Kingdom of God – Page 3 – Just Keith Harris

Philippians 4 on 1/19 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul closes his letter by urging the Philippians to stand firm in the Lord and to pursue unity for the sake of the gospel (v. 1). He addresses a real conflict between two believers, Euodia and Syntyche, calling them—and the church around them—to be of the same mind in Christ (vv. 2–3). Unity is not optional or secondary; it is essential to faithful gospel witness. Paul’s affection for this church is clear as he calls them his “joy and crown,” reminding them that perseverance in Christ is both a present calling and an eternal hope (v. 1).

From unity, Paul turns to the inner life of faith. He calls believers to rejoice in the Lord always, to display gentleness toward others, and to replace anxiety with prayer marked by thanksgiving (vv. 4–6). The result is not merely emotional calm, but the peace of God, which guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus—an inner protection rooted in God’s sovereignty and nearness (v. 7). Paul also stresses disciplined thinking: believers are to set their minds on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, and to practice what they have learned and seen lived out in faithful examples (vv. 8–9).

Paul then thanks the Philippians for their generous support, using his own life to model contentment in every circumstance (vv. 10–13). Whether in abundance or need, Paul has learned that strength comes not from circumstances but from Christ who empowers him (v. 13). Their generosity, he explains, is not only a kindness to him but a spiritual offering pleasing to God, and he assures them that God will supply every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus (vv. 18–19). The letter ends with greetings, a doxology, and a final reminder that all of life—from unity to contentment to generosity—exists for the glory of God through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 20–23).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted toward anxiety, disunity, or dissatisfaction, and how does Paul’s call to prayerful trust and contentment challenge your response?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Practice visible gospel unity and generosity this week—encourage reconciliation, pray with thanksgiving, and meet a tangible need as an act of worship to God.

Philippians 3 on 1/18 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul begins by calling the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, then immediately warns them against false teachers who insist that righteousness comes through obedience to the law and outward religious markers (vv. 1–3). With sharp language, he exposes the danger of putting confidence in the flesh—anything outside of Christ—as a false hope. True worship, Paul explains, is by the Spirit of God, true boasting is in Christ Jesus, and true confidence rests not in human effort but in God’s saving work (v. 3, Romans 2:28–29).

To make his point unmistakably clear, Paul turns to his own story. If anyone could claim righteousness by religious pedigree and effort, it was him—circumcised according to the law, an Israelite, a Pharisee, zealous, and outwardly blameless (vv. 4–6). Yet Paul now considers all of those former “gains” as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (vv. 7–8). He longs to be found in Christ, possessing not a righteousness of his own, but the righteousness that comes from God through faith (v. 9, Romans 3:21–22). This righteousness unites him to Christ’s death and resurrection, shaping both his present suffering and his future hope (vv. 10–11).

Paul then describes the Christian life as a forward-looking pursuit. Though not yet perfect, he presses on toward the goal of full conformity to Christ, forgetting what lies behind and striving toward what lies ahead (vv. 12–14). He calls the Philippians to follow this example and to be discerning about those whose lives are shaped by earthly desires rather than the cross (vv. 17–19). In contrast to such enemies, believers belong to a different kingdom: their citizenship is in heaven, and they eagerly await Jesus, who will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body when He returns (vv. 20–21, 1 Corinthians 15:42–44).

🌀 Reflection:
What are you tempted to place confidence in—past achievements, spiritual effort, or personal credentials—rather than resting fully in Christ?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Identify one way this week to intentionally “press on” toward Christlikeness—letting go of self-reliance and choosing obedience that flows from faith in Jesus.

Philippians 2 on 1/17 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul calls the Philippians to a life of unity shaped by humility and love. Because believers share encouragement in Christ, fellowship in the Spirit, and God’s deep affection, they are urged to be of the same mind—setting aside rivalry and self-promotion in order to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others (vv. 1–4). This unity is not bland sameness but a shared devotion to Christ that expresses itself in self-giving love. Paul knows this kind of humility does not come naturally, so he points them to the ultimate example.

At the heart of the chapter is the stunning picture of Jesus’s humble obedience. Though eternally God, Christ did not cling to His rights or privileges but willingly took the form of a servant, becoming fully human and obedient even to death on a cross (vv. 6–8). Because of this obedience, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every name, so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord—to the glory of God the Father (vv. 9–11, Isaiah 45:23). Paul includes this confession not merely for doctrine, but to shape daily life: humility flows from seeing who Jesus is and what He has done.

With Christ’s example before them, believers are called to “work out” their salvation—not by earning it, but by living out its reality through obedient lives empowered by God Himself (vv. 12–13). They are to shine as lights in a dark and crooked world, holding fast to the word of life with joy rather than grumbling (vv. 14–16). Paul then points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of this Christlike service—men who put the good of others before themselves and gladly poured out their lives for the gospel (vv. 19–30). The chapter closes by showing that humility, unity, and joyful sacrifice are not abstract ideals but a way of life shaped by Jesus.

🌀 Reflection:
Where is God calling you to lay aside self-interest so that the humility of Christ might be more clearly seen in your relationships?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Intentionally serve someone today in a quiet, unseen way—reflecting the humility of Christ rather than seeking recognition.

Philippians 1 on 1/16 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul opens his letter with deep affection and gratitude for the believers in Philippi, thanking God for their partnership in the gospel from the very beginning (vv. 3–5). Even while imprisoned, Paul prays for them with joy, confident that the God who began a good work in them will surely bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (v. 6). His prayer centers on love—love that grows in knowledge and discernment so that it results in lives marked by holiness, integrity, and the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, all to the glory of God (vv. 9–11).

Paul then addresses his imprisonment directly, assuring the Philippians that what appears to be a setback has actually served to advance the gospel (v. 12). His chains have opened doors for witness among the imperial guard and have emboldened other believers to proclaim Christ more courageously (vv. 13–14). Even when some preach Christ with wrong motives, Paul rejoices—not because of their intentions, but because Christ is proclaimed (vv. 15–18). His joy is rooted not in circumstances but in the unstoppable progress of the gospel.

This perspective shapes Paul’s famous confession: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (vv. 21). Whether released or executed, Paul’s chief desire is that Christ be honored in his body (v. 20). Though he longs to be with Christ, he is convinced that remaining will serve the Philippians’ progress and joy in the faith (vv. 22–26). He closes the chapter by urging them to live as citizens worthy of the gospel—standing united, unafraid of opposition, and willing to suffer for Christ, knowing that both faith and suffering are gracious gifts from God (vv. 27–30).

🌀 Reflection:
How would your perspective on daily challenges change if your greatest goal—like Paul’s—was simply that Christ be honored, no matter the outcome?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage another believer today by reminding them that God is still at work in their circumstances and will faithfully complete what He has begun.

Philemon on 1/15 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul’s short letter to Philemon shows the gospel at work in real, everyday relationships. Writing as a prisoner for Christ rather than appealing to his apostolic authority, Paul addresses Philemon—a faithful believer in Colossae whose home hosted a local church—along with Apphia, Archippus, and the gathered believers (vv. 1–3). Before making any request, Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith in the Lord Jesus and his love for the saints, noting how Philemon’s life has refreshed the hearts of others (vv. 4–7). This thanksgiving sets the tone: Paul’s appeal will rest on love, not command.

The heart of the letter centers on Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave who had wronged him and then encountered Paul in prison, where he came to faith in Christ (vv. 8–12). Once “useless,” Onesimus has been transformed by the gospel and is now truly “useful” (v. 11). Paul sends him back, not by force but in faith, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord—both in earthly life and in their shared life in Christ (vv. 15–16). Paul even offers to repay any debt Onesimus owes, modeling substitution and reconciliation in a way that mirrors Christ’s work for sinners (vv. 17–19, Colossians 2:14).

Paul expresses confidence that Philemon will do what is right—and even more than what is asked—because obedience flows from belonging to Christ (vv. 20–21). He closes with greetings from familiar gospel partners and a final prayer of grace, reminding the church that the gospel does not merely reconcile people to God, but also reshapes how believers treat one another (vv. 23–25). Philemon stands as a living illustration of what it means for Jesus to be Lord over every part of life.

🌀 Reflection:
Is there a relationship in your life where the gospel calls you to forgive, reconcile, or extend grace beyond what feels reasonable or deserved?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take a tangible step toward reconciliation this week—by offering forgiveness, seeking peace, or showing Christlike grace to someone you would normally avoid.

Additional Resources for studying Philemon:
- Refresh & Restore Bible study on Philemon
- Appendix: Bible Passages Condemning Practices Related to Chattel Slavery and Modern-Day Slavery/Human Trafficking

Colossians 4 on 1/14 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul concludes his letter by showing how Christ’s lordship shapes everyday faithfulness, beginning with justice and accountability in relationships. Masters are reminded that they too are under authority, serving a Master in heaven, which reframes power, work, and responsibility in light of Christ (v. 1, Ephesians 6:9). Paul then calls the whole church to a life marked by persistent, watchful prayer—prayer that is sustained by gratitude and focused on God’s purposes rather than personal comfort (v. 2). Even from prison, Paul asks not for relief but for open doors to proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly and boldly (vv. 3–4, Ephesians 6:19–20).

That prayerful posture flows outward into daily witness. Believers are urged to walk wisely toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity because time is short (v. 5). Their speech is to be gracious, thoughtful, and “seasoned with salt,” reflecting both truth and kindness so that the gospel is commended rather than obscured (v. 6, Matthew 5:13). Paul assumes Christians are actively engaged in their communities, living in such a way that their words and actions work together to point others to Christ.

Paul closes with personal greetings that reveal the gospel at work in real relationships. He commends faithful partners like Tychicus and Onesimus, highlights restored relationships such as Mark’s reconciliation with Paul, and lifts up Epaphras’s tireless prayers for the churches in the Lycus Valley (vv. 7–13). Luke remains at Paul’s side, while others are reminded to faithfully fulfill their ministry (vv. 14–17). Writing the final greeting in his own hand, Paul asks them to remember his chains and ends as he began—with grace—underscoring that every act of faithfulness, prayer, and service flows from God’s unearned favor in Christ (v. 18).

🌀 Reflection:
How might a more watchful, thankful prayer life reshape both your daily priorities and your witness to those outside the church?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray intentionally today for an open door to speak about Christ—and when the opportunity comes, respond with wisdom, grace, and clarity.

Colossians 3 on 1/13 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Because believers have been raised with Christ, Paul calls the Colossians to live with a new focus and a new identity (v. 1). Their lives are no longer defined by earthly standards or spiritual shortcuts but by Christ Himself, who is seated at the right hand of God and reigns with authority (vv. 1–2, Psalm 110:1). Though their true life is presently hidden with Christ, it is secure and destined for glory when Christ appears again (vv. 3–4, Romans 8:29–30). This eternal perspective becomes the foundation for how believers live faithfully on earth.

Flowing from that identity, Paul urges believers to put to death the sins that once defined them—especially sexual immorality, greed, anger, and destructive speech—because these belong to the old self that has already been put off in Christ (vv. 5–9). In its place, believers have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator (v. 10, Ephesians 4:24). This new life breaks down every barrier of race, culture, and social status, because Christ is all and in all (v. 11, Galatians 3:28). The gospel does not merely improve behavior; it creates a new humanity centered on Jesus.

Paul then describes what this new life looks like in everyday relationships. As God’s chosen and beloved people, believers are to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together in unity (vv. 12–14). The peace of Christ is to rule in the community, the word of Christ is to dwell richly through teaching and worship, and everything is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving (vv. 15–17). This Christ-centered life reaches into the home and workplace, shaping marriages, parenting, and daily labor, as every role is lived under the lordship of Christ and for His glory (vv. 18–25).

🌀 Reflection:
What habits, attitudes, or relationships reveal whether your mind is set more on earthly concerns or on the risen Christ who is your life?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Intentionally display one Christlike virtue today—such as forgiveness, patience, or kindness—in a relationship where it would normally be difficult.

Colossians 2 on 1/12 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul opens this chapter by sharing his deep concern and struggle for believers he has never met personally, including those in Colossae and nearby Laodicea (v. 1). His desire is that they would be encouraged in heart, united in love, and filled with a full assurance of understanding—knowing that God’s mystery is Christ Himself (v. 2). In Jesus alone are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which means no secret insight, mystical experience, or spiritual elite can offer something Christ lacks (vv. 3–4). Paul rejoices that the Colossians are standing firm, and he urges them to continue living the same way they began: rooted, built up, and established in Christ, overflowing with thanksgiving (vv. 5–7).

Paul then issues a strong warning: do not be taken captive by teaching that sounds wise but is rooted in human tradition and spiritual powers rather than Christ (v. 8). The reason believers can resist such deception is because Jesus is fully God—the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily in Him—and believers have already been made complete in Him (vv. 9–10). Through union with Christ, they have experienced a true spiritual transformation: a “circumcision made without hands,” burial and resurrection with Christ, forgiveness of sins, and new life by God’s power (vv. 11–13). At the cross, God canceled the record of debt due for our sin that stood against us and decisively defeated the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them through Christ (vv. 14–15).

Because of this finished work, Paul warns the Colossians not to let anyone judge or disqualify them based on food laws, religious festivals, Sabbaths, ascetic practices, angel worship, or mystical visions (vv. 16–18). These things may look spiritual, but they are only shadows; the substance belongs to Christ (v. 17). True growth comes from holding fast to Christ the Head, from whom the whole body grows with a growth that is from God (v. 19). Since believers have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, submitting again to human rules and self-made religion is both unnecessary and powerless to restrain sin (vv. 20–23).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to look for “more” than Christ—whether through rules, experiences, or approval—and how does Paul’s reminder of Christ’s sufficiency challenge that impulse?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Gently encourage someone who feels spiritually inadequate by pointing them to the truth that, in Christ, they are already complete.

Colossians 1 on 1/11 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul opens his letter by thanking God for the Colossians’ faith in Christ, love for the saints, and hope laid up in heaven—a hope grounded in the true gospel they learned from their pastor, Epaphras (vv. 3–8). This gospel is not a local message but the only gospel, and it is bearing fruit and growing throughout the world, producing changed lives wherever it is truly received (v. 6). Paul then shares how he prays continually that the Colossians would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, leading them to walk in a way that pleases the Lord—bearing fruit, growing in knowing God, and being strengthened with God’s power for endurance, patience, and joyful thanksgiving (vv. 9–12).

At the heart of Paul’s prayer is gratitude for salvation itself. God has rescued believers from the domain of darkness and transferred them into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins (vv. 13–14). Paul then lifts the reader’s eyes to one of the richest portraits of Christ in all of Scripture. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, supreme over all creation, the agent and goal of everything that exists, and the one who holds all things together (vv. 15–17). He is also the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead, so that He might be preeminent in everything (v. 18). In Him all the fullness of God dwells, and through the blood of His cross God is reconciling all things to Himself (vv. 19–20).

Paul applies this glorious truth personally. Once alienated and hostile toward God, believers are now reconciled through Christ’s death so that they may be presented holy, blameless, and above reproach—if they continue steadfast in the faith and do not shift from the hope of the gospel (vv. 21–23). Paul then explains his own ministry: he suffers gladly for the sake of Christ’s body, the church, and faithfully proclaims the mystery once hidden but now revealed—Christ in you, the hope of glory (vv. 24–27). His aim is not merely conversion but maturity, as he labors with Christ’s power to present everyone mature in Christ (vv. 28–29).

🌀 Reflection:
How does seeing Jesus as supreme over creation, redemption, and the church reshape the way you view your life and your faith today?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage another believer by reminding them—verbally or in writing—that Christ is at work in them and that their hope is secure because Jesus reigns.

Ephesians 6 on 1/10 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul continues showing what a Spirit-filled life looks like in everyday relationships. Children are called to obey and honor their parents as an act of obedience “in the Lord,” echoing the fifth commandment and its promise of blessing (vv. 1–3; Exodus 20:12). Parents—especially fathers—are warned not to provoke their children but instead to raise them with loving discipline and instruction rooted in the Lord (v. 4, Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Paul then addresses slaves and masters, applying gospel principles to the realities of the first-century household. Slaves are to serve sincerely, as serving Christ Himself, while masters are commanded to lead with justice and humility, remembering they too answer to a heavenly Master who shows no partiality (vv. 5–9, Colossians 3:22–4:1).

Paul closes the letter by lifting the reader’s eyes to the larger reality behind daily obedience: the Christian life is spiritual warfare. Believers are called to be strong in the Lord, not in their own strength, and to stand firm against the devil’s schemes by putting on the full armor of God (vv. 10–13). This armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—comes from God Himself and equips believers to resist spiritual enemies, not human ones (vv. 14–17, Isaiah 59:17). Prayer undergirds everything. Paul urges constant, Spirit-dependent prayer for all believers and even asks for prayer that he would boldly proclaim the gospel, reminding us that faithfulness in the battle depends on God’s power, not ours (vv. 18–20). The letter ends with a benediction of peace, love, faith, and grace—fitting gifts for those learning to walk worthy of their calling in Christ (vv. 23–24).

🌀 Reflection:
Where has God placed you under authority—or given you authority over others—and how can you reflect Christ more faithfully in those relationships this week?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray intentionally today for another believer who is facing spiritual opposition, asking God to strengthen them to stand firm in Christ.