Get ready to dive into the ultimate guidebook for life! It is so important to study the Bible daily and discover our divine purpose. Today, Paul is going to showcase how the book of Philippians is jam-packed with golden nuggets of God’s love, Jesus’ sacrifice, and the ultimate peace we can attain. Let’s dig in!
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Transcription:
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Hi, welcome to the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, your host, and I just read you a little excerpt of a letter written in jail. Yes, by the apostle Paul. He wrote the letter to the church in Philippi. At the time he was imprisoned for his faith, but God through the Holy Spirit gave the apostle Paul some words to write down that were not just for the Church of Philippi, but for you and I right now in this brand new year of 2024.
Think of the faith Paul had to have to write a piece of the Bible from a jail cell. That’s a calling on his life for sure, and you are being called right now to get to know God a little bit better. It’s why you’re here. All this week we’ve been talking about studying the Bible. Where do you start? And I’ve taken you to the gospel of John and John’s first letter that he wrote, and the Psalms, places where I have found encouragement, places that I love to spend time in the Bible. It’s kind of like a city that you’re unfamiliar with, but once you go a couple of times, you start getting more familiar and you start to love it. My dear friend Mary Lou, she’s more like a sister, came to visit my family here in the Pacific Northwest last year. She’s from the East Coast and of course we took her to Pike Place Market and we watched as the guys tossed the fish, right? And we took her to the Brackett’s Landing in Edmonds, Washington, where I believe God called me to do ministry in the Pacific Northwest. And I took her to this little pavilion that’s called the Mary Lou Pavilion because I knew that would mean something to her. I showed her all of the places that were dear to me. Mount Baker, which her last name is Baker, so that meant something to her. And it is my heart that as you and I continue to walk through this new city to you, the Word of God, that you’ll become familiar with it. That you will love it so much and want to come back again and again. Mary Lou often says, “I want to come back one day, “and I hope she does, and I hope you’ll continue to walk around this new city, the Bible with me in 2024.
Today we’re going to go on a little tour of the book of Philippians in the Bible. Yes, it was a letter that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. God gave these words to Paul when he was in jail for his faith. So, they’re very profound. They’re filled with meaning and encouragement. I love stopping in the book of Philippians in the Bible, so come along with me. I’m going to take you to some of my favorite places. Maybe we’ll even get a gelato along the way. Our first stop is in Philippians chapter one, verse six. Here we go.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Yes, I love that verse. Our God is a God who finishes what He starts. Ruth Graham was married to Billy Graham, one of the greatest deliverers of the good news of the gospel in history, and she wanted these words written on her tombstone, and Billy Graham honored her request.
Thank you for your patience. The construction is now complete.
God is working on you, and he will never stop. He is going to complete the good work He began in you, when he made you, when he knit you together in your mama’s womb. You can take heart. So much promise and encouragement in that one verse in Philippians. Alright, our next stop on the tour of Philippians is chapter three [two], beginning in verse six. We’re going to get to know Jesus just a little better right now.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
So, we get a glimpse into what Jesus did for you and I. He died for us, died a criminal’s death on a cross because he loved us that much and didn’t want us to be separated from God. So he gave his life for us. See, the love story of Jesus is repeated throughout the Bible. He wants you to be sure of his love for you. Alright, we’ve got time for two more quick stops in this tour of Philippians chapter four, verse 13.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Did you catch that? There is a little catch. There’s nothing you can’t do through Christ. That’s the catch and it’s a good one. He’s going to give you the strength to do everything he calls you to do in this world so you don’t have to be afraid. He’s going to strengthen you for every good work he’s called you to. Alright, last stop, Philippians chapter four, beginning in verse four. These are some of the most encouraging words in the Bible, and they were written from jail.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Wow, God’s peace is always possible. I really hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour through the book of Philippians. I hope you want to visit this book again and some of the other books that we visited in the Bible this week. This is how you start! You find places you love and you come again and again until next time you are loved.
Thank you for making time for the Bible, for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
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