Afleveringen
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SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 20:1-11
SHOW NOTES: We invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, to find more resources to support your spiritual journey.
In this current season, we have considered the prayers of people in the Bible—leaders, women, and kings. There are moments in life when we lose hope, feel overwhelmed, confront terminal illness, find ourselves surrounded by destruction, and face inevitable defeat. Where do we turn, and how do we navigate these challenging times?
King Hezekiah was the king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem and walked with God. The mighty Assyrian army threatened to destroy the city, while their king, Sennacherib, mocked the Lord God.
"And he (Hezekiah) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done." 2 Kings 18:3
During this time, King Hezekiah suffered from a terminal illness. The prophet Isaiah visited his bedchamber and declared that he would die. Upon hearing these words, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord.
"Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly." 2 Kings 20:2-3
King Hezekiah exemplifies his reliance on Yahweh. He approaches the Lord when the king of Assyria threatens Jerusalem. He cries out to the Lord when the prophet Isaiah informs him that he will die from his illness. God demonstrates His power to answer the prayers of a defeated, discouraged, and ill king who is facing certain death.
This is true in our lives. This is our God! He may not choose to heal us physically, but He is more than capable, and indeed, all who trust in Him will spend eternity with Him, healed and whole.
SONG: "Same God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO1gwohd_zs
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SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 7:18-29
SHOW NOTES: We invite you to explore our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can find additional resources to support your spiritual journey.
King David’s prayer of gratitude offers us a significant lesson. He sat before the Lord and prayed, demonstrating humility in his posture while acknowledging the many good gifts and blessings bestowed upon him. David also pours out praise for his Sovereign Lord, who is holy, merciful, and gracious.
“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!” 2 Samuel 7:22
God’s greatness overwhelms David. He has performed great wonders! His name is exalted! God chose to bless David despite his sins because, ultimately, David sought to glorify God and serve Him with his life. God extends life and His unfailing love to each of us.
“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3
SONG: "How Great Is Our God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWSKtoURGAg
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
SHOW NOTES: For more Bible study resources and to enhance growth in your Walk with God, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth.
Prayer is an essential part of our spiritual journey. Scripture is filled with examples of prayer and praying people.
Today’s lesson is Hannah’s prayer and praise for the Lord’s answer to her petition. She rejoices and takes great delight in Him. Hannah found her strength in the Lord. He miraculously delivered her from barrenness by giving her a son and turning her weeping into rejoicing.
Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because You rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:1-2
As Hannah offers this prayer to the Lord, she boldly acknowledges God's sovereignty and celebrates His holiness. The heart of this prayer is the importance of trusting in the Lord. Hannah exemplified this, and her faith led to a miraculous blessing from God.
SONG: "The Lord Will Provide" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18cA4lBvL5E
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SCRIPTURE: Psalm 90
SHOW NOTES: For more Bible study resources and to enhance growth in your Walk with God, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth.
Prayer is an essential part of our spiritual journey. Scripture is filled with examples of prayer and praying people. These individuals were not perfect, yet they sought the Lord.
The Lord is the Everlasting God. His name—Yahweh—expresses His desire to establish a covenant relationship with His chosen people. He is the One True God and is eternal.
God’s clock is not like ours! A thousand years feel like a fleeting day or just a few hours at night. He exists eternally in relation to time. However, we are mortals, constrained by time.
Teach us to understand life's brevity, so that we may grow in wisdom (hokmah—the practical skill, discernment, and ability to live a life that pleases God, encompassing both spiritual and worldly aspects).
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17 (NIV)
SONG: "From Everlasting" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ara0P_pUMO4
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SCRIPTURE: Joshua 10:12-14
SHOW NOTES: For your spiritual journey, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, to access additional Bible study resources.
We are excited to explore the prayers of individuals in the Bible in our new series, The Power of Prayer. Today, we will look closely at Joshua 10:12-14. A faithful leader offered a bold prayer. God heard his request, suspended the laws of nature, and granted the Israelites a miraculous victory!
"At that time, Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on their enemies." Joshua 10:12-13
The prayer of Joshua serves as a powerful expression of faith, showcasing a wise leader and illustrating God's sovereignty and divine intervention.
God answered Joshua's prayer by causing the sun and moon to stand still. This prolonged the day and allowed the Israelites to achieve their victory.
Do you often "talk to the Lord?” Joshua had a close, personal relationship with the Lord and communicated with Him openly! We can learn valuable lessons from Joshua's life.
SONG: "Do It Again" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_lnQIITxU&list=RDMM&index=16
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SCRIPTURE: Exodus 15:1-21
SHOW NOTES: For your spiritual journey, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, to access additional Bible study resources.
In this new series, The Power of Prayer, we are excited to explore the prayers of people in the Bible. This lesson will examine Exodus 15, where God provided a miraculous escape for the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea while Egyptian chariots closed in on them.
The Lord hurled Pharaoh’s army of chariots into the sea and delivered the Israelites. With praise and celebration, Moses and his sister, Miriam, led the people in a powerful praise service.
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. Both horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.” Exodus 15:1
The entire community unites to praise the Lord. They recognize God’s strength, salvation, and His mighty right hand. The Lord is awesome, holy, and majestic, performing mighty wonders.
"In Your unfailing love, You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength, You will guide them to Your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13
SONG: "My God Can" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQATwkAklYw
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SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 3:4-14
SHOW NOTES: For your spiritual journey, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, to access additional Bible study resources.
In this new series, The Power of Prayer, we are excited to explore the prayers of people in the Bible. Today, we look closer at the stirring prayer of young King Solomon at the beginning of his reign.
Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar at Gibeon. That night, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Kings 3:4-5
King Solomon dedicated himself and offered his genuine worship to Yahweh. God’s response was to bless Solomon. He acknowledged God’s goodness and faithfulness and his dependence on God.
"Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9
Solomon requested an understanding heart, acknowledging that governing God’s chosen people was an immense challenge.
Wisdom is invaluable; however, godliness holds far greater significance.
SONG: "Goodness of God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AwLTeMyq20
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SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 29:10-20
SHOW NOTES: You are invited to explore our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, and find additional resources to encourage your spiritual journey and enrich your walk with God.
This is the beginning of a new “Walk with God” season. Prayer is an essential topic for believers. Ask this question, “What is Prayer?” The simple answer is spiritual communication between man and God.
In this lesson, we will examine three parts of David’s prayer:
1. Praise & the blessing of God (vv. 10b-13)
2. Perspective on their utter dependence on the Yahweh whose greatness has just been proclaimed (vv. 14-17)
3. Petition (vv. 18-19)
First, David’s praise was public. Although praise is usually more private, in this case, his official words needed to be heard and heeded by everyone!
The God of Israel is our Father. He is eternal and exists “forever and ever.”
David’s praise recognized that all things belong to Israel’s great God. This principle forms the foundation of the doctrine of stewardship. ‘Everything’ we possess ‘comes from’ and belongs to God.
Our devotion to the Lord is evident in our gifts to Him. David desires that his people have hearts truly and wholly dedicated to God.
David’s Prayer of Praise:
"O Lord, our God, may You be praised forever and ever!
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty.
Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours.
We adore You as the one who is over all things.
Wealth and honor come from You alone. You rule over everything.
Power and might are in Your hands.
Our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name!"
1 Chronicles 20:10-13
SONG: Gratitude - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NX6hU_J38o
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:19-23
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where we provide additional resources to support your Walk with God.
The Book of Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Philippi. Paul deeply loves these brothers and sisters, who have been his partners in spreading the Gospel message. He extends the grace and peace of Christ to them. Paul desires to see these believers again, but he is uncertain about the outcome of his trial before Nero in Rome.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
Paul reminds his readers to reflect on Jesus’ example: Jesus Christ humbled Himself as a servant and died a criminal's death. He encourages us to “press on.” Even though we have not yet achieved perfection, we will be spiritually perfected when we are welcomed into heaven.
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Paul concludes his letter with a beautiful doxology and benediction.
"And to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:21
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Philippians 4:23
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQUTvMtUhw4
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:14-18
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where we provide additional resources to support your Walk with God.
Paul’s heart rejoices, and he expresses his gratitude. Epaphroditus and others delivered the gift from the Philippians to Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. They recognized his suffering—awaiting trial before Nero—and wished to demonstrate their care and concern for him.
"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." Philippians 4:14
As their spiritual leader, Paul aims to assist them in developing the “grace of giving.” He uses a business term here—this gift is credited to your account. When they gave a gift to Paul, they gave it to the Lord and His work.
"They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Philippians 4:18b
In the Old Testament, various types of sacrifices—incense, grain offerings, and animal sacrifices—were presented to God that pleased and were acceptable to Him. Sacrifices were also given in the New Testament, with the greatest being Christ's offering of Himself for the sins of all mankind.
"Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2
SONG: "Offering" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vA6rDvY7dU
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:10-13
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can find additional resources to support your Walk with God.
What brings you joy? Are there specific moments when your heart feels joyful?
Paul uses "rejoice" in the book of Philippians 7 times and "joy" 5 times.
"I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it." Philippians 4:10
The Philippian church had encouraged and financially supported Paul earlier in his ministry. Once again, they ministered to Paul, and he expressed his joy and gratitude to them.
Paul wants them to understand that he has learned to be content in every circumstance of his life. Contentment is not natural for most of us; it must be learned and experienced over time.
Paul identifies the source of his sufficiency as being “in Christ,” who grants strength to believers. He had learned to trust God in every circumstance.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
SONG: "I Surrender All" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3u51j4W1vk
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:8-9
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God.
As Paul concludes his letter to the believers in Philippi, he urges them to apply these teachings in their lives.
· "Rejoice. Again, I say rejoice!"
· "Do not be anxious. Pray about everything."
· "Give thanks for all He has done."
"Then, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds." Philippians 4:7 (NLT)
The believers in Philippi had learned and received many valuable lessons from Paul, their teacher. They had personally heard his teaching and witnessed his example. Paul urged them to apply these teachings in their daily lives.
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
The most challenging area of sin in a believer's life is not the sphere of actions but the discipline of thought. Dr. Dwight Pentecost
As we practice these things, Paul tells us, “The God of peace will be with you.”
SONG: "Holy Song" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7esDa9iDUWc
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:4-7
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, please visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you will find additional resources to strengthen your Walk with God.
In chapter one, Paul tells us that he is writing from prison, most likely in Rome, where the wicked Emperor Nero reigned. While it may seem easy to rejoice from a place of safety and comfort, Paul can rejoice because of his deep relationship with the Lord.
There will be attacks from the world and personality clashes among believers; nonetheless, Christians are called to maintain a spirit of joy in the Lord. We are not immune to sorrow, discouragement, or pain, nor should we be insensitive to the troubles of others. However, we should view God's will as our highest joy and thus be able to experience inner peace and joy in every circumstance.
"Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us." Philippians 4:5 (The Voice)
Paul argues that believers cannot find true happiness without striving to bless others. To encourage his readers, Paul reminds them that "the Lord is near." This establishes a crucial link between having a longsuffering, gentle spirit and the reality of the Lord's presence with us.
We are called to prayer instead of sitting in our anxious thoughts and worrying. The phrase "the peace of God" does not appear elsewhere in the New Testament. This peace comes from God. It envelops us when we pray, allowing us to experience the tranquility of God's presence. We cannot fully comprehend this peace or its release from the pressure and strain of our circumstances.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
We hope you'll take some time this week to listen to the song we selected for worship.
SONG: "Peace" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4
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Walk with God | January 22, 2025
Season 18: Partners in the Gospel
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:1-4
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where there are additional resources to support your Walk with God.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds them that they are his close friends. He regards them as brothers and sisters. We read his passionate appeal to them: Live in unity and be steadfast in your walk with God!
"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!" Philippians 4:1
After this strong expression of care and affection, Paul highlights a conflict between two women. While he does not specify the issue, Paul names both women. He also requests a respected leader in Philippi to assist these women in restoring fellowship and unity.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." Philippians 4:4
Paul was not urging Christians to be unrealistic or to never feel sad—even Jesus wept (John 11:35) at the tomb of Lazarus. However, he encouraged us to focus on our blessings in Christ and to be grateful for them, no matter how sad we may feel at any given moment.
SONG: "Rejoice" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t19ISSmBQ-Q
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:17-21
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to help you grow in your walk with Jesus.
Paul expresses affection for his readers several times in chapter three of Philippians.
"Dear brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." Philippians 3:17
His invitation is not prideful but reflects his personal journey with the Lord over the past few decades. Paul has faced many trials, endured much suffering, and confronted significant challenges in life. He is a bit further along the path and encourages them to follow his example and those of Timothy and Epaphroditus.
In verses 18 and 19, Paul expresses strong emotion as he warns against those who “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Do not follow these people! Their minds are set on earthly things, but we are citizens of heaven, and we are eager for Him to return as our Savior.
"He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control." Philippians 3:21
Be encouraged and hold on to these precious words from the Apostle Paul.
SONG: "More Like Jesus" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbh9GtHuDAY
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:12-16
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to support your Walk with God.
As we begin today’s passage, remember that Paul is not looking at his Damascus Road conversion and saying, “I’ve arrived.” For Paul and each of us, the spiritual life is a journey, and we should seek to progress in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to know Him better.
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own." Philippians 3:12
Progress, not perfection. Paul encourages us to “press on.” We have not yet attained perfection. We will be spiritually perfected only when we are promoted to heaven.
Many of us are familiar with this famous quote –
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.” - John Newton
May this song encourage you in your daily walk with God.
SONG: "Press On" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_KurK-ArqE
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SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 16:8-11
SHOW NOTES: Happy New Year! We encourage you to take time to grow in your spiritual journey with God each day. Visit our website, discovergodstruth.org, and check out the resources provided.
We’ve been seeking the Lord’s guidance and direction for a word that will become our focus in this new year as we study God’s Word and walk with Him: Worship. Worship is a way to show God that we love Him and recognize Him as our Creator, Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. It also allows us to express gratitude for all He has done—His great and mighty deeds.
King David’s song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 offers words of worship and guides our thoughts toward honoring the Lord. This praise song, which reflects several psalms, begins with a call to worship that includes the nations. Worship embodies our declaration of God's greatness and glory.
This hymn emphasizes God's deeds, words, greatness, and worth. Worship should focus on God rather than on man. In this New Year, let’s encourage one another in the spiritual discipline of worship. The Lord God Almighty deserves our praise and worship!
SONG: "Worthy" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4q_lnAka-E
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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! "Peace On Earth"
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:10-15
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to support your Walk with God.
Christmas looks different for everyone around the world. Whether you live in a small town or a large city, your Christmas traditions are likely distinct from those in my family. Yet, many centuries ago, the angels announced this message to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
In this podcast, Brenda shares phrases from the renowned poem “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Despite being surrounded by tragedy and sorrow, Longfellow's words of hope flowed from his pen, and today, we sing the song inspired by his poem.
We want to encourage you to listen to the song today: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZtNlZmnEMU
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:7-11
SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to support your Walk with God.
What do you truly value in life? The apostle Paul had an impressive resume and presented seven significant points in Philippians 3:5-6. However, he then writes this statement for his readers.
"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:7
Paul had to unlearn much of what he once took pride in, as all these separate gains had become worthless. What Paul had previously viewed as "gain" was now lost because of his personal relationship with Christ. Additionally, a significant shift occurred in the focus of his life.
"So that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ." Philippians 3:8b-9a
Paul recognized the importance of knowing Jesus, which includes both intellectual and heartfelt understanding. To gain a deeper insight into Christ, Paul sacrificed everything else in his life. God attributes the righteousness of Christ to anyone who places their trust in Him. Paul encourages us to approach the Father and attain righteousness through our faith in Christ.
SONG: "In Christ Alone" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_063OI38RQ
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SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:1-7
SHOW NOTES: We invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you will find resources to encourage you in your Walk with God.
In the book of Philippians, Paul praises the believers in Philippi and calls them to unity as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He reminds them that the key to achieving unity is for each one to adopt Christ's humility. Paul also speaks of joy and rejoicing despite the opposition of others.
"But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy." Philippians 2:17-18
In the opening verses of chapter three, Paul warns his readers about the Judaizers, who emphasized the importance of circumcision. These leaders believed it was a prerequisite for justification (Acts 15:1).
Without life-changing faith, circumcision is merely an outward sign without an inward reality. Similarly, baptism without life-changing faith is just a submersion in water. We should be cautious of those who focus only on the external. (See 1 Samuel 16:7)
Paul adopted the Judaizers' attitude of confidence in the flesh to strengthen his argument. He did this to demonstrate that his rejection of Jewish advantages was not due to a lack of them in his life.
"Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also, if anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more …" Philippians 3:4
SONG: "Because of Jesus" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7hBvI6GPoU
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