Philippians, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 50 - Philippians 

Philippians is a letter of encouragement from Paul to the church in the city of Philippi. Written from Rome while Paul was in prison, it offers the hard-learned lessons of faith that Paul has experienced through his suffering as a preacher of the gospel (elsewhere, Paul lists the number of times he was arrested, whipped, shipwrecked, and more).

Essentially, Paul recognizes God's blessings in all circumstances for people who know the truth through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Like many Christians, Paul awaits eternal life where he will live with Jesus and other Christians in heaven in perfect peace.  However, he also finds joy in his life on earth, despite the suffering and obstacles, because he is helping others discover and grow in faith.

Paul believes that all Christians can approach the hardships and challenges of life with an open attitude.  While all Christians anticipate leaving in a perfect new world through Jesus, they can find joy in their earthly lives as long as they are growing in faith and helping others to grow in their faith too.

Ephesians, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Ephesians you might have missed.
 Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Ephesians tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Ephesians, Day 5 Readings

Mutual Accountability & Encouragement for This World      

Today's first reading makes some people uncomfortable as it is the source of the instruction "women, submit yourselves to your husbands."  For centuries, this verse has been used to support patriarchy among Christians.  Interestingly, though, this is a misapplication of this verse, which follows another instruction: "submit to each other."

This is a vision of mutual accountability, where Christians of all genders, ages, and social statuses encourage each other, support each other, and lovingly teach each other how to be better Christians.  By living in this way, they will be better citizens of the new world God is creating.

Read Ephesians 5:21-6:9  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers some final encouragements to Christians as they keep living in this world, before they can live in the new world God is creating.  While God is preparing Christians for a new world, they still must live on earth, with all of its brokenness.  In fact, life on earth poses a threat to Christians trying to live in a new way, and Christians should be prepared for struggle (even war) against the powerful forces of this world.  They should also have faith that God has equipped them for this fight.

Read Ephesians 6:10-24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 5:21-6:24 today.

Ephesians, Day 4 Readings

A New Way of Living for a New World     

Today's reading offers some practical descriptions of the way that Christians should live as they become citizens of God's new world.  Christians must make a sharp break with their old lives, turning their backs on their current vulgar lifestyles -- no more lying, cheating, lusting, backbiting ways.  Instead, filled with God's truth and love, they must live as children of the light: embracing all as God embraces all, seeking God's truth, and living in peace.  What is more, there is the possibility that others might see their behavior and recognize God's truth for their own lives.

Read Ephesians 4:1-5:20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 4:1-5:20 today.

Sermon - "Cut It Out" (Galatians)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on Paul's letter to the Galatians, where the apostle exposed his frustration, and even anger, at those who were teaching that Christians had to follow Jewish law in order to be completely faithful.

Paul, despite being raised and educated as a Jew, understands the gospel of Jesus Christ much differently.  Jesus is a means for all people -- Jew and Gentile, alike -- to connect to God through the covenant with Abraham.

Even more, people need to stop worrying so much about all of the specific "do's" and "don'ts" of Jewish law.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can experience spiritual gifts that guide Christians in living out the "do's" and "don'ts" of faith, without a list of rules.  And Paul passionately believes that the "do's" of faith, where Christians follow the passions of their spiritual gifts.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and closing benediction.

Ephesians, Day 3 Readings

God's New World as a Mystery    

Today's reading continues to describe the new world promised by God to the church.  In some ways, this new world is a mystery which is known and understood only by God.  However, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God is slowly revealing this mystery to Christians -- unveiling a mystery that has been present, but kept a secret, throughout all of history.

By following the teachings of Jesus together in the church, God is revealing this wonderful new world to Christians -- a glimpse of the glorious eternal future for everyone who will live in heaven.

Read Ephesians 3:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 3 today.

Ephesians, Day 2 Readings

A New World, United    

Today's reading continues to describe the vision of a new world which God is creating through Jesus Christ.  Unlike the kingdoms of earth, this world will be united.  There will be no outsiders and insiders, no VIPs and others.

The first proof of this unity -- this oneness -- of Christians is in God's abolition of the division between Jews and Gentiles.  Through Jewish law, non-Jews were considered separated from God, but through Jesus, all people are near God.  And if so, then all people can become citizens of the new world God is preparing.

Read Ephesians 2:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 2 today.