Archive for June 2019

In keeping with the Bible reading plan we are using, the last days of each month are designated as “free days.” June 26-30 then are intended to allow you to catch up on reading you may have missed or to study passages more in depth that intrigued you during the first 25 days of the month.…

2 Kings 24-25, Psalm 122, Luke 7:1-10, Philippians 4:14-23 Philippians 4:14-23: Paul concludes this letter as he has begun with an emphasis on “partnership in the gospel” (compare Philippians 1:5 with 4:15). What is partnership in the gospel and why is he so joyful? Partnership in the gospel begins with a real spiritual encounter with…

2 Kings 22-23, Psalm 121, Luke 6:43-49, Philippians 4:8-13 Philippians 4:8-13: Paul here gives the Philippians (and us) two great pieces of advice – one by means of exhortation and the other by means of personal example. His exhortation is simple: what is true (honorable, just, pure, lovely – he keeps on heaping up the…

2 Kings 20-21, Psalm 120, Luke 6:37-42, Philippians 4:1-7 Philippians 4:1-7: Paul has given the Philippians a strong exhortation to Christian maturity and rejoicing in the Lord and continuing to strive for that which is heavenward for them in Christ Jesus. No resting on your laurels! How do you “stand firm in the Lord”? By…

2 Kings 18-19, Psalm 119:169-176, Luke 6:27-36, Philippians 3:15-21   Philippians 3:15-21: Paul has been calling the Philippians to a life of joy, to rejoicing in the Lord, utilizing the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, and then his own example, to focus on heaven and strive towards heaven. Now he tells them even more explicitly…

2 Kings 16-17, Psalm 119:161-168, Luke 6:17-26, Philippians 3:10-14 Philippians 3:10-14: Paul is continuing his fight against legalism by urging the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord — not in some simplistic, sentimental way, but profoundly and deeply and truly. Now, Paul takes the trajectory of such joy in Christ into the future. He reveals…

2 Kings 14-15, Psalm 119:153-160, Luke 6:1-16, Philippians 3:1-9 Philippians 3:1-9: Legalism is a great enemy to joy. Technically, legalism is the teaching that – in one way or another – tells you that the way to be saved is by obeying the law. Many non-Christian religions basically teach a form of legalism. But legalism…

2 Kings 12-13, Psalm 119:145-152, Luke 5:33-39, Philippians 2:19-30 Philippians 2:19-30: Paul here presents two models of what it means to be a Christian disciple. First we have Timothy, and then Epaphroditus. Timothy is notable for his genuineness. Paul says that he has “no one else like him.” What made Timothy so distinct and so special? He had…

2 Kings 10-11, Psalm 119:137-144, Luke 5:27-32, Philippians 2:12-18 Philippians 2:12-18: What is the right model for Christian action? Paul has said in the previous passage that the right model is based in the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our mindset – our attitude and approach to life – should be modeled after that which Christ…

2 Kings 8-9, Psalm 119:129-136, Luke 5:17-26, Philippians 2:1-11 Philippians 2:1-11: What is the right model for our relationships with one another? According to Paul, the key is to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” What does this mean in practice? First, focus on what Christ has done: The encouragement from being united with Christ. The comfort…