Philippians 1 v 27-30 Up to this point Paul has been telling the Philippians about his own situation in prison and what he was experiencing. Despite all the affliction, his attitude was one of joy and confidence in the Lord. With verse 27 Paul begins a series of practical exhortations concerning the Christian life. He…
Habakkuk 2 v 1-4 Habakkuk responds in Piety (godliness) and Patience, not seeking to exert power and wrath. He was in deep pain because of what was happening – the Chaldeans sweeping across the land. When you have a pain like that, you must pray like Habakkuk, and once you’ve prayed respond correctly to the…
Philippians 1 v 19-26 The Apostle Paul was in a lock-down, but in spite of that he had a strong hope and confidence in God for the future.It looks for many of us that everything is falling apart, but if we look at this passage we learn a lot of wisdom. We will just focus…
Habakkuk 1-3 Overview:Written in the Old Testament period when only Judah was left alone.Habakkuk means ’embrace’ – to hold close.Luther said about him:“He speaks as one who took his nation to his heart, comforted and held them up as one embraces and presses to his bosom a poor, weeping child – calming and consoling it…
Philippians 1 v 12-18 The letter’s structure:Greeting, Thanksgiving, Prayer, the Body, Moral exhortations, Greeting, Benediction. A missionary Support Letter from God’s Apostle to the Gentiles.Some wonderful lines of praise to God – especially in the second chapter.The letter ties in wonderfully with Habakkuk we are considering in the mornings. We see Paul’s joy despite circumstances.Adversity…
Habakkuk 2 v 1-7 Overview:Habakkuk’s Prayer (ch 1), Patience (ch 2) and Peace (ch 3).He saw God’s Plan, His Power and trusted in His Providence. Injustice is all around us – people losing their jobs and salaries.American businesses – broken down and bordered up.We feel the strain of economies going bad and ask why this…
Philippians 1 v 9-11 Christian prayer has at heart the praise and glory of God.Paul is concerned about four things regarding the spiritual well-being of the Philippians: That their love may abound and increase – growing more and more (2 Pet 1:5-8).Our love must grow in knowledge and all discernment. Love that is blind to…
Acts 2 v 1-21 The Settinga. The DayFeast of weeks (Ex. 34:22)Pentecost means 50 – observed 50 days after Passover (Lev. 23:13-16).Observed on the Sunday – like we are doing.b. The PlaceThey were all assembled with one accord in a house and in unity.c. The peopleActs 1:26 points to the Apostles being together – Galileans.They…
Philippians 1 v 5-11 Verses 3 to 8 is a window into Paul’s heart: Their partnership in the Gospel.We get a glimpse into his prayer life. He always prayed for those with whom he labored in the Gospel, e.g. Lydia (Acts 16:15).He remembers their partnership sweetly.In spite of imprisonment Paul could pray with joyful thanksgiving…
Habakkuk 1 v 5-11 Habakkuk was a prophet who also spoke to God like a priest.His name means ’embrace’, speaking as one who embraces God’s people to his heart. The three chapters can be seen:1. From Habakkuk’s perspective as his prayer, patience and peace.2. From God’s perspective as His Plan, Power and Providence. We would…