False teachers with their deceptive rhetoric were infiltrating the church at Colossae and pulling believers away from the truth. In a warning that is just as relevant to the church today, Paul addresses this issue in Colossians 2:8-10 by exposing the empty ideas that creep in to derail faith and draw believers into destructive falsehoods.

Paul begins his letter to the Christians in Colossae by establishing the supremacy and divinity of Jesus Christ to build a solid framework for addressing the heresy creeping into their congregation. As we study Colossians 1, we learn what was happening in Colossae that prompted Paul to write this letter, see how Christ accomplished our reconciliation with God, and discover the glorious mystery now revealed to all believers.

Paul presents a powerful picture of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20 as the Creator, Sustainer, and Head of the Church. As we unpack these profound truths, we discover why Christ is preeminent over all things, what it means to make Him our life, and the staggering reality that the Creator went to the cross to reconcile us to Himself.

As Paul wraps up his letter to the Philippian church, he leaves them with final exhortations about avoiding division, overcoming anxiety through godly thinking, and the blessing of giving. As we study Philippians 4, may we heed Paul's words by living as a united, joyful people enthusiastically sharing the Gospel as we await Christ's return.

In Philippians 4:10-13, Paul reveals how he learned the secret to being content whether living in abundance or enduring adversity. As he shares what biblical contentment looks like, we discover how to learn it, how to live it, and why it all centers on Jesus Christ.

Paul reflects on his past, present, and future in Philippians 3, showing how each shapes his identity and perspective in his pursuit of Christ. Along the way, he calls out those who try to derail others’ faith, shows why earthly accomplishments are meaningless apart from Christ, and explains what we should eagerly pursue instead.

In Philippians 3:14–15, Paul encourages the church to do something seemingly impossible: be perfect. As we examine what Paul really means, we discover how believers can already be perfect in Christ while still being works in progress, awaiting the day when they are made perfectly complete in His presence.

Paul continues his letter to the Philippians in Philippians 2:12–30 by praising their obedience to God, encouraging them to work out the salvation God is working within them, and reminding them that their service brings Him pleasure. He concludes the chapter by pointing to Timothy and Epaphroditus, whose Christlike character and faithful service to the Gospel provide examples for believers to follow.

As Christians, the most joyful, encouraging, and gracious words should come from our mouths, yet we are often just as prone to grumbling, complaining, and murmuring as the rest of the world. In Philippians 2:14-18, Paul strongly cautions against this, reminding us that a joyful church is marked by believers who shine as lights in a dark world, point others to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and rejoice in their salvation.

Paul addresses our calling as Christians to love one another in Philippians 2:1-11, focusing on strife within the church, being like-minded despite our differences, and walking in humility. He then points to the example Jesus set through His earthly ministry and His willingness to die for our sins.