Philippians 2 is an exhortation to servitude, to humility, to unity and to spiritual mindedness grounded in the work of Jesus Christ. Paul, in Philippians 2:6-11 expounds how Christ Himself underwent humiliation and then was exalted. As we come to Philippians 2:19-30, Paul concludes this chapter with the examples of two faithful servants whose confidence was all in Christ and who lived out the Christian life in dependence on Christ–these two men were Timothy and Epaphroditus.

As Paul expounds the labors of these two men, this is not merely personal reflection; rather, they are meant to be set forth as models of what it looks like to follow the exhortations Paul has set forth. It is important to remember in all of this that Timothy and Epaphroditus did not labor in their own strength. They lived in dependence on the Spirit’s power and as those who knew they were bought with the blood of Christ.

Join us this week for worship at 9820 W Markham St. (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church) as we consider these things together. For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul builds on his exhortation toward spiritual mindedness and humility by pointing us to the example of Christ. In this section of the book of Philippians Paul points us to who Jesus is and to the work that He accomplished. Paul will direct us to Christ’s humiliation, especially in His becoming man and going to the Cross for sinners. He also directs us to Christ’s exaltation, reminding us that we serve a risen and ascended Savior. In this passage, we are a reminded of the Gospel message, and it is on the basis of that Gospel message that we can pursue true Christian unity and humility.

Join us for worship this Lord’s Day at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St. (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church) in Little Rock. For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:12-18 of rejoicing at the advance of the Gospel. Yet, much of this advancing comes at a personal cost for Paul. He is imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel, and through this affliction even the Emperor’s guards learn of the Gospel message and that Paul’s “imprisonment is for Christ.” (Phil. 1:13) Even some have been further emboldened through Paul’s faithful suffering to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But Paul also notes that some are preaching Christ not out of a pure heart, but “from envy and rivalry.” (Phil. 1:15) Even in this, Paul will still rejoice that “Christ is proclaimed.” (Phil. 1:18) It’s truly wrong to preach out of selfish ambition–our preaching should be for the glory and honor of Christ. And yet the Gospel is going forward even though there are those who seek to diminish Paul’s influence by their own preaching. How can Paul rejoice in these circumstances? How can Paul rejoice, even from imprisonment?

He can rejoice because he knows it isn’t ultimately about him–it is all about Christ. Paul trusts the good purposes of God. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Do you believe that all things are working together for the good of God’s people? Do you believe that even your suffering works together for your good and to the glory and honor of Christ?

Paul gives great encouragement to us in these verses. Join us this Lord’s Day for worship at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church). For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

Last week, as we looked to the book of Philippians, we considered Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving for the Philippian Christians and all that God was doing in their lives. This week, we will consider Paul’s prayer of supplication for them in Philippians 1:9-11. Paul prays especially for their growth in grace to the end of the glory of God: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, the glory and praise of God.”

Join us this week as we consider this passage together. We meet for worship at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St. (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church). For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.