TonyCC

Upgraded to Roman citizens, they were advanced and forward thinking compared to the neighbouring cities. Pride probably distracted them from discerning good from the best. Godly discernment enabled them to live in a manner that pleased God. Perhaps sometimes we trade the best for good for the sheer lack of faith. May the Lord help us to discern wisely His best for us.

Paul expects God's involvement in the completion of the Philippians faith through Jesus Christ, as truly redeemed God's people. Because there is simply no way the Philippians could do it themselves. Paul's confidence came from the fact that Christ has already paid the penalty for sin. So God no longer sees our own righteosness but Christ's righteousness in us.

Most times, we just receive to joy of obedience to God. Sometimes it can get difficult to give. But for some reasons I can't explain, hoarding away material possessions has never made me experience true joy. Only giving has. And this strengthens any relationship. At the end of the day, its not the things, money or work around me. It's the people around me. Whether we're clergys or missionaries, genuine friendship, spiritual accountability and gentle encouragement can't replace the pressing needs of finance more.

Hi. Both idea of a saint and slave are essentially the same except for a slight variance. The root idea of a slave is a servant without any personal rights. His life and purposes belongs to his Master. A saint is a servant set apart, dedicated and consecrated for his Master. The only rights he has is to fulfil what the purposes that the Master has set apart for him to do. However its the latter that serves with the saving knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both are obligated to serve and submit to the Master. Yet the latter can do so with joy because of the redemptive power of God through Jesus Christ.