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 close to. Because they are regularly jockeying for position or influence, they stiff-arm any who get close or in their way. The chief obstacle to […]
The Same Love?
Read: 1 Corinthians 13 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love. (Phil. 2:2) I read somewhere that “committed love is the power to surrender my right to get what I desire so that the person I love can get what he or she truly needs.” In other words, when […]
More about Unity
Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 Complete my joy by being . . . in full accord and of one mind. (Phil. 2:2) Words like these might prompt you to think, “Must all Christians in a church have the same point of view on everything? Does this mean we never disagree?” No, absolutely not. Paul is not throwing out all […]
Equipping Young People in Niger
Words of Hope Niger partners with the Evangelical Church of the Republic of Niger to empower indigenous communities. Together, we collaborate with a local team to create Christian media content in eight languages, airing it on local FM radio and distributing it via SD cards that can be listened to on mobile phones. Our team […]
Unity and Joy
Read: Philippians 2:1-4 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (v. 2) I don’t know a pastor who finds any joy with people in the church who fight off unity or who cultivate disharmony. Paul certainly did not. In fact, he suggested […]
Off and On Christianity
Read: Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. (v. 27) The woman wrote in her letter: “You know, Pastor, I have been a Christian for twenty years—off and on.” Paul and the writers of the New Testament were not interested in “off and on” Christianity. They were passionate […]
Heaven
Read: Philippians 1:19-26 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. . . . My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (vv. 21, 23) As Paul thought through his circumstances and the possible results of his trial, his perspective was not restricted to time-bound outcomes. Paul’s reading […]
Theft-Proof Joy
Read: Philippians 1:18-21 I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. (vv. 18-19) C. S. Lewis once wrote: “The ultimate purpose of God in all his work is to increase joy.” In this section of Scripture, Paul declares […]
Dealing with Envy
Read: Philippians 1:15-18; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Some indeed preach Christ from and envy and rivalry . . . thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. (vv. 15, 17) It is a sad day when people stoop to kicking someone who is already down. Just ask Paul. Chained under house arrest, he became aware of some people who were […]