Tag Archives: Philippians

Grace vs. Works

Is the gospel of grace opposed to good works? Should Christians who are pursuing God and his grace pursue good works with all that they are? By no means… Check out what Calvin says about being devoted to good works: We, too, when treating of the righteousness of faith, do not contend against the substanceContinue reading “Grace vs. Works”

John Calvin on The Holy Spirit’s Sense of Humor

I will explain Calvin’s view on the Holy Spirit’s sense of humor, but first a few jokes: Knock Knock. Who’s there? Annie. Annie who? Annie way you can Let me in now? (badum – chhh!) When drilled for details, the Dentist replied that his favorite hymn was “Crown Him with Many Crowns” #cleanhumor #divineappointment –Continue reading “John Calvin on The Holy Spirit’s Sense of Humor”

Context Context Context!

I’m in the middle of studying for our next sermon series at Soma which is a series on Philippians. Philippians is certainly one of the most beloved books of the NT. In fact, I have several friends who have even memorized it! One of the reasons why its so beloved is because it contains aContinue reading “Context Context Context!”

Rejoice Always!

This week I have been studying Paul’s letter to the Philippians. One thing that really jumps out at me is how  often he uses the word rejoice. Commentator after commentator point out that joy or rejoicing is a major theme in this short letter. In fact one commentator was said: Summa Epistolae; Gaudeo, Gaudete. WhichContinue reading “Rejoice Always!”

Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Imitation

The imitation of Christ has always been an important emphasis within Christianity. Augustine believed that the whole point of the Christian life was to imitate Christ. Francis of Assisi also felt strongly about imitating Christ, in fact he modeled his entire ministry around the way Christ did ministry.  Francis advocated for a life of povertyContinue reading “Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Imitation”

Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Selflessness

Originally I intended to write on the Christ Hymn, highlighting Philippians 2:5-11. I wanted to highlight the presence of “Adam-Christology” and highlight the parallels to the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.  I really wanted to talk about the “temptation” that Christ was presented with, it wasn’t that Christ was grabbing at a “forbidden equality withContinue reading “Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Selflessness”

Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Koinonia

Over the next few weeks we are going to be going through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. As you probably know Philippians is a very personal letter, it almost has the tone of an encouraging chat between two friends. Nevertheless this letter does have a point, there are reasons why Paul wrote this letter (itsContinue reading “Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Koinonia”