In Philippians 3 the apostle Paul turns from counting former gains as loss for the sake of Christ and the righteousness that comes through faith to the practical outworking of that truth. He urges the brethren to join in following his example and to carefully note those who walk according to the same pattern. The word “note” means to scope out and fix the eyes upon such lives. At the same time believers are to mark those who cause divisions and scandalize contrary to the doctrine they have learned and to separate from them.

Many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction—complete ruin and a wasted life. Their god is their belly; they serve only what they can get out of the saints. Their glory is their shame, expressed in craftiness and deceitful handling of the Word of God. With smooth words and flattering speech they deceive the simple-hearted. Such teachers secretly introduce destructive heresies that deny the Lord who bought them, twist the Scriptures, and merchandise the people of God through covetousness. The fondness of money is a root of all things that lack character; those who determine to be rich fall into temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires that drown them in ruin. Godliness with contentment is great gain; having food and clothing, believers are to be content, for they brought nothing into the world and can carry nothing out.

Paul contrasts these earthly-minded lives with the true position of the church. Our citizenship is in the heavens, from which we eagerly await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are sojourners and pilgrims on the earth, fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. We do not set our minds on the things that are seen, which are temporary, but on the things that are not seen, which are eternal. When Christ appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. He will transform our lowly body, the soulish body, into a spiritual body conformed to His glorious body. In that resurrection there is neither marriage nor the need for food; the life-source is no longer the soul but the spirit.

Therefore Paul exhorts the beloved to stand fast in the Lord, hold the traditions taught by the apostles, live out the freedom that is in Christ rather than return to law, and serve one another in love without imposing personal standards. The form of this world is passing away; believers are not to love the world or the things of the world. The primary debt remaining is to love one another of the same kind—fellow saints. Every day brings the return of Christ one day closer; readiness consists in living so that when He comes we are not ashamed.

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Pastor Luther Walker resumes the Sunday morning service in Philippians, turning to the more excellent way. In Philippians 2:19-24 Paul notes that no one shared the same soul-level emotional concern for the Philippians that he possessed. In chapter 3 he issues a clear warning: beware of dogs—those who return to their former sins after being helped; beware of evil workers; and beware of the mutilation—those who insist on physical circumcision and life under the Mosaic Law. True circumcision is of the Spirit. Believers render religious service to God in spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and place no confidence in the flesh.

Paul then demonstrates that fleshly credentials hold no lasting value. If anyone could boast in the flesh, it would be him: circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee concerning the law, zealous to the point of persecuting the church, and blameless in the righteousness that is from the law. He had been trained under Gamaliel, the teacher of Israel, and held authority sufficient to consent to Stephen’s death. Yet every earthly advantage—position, training, status, and zeal—he now counts as loss for the surpassing excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. He regards them as rubbish so that he may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of his own derived from law, but the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.

Living by faith means taking God at His word without requiring visible miracles, audible voices, or emotional experiences. The Holy Spirit indwells and teaches the believer how to abide in Christ. The power of Christ’s resurrection is the inherent ability given to every believer: freedom from the mastery of the sin nature, victory over Satan, and the capacity to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). This same resurrection produces a living hope—an expectant anticipation of God’s fulfilled promise that can be applied in the present (1 Peter 1:3).

Fellowship with Christ’s sufferings involves sharing the passions of one who has crucified the flesh with its desires (Galatians 5:24). It includes the intense pressure that arises when the believer refuses the sin nature, resists Satan, and continues in righteousness even when that choice brings grief or opposition (1 Peter 4:1; 5:8-9; 2:19-21). Believers are also being conformed to His death: the old man who belonged to Adam has been crucified so that the body of sin is rendered idle and no longer rules (Romans 6:6); the world system has been crucified to the believer and the believer to the world (Galatians 6:14); and a carnal mind that seeks emotional experience rather than truth produces death, while a spiritually minded life produces life and peace (Romans 8:6).

Paul’s aim is to attain the resurrection from the dead in the sense of fully living out his identity in Christ now—not earning eternal life, which is already possessed by everyone who has the Son (1 John 5:11-12), but laying hold of that life through the proper struggle of the faith (1 Timothy 6:12), working out salvation with respect for the consequences of sowing and reaping (Philippians 2:12), and practicing the armor of God. Christian life is not presented as ease; it involves suffering for righteousness, yet that suffering is itself a gracious gift.

Paul does not claim to have already reached full maturity or his intended end. He presses on—pursues with the intensity of a persecutor—so that he may lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of him. He forgets what lies behind, including his former persecution of the church, and reaches forward to what lies ahead. He pursues according to the goal, on the basis of the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus—a prize he already possesses. The goal is Christ Himself and the consistent living out of identity in Him. Believers are to keep their eyes fixed on that mark, carefully scoping those who walk according to the same pattern, and refuse to be distracted by past failures or present fleshly credentials.

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As we continue in Philippians, Paul addresses conduct in the world from chapter 2:14-18—do all things without complaining, becoming blameless and harmless (unmixed motives) children of God, shining as lights in a crooked generation while holding fast the Word of Life for rejoicing in the day of Christ.

Working out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12) with fear and trembling means living out the salvation we already possess, not earning it. It involves deep respect for what God has done—He saved us from sin, so we should not return to it. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8); sowing to the flesh brings corruption, while sowing to the Spirit produces eternal life in our experience. God disciplines His children (1 Corinthians 11:30-32) with weakness, sickness, or even death to train them and prevent condemnation with the world. Perfect (mature) love casts out fear of judgment (1 John 4:18), but we maintain reverent respect.

Paul, facing possible death in Rome, stands somewhat alone but plans to send Timothy, who genuinely cares for the Philippians’ state like a son serving his father in the gospel. Everyone else seeks their own interests, not Christ’s. He also sends back Epaphroditus, their messenger and minister to Paul’s needs—his brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier—who nearly died in service. Such dedicated servants deserve honor.

In Philippians 3, Paul warns: beware of dogs (those who return to sin like a dog to vomit), evil workers (those lacking character who do wrong, often rooted in love of money), and the mutilation (those insisting on fleshly circumcision). True believers are the circumcision who serve God in spirit, rejoice in Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh. Paul lists his superior credentials—circumcised, tribe of Benjamin, Pharisee, zealous persecutor, blameless under the law—yet counts them all as loss and dung compared to knowing Christ. A more excellent way exists beyond the flesh.

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Pastor Luther Walker teaches through Revelation chapter 6, explaining the beginning of the Tribulation period after the Rapture and the signing of the seven-year peace treaty by the man of lawlessness. The 24 elders represent the redeemed Church. The seals depict escalating global judgments.

The first seal releases a white horse rider with a bow but no arrows, bringing false peace and conquest as Satan establishes one-world control through the ten kings and the harlot religious system. This connects to the man of lawlessness rising after the Church is removed.

The second seal brings a fiery red horse, removing peace from the earth and initiating wars, with a great sword given to the rider. This includes the man of lawlessness subduing three kings (Daniel 7), leading to nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom (Matthew 24). Israel remains protected initially.

The third seal releases a black horse with scales, signaling severe famine where a day’s wage buys minimal food (a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley). Oil and wine (medicinal) are spared.

The fourth seal unleashes a sickly pale (greenish) horse named Death, followed by Hades. Authority is given over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, hunger, death, and beasts. At this early Tribulation stage, no believers remain on earth post-Rapture; all who die go to Hades. This ties into dispensational failure, the restraint by the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2), and strong delusion for those rejecting truth.

The teaching covers Satan’s history from Ezekiel 28, his desire for one-world government, historical world systems, and distinctions like Sheol/Hades chambers, paradise’s relocation, and why the current age is perilous (2 Timothy 3).

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We pick up in Philippians chapter 2, focusing on our conduct among our own countrymen. Prior sections addressed our frame of mind in verses 1-4: since there is consolation in Christ, comfort, fellowship, affection, and compassion, we are to have the same frame of mind—loving other saints, unified in focus. This mirrors Christ’s frame of mind in verse 5: though in the form of God, He did not cling to equality with God but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant to fulfill God’s will. We must set aside our own reputation and credentials to serve one another.

In verses 12-13, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling—not to earn it, but to apply it—knowing God works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Grumbling involves secret muttering and complaining under the breath, seen in examples from John 7 and Acts 6. Disputing refers to negative reasonings that justify wrongdoing or manipulate outcomes, as in Romans 1 where people suppress truth about God through futile reasonings.

We are to be hospitable without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9), ministering spiritual gifts through love, the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12-13). This leads to becoming blameless (innocent, guiltless) and harmless (unmixed, without ulterior motives) as children of God—born ones (technia) from incorruptible seed—without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we shine as luminaries (Philippians 2:15).

As born ones of God, we imitate Him by walking in love, purifying ourselves, and practicing righteousness. We have victory over habitual sin through the indwelling seed and reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6). The world may be indifferent, but we hold fast the word of life so Paul (and we) may rejoice in the day of Christ, having not run in vain. Godliness profits in this life and the next; agonize in the good fight of faith, looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s appearing.Philippians 2: Conduct, Humility & Shining as Lights

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Pastor Billy Myron continues the Christian Life series on the sin nature in Galatians 5, wrapping up the list of works of the flesh in verses 19-21. The remaining items are drunkenness and revelings (carousings), followed by “and such like things.”

Drunkenness refers to intoxication by alcohol or similar substances that impair judgment, reasoning, and decision-making. Scripture distinguishes between moderate use (e.g., 1 Timothy 5:23, “use a little wine for your stomach”) and excess (“not given to much wine” in 1 Timothy 3:8 and Titus 2:3). Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being drunk with wine (excess leading to dissipation) with being filled by the Spirit. Romans 14 stresses not causing a brother to stumble regarding personal convictions on food or drink, prioritizing love. 1 Corinthians 5 calls for church discipline of a professing believer who is a drunkard, distinguishing this from judging outsiders.

Revelings (carousings) describe wild, out-of-control partying that often involves excess alcohol, disregard for property, or riotous behavior—appearing in Romans 13:13 and 1 Peter 4:3 alongside other sins of the old life. Believers are called to cast off works of darkness and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

The phrase “and such like things” allows for similar sins not explicitly listed (e.g., covetousness equated with idolatry in Colossians 3:5; also anger, wrath, blasphemy, extortion). The list in Galatians is not exhaustive but illustrative to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). Its purpose is to show the nature of fleshly living versus Spirit-led living, avoiding checklist legalism. Paul encourages setting the mind on things above, putting off the old man, and putting on the new—focusing on positive growth in Christ rather than mere abstinence.

This equips believers to identify fleshly temptations, maintain victory through positional truth in Christ (as covered in Romans 6-7), and discern differences from satanic attacks for future study. The goal is walking by the Spirit, producing fruit, with no law against such things. Those practicing works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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In Revelation 5, the scene is set in the throne room of the third heaven. God the Father holds a scroll written on both sides, sealed with seven seals. A strong angel proclaims who is worthy to open it and loose its seals. No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth can open the scroll or even look upon it. John weeps, but one of the 24 elders (representing the resurrected church) declares the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed.

The Lamb, appearing as slain with seven horns and seven eyes (the seven Spirits of God), takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. The four living creatures and 24 elders fall down in worship with harps and bowls of incense (prayers of the tribulation saints). They sing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation; and have made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign on the earth.”

Myriads of angels and every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea proclaim blessing, honor, glory, and strength to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb forever. The elders and living creatures worship Him who lives forever.

The church, as a holy royal priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices, reigns with Christ from the New Jerusalem. Pre-church saints await resurrection at Christ’s return to establish His kingdom. Those under the earth include unsaved humans and certain fallen angels imprisoned in Sheol/Hades awaiting judgment.

Before the Tribulation begins, key events must occur: the church is raptured; a worldwide religious system (Babylon the Harlot) rises; ten kings emerge; the man of lawlessness gains authority; and Israel is regathered to the land in belief as God deals with the nation again (per Deuteronomy 30, Romans 11). Daniel 2 and 7 outline four Gentile kingdoms culminating in a revived Roman empire of ten kings mixed with common clay (the seed of men). Christ destroys these kingdoms at His return.

The Tribulation starts in Revelation 6:1 when the Lamb opens the first seal. One of the living creatures says, “Come and see.” A white horse appears; its rider has a bow (no arrows) and receives a victor’s crown. He goes out conquering and to conquer, bringing false worldwide peace through a seven-year covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27). This peace lacks strength and precedes sudden destruction as the second seal removes peace from the earth.

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In this powerful teaching from Philippians, Pastor Luther Walker explores following Christ’s example of humility. Discover how God grants us faith and the privilege to suffer for Christ, the importance of like-mindedness, unity in love, and esteeming others better than ourselves. Learn why selfish ambition and conceit destroy fellowship, and how scoping out others’ interests aligns with God’s will.

Key truths include Christ’s humility: existing in the form of God yet taking the form of a servant, obedient to death on the cross. This mindset eliminates self-seeking, empowers us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling as God works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. Understand God’s desirous will for sanctification, thanksgiving in all things, and living as living sacrifices transformed by renewed minds.

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