CHRIST IS KING;
THE CHURCH HIS BRIDE
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
The Exceptional Minister
The church always needs qualified pastors, but sometimes they are given exceptional men.
In Philippians 2:19-24, Paul shows us the qualities he requires of a man that he considers exceptionally qualified to minister to the needs of the church, and he shows us this example in the person of Timothy.
Drink Offerings
Our Works Are Wine
What does Paul mean when he compares himself and the Philippians to drink offerings? What does the Old Testament have to say about drink offerings, and how does it apply in the New Covenant?
In Philippians 2:17-18, Paul teaches us that the Christian can be glad and rejoice even in the most toilsome work because their service is a joyful drink offering poured out to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we share all share in drinking that wine with God at his table.
Work, Grow, Rejoice
God empowers the humble Christian to desire and accomplish his will, even while living among manifold temptations, and He enables us to rejoice while doing it. In Philippians 2:12-16, Paul teaches us that Christians who maintain an attitude of humility, will be empowered by God to rejoice while living obedient and godly lives in the midst of temptations and sufferings. First we will see the transformed will, then we will see how that affects our growth in godliness, and then we will finally see the Christian's ability to rejoice in the work - in the midst of running and laboring.
Humility
In order to live like Christ, you must think like Christ.
In Philippians 2:1-11 Paul gives us a command to live in unity and humility and then shows us the example of Christ’s humility and exaltation in order to encourage us to live humble lives in the expectation of sharing in eternal glory.