Bible Study
-
Philippians 4.15–23 Recognition
God’s glory is when God is shown as God, when his intention is realised, and when his desire is satisfied. Therefore, when we recognise each other in Christ, we glory God our Father, who fills our every need and holds us even tighter together as one body. Continue reading
-
Philippians 4.8–14 Boldness (‘Be Strong and Courageous’)
Paul’s agenda is not at all about his capability but about the Philippians’ material contribution given to him. Well done! – he says, not because I am in need of it (v. 11). But because you are sharing in my trouble (v. 14). Continue reading
-
Philippians 3.15–21 Belonging
Our body seems weak, but the power of the head can transform even our faulty bodies (v. 21) from following our stomach (v. 19) to following the General Holy Spirit instead. How fortunate this is. Continue reading
-
Philippians 3.10–14 The Joint
If we had not thought of the role of the Holy Spirit, we would have almost taken these struggles as Paul’s own endeavour. But thanks to Paul’s teachings about Christ and his Spirit, we know, at a step back, that he is describing the work of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading
-
Philippians 2.12–18 Fear and Trembling
Can you imagine a car trying to move forward in reverse gear, or vice versa? How hard it must be! But we must be getting some sort of odd satisfaction out of the ‘hard work’; as far as I am concerned at least, I tend to go for what I want. Continue reading
-
Philippians 2.1–4 Round Round the Garden
Did Paul lack the Holy Spirit so much that he needed someone else to fill it up for him? Rather, seeing others in union with Christ is the pinnacle of one’s being filled with the Spirit, praising the Father, who, in the same Spirit, is pleased to reveal the mystry of union to the unwise… Continue reading
-
Philippians 1.12–26 Your Kingdom Come
What unites us, nevertheless, is the same Spirit of Jesus and his interest in us so that our events in life will turn out to be for our complete and perfect deliverance (v. 19). In that sense, with or without the drama, in whatever lifestyle, while we are in the body, Continue reading
-
Philippians 1.1–6 Partners
But most importantly, it speaks foremost of our mysterious union with Christ, in which we not only have his inheritance but also very HIMSELF; this mysterious transformation is based on the forensic (legal) transformation whereby God has announced us ‘righteous’ for the sake of Christ. Continue reading
-
Ephesians 6.18–24 Undying Love
Be reminded by the word every day so that you may remain in peace and perseverance, while the Holy Spirit, the word of God, who is the sword (v. 17), does the fighting to keep you so. Continue reading
-
Ephesians 6.10–14 Panoplia
As we are one with him, we are not deliberately putting on the ‘full set armour (panoplia)’ ourselves. Because we are one with him, we are also in the state of wearing the armour HE himself wore when he saved us and gave us faith (Isa. 11:5). Continue reading
Read with Ssam 