The Joy of Living: A Study of Philippians

by J. Dwight Pentecost

Publisher:

Kregel

, 1973

Overview

This devotional commentary of Philippians contains helpful study and review questions for personal Bible study or sermon preparation.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi in order to help "make their joy complete." In this practical exposition of the letter to the Philippians, J. Dwight Pentecost helps the reader discover a joy that transcends any circumstance and a contentment that is greater than any trial.

Pentecost observes that "knowing Christ, walking in fellowship with Him, and being obedient to Him floods the life and heart and mind of the apostle Paul with an incomparable joy...so that in Christ he has found perfect rest, satisfaction, and contentment."

Contents

Top Highlights

“Here an Asian who had become a proselyte to Judaism, successful in the business world and of some social standing, came to find Christ; a classless slave girl whose religion was demonism came to find Christ; and a Roman official came to find Christ. These became the ‘saints which are at Philippi.’” (Page 14)

“So ten years have transpired between the events recorded in Acts 16, where we see the foundation of the church at Philippi, and the time when he writes, ‘To all of the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.’” (Page 15)

“Finally, in Philippians 1:28, the apostle says that when Christ lives His life in men, it will be a life without fear or cowardice. ‘In nothing terrified by your adversaries.’” (Page 52)

“When a need comes into our lives, the natural response is to bear it alone. We consider it a sign of weakness, either human or even spiritual weakness, to share that need with another saint so that he might be a channel of God’s comfort and help and encouragement. Because we try to bear without the help of the members of the body, we miss God’s comfort, God’s strength, God’s joy.” (Page 19)

“The Word of God gives us the clue to spiritual maturity. It is not in individual personality or individual inheritance or individual experience, nor in individual ministry or service. It can be reduced to one word—appetite. It is that which makes the difference between the immature and the mature, the baby and the adult.” (Pages 134–135)

Product Details

• Title: The Joy of Living: A Devotional Study of Philippians
• Author: J. Dwight Pentecost
• Publisher: Kregel
• Publication Date: 1973
• Pages: 256

About J. Dwight Pentecost

Dr. Pentecost was a professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological seminary for over sixty years. He was also a pastor for thirty-five years. He wrote twenty-one books, including Things to Come. He died in 2015.