Treasures Worth Running After
Paul calls on us to abandon any confidence we might have in our own contributions to our standing with God and instead place all our reliance on the righteousness and sacrifice of Christ. He alone is worthy.
Demonstrating Christianity That Works
In our passage for today, Paul shows us how the example of selfless humility set by Jesus Christ works out in our everyday lives. By God's grace, we can live up to His ideal of true greatness.
Giving Up Our Rights
Today's passage gives us a window into the profound mystery of Jesus Christ's incarnation as a man who lived a fully human life among us, while still remaining God. It is the supreme example of humility--one that we are called to follow as we live for Him.
The Reason for Living
Paul's letter to the Philippians is often called "the epistle of joy." Joy and praise fill its pages, but not because Paul's life was trouble-free. He simply chose to concentrate on thanksgiving, prayer, and the hope of eternity with Jesus, as we see in the opening verses.
Dressed Up to Kneel Down
Whether we realize it or not, we are all engaged in an ongoing spiritual battle. Our only hope of standing firm against the attacks and temptations Satan throws at us is to look to God and appropriate the "armor" He has provided for our protection.
Under the Influence of the Spirit
What this world needs--what the church needs--is people of wisdom. And that means Christians who are obedient to God's Word and consistently applying its truths to every relationship in life. That is what this passage in Ephesians calls us all to be.
The Practice of Refusal and Renewal
As Christians we are "children of light" who are to shine forth the light of the gospel in this dark world. We do that by living pure lives that reflect the character of God. The apostle Paul offers some specific, practical steps by which we can accomplish that.
Describing a Healthy Church Today
The church belongs to Christ. He has established it, and He has provided all we need as members of His church to thrive and grow as a united body. This key passage in Ephesians 4 tells us how we, the church, can fulfill the purpose the Lord has for us.
The Recipe for Genuine Unity
All Christians are united in Christ as part of His church. This precious truth is not something we should take for granted but something we should eagerly seek to guard and maintain.
The Mystery of the Church Is Revealed
We, the church of Jesus Christ, are the blessed recipients of God's gracious work of salvation. But we are also a divine display for the ages and for all creation of God's wisdom, grace, and love. These are the themes that run through the third chapter of Ephesians.