Posts by Josh Moody
July 26-31, 2023
In keeping with the Bible reading plan we are using, the last days of each month are designated as “free days.” July 26-31 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.…
Read MoreJune 26-30, 2023
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.…
Read MorePhilippians 4:14-23: Partnership in the Gospel
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 Christ. Do you know Christ?…
Read MorePhilippians 4:8-13: An Exhortation and an Example
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 words until we gain a picture of…
Read MorePhilippians 4:1-7: Five Ways to Develop Greater Biblical Unity
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 continuing to move…
Read MorePhilippians 3:15-21: Why Focus on Heaven?
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 to follow his example,…
Read MorePhilippians 3:10-14: Desires and Goals
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 his real desire and his…
Read MorePhilippians 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…
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