Posts by Josh Moody
Philippians 3:1-9: How Joy Kills Legalism
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 is also prevalent in Christian denominations and…
Read MorePhilippians 2:19-30: Two Models of Exemplary Christian Living
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” (2:20). What made Timothy so distinct and so special? He…
Read MorePhilippians 2:12-18: How to Follow the Example of Jesus in Practice
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 exemplified in the way…
Read MorePhilippians 2:1-11: How to Relate to One Another
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” (2:5). What does this mean in practice? First, focus on what Christ has done: The encouragement from being united with Christ. The…
Read MorePhilippians 1:21-30: Life and Death
2 Kings 6-7; Psalm 119:121-128; Luke 5:12-16; Philippians 1:21-30 Philippians 1:21-30: Who a person truly is and what they stand for are often revealed in extremity. How are we to live when we are faced with real difficulty or are under real pressure? What are the principles by which we should guard our lives and orientate our journey…
Read MorePhilippians 1:12-20: Selfish Ambition
2 Kings 4-5, Psalm 119:113-120, Luke 5:1-11, Philippians 1:12-20 Philippians 1:12-20: What do you do when people say nasty things about you, attack you, or criticize you? What do you do when someone takes the work that you have been doing and behind your back undermines it and attempts to take that work away from you? In such…
Read MorePhilippians 1:1-11: Thanksgiving and Prayer
2 Kings 1-3, Psalm 119:105-112, Luke 4:38-44, Philippians 1:1-11 Philippians 1:1-11: Paul writes with great joy concerning the people at Philippi. This joy of Paul’s overflows into thanksgiving, and then into prayer. What is it that Paul is so joyful about? He gives thanks with joy because of their partnership in the gospel (1:5). They had believed in Christ and…
Read MoreEphesians 6:10-24: Armor of God
1 Kings 21-22, Psalm 119:97-104, Luke 4:31-37, Ephesians 6:10-24 Ephesians 6:10-24: This is a much-loved part of the Bible, and for good reason. It shows us how it is that we are to fight the spiritual battle. What is the right method? First, it is not our power or our might but God’s power and his might. We…
Read MoreEphesians 6:1-9: Monday to Saturday
1 Kings 19-20, Psalm 119:89-96, Luke 4:13-30, Ephesians 6:1-9 Ephesians 6:1-9: How are we who want to follow Jesus meant to do so at home and at work? These two critically important areas of the Christian’s life are often neglected, meaning that people either do not know how or are not motivated as to why they need to…
Read MoreEphesians 5:22-33: The Mystery of Marriage
1 Kings 17-18; Psalm 119:81-88; Luke 4:1-12; Ephesians 5:22-33 Ephesians 5:22-33: This is one of those passages that has often been misinterpreted, and perhaps more often completely ignored. What is it that Paul is saying? The key is to understand, first, the wider parameter and picture that Paul has in mind throughout. So he says, “This is a…
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