Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
joy from peace
Philippians 4:2-23. Paul’s final words to the Philippians warn them of the things that can rob them of the peace with God which is theirs in Christ. Personal conflicts (like the disagreement that had developed among two prominent women in … Continue reading
joy from the Lord
Philippians 3:1-4:1. Our joy is in the Lord, and for that reason our confidence cannot be in our ancestry or our accomplishments. Because our joy is in the Lord, anything we might count in our favor is actually counted as … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, enemies, faith, grace, joy, resurrection, suffering
Tagged Philippians 3, Philippians 4
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joy from others
Philippians 2:12-30. Paul was no lone ranger. He was blessed by those who ministered the gospel because of him, those who served alongside him in his team, and those who were sent to support him and provide for his needs. … Continue reading
Posted in church, dependence upon God, grace, mercy, ministry, prayer, witness, works
Tagged Philippians 2
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joy from unity
Philippians 1:27-2:11. Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to complete his joy by fulfilling his expectations: He expected them to unite together in their stand for the gospel, in spite of the suffering it would cause (1:27-30). He expected them to … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, gospel, humility, suffering, the cross, unity
Tagged Philippians 1, Philippians 2
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joy from confidence
Philippians 1:1-26. Things were getting bleak for the apostle Paul. He had been arrested and imprisoned in Rome with no knowledge of when — or if — he would ever go to trial. Even if he went to trial, the … Continue reading
grace for love and war
Ephesians 6:10-24. Paul concludes this letter with a prayer for grace to all who read it, that they might love the Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. The warfare that they face will challenge that love. His concluding words to … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, grace, peace, perseverance, prayer, scriptures
Tagged Ephesians 6
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relationships that reflect grace
Ephesians 5:22-6:9. The grace walk requires voluntary submission in all relationships. This is a means of obeying the command in 5:18, being filled with the Spirit. It is accomplished by submitting to one another. So, what follows should not be … Continue reading
Posted in church, equality, family, grace, love, obedience, peace, sanctification, submission, witness
Tagged Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6
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the grace walk
Ephesians 5:1-21. The believer imitates God’s grace by walking the grace walk. The grace walk is a life that imitates God’s sacrificial love. Just as Christ gave himself up for us, so we who walk the grace walk are to … Continue reading
Posted in church, faithfulness, grace, holiness, joy, sanctification, self-control, worship
Tagged Ephesians 5
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imitating grace
Ephesians 4:17-32. We are no longer the old selves. The old selves were alienated from God, corrupt on the inside and callous, carnal, and covetous on the outside. We must put off those old selves and put on the … Continue reading
Posted in church, forgiveness, grace, holiness, hope, sanctification, truth, witness
Tagged Ephesians 4
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grace given to each one of us
Ephesians 4:1-16. Jesus made all believers one. We have the unity of the Spirit, and are called to one destiny. Walking in a manner worthy of that calling requires: Keeping the peace by bearing with one another: accepting our differences … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, grace, Holy Spirit, ministry, spiritual gifts
Tagged Ephesians 4
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