“Only conduct yourselves worthy of the gospel” Philippians 1:27 The Politics of Belonging Conduct – What does conduct have to do with politics?  In our era, we probably think that good conduct and politics are opposites.  Politicians have earned a tarnished reputation.  But the word Paul chooses here tells us something very important.  It’s just…

“Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body” Philippians 1:20 The Glory of the Flesh Exalted – This is not the usual word for “exalted”.  The common Greek word translated “exalt” is hypsoo.  It is found in Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Philippians 2:9, John 3:14 and many other verses.  This form of…

“the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives,” Philippians 1:16 The Deepest Reasons Pure motives – There is a tension in Scripture.  It is the tension between behavior and motive.  God is more interested in the “why” than He is in the “what” and this creates a great but invisible…

“For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:8 Actions Speak Louder Than Words Affection – Today’s word is a very special word.  It is a word that is usually translated “compassion”.  In the gospels, splanchnon always involves action.  Compassion is not sympathy.  It is…

“For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:8 Whose Testimony Validates Your Actions Witness – If you needed to call on a character witness, could you make the same claim that Paul makes?  Could you call on God to back your stand without reservation? …