Teaching
We gather around the scriptures to learn the unfolding story of God.
The Jesus Community – Colossians 3:11–15
Oftentimes we treat the modern church like a product to be consumed rather than a community to belong to. In Colossians 3, Paul calls the church to remember who it is: God’s unified family, chosen and dearly loved. This identity invites us to set aside the divisions we carry in from the world, to clothe ourselves in compassion, humility, and forgiveness, and to practice a love that binds us together in perfect unity. The invitation is not mere attendance, but shared commitment—a community formed by Christ’s grace and devoted to one another’s good.
Defiant Generosity – Philippians 4:14–23
What do we do when the needs around us feel too overwhelming to make a difference? In this final message from our Defiant Joy series in Philippians, we explore how cynicism, fear, and scarcity can shrink our capacity to live generously. Drawing from Paul’s gratitude to the Philippian church, we consider how generosity is not only about meeting practical needs but about the inner transformation that happens as we loosen our grip on time, money, and comfort. Through Scripture, cultural reflection, and honest confession, we’re invited to rediscover the freedom that comes from trusting in God’s abundance.
Learning Contentment – Philippians 4:10–13
Contentment is one of the most misunderstood yet deeply desired qualities in life. We often hear Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and mistake them for a motivational slogan or spiritual pep talk. But Paul’s understanding of contentment and strength is far richer. Writing from prison, he expresses gratitude not for what he has received, but for what generosity is producing in others. His contentment is not rooted in self-sufficiency or independence, but in a radical dependence on Christ.
Honest Confessions — Philippians 4:1–9
Hypocrisy is a universal part of the human condition—a gap between who we are and who we aspire to be. Rather than denying or being discouraged by our inconsistencies, we are invited to face them with honesty and humility, striving to close the gap through growth and grace. In Philippians, Paul offers practical guidance for how this can take shape, particularly in areas where hypocrisy often appears: conflict, anxiety, and virtue.
The Politics of Jesus – Philippians 3:17–21
In a world that demands our loyalty in many directions—nation, party, ideology—Paul insists that Christ alone is Lord. Every other identity or allegiance is secondary, and our unity as followers of Jesus must transcend political divides. This challenges us to examine where our true loyalty lies and to resist the temptation to elevate any earthly power to the place of Christ.
We Press On – Philippians 3:12–16
Spiritual complacency often creeps in unnoticed, disguising itself as contentment or routine. It can cause us to settle for a stagnant faith, where we go through the motions without truly engaging with God. True growth requires us to recognize and resist this inertia, choosing instead to pursue Christ with renewed intentionality and passion. The journey of faith is ongoing, not a destination we reach once and for all.
Is Jesus Worth it? – Philippians 3:7–11
In a world overflowing with options for meaning and identity, the question naturally arises: is Jesus worth it? Paul’s answer is an unqualified yes. He has lost much—status, friends, perhaps even family—but he insists that nothing compares to the joy and significance of knowing Christ. This “knowing” is not mere intellectual assent, but a deep, relational friendship with Jesus, an invitation into the very love of the Trinity. To know Christ is to be loved as you are, to find your true significance as God’s beloved.
The Mindset of Christ – Philippians 2:19–30
The desire for legacy is universal; we all want our lives to matter, to leave a mark that outlasts us. But our culture often pushes us toward building our own brand, maximizing comfort, and seeking recognition. Epaphroditus’ story challenges this narrative. He didn’t live to be known—he lived to be faithful. His legacy is not in fame or achievement, but in his Christ-like posture of humility, obedience, and self-giving love. Paul urges us to see in Epaphroditus a concrete example of what it means to adopt the mindset of Christ: to risk more, to reflect more, and to do more things that will live on beyond us.
Becoming Blameless – Philippians 2:14–18
In a world where negativity dominates headlines, it’s easy to think things are only getting worse. Yet broader trends—declining poverty, rising productivity, and a greener planet show reasons for hope. Still, our hearts often default to grumbling in the face of suffering, much like the Israelites in the wilderness who, despite God’s miracles, chose doubt and complaint over trust. Paul’s letter to the Philippians contrasts this response with living blamelessly as children of God, reminding us that bitterness is not just a reaction but a choice to overlook God’s goodness and provision.
Becoming like Jesus – Philippians 2:12–13
Spiritual formation is not about mastering our own fate or striving for perfection, but about surrendering control and allowing God to do His slow, patient work in us. Sometimes change is dramatic, but more often it is gradual, as God gently heals, corrects, and cultivates Christlike character in us over a lifetime. Our practices create openings for God’s grace, but it is He who transforms us from the inside out.
A Greater Narrative – Philippians 2:5–11
Modern culture celebrates self-centeredness, encouraging us to see ourselves as the protagonists of our own stories. This mindset, while seemingly empowering, actually leads to delayed maturity, isolation, and impoverished relationships. True community and deep friendships are not built on self-promotion but on mutual service and humility, as modeled by Jesus.
Embracing Humility – Philippians 2:1-4
The church, both past and present, has often failed to be on the side of justice, especially in its treatment of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. If Jesus is truly King, then the powers and principalities of this world are not, and our joy becomes a subversive declaration of that truth. Paul’s challenge in Philippians 2 is to embrace humility, to make room for one another, and to seek unity that is not mere agreement, but a shared participation in the life and love of Christ.
Citizens of the Kingdom – Philippians 1:27-30
Followers of Jesus are called to give their deepest loyalty and hope not to any nation, political party, or leader, but to Christ alone. In a world where political identities often demand our devotion, Christians are invited to remember that their true citizenship is in heaven and that their lives should reflect the reign of Jesus above all else. This allegiance may create tension with the surrounding culture, but it is the foundation of a gospel-shaped life.
Silver Lining – Philippians 1:12-18
Our culture is saturated with pessimism. Surveys show that most people are more likely to expect the worst than hope for the best, especially when it comes to issues like morality, education, and equality. But optimism is contagious, and as followers of Jesus, we have a unique opportunity to be carriers of hope. We can be the silver lining in our communities, not by ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine, but by choosing to see God’s hand at work even in suffering.
Defiant Joy – Philippians 1:1-11
The renewal of the church’s reputation begins with a posture of humility and service, not with image management or self-promotion. Paul introduces himself to the Philippians not as an apostle, but as a servant—a “slave of Christ”—modeling the self-emptying humility of Jesus. Our identity must be rooted in serving others, not in status or recognition.