of Christ, Humbled by the life of Christ, and Empowered by the exaltation of Christ. […]
The Christian’s Perseverance
David Royes
Philippians teems with encouragement, but biblical perseverance is surprising. Paul never encourages his readers to dig deep or to look inward for confidence. In just a single verse, we can understand the initiator of the Christian’s perseverance, the nature of perseverance, and the end of the work of perseverance. For Further Discussion: How is Paul’s […]
A Gospel-Driven Life
David Royes
Paul was not just intrigued by the gospel of Jesus. Rather, he was completely transformed and driven by the message and glory of Christ. He models for us how the gospel transforms our view of past disappointments, changes our ambition in the present, and shifts our view of the future. Questions for Further Discussion When […]
Contagious Joy
David Royes
One of Paul’s main methods of encouraging the Philippians was his contagious joy. As he begins his letter, the apostle demonstrates what he is calling the church to possess: An overwhelming affection, an ambitious prayer and the urgent truth of Jesus’ return. For further discussion: Why is it hard for affection and joy to be […]
The Delight of Being in Christ
David Royes
Paul’s great letter to the Philippians is a surprise. In spite of the author’s circumstance it teems with delight in Jesus. In the introductory verses, Paul shows us the delight of being in Christ – how the gospel brings about a surprising identity, an unlikely community, and a sense of maturity. Questions for further discussion: […]