Bible Journey > Philippians

Here are my thoughts and highlights from Philippians as I continue my journey through the Bible:

• I’m reminded that "God who started this great work in [me will] keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish." In other words, my spiritual growth is a process. I haven’t arrived. I have more to learn and experience. It’s a journey.
• "Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God." I’m passionate about making Jesus attractive to all.
• Paul recognized that some who claimed to follow Christ were pulling for him while others viewed him as "their competition." Things haven’t changed.
• "Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message." I’m amazed at how often the Bible talks about unity. It’s as if God knew his people would struggle with that.
• "Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends." What if we viewed all our relationships with our ministry teammates from a position of trust rather than suspicion?
• God wants me to put my agenda aside to help others get ahead. Selfless. I admit it–I’m too focused on me.
• Be cheerful. "No bickering." Looks like Christians argued back in Paul’s day as well. Don’t you love our Christian heritage? Outsiders see arguments and division, when God designed love and unity.
• I love how Paul set Timothy up for success in ministry. Among other things, Paul used this letter to tell the Christians in Philippi how great Timothy was. Paul was building up Timothy with his words, so that the people in Philippi would receive Timothy’s leadership.
• "Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite." Amen.
• Being a Christ-follower isn’t about following a list of rules, it’s about trusting Christ.
• "I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward–to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back." I need to focus.
• Paul says Jesus will transform my earthy body into a glorious body. "He’ll make us beautiful and whole…" Does that mean we won’t have to use hair product in Heaven?
• "You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious–the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." Our minds our precious and fragile. Paul offers us the ingredients for a healthy mind.
• "I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances." I’m still learning.
• "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." There’s hope in Jesus.