“For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:21 ESV). Paul wrote to the Philippians about his desire to send Timothy to them. Unlike others who were concerned with their own affairs, Timothy stood out as a rare example of one who genuinely sought the things of Christ. In a
“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:1–2 ESV). Isaiah reminded Israel that God’s power
“[Pray]…that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19–20 ESV). The apostle Paul wrote from a Roman prison. He asked the Ephesian believers to
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7 ESV). Seven hundred years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah prophesied with astonishing accuracy about the Messiah’s
“I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6 ESV). The prophet Isaiah foresaw the coming of the Servant of the Lord, who would willingly endure great suffering and humiliation. Written over 700 years before
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3–4 ESV). The writer of Proverbs taught that a home is not built with wood, brick and nails alone, but by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Wisdom is the foundation, understanding
“…and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19 ESV). Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers might know the love of Christ, even though this love surpassed mere human knowledge. He had already prayed that they be strengthened with power through
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1 ESV). Isaiah introduced the first of the “Servant Songs,” a prophecy of God’s chosen servant who would come to bring justice to the nations. In
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8 ESV). Isaiah wrote these words to Judah when foreign nations like Assyria seemed unstoppable and God’s people felt fragile and forgotten. The prophet reminded them that nations and rulers, like grass and flowers, quickly fade away. Human power