Category Archive

Today we arrive at the end of the letter to the Philippians. This letter has taken a deep look at joy and rejoicing that comes about as we walk in the Lord. This type of … Read More

In our last study we considered the active role we have in advancing the gospel. We saw that it begins with having a right spirit coupled with resolute determination. Paul used the example of the … Read More

We ended our last study with Paul writing that he desired to know and experience two things intimately: the power of the resurrection and the fellowship of suffering. These two—power and suffering—we learned, are inseparably … Read More

As we move from chapter 2 to chapter 3 in our study of Philippians, we encounter a transition, identified in the very first word: “finally.” Finally, in this case, does not mean a conclusion, since … Read More

This week our study in Philippians has a slight shift in focus as Paul directs our attention to two men that he trusts fully; proven men that have stood by Paul regardless of circumstances, even … Read More

Last week the key idea we considered was humility. As we noted, the perfect example of humility is Jesus Christ. This week our key idea is sanctification, which simply means growing in holiness. When we … Read More

This week we continue in our understanding of how to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ by focusing on our unity through an attitude of humility. Philippians 2:1–2: 1Therefore if there … Read More

Last week we studied how Paul’s ministry was not only unimpeded by his imprisonment, but it was also flourishing. The effects of his imprisonment were not only felt among the praetorian guard, but they also … Read More

Last week we looked at Paul’s introduction in the letter to the Philippians. This letter began with joy in Paul’s heart towards the Philippians as we read in Philippians 1:8: 8 For God is my … Read More

Today we begin our journey into Philippians. This is an epistle written by Paul most likely at the end of his imprisonment. Three other books, Ephesians (which we just finished), Colossians, and Philemon are considered … Read More

“Co-workers and friends in Christ”. That’s what I would title this section of scripture. It is a fitting end to the book of Colossians. We have read Paul’s commands for family, for work relationships, and … Read More

Last week we looked at how we were to act as believers towards one another. This (verses 3:1-4:1) is our application that flows out of chapters 1-2 in Colossians. As we know more of Christ’s … Read More

Colossians 3:18-4:1 In the first part of chapter 3, Paul revealed how Jesus’ sufficiency in all things has caused us to be raised up in unity with Him. A sort of co-resurrection, if you will…a … Read More

Col 3:1-17 This week we encountered a major division in the structure of Colossians. The first two chapters covered doctrine. These last two chapters cover the practical application of that doctrine. The main idea of … Read More

Now that we have understood the idea of Christ’s preeminence and His sufficiency, Paul is going to dig further into this and add a few commands that we need to follow. These commands are there … Read More

Now we go from the christological summary in verses 15-23, which speak of Christ’s full and complete sufficiency for us and the church as a whole to these next 11 verses, which speak of Paul’s … Read More

This next section of scripture in Colossians is widely known as one of the most important treaties on christology (the study of the nature, person, and works of Christ) in the NT, certainly within Paul’s … Read More

Colossians is a letter to the church at Colossae in the Roman province of Asia, what is now part of Turkey. The Colossian church was, like the church at Ephesus, made up of Gentiles and … Read More

We’ve arrived at the end of Ephesians. Paul has described in chapters 1-3 what God has done for us (by grace we have been saved through faith) and, in response, what our walk with God … Read More

Last week Paul took us through a discussion of the right relationship between the husband and wife. This relationship was related to the relationship between the church and Christ. In order to be unified the … Read More

We finished last week with what it looks like to be filled with the Spirit. How we are to speak, sing, and make melody not to mention that we are to give thanks for everything. … Read More

Last week we discussed laying aside the old self and putting on the new self. This week we’re going to look at how Paul goes deeper into the old self verses the new self and … Read More

Last week we discussed what Paul meant by walk in a manner worthy of the grace in which you were called: Ephesians 4:1–2: 1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk … Read More

When we began Ephesians I mentioned that you cannot read just the first half (chapters 1-3) without also reading the second half (chapters 4-6). Likewise, you cannot read the second half without reading the first … Read More

Last week we looked at the parenthetical in which Paul began with the words “For this reason…”. This parenthetical described in more detail what the mystery of Christ was-the church body-and why this mystery had … Read More

Last week we discussed “oneness in Christ”. That is, how the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has broken down every barrier between those near (the Jews, God’s chosen people) and those far off (the Gentiles). Now … Read More

As we read through Ephesians it is important to understand that Paul is speaking to believers; however, in this section it is of equal importance to understand that this group of believers is now made … Read More

In Chapter 1 we discussed 4 key points: Paul then proceeds to encourage or exhort the body of believers (the church) through his thankfulness and requests that he makes on behalf of the body in … Read More

Paul loved the church body deeply. In this section of Ephesians, Paul expresses his love for the church body in Christ.

Today our journey begins in the book of Ephesians.