More from Paul’s most heavenly-minded letter.
Life in the Spirit
Ephesians 5:1-21
Application to particular relationships
Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-9
The armour of God
Ephesians 6:10-18
Conclusion
Ephesians 6:19-24
Letter to the Philippians: Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1-11
He encourages them
Philippians 1:12-30
Christ the believer’s example
Philippians 2:1-18
Paul’s future plans
Philippians 2:19-30
Paul continues with his urging to holiness of living, talking about living in the light, not the dark, urging them to build each other up in faith, and always thanking God for everything. He applies his principles to specific family relationships – husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and slaves.
Then he talks about spiritual defence, telling them how prayer, faith and righteousness will protect them against heir enemy the devil. And with that, he draws the letter to its conclusion. No personal greetings this time, no coming back to earth with a few practical instructions. It’s as though Paul’s mind is set on heaven, and he hasn’t got time any more for earthly things.
Then we move on to Philippians, which is a very different letter. In it, Paul talks endlessly about himself - what’;s happening to him in prison, his hopes to be released versus the dilemma he faces in longing for heaven.
The highlight of the letter is his wonderful poem about Jesus, emptying himself of the glory of heaven and humbling himself to death on a cross. It seems that Paul is dwelling more and more on the heavenly places as his life draws to its end, but here he is focussed on heaven’s impact on the here and now.
Life in the Spirit
Ephesians 5:1-21
Application to particular relationships
Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-9
The armour of God
Ephesians 6:10-18
Conclusion
Ephesians 6:19-24
Letter to the Philippians: Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1-11
He encourages them
Philippians 1:12-30
Christ the believer’s example
Philippians 2:1-18
Paul’s future plans
Philippians 2:19-30
Paul continues with his urging to holiness of living, talking about living in the light, not the dark, urging them to build each other up in faith, and always thanking God for everything. He applies his principles to specific family relationships – husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and slaves.
Then he talks about spiritual defence, telling them how prayer, faith and righteousness will protect them against heir enemy the devil. And with that, he draws the letter to its conclusion. No personal greetings this time, no coming back to earth with a few practical instructions. It’s as though Paul’s mind is set on heaven, and he hasn’t got time any more for earthly things.
Then we move on to Philippians, which is a very different letter. In it, Paul talks endlessly about himself - what’;s happening to him in prison, his hopes to be released versus the dilemma he faces in longing for heaven.
The highlight of the letter is his wonderful poem about Jesus, emptying himself of the glory of heaven and humbling himself to death on a cross. It seems that Paul is dwelling more and more on the heavenly places as his life draws to its end, but here he is focussed on heaven’s impact on the here and now.
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