Rivalry, Conceit, or Humility?
Read: Romans 12:3-13 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Phil. 2:3) A person fueled by ambition is hard to get
David Walls May 19, 2024
Do you think of yourself as a saint? The book of Philippians starts with a greeting: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi” (Phil. 1:1). Saint is a term of love—the writer, Paul, is addressing believers, and calling them holy. As you read Philippians today, you are included in his greeting, and all the encouragement that follows.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul writes of the all-surpassing joy of following Jesus—but he writes during a period of great trouble, imprisoned for his faith. The timely encouragement he offers recognizes that faith and joy come in the midst of trouble, not in spite of it. Like a caring older brother, Paul points to examples of faithfulness, care, and prayer.
This month-long Bible study will take you through the book of Philippians, and Paul’s encouragement to find joy in Christ. Count yourself among the saints, and learn from Paul’s example of faithfulness.
Read: Romans 12:3-13 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Phil. 2:3) A person fueled by ambition is hard to get
Read: Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (v. 5) When the apostle writes these words about the Philippians’ “mind,” he is talking first of
Read: Philippians 2:6-11 But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (v. 7 ESVUK) The apostle Paul goes out of his way
Read: Hebrews 5:5-10 He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. (Phil. 2:8) In his human existence, Jesus Christ chose, in obedience to God the Father, to
Read: Philippians 2:12-18 Do everything without grumbling or arguing. (v. 14 NIV) In this section of Philippians Paul describes Christians as those who “shine as lights in the world” (v. 15). In
Read: Philippians 2:19-29 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon. . . . For I have no one like him. (vv. 19-20) Everyone needs friends, deep friends. In
Read: Philippians 2:19-29 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier . . . and minister to my need. (v. 25) Epaphroditus likely
Read: Philippians 3:1-11 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (v. 7) In the first six verses of this chapter Paul provides us with
Read: Philippians 3:12-17 Not that I have already obtained [the resurrection] or am already perfect. (v. 12) Paul’s faith journey was a work in progress. He was confident of his final
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.