How to Use This Commentary Philippians 4:14–23 brings Paul’s letter to a beautiful close by highlighting gospel generosity, worship, God’s provision, Christian fellowship, and grace. Paul has just explained that he has learned contentment in every circumstance through Christ who strengthens him. But he does not want the Philippians to misunderstand him. His contentment does... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Philippians 4:10–13 is one of the most important passages in the New Testament on Christian contentment. Paul has just taught the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, pray instead of being ruled by anxiety, think on what is true, and practice what they have learned. Now he gives a living... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Third John closes by shifting our attention from a negative example to a positive one. After warning the church about the pride of Diotrephes, John encourages believers to imitate a faithful man named Demetrius. In doing so, he reminds us that the Christian life is learned not only through biblical... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Philippians 4:1–3 begins the final chapter with a warm but serious call to spiritual stability and church unity. Paul has just reminded believers that their citizenship is in heaven and that they eagerly await the return of Christ. Now he turns from heavenly hope to practical church life. The church... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Philippians 4:4–9 is one of the most practical passages in the New Testament for spiritual stability, anxiety, prayer, thought life, obedience, and peace. Paul has just called the Philippians to stand firm together in the Lord. Now he explains how spiritually stable believers live. They rejoice in the Lord. They... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Third John is the shortest book in the New Testament by word count, yet it provides a powerful picture of what healthy Christianity looks like. Rather than addressing false doctrine directly, John highlights three individuals whose lives demonstrate three very different responses to the truth. Gaius faithfully walks in the... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Third John is a deeply personal letter, but it also addresses timeless issues every church eventually faces. After celebrating the faithful example of Gaius (3 John 1–8), John turns to a very different example. A man named Diotrephes desired influence more than faithfulness, authority more than service, and recognition more... Continue Reading →
Big Idea 3 John reminds us that genuine faith is revealed not only by what we believe, but by how we treat others. Those who walk in the truth will support God's work, love God's people, and reflect God's character. A Small Letter Every Church Leader Should Know Third John is easy to overlook. It... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Philippians 3:17–21 closes chapter 3 by showing believers where to look, who to avoid, and what hope should shape their lives. Paul has just described the Christian life as a race. He has not arrived, but he presses on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Philippians 3:12–16 shows Paul’s relentless pursuit of Christlikeness. In the previous passage, Paul explained that knowing Christ is better than everything. He counted his religious résumé as loss so that he could gain Christ and be found in Him. But gaining Christ did not make Paul passive. It made him... Continue Reading →