“Now I want you to know brethren that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.” I can imagine that many were upset about Paul’s imprisonment. Especially the Philippians! They sent Epaphroditus to help Paul! They wanted Paul with them! How can this be allowed by God? How can this be…

“Having been filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Going beyond excellence and sincerity, as we live out this blameless, discerning love, described in the previous two verses, there will be fruit. Notice fruit comes through Jesus Christ. We cannot do these things alone.…

“So that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.” God says that love is the fulfillment of the law. So, if we love one another, we will do each other no harm. If we combine this with love that is discerning and…

“And this I pray that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.” Paul does not simply pray for greater love but for love given with knowledge and discernment. This is the most useful love. It does not help to send a fishing boat to someone who lives in…

“For God is my witness how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Paul longed to be with his friends! Just as we read Jesus longs to be with us and prayed that we be with Him in John 17. Oh dear God may we love each other this deeply.

“For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel you all are partakers of grace with me.” Paul was confident God was at work in the Philippians and would…

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Paul’s confidence is reassuring! His confidence is in God’s faithfulness to keep working in our lives. HE is God, the faithful God! We can trust Him to continue loving,…

“In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Here is a group of men and women who joined Paul in advancing the gospel. In this verse Paul does not mention how, but they were part of the work. Oh, Lord Jesus, with Your help may we find our place…

“Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.” Paul prayed for the Philippians, and it always gave him joy when he did. They seem to be a bright spot in Paul’s life. How encouraging it is to know that I can be a bright spot for the Lord Jesus and for…

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul begins all his letters in a very similar way. In most cases with these exact words (Grace to you and peace from God). Evidently this is important. God’s grace is what you need when you need it. God’s peace is…