REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Story of Transformation (Galatians 1:18-24)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul’s account of his early ministry reveal about the …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Source of Paul’s Gospel (Galatians 1:11-17)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: How does Paul emphasize the divine origin of his gospel in …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Warning Against a False Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What is the nature and extent of Paul’s surprise and concern …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Introduction to Galatians – The Gospel of Grace

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What were the primary cultural and historical influences shaping the churches …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Final Greetings and Grace (Philippians 4:21-23)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What is the significance of Paul sending greetings from the “saints who are with me”? Why does Paul specifically mention those “of Caesar’s household”? What is the final word of blessing that …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partnership and Spiritual Fruit (Philippians 4:15-17) 

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does Paul’s description of their unique “giving and receiving” partnership reveal about the nature of gospel ministry? Why does Paul emphasize the Philippians’ early and consistent support? What does Paul mean …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partnership in Affliction (Philippians 4:14)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s acknowledgment of the Philippians’ support connect with his earlier statements about contentment? What does the phrase “share in my affliction” reveal about the nature of Christian fellowship? How does …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Contentment in Christ (Philippians 4:10-13)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s experience of contentment relate to the themes of joy and peace discussed earlier in the chapter? What is the significance of Paul’s statement, “I have learned to be content”? …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Mind Set on Christ (Philippians 4:8-9)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s list of virtues in verse 8 connect to the command to rejoice and the call to peace in the preceding verses? What is the significance of “think about such …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Joy, Gentleness, and Peace (Philippians 4:4-7)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s emphasis on rejoicing “in the Lord” connect with his understanding of Christ’s presence? What is the relationship between gentleness, prayer, and the peace of God? How do the directives …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Pursuing Steadfastness and Unity (Philippians 4:1-3)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s affection for the Philippians motivate his appeal for unity? Why is unity within the church so vital for its health and witness? What practical steps can be taken to …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Citizenship in Heaven – Living as Citizens of Another Kingdom (Philippians 3:17-21)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul urge the Philippians to imitate him? What does he mean by “join in imitating me”? Who are the “enemies of the cross of Christ” that Paul warns against? How …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Pressing Onward – The Pursuit of the Prize (Philippians 3:12-16)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul describe his spiritual progress? What is his attitude towards his past and future? What does it mean to “press on toward the goal”? What is the goal Paul is …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Rejoice and Beware (Philippians 3:1-3)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What is the significance of Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord,” especially in light of the warnings that follow? Who are the “dogs,” “evildoers,” and those who “mutilate the flesh”? Why …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Epaphroditus – Honoring Those Who Serve (Philippians 2: 25-30)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Epaphroditus’s example illustrate the importance of sacrificial service in the Christian life? What qualities in Epaphroditus does Paul commend that make him a worthy example for the Philippians? How does …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Timothy – A Partner in the Gospel (Philippians 2:19-24)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What qualities in Timothy does Paul commend that make him a valuable partner in ministry? How does Timothy’s example illustrate the importance of genuine care for others in Christian service? How does …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Obedience and Joy (Philippians 2:12-18)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s exhortation to “work out your own salvation” connect with the preceding passage on Christ’s humility and exaltation (2:5-11)? What does it mean to work out salvation with “fear and …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Learning From Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does it mean to have the “mind of Christ” in the context of His divine and human natures? How does Christ’s kenosis (self-emptying) demonstrate His obedience and love? What is the …

REFLECTI0NS FOR A NEW HEART: The Call To Humility (Philippians 2:1-4)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does Paul mean by “encouragement in Christ”? How does “being like-minded” contribute to the church’s mission? What is the relationship between humility and unity? How does this passage connect to the …

REFLEXIONES PARA UN CORAZÓN NUEVO: Luchando Unánimes por la Fe (Filipenses 1:27-30)

Idea principal de Filipenses:  Mantener nuestro gozo en el Señor mientras avanzamos el Evangelio, incluso en medio del sufrimiento. Preguntas a considerar: ¿Qué quiere decir Pablo con “contender como un solo hombre”? ¿Cómo ve Pablo la oposición que enfrenta? ¿Cuál es el significado de “mantenerse firmes en un mismo espíritu”? ¿Cómo anima este pasaje a …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Striving Side-by-Side for the Faith (Philippians 1:27-30)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does Paul mean by “contending as one man”? How does Paul view the opposition he faces? What is the significance of “standing firm in the one Spirit”? How does this passage …

REFLEXIONES PARA UN CORAZÓN NUEVO: Vivir es Cristo, Morir es Ganancia (Filipeses 1:18b-26)

Idea principal de Filipenses:  Mantener nuestro gozo en el Señor mientras avanzamos el Evangelio, incluso en medio del sufrimiento. Preguntas a considerar: ¿Cuál es la máxima ambición de Pablo? ¿Cómo ve la vida y la muerte a la luz del Evangelio? ¿Qué significa “vivir es Cristo”? ¿Cómo impacta la perspectiva de Pablo sobre la vida …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Rejoicing in the Proclamation of Christ (Philippians 1:12-18a)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s imprisonment affect the advancement of the Gospel? What are the different responses to Paul’s imprisonment described in the text? What motivates those who preach Christ out of selfish ambition? …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Abounding in Love (PHILIPPIANS 1:8-11)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider:  How does Paul express his love and concern for the Philippians? What specific requests does he make in his prayer for them? How does this prayer connect to the themes of joy …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partners in the Gospel (PHILIPPIANS 1:1-7)

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider:  How does Paul express his partnership with the Philippians? What are the specific things he prays for on their behalf? How does this prayer reflect his joy in Christ? The Text:  Paul and …