Philip Dampier's Blog

Chapter 4, Verse 11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.” Boy! Don’t you wish you could say this? If you can, you are definitely God blessed. It is most likely that Paul did need something considering…

Alive in Christ Kenneth Boa in his book, Conformed to His Image, (p.270) wrote “Any dead fish can float downstream, but to swim against the current of our times, we must be spiritually alive.” Our cultural world defines us based on our achievements within that culture. How we measure up…

Chapter 4, Verse 10 “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” Paul reminds them of his appreciation for their support in his present circumstance. They would have done more sooner…

Chapter 4, Verse 9 “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Paul has instructed them in the proper way to think and how it will affect their life’s outcome. Now, he turns to behavior. How…

Chapter 4, Verse 8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Paul is ready to close the letter. He has written…

Three: Don’t speak words against the Spirit. Mark 3:29 “…but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin—for they were saying, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’” Blasphemy is the hardened, habitual denial of the power of the Spirit of God. It is…

Two: Don’t quench the Spirit. 1 Thess. 5:19 “Do not quench the Spirit.” Paul sees the Holy Spirit living within us as a fire to stir us up to do the godly works we were created for. If we listen to the Spirit and obey the Spirit, He will motivate…