Key Verse: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
- Philippians 2:5 KJV
The call in Philippians 2:5 is both simple and profound: we are to think like Christ. Not just in moments of worship or prayer, but in our daily attitudes, decisions, and interactions with others. What is the “mind of Christ”? The surrounding verses paint a powerful picture. Jesus, though divine, chose humility over status:
Key Verse: "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil."
- Proverbs 16:6 KJV
There is a very close and intimate connection between godly fear and being holy in all manner of life. When do we drop into levity of conversation? When do light and frothy words fall from our lips? When do any of those hasty bursts of temper, or those fretful expressions, or that mere carnal, worldly talk to which we are naturally prone, hover upon our lips and break forth, more or less unguardedly, from our tongue? Is it not when this godly fear is not flowing its streams as a fountain of life, to well water the soul and soften it into humility and love, and is not springing up in wholesome checks and godly admonitions to keep the tongue as with a bridle and to rule that little member which, though so little, if untamed, defiles the whole body?
Key Verse: "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." - Matthew 9:35 KJV
The Lord Jesus was permitted to teach in the synagogues,
but he did not confine himself to them; nor did He preach only on the
Sabbath. He taught in all places and at all times. There have
been faithful men, who have closely copied his example, and have proclaimed
their Master's name with an untiring zeal. They have been much despised, but
they have turned many sinners unto the Lord; for the preaching of the
gospel is the most effectual means of converting souls.
Key Verse: "And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;"
- Matthew 13:3 KJV
From the heart trodden down by passing feet of pleasure, business, or care—the birds carry off the seeds the moment they are cast from the sower's hand. On the heart with a thin, emotional stratum on its surface, the seed seems for a time to make a deep impression. The hearer weeps under the sermon. He is amazed at the coldness of ordinary Christians. But in a little time, it is all over. He has no depth of conviction, and the quick growths of his first faith, are soon withered in the heat of life's trials.
Key Verse: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
- Titus 2:13 KJV
What a bright rainbow for a stormed-wreathed sky!
Hope is a joyous emotion! Poetry sings of it; music warbles its lofty
aspirations; but alas! how often does it weave fantastic visions — and then
vanish! "In the morning" the flowers of life are flourishing and
growing up; "in the evening" a mysterious blight comes — and they lie as
withered garlands at our feet! The longing dreams of the whole life seem
realized — but one wave of calamity overtakes us, and washes them all
away!
Key Verse: "And he said unto me, My
grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
There is a restless, a boundless desire in the mind of man for something which this world in all its glory is unable to bestow. This immortal appetite, this living desire, blinded mortals seek to gratify—some with honor, others with pleasure, some with riches, others with empire and glory. And need we therefore be surprised that they are never satisfied? Though I could trace my pedigree through illustrious heroes, and renowned kings, back to the first foundation of kingdoms, this would not furnish my soul with all it would desire.
Key Verse: "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
- Acts 16:31 KJV
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The apostle Paul and Silas responded to the jailor in the city of Philippi, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved, and your household” (Acts 16:31). The only road to heaven is by faith in Jesus Christ. Calling on any other name will not save you. There is salvation only in the atoning death of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). When we believe on Christ as Savior we trust or lean upon Him with our whole weight upon His cross. We cease to stand in our own religious strength, and cast ourselves wholly upon the Rock of Ages. Faith, belief and trust are synonyms for receiving Jesus Christ and the free gift of eternal life in Him.
Bible Reading: Philippians 2:4-11 KJV Key Verse: " Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: " - Philippi...
