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The four chapters of Philippians contain some of the most-quoted and beloved passages in Scripture: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," "Rejoice in the Lord always," "Do not be anxious about anything," "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Yet in our familiarity with the Apostle Paul's words to his favorite church, we must be careful not to miss the deeper themes, says commentator R. Kent Hughes. Themes such as the robust fellowship and unity that Paul shared with the Christians at Philippi based on their mutual commitment to the gospel. Theirs was a partnership we rarely see today--between people who were bound together in the great cause of unfurling the gospel flag in cities, countries, and other cultures--undergirded by Paul's central call to let their "manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ." It was a joyous cause, a unity, a manner of life that should be ours as well. The characteristics of such true Christian conduct and spirit are detailed throughout this epistle and this commentary, with every aspect ultimately centering in Christ. Hughes's faithful exposition and application will reveal how much Philippians is about Christ and about people in Christ Jesus, as well as about people who are in the joyful fellowship of the gospel together because they are in Christ.Part of thePreaching the Wordseries.
Using Paul's radical letter to the Philippians as his road map, Matt Chandler forsakes the trendy to invite readers into authentic Christian maturity. The short book of Philippians is one of the most quoted in the Bible, yet Paul wrote it not for the popular sound bites, but to paint a picture of a mature Christian faith. While many give their lives to Jesus, few then go on to live a life of truly vibrant faith. In this disruptively inspiring book, Chandler offers tangible ways to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and loving Jesus. Because if we clean up our lives but don't get Jesus, we've lost! So let the goal be Him. To live is Christ, to die is gain—this is the message of the letter. Therefore, our lives should be lived to Him, through Him, for Him, with Him, about Him—everything should be about Jesus.
Philippians is the most personal letter Paul wrote to a church. In it, he addresses many challenging aspects of the Christian life such as joy, humility, and spiritual unity. Respected preacher and Bible teacher, John MacArthur, presents yet another comprehensive and compelling commentary in his New Testament Series. Readers will find this resource indispensable for their study of this excellent epistle.
Did you hear the one about the Christian who couldn't keep from laughing? Chuck Swindoll has not only heard it, he tells it in this delightful book that gives us permission to be happy again. "When did life stop being funny?" Swindoll asks. His answer is found in this best-selling book which speaks to all busy, joy-drained people?from the pressured businessman to the harried homemaker. In Laugh Again, readers will discover ways to live in the present, say "no" to negativism, and realize that, while no one's life is perfect, joy and humor can be inspirational. Let Chuck Swindoll show you how to experience outrageous joy . . . and learn to laugh again!
The book of Philippians challenges Christians to remember their true identity as citizens of God's kingdom, especially when faced with difficult circumstances and painful trials. Helping us grasp the Apostle Paul's gospel-centered exhortation to endurance, this guide explains the biblical text with clarity and passion—encouraging us to joyfully imitate Christ in the midst of hardship. Over the course of 12 weeks, these studies explore books of the Bible and: Ask thoughtful questions to spur discussion Show how each passage unveils the gospel Tie the text in with the whole story of Scripture Illuminate the doctrines taught in each passage Invite you to discover practical implications Help you better understand and apply God's Word
In this clear, concise exegetical commentary, G. Walter Hansen offers rich exposition of the text of Philippians as well as wisdom and maturity in its application. In so doing he emphasizes partnership the social and corporate dimensions of community in the progress of the gospel. / After a moderately sized bibliography, the introduction takes up the historical setting of the city of Philippi, the nature of the letter, the occasion of the letter, and a preview of two key themes, the gospel of Christ and the community in Christ. The commentary itself considers Philippians in light of these themes, considering the greetings, reports of Gospel ministry, recommendations of two Christ-like servants, and other emphases on the gospel and on partners or servants.
With a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart, N. T. Wright helps us learn from Paul's writing in Phillippians the art of seeing God's purposes working out through problems and difficulties, and deepen our own confidence in God's power. Includes eight sessions for group or personal study.
It is plain even from Paul's own writings that other presentations of the Christian message than his own were current during his apostolic career. With some of these other presentations he is quite happy; against others he found it necessary to put his readers on their guard.In these four studies originally presented as the inaugural series of Didsbury Lectures at the British Isles Nazarene College Manchester F.F. Bruce discusses what we know about the history of non-Pauline Christianity in the first century. Judiciously drawing upon material from the whole of the New Testament he relates it to other early Christian literature in order to provide a highly readable outline of an important area.But as he warns this book does not study the literature for its own sake. Instead it focuses on the leaders of early non-Pauline Christianity with their associates from whom the literature provides indispensable evidence.The topics covered are Chapter 1 Peter and the Eleven Chapter 2 Stephen and Other