In the last half of Philippians 3, Paul gives us the key to finishing well in our Christian life: Do not get distracted from the goal, follow worthy examples, and maintain focus on the glory that lies ahead for all who are in Christ.
Paul calls on us to abandon any confidence we might have in our own contributions to our standing with God and instead place all our reliance on the righteousness and sacrifice of Christ. He alone is worthy.
In our passage for today, Paul shows us how the example of selfless humility set by Jesus Christ works out in our everyday lives. By God's grace, we can live up to His ideal of true greatness.
Today's passage gives us a window into the profound mystery of Jesus Christ's incarnation as a man who lived a fully human life among us, while still remaining God. It is the supreme example of humility--one that we are called to follow as we live for Him.
Paul's letter to the Philippians is often called "the epistle of joy." Joy and praise fill its pages, but not because Paul's life was trouble-free. He simply chose to concentrate on thanksgiving, prayer, and the hope of eternity with Jesus, as we see in the opening verses.
Whether we realize it or not, we are all engaged in an ongoing spiritual battle. Our only hope of standing firm against the attacks and temptations Satan throws at us is to look to God and appropriate the "armor" He has provided for our protection.
What this world needs--what the church needs--is people of wisdom. And that means Christians who are obedient to God's Word and consistently applying its truths to every relationship in life. That is what this passage in Ephesians calls us all to be.
As Christians we are "children of light" who are to shine forth the light of the gospel in this dark world. We do that by living pure lives that reflect the character of God. The apostle Paul offers some specific, practical steps by which we can accomplish that.
The church belongs to Christ. He has established it, and He has provided all we need as members of His church to thrive and grow as a united body. This key passage in Ephesians 4 tells us how we, the church, can fulfill the purpose the Lord has for us.
All Christians are united in Christ as part of His church. This precious truth is not something we should take for granted but something we should eagerly seek to guard and maintain.
Psalm 51 records David’s heartfelt confession after his sin with Bathsheba, and Stephen Davey explains it as a model of genuine repentance. He begins with David’s petition—a plea for mercy based on God’s steadfast love. Aware of the weight of his guilt, David asks God to blot out his transgressions, wash away his iniquity, and cleanse him from sin. The second step is admission: David accepts full responsibility, refusing to blame others and acknowledging his fallen nature. His sin, he admits, flows from the sinful heart of humanity inherited from Adam. Next comes restoration: David pleads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” recognizing that only divine power can renew what sin has corrupted. Finally, his resolution is to teach others from his failure—to lead sinners back to God through honesty and repentance. Davey concludes that true confession involves humble honesty, complete dependence on God’s mercy, and a transformed resolve to live transparently before Him, proving that no sin is too great for God’s restoring grace.
Psalms 42–44 open the second book of Psalms, where Stephen Davey explains that God invites believers to pour out their hearts to Him with complete honesty. The sons of Korah—descendants of a rebel who chose faithfulness—wrote of spiritual dryness and discouragement: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Davey notes that even when God seems silent, He is never absent. These psalms teach believers to trust and wait for the Lord, declaring, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” In Psalm 44, this personal trust expands to national suffering as Israel endures consequences for sin yet clings to God’s covenant faithfulness. Paul later cites this psalm to remind believers that suffering is not abandonment but evidence of spiritual maturity. Through these lessons, Davey encourages believers to be honest with God, steadfast in hope, and confident that even in dry seasons, God remains their salvation and strength.
In The Voice of Creation (Psalm 19:1–8a), Stephen Davey contrasts Carl Sagan’s hopeless view of a silent universe with David’s joyful proclamation that creation declares the glory of God. Davey explains that the heavens continually reveal God’s signature, wisdom, and grace—a universal testimony to His power and creativity. The beauty, complexity, and order of nature point unmistakably to a Designer, but this general revelation alone cannot save; it must be joined with the special revelation of God’s Word. David moves from calling God El (Creator) to Yahweh (personal Redeemer), showing that Scripture revives the soul, makes the simple wise, and causes the heart to rejoice. Davey concludes that while creation proves God’s existence, His Word reveals His character and plan of redemption. Believers, therefore, should worship the Creator revealed both in the world around us and in the inspired Word that leads us back to Him.
This lesson from Deuteronomy 16–26 emphasizes God's righteousness as the standard for all of life. Moses reviews the importance of righteous leadership—judges, kings, priests, and prophets—who are called to uphold justice and truth. God's laws are revisited to guide Israel in holy living, covering areas like inheritance, morality, and societal order. These commands act like protective boundaries, showing how a righteous person should live. Finally, Israel’s worship is tied to gratitude and public acknowledgment of God's faithfulness. The lesson encourages believers to live righteously, not just privately but visibly, so the world sees God's wisdom and character through them.
Psalm 19:8b–14 teaches that God’s Word is flawless, enduring, and deeply valuable—more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. Unlike the temporary treasures of this world, Scripture enlightens the heart, exposes sin, renews fellowship with God, and guides believers in righteousness. David celebrates the Bible as a timeless revelation that cleanses, corrects, and delights those who cherish it, reminding readers to treasure and obey God’s Word as their greatest source of wisdom and joy.
