Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:14-19

When Paul traveled around Asia Minor, he didn’t worry about how much money was in his bank account, or how his stocks were doing. No Paul trusted in The Lord with all his heart and was obedient to his calling. As Paul says here “But God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ”

The Lord Jesus said this “don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, nor about your body, what you will put on, is life not more than food? Is the body more than clothing”? (Matthew 6:25) Christ told us to “not sweat the small stuff”, like our daily food and clothing, because there is more to life than this! Just as God provides for even the birds, surely God will provide for you also! (Matthew 6:26)

Now I understand, this is easier said than done, right? There’s alot of people in this world who are struggling daily to put food on the table, struggling to pay their bills, struggling to keep a roof over their heads, but where is Christ in all of this? We don’t have to struggle alone, God is with us always! You might say, well how can God help me? God uses the Church, the hands and feet of Christ, to feed the hungry, to give clothing to the needy, to shelter the homeless.  This is what Christ has called us to do, to be the Salt and Light (Matthew 5)

Look at Pauls journey, while he was busy serving The Lord, the Church was providing for him. The Church of Philippi provided for Paul even when he was in other cities. Did Paul require them to do this? No, they did it because they were obedient servants of Christ. God provided for Paul, through his people. Isn’t it a beautiful thing how this all works. 

Maybe you’re afraid to step out and serve The Lord, God will provide! Maybe you’re afraid to leave your high paying job to answer Christs calling, God will provide! This is not about prosperity, this about God will never leave or forsake you, where you go, Amen!

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:6-9

Since the beginning the world has been in search for peace. No matter how much money you have, or what your social status is, if you don’t have peace, you don’t have anything. There’s a saying “Know Jesus and Know Peace, No Jesus and No Peace” This is absolutely true, without Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior , you will never find or have peace

The world spends trillions of dollars trying to obtain world peace through military and political power, but not only completely fails but the world gets worse on a daily basis. Why? Because humans can’t solve the big issue, only God can through Jesus Christ. So why can’t we find peace? Because our sinful state, not only wears down our soul but separates us from God. We can never find peace without reconciliation with our Creator and Heavenly Father

Paul says “Be careful for nothing or don’t be anxious , but in every situation pray to God” instead of trying to solve all your problems, give it up to God. There’s another famous saying “Let Go and Let God”. However most of us don’t want to give up control to God, so instead of reaching out to the only one who can save us, we continue to struggle and sink in our own conflicts.

The Peace of God surpasses all understanding! The world can never understand the Peace of God because the world doesn’t know God. The world rejects Christ therefore lives in conflict. However there is peace in the valley for those who put their faith and trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peace like a river will flow over you by the Holy Spirit, because God is in complete control

What are you dwelling on in your mind? Do you dwell on negativity and failures? The Apostle Paul says “whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, and virtue, dwell on these things. Let Christ Jesus guard your heart and mind, this is the peace of God.

When Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the Peace of God will reign in your hearts, Amen!

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:1-4

It’s easy to be discouraged on a daily basis, all you have to do is look around at our fallen world and see the evil that goes on a daily basis. We all have our own personal problems and struggles, we all have family and friends who are battling as well, so how do we keep the right mindset? As the Apostle Paul says here “Rejoice in The Lord always, and again I say Rejoice”

We need to remind ourselves that we are children of God, that we are already victorious and promised eternal life, because Jesus has already overcome the world. So instead of focusing on our temporary problems, rejoice in The Lord. Instead of dwelling on everything that is wrong, rejoice in The Lord. Instead of worrying about our current circumstances, rejoice in The Lord

Why? Because Jesus Christ is Risen, the tomb is still empty, God is still on the throne. All power and authority has been handed over to Jesus Christ, and the Great Shepherd hears his sheep and never loses any of them. We you focus on these truths and promises, all our temporary problems start to fade away

As Paul said here to his Church “Stand fast or firm in The Lord” Nobody ever said this was going to be an easy life,  God never promised you health, wealth, and happiness, but Christ is our promise, Christ is our victory, Christ is our living hope that will strengthen your soul. Regardless of what happens to us, It is already finished, we are alive with Christ and dead to our sins

Notice Paul called his fellow Christians, labourers. Everyone was serving The Lord, nobody was sitting idle waiting for the Rapture. The body of Christ was busy fulfilling the Great Commision. Its hard to feel sorry for yourself, when your busy serving The Lord. Rejoice in The Lord, rejoice always in Jesus name Amen!

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:17:21

As humans , its our natural desire to want to belong to something. To belong to a group, or belong to an organization, somewhere you can identify with. We all want to be recognized as somebody, having a specific group of beliefs and characters. However the failure many people make is they try to find their identity in this world. They try to find their identity through money or fame. The problem is , the source is already corrupted there for you will be corrupted.

We see nowadays, people like to identify with a political party. They find an outspoken leader who identifies with some of their same core values. They find a group of people who agree with many of their ideas. The problem is , they are trying to identify with mortal , sinful humans. Therefore they inherit the baggage that comes with this group.

Are we starting to see a trend here? People were designed to identify and follow a group because we are all designed to worship God. People are searching to fill that void in them that only Jesus Christ can fulfill. This is why we see a culture that is so desperately trying to establish a new identity and purpose. Because without God as center of your life, you have no ultimate purpose

As Paul says “They are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, who glory is in their shame, whose mind is earthly things” Doesn’t this sound like our world today. The world hates the real Jesus Christ, because he brings truth and light into the darkness. The final destination for everyone who rejects Christ, is eternal damnation. The world lives and feeds off its physical desires. Nobody cares anymore about morality, it’s all about how we feel. The world finds glory in their sin, they are not ashamed of their sin and they celebrate it. Their minds are fully consumed with the lust of their flesh

Our true identity is in Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, and our God. Through Christ we are citizens or our conversation is in Heaven. We belong to our Heavenly Father as children of God. We are all brothers and sisters through Christ. We are the body of Christ, the Church, by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You have a true eternal purpose and identity through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

What is the meaning of life? For the unsaved person, the meaning of life is to strive for money, power, possessions, and pleasure. But eventually they come to the point of finding out its all meaningless. None of these can satisfy the soul or give you eternal purpose. In fact a true Atheist will tell you, “there is no meaning or purpose for life”. This is why we find the world in such depression and disarray today, a Godless society trying to find purpose for their soul

The true purpose and meaning of life is very simple, its all about Jesus Christ. If you can’t understand this, then you have never been in the pit before. You have never walked through the valley of death without the Great Shepherd. Unfortunately many people need to find out the hard way, when you hit rock bottom, then you start looking up. 

The Apostle Paul said “I press toward the mark of the prize of the higher calling of God in Christ Jesus” Non-believers would look at Paul’s life and say he’s a fool. He gave up everything he had to serve The Lord and spread the gospel of Christ. However Paul understood, this was his “higher calling” this was his eternal purpose. Think about this, everything you do for the Kingdom of God has eternal value, everything you do for this world is fading away.

Jesus said “Lay or build up yourselves treasure in Heaven, where neither moth or rust will destroy” (Matthew 6:20) Christ wasn’t talking about building up your bank account or getting a big promotion, Jesus was talking about doing The Lords work for Gods Kingdom, fulfilling the Great Commision. Every soul you reach with the gospel, helps build Gods Kingdom

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Philippians 3:15-16

This is a process of sanctification, as we grow in our walk with Christ, we understand what God wants for our lives. We understand the only way to find true peace and happiness, is to abide in Christ, and be in the will of God. Anything outside of this, will create turmoil in the soul and you will never find peace or rest then

As Paul said “God shall reveal even this unto you” we as Born Again believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, so be led by the Holy Spirit. Don’t neglect the guidance of Gods spirit, answer the higher calling from Christ, to serve and love The Lord God with all your heart, soul, and strength, Amen

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:7-9

As John the Baptist said “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30) Our lives are all about serving Jesus Christ and exalting him. Whatever things or positions we gain, nothing can ever replace or fill the knowledge and relationship we have with our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It’s about keeping things in an eternal perspective instead of a temporal worldly perspective. The people of this world strive for more money, more possessions, more vacations, however the children of God should strive to do the will of God. To sow seeds for the Kingdom. To use the gifts and talents given to us by God, to use them for the glory of God and to build his eternal Kingdom

As the Apostle Paul said “Not having mine our righteousness, which is of the law, but which is faith of Christ” The Law of God doesn’t make us righteous, in fact it does the opposite, it shows how wretched we are, and how much we need a Savior. Our salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our own works

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10-11

What should be our life goals? To conform to the image of Christ, that we may know him personally, and Christ knows us. As Jesus said “My sheep know my voice, and the follow me” (John 10:27) Everything we do should be for the glory of God, Jesus Christ must increase and we must decrease! Amen!

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3:1-6

Ever since the beginning of time, people have been trying to “earn their salvation”. We see this alot today, with the Hebrew Roots movements, people think by “Keeping The Torah” ,they can save their soul. Nobody can keep The Law, as Jesus said “Nobody is good (morally excellent) except God alone (Mark 10:18) This is where many false religious groups are born, the false thought that you can save yourself

As the Apostle Paul said “We have no confidence in the flesh”, Yes we are obedient to our God and Savior , Jesus Christ. Yes , we produce fruit from the Holy Spirit, but none of these things are for us to boast about. As the Bible said “All our good deeds are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) 

The Bible clearly tells us “For we all have sinned , and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Every single person is a wretched sinner in need of a Savior. If we didn’t have transgressions, there would be no need for a savior, which is why many reject the real Jesus Christ of the Bible. People believe they are righteous in their own eyes, but the reality is they are wretched, spiritually  poor, and miserable (Revelation 3:17)

If anyone had a reason to brag its the Apostle Paul, he was a Pharisee, from the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised on the eighth day. All the boxes were checked off for Paul to have been a holy man, but what did Christ reveal to Paul? As Paul said “O wretched man that I am, who can deliver me from this body of death”? (Romans 7:24)

Paul was enlightened by the Holy Spirit, that he was a wretched sinner who needed Jesus Christ. This is how you are saved, by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not on any of our works (Ephesians 2:8-9) We can continue to try and earn our salvation, but will always fail, because as Jesus said “You must be Born Again” (John 3:3)

Don’t put your faith in your religion, don’t put your faith in your good works or deeds, put all your faith in trust in the only one who can save you, Jesus Christ, Amen!

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Philippians 2:19-24

When we think about the ministry of Paul, we probably don’t think about all the people who were involved in serving The Lord and the Church. No Christian is a “lone wolf” , we are all part of the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in The Lord. Nobody is greater than anyone else, the least shall be called the greatest. 

Paul tells the Church that Timothy is coming to help serve the Church, a man that Paul trusted so much , he considered him a spiritual son. As Paul said “he has served with me in the gospel”. Being a servant of Christ is our calling, whether your preaching, or ministering, or even just helping out, we are all in this together as the body of Christ

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Philippians 2:25-29

Paul mentions another brother in Christ , named Epaphroditus. Not only does he call him a brother, but a soldier in Christ. This should be our approach and mentality as Christians, soldiers for Jesus Christ. We are in a spiritual battle with demonic forces everyday! 

Now Epaphroditus had an illness that almost killed him and the Church grieved deeply for him. However as Paul said “God had mercy on him” and prolonged his life to serve the Kingdom. God can use our trials and tribulations, not only for His glory but also to revive the Church. As Paul said “When you see him again, you may rejoice”

We are all in this together, the body of Christ, the soldiers of The Lord, rejoice in one another and serve The Lord, Amen!

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:16-18

Hold forth or hold fast to the word of life, what is Paul referring to? I believe he is referring to the Bible, the word of God. All the promises God made to us, hold forth to them during your times of troubles and sorrows. Hod forth to the knowledge that Jesus Christ has already overcome the world, the Christ is the Risen Lord, and every knee will bow to the Lamb of God

But what happens to those who minimize the word of God? The liberal theologian who denies the authenticity of the Bible, they have nothing to hold forth to.Without the word of God, there is no foundation for your faith. This is why many false prophets and false religions deny the inerrancy of the Bible, because they want to make up their own doctrine.

You would not run or labor in vain, because Christ has already given us victory at the cross. Whatever happens to you in this fallen world, will be resurrected with a glorified body, in the presence of the Almighty God. Nothing in this world can take you away from God, no amount of evil can separate you from the Great Shepherd. But for those who deny scripture, they have no hope. They have no purpose for their race, they live like theres no tomorrow, because they deny the only One who can bring you a forever tomorrow

And no matter what happens to us, whether it be suffering or persecution, we wil rejoice with joy in our hearts, why? Because our Lord Jesus Christ has already defeated sin, death, and Satan. It is finished brothers and sisters, so let the world try to persecute us, we are filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, our souls can not be taken from the Great I AM

Hold fast to the Word of God, Hold fast to the promises God has made you, Hold fast to what God has already accomplished and fulfilled in Jesus name Amen!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:12-15

The Apostle Paul makes an interesting statement here , he says “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Now I can already hear the liberals say “Paul is a legalist”, however Paul is not talking about “earning your salvation” As we know salvation can only be obtained through Christ alone. As Paul said “Its by grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves, its a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8)

So what is Paul talking about? He’s talking about the daily walk of a true Born Again Christian, a walk that is worthy of our higher calling as a child of God. As Jesus said “You will be known by your fruit” (Matthew 7:16) If you are truly saved, if you are truly a Born Again Christian, then there should be evidence of your conversion. There should be fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5) produced.

As Paul says “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do his good pleasures” Did you ever hear a Pastor or Christian bragging about their accomplishments or when “they” saved somebody. We never saved anyone or produced good works on our own, its the works of the Holy Spirit within us. How do you know if your truly saved? You will see the fruits of the Holy Spirit working in and through you for the glory of God. All our good works are filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6)

You as a Christian should shine as a light in a crooked and perverse generation. As Jesus said “You are the light of the world, a city on the hill can’t be hidden” (Matthew 5:14) A true Christian will stick out in the world like a sore thumb, those who try to conform with the world, the love of God is truly not in them. You were called to be set apart, to shine in the darkness of this world. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, just as a bad tree can’t produce good fruit (Matthew 7)

If the Church is not the light in the crooked and perverse world, then the Church becomes worthless. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, by being obedient to your Lord, being obedient to your calling, by producing light and fruit in a dark world , Amen