This episode looks at Philippians 1:7, “For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me.” Paul further explains his grounds for calling them participants in the gospel and for his confidence that God is at work in them. Our deep affection for fellow Christians and our fellow suffering for the gospel identifies us together with those who are united with Christ.

This episode looks at Philippians 1:6, “For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” When God starts a good work, he always finishes it. What sweet comfort for us.

This episode looks at Philippians 1:5, “because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul is overflowing with joy and thanks because of the immediate and persevering partnership of the Philippians in the gospel. We should have a similar thankfulness for our partners in the gospel in ministry, church, and family.

This episode looks at Philippians 1:4, “I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you.” Thanksgiving and joy walk hand in hand. May it be so in our lives, and it may it prove to be a self-reinforcing cycle: thanks increases joy and joy prompts us to give thanks.

This episode looks at Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Paul thanks God for how the Philippians have come to his aid. May we do the same, and may we also be the ones who bring the aid so that thanksgiving to God will multiply.

This episode looks at Philippians 1:2, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!” Paul’s greatest hope for the Philippians is that God would pour out his unmerited favor (grace) upon them, and that this would result in a wholeness and tranquility in life (peace). What a sweet prayer we echo for those in our lives.

This episode looks at Philippians 1:1, “From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.” Paul writes to all the saints, calling them to live in light of what God has done in them, and he specifically includes the overseers and deacons because of the special role they play in bringing these realities to fruition in the church body.

This episode looks at Proverbs 12:28, “In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” This functions as a summary of the sections before it. Joyful diligence, righteous speech, humble acceptance of correction, etc. all lead on the path of righteousness—and thus life.

This episode looks at Proverbs 12:27, “The lazy person does not roast his prey, but personal possessions are precious to the diligent.” The lazy person depends on others for their needs. The diligent person accumulates possessions, and they find them precious. This same truth is fulfilled in Christ’s diligent work on earth, imitated in Paul’s life and ministry, and commanded to us.

This episode looks at Proverbs 12:26, “The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” If we want friends who will pull us up out of seasons of depression, anxiety, and slothfulness and onto the joyful path of diligence, then we need to be thoughtful in our friendships. May God grant grace to make us worthy friends, help us to discern worthy friends, and then walk faithfully alongside our friends.