William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army. When he became old, they were holding a convocation in the Salvation Army, and William Booth could not attend. So, they said, “Will you send us a word of encouragement? Will you send us a telegram that we can read to the entire convocation?” When the telegram arrived, it had on it one word. The word that William Booth placed on that telegram to be read before the Salvation Army: “Others.” In Philippians 2:1-4, we read: Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make…

For millions of people, there is a pessimism about life and its meaning. We read in the Bible about those who wasted their lives with riotous living. How refreshing, to turn to a positive statement from someone who has found real meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life. In Philippians 1:21, the Apostle Paul gives his amazing philosophy of life. He shows us life’s grandest paradigms, by which we view our life. Do you remember when you were in high school English class, and you were asked to write your philosophy of life? Paul figured out his personal philosophy of life and lived it until he could say, “I have finished…

These final words of Paul, to his beloved Philippian church, form a thank you to them for the gift that they had sent to him. The church at Philippi was greatly loved by the Apostle Paul. I think it is possible to build a case that this was his favorite church of all the churches he established. In Philippians 1:3, Paul said, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” They were a source of constant gratitude and thanksgiving. Then, in chapter 4:1, he says “My brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown.” The Apostle Paul is writing to this favorite church, this greatly loved people…

We are going to have a check-up from the neck up and discover how to get our thinking and minds right. So many of us need a spiritual formula to deal with depression; to deal with anger; to deal with resentment; to deal with self-pity, worry, and fear. The passage that we study in this chapter is written from a slimy prison; but, as you read it, you’d think he’s writing from a luxurious hotel. You almost expect him to say, at the end, “I wish you were here.” He’s in the Mamertine Prison. What does that have to do with you? Well, there’s more than one kind of prison….

We read in Philippians 3:1-9: 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 have 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;…

Millions of people are asking the question: “Who is Jesus Christ?” An untold number of people are in search of Jesus.” A lot of them do not find Him because they are looking in the wrong place. Some time ago, Bryant Gumbel interviewed Larry King on national television; and, at the close of the interview, he asked Larry King a question—a very pertinent question. He said, “Larry, if you could meet God and ask Him one question, what would it be?” Larry King replied, “I would ask Him if He has a Son.” Great question! When you see documentaries on television, they are couched like, “Jesus—who was He?” Well, that’s…

In this chapter the Apostle Paul is teaching us to live like we are dying. For example, in Philippians 1:20 Paul said, “Whether it be by life or by death.” Then, in verse 21, he said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” To live and to die: the two ultimate outcomes. In this first chapter of Philippians, the Apostle Paul gives us three incredible pictures of life. In verse 5, we note that he is thankful for the fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. The picture is of the Christian life as being a son sharing the fellowship of the…

We know the writer of this passage is none other than the Apostle Paul. He was writing to us about some of the circumstances of his life. It helps us to try to get into his shoes for a little while and see how he feels and experiences. His circumstances at this particular time were not exactly appealing. Things were not going well for Paul; he was a prisoner in a jail cell in Rome.  A variety of misfortunes had come his way. He had been victimized by an illegal trial. He had been arrested and placed on a ship to go to Rome. Along the way, there had been…

“This I pray.” Paul’s prayer is my prayer for us. Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. If you have not come to understand that as a believer, I hope this chapter will encourage you to become a man or a woman of prayer. Prayer is the lifeline between us and heaven. It is the communication system which keeps us in contact with God in heaven. There are no Ph.D.’s in prayer. The disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” That is an interesting statement. They didn’t say, “Lord, teach us to preach.” That’s certainly important. They didn’t say, “Lord, teach us to do miracles.” They…

The church of Philippi was greatly involved in the ministry of Paul because they loved him and they believed in what he was doing. Paul had begun this church ten years earlier. In return, Paul wrote this beautiful letter to them. It is obvious as you read this letter that this must be, indeed, his most beloved and favorite of all of the churches which he founded. As it has been indicated in earlier chapters, Paul wrote this from prison. You will notice in Philippians 1:7 that he talks about “my bonds,” and in Philippians 1:13 he says, “So that my bonds.” I don’t know about you, but if I…