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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for September 2025
October 1, 2025
Philippians 1:11 – Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Thought: There are four points in this verse. First, THE FILLING. When God is involved in things, they are not partially or halfway done. He provides for superabundance. Second, THE FRUITS. Christians are to be filled with good fruit. This fruit is described by the word “righteousness,” that which is right. Third, THE FILLER. The one who produces our fruit is Jesus Christ. Fourth, THE FUNCTION. Our fruit is to bring glory and praise to God.
Ephesians 5:9
October 2, 2025
Philippians 1:12 – But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.
Thought: Understanding something is vital to both our physical and emotional well-being. Paul was in the custody of the Roman government when he wrote this epistle. This deeply troubled the Ephesian church. Thus, Paul wrote to give them understanding. He reveals that “the things which have happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” There are times when bad circumstances can produce positive results.
2 Timothy 2:9
October 3, 2025
Philippians 1:13 – So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places.
Thought: Paul told the Philippians that his imprisonment had enabled furthered the gospel. Here, he reveals one of the places the gospel had influenced, “all the palace.” The Greek word for “palace” is “praitorion.” Paul was constantly overseen by one of the palace guards. This gave Paul a “captive audience.” He spoke the gospel to these men. In turn, they would take Paul’s message to fellow-soldiers, family, and friends, that is, “all other places.”
Philippians 4:22
October 4, 2025
Philippians 1:14 – And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Thought: Paul’s message to the Philippians at this time involved the benefits that were derived from his imprisonment. This is the second blessing. When some brethren saw Paul’s affliction, they were emboldened to preach the Word of God without fear. If Paul was willing to suffer for the cause of Christ, they were also willing. An example to others can have a very powerful, positive influence on others. In Paul’s case, he notes “many” waxed confident.
2 Corinthians 1:6-7
October 5, 2025
Philippians 1:15 – Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will.
Thought: Those who were emboldened to preach the gospel due to Paul’s imprisonment did so with mixed agendas. Some preached out of envy and strife. Many were jealous of the attention Paul received because he spoke the truth. They wanted the same type of attention Paul was getting. Their envy led to a dislike of Paul. Others, however, proclaimed the truth out of goodwill. They wanted to be like Paul. Paul was not their opposition but an example.
2 Corinthians 10:10
October 6, 2025
Philippians 1:16 – The one preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds.
Thought: When some preachers of the first century saw that Paul was incarcerated, they used it as an opportunity to demean the apostle and to promote themselves. They preached “out of contention, not sincerely.” They wanted the attention shifted to themselves. The message was not their focus. One of the main reasons they rose up was to add affliction to Paul’s bonds. Their hearts were evil. Their motives were wicked and corrupt.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
October 7, 2025
Philippians 1:17 – But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
Thought: When some knew Paul was in prison, they took advantage of it by opposing Paul. Others, however, became bold in their preaching due to love, love for God, love for the gospel, and love for Paul. They understood that even though Paul was in prison, he was set for the defense of the gospel. Paul defended the gospel only in the sense that he would correct and rebuke those taught error. His purpose was to make sure good hearts were not led astray.
Galatians 2:4-5
October 8, 2025
Philippians 1:18 – What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Thought: Many who opposed Paul himself still preached the truth of the gospel. And, those who loved Paul also preached the true gospel. Paul said that he rejoiced in both. If Christ was being preached to the lost, Paul took joy therein. The gospel saves. Those who preach the gospel are just instruments to make known the message. The saved belong to the Lord. They do not have an official affiliation with the minister of the gospel. Thus, Paul rejoiced.
Mark 9:38-40
October 9, 2025
Philippians 1:19 – For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul had keen skills of discernment. At this time, he knew the chances were good that he would be released. He was almost certain of it for two reasons. First, his release would answer the prayers of the Philippians. They constantly brought his name before the Father’s throne. Second, Paul was supplied by the Spirit of Jesus Christ in times like this. Paul knew that when testimony was given he would not speak, but the Spirit would speak.
Mark 13:11
October 10, 2025
Philippians 1:20 – According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Thought: Paul truly believed he would be released from prison. However, he was not foolish enough to believe that nothing could change, and his life would not be taken by the Romans. Even so, Paul was committed to three things. First, he would never be ashamed of the Christ of the gospel. Second, he would always be bold and forthright in his proclamation of the truth. Third, Christ would be magnified in his body, “whether it be by life, or by death.”
Isaiah 50:7
October 11, 2025
Philippians 1:21 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Thought: Paul was committed to living for Jesus. He would love the Christ. He would trust the Christ. He would obey the Christ. He would manifest Jesus’ attributes in his life. He would proclaim the Christ. He would defend the Christ. He would never be ashamed of the Christ. He would be persecuted for the Christ. As Paul stated: “For to me to live is Christ.” If his did this, death would bring gain. A great reward and crown of righteousness awaited.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
October 12, 2025
Philippians 1:22 – But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Thought: Death to Paul was a reality. Too, he saw it as a blessing. If he continued to live, though, he was committed to producing “the fruit of my labour.” That fruit was the manifestation of Christ. Both choices, life and death, had their pros and cons. Thus, Paul confessed: “…yet what I shall choose I wot not.” There are times when choices are difficult. Fortunately for Paul, he would not have to choose. The choice would be made for him.
2 Corinthians 5:9
October 13, 2025
Philippians 1:23 – For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ which is far better.
Thought: Paul, like us, often faced opposing desires and needs. While in prison, he knew that there was always the possibility that he could be put to death by the Roman authorities. This, however, was not a horrible thing for the apostle. He had a deep “desire to depart, and to be with Christ.” He knew that this is “far better” than continuing to live in this evil world. There he would rest from his labors and have fellowship with his Lord and Savior Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:8
October 14, 2025
Philippians 1:24 – Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Thought: In opposition to Paul’s desire to depart from this world to be with Christ was the need of the Philippians to have the counsel and assistance of their friend and brother in Christ. He could encourage them. He could counsel them. He could comfort them. He could guide them. He could correct them. They loved and trusted this servant of Jesus Christ. Paul recognized and appreciated this fact. It made his desire to depart difficult.
2 Corinthians 12:14-15
October 15, 2025
Philippians 1:25 – And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.
Thought: Paul was confident at this time that he would not be put to death. He states plainly: “I know that I shall abide and continue with you all.” He notes two ways the Philippians will be benefited by his continuing to live. First, Paul would cause them to advance and progress in their faithfulness to the Lord. This is involved in the word “furtherance.” Second, the sparing of his life would bring abundant joy to their faith.
Romans 1:11-12
October 16, 2025
Philippians 1:26 – That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Thought: Paul appreciated the strong, loving relationship that he had with the Philippians. They had supported him in his labors from the very first day they came in contact with the gospel. While in prison, he could envision his release and his return to them. He knew there would be abundant rejoicing on the part of these faithful saints. Ministers are not always privileged with such a close fellowship. They, too, rejoice when blessed with a loving church.
2 Corinthians 7:6-7
October 17, 2025
Philippians 1:27 – Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Thought: Paul emphasizes two actions the Philippians needed to fulfill. First, their manner of life needed to harmonize with the teachings of the gospel of Christ. The gospel is the Christian’s standard of living. It contains all he needs for life and godliness. Second, the church needed to be united. “Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Unity is the crown of Christianity that shines out into the world.
John 17:2-23
October 18, 2025
Philippians 1:28 – And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Thought: Paul had experienced persecution while in Philippi. He knew the wrath of both the Jews and the pagans. He exhorts these believers not to be terrified by their adversaries. This is often harder said than done. It takes a deep faith and strong courage to stand against one’s opponents without fear. The reactions to their persecution were twofold. The adversaries saw it as a “token of perdition.” The Philippians saw it as a token “of salvation.”
1 Peter 4:12-14
October 19, 2025
Philippians 1:29 – For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.
Thought: Christianity has two sides, the positive and the negative. The positive side is associated with believing in the Christ. Faith is the mechanism that enables an individual to experience the blessings of salvation in Christ Jesus. These blessings are what motivate individuals to follow Jesus. There is a negative side that some fail to realize, however. There will be times when we must “suffer for his sake.” That suffering can be intense and painful.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
October 20, 2025
Philippians 1:30 – Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now bear to be in me.
Thought: Paul uses himself as an example of one who suffered for the cause of Christ. The Philippians were well aware of the suffering Paul experienced when he brought the gospel to their city. He was stripped, scourged, thrown in prison with his feet being put in stocks. Now, as Paul wrote this epistle to the Philippians, he was in prison again. This time he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul was living proof that Christians will suffer for Christ’s sake.
Acts 16:2-24
October 21, 2025
Philippians 2:1 – If there be any consolation in Christ, if there be any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.
Thought: Paul begins this exhortation with the words: “If there be.” These words are not used to express doubt. Instead, they are used to affirm “the tender considerations which religion furnished” (Barnes, e-sword). There is consolation in Christ. There is comfort in love. There is fellowship in the Spirit. There are bowels (pity or sympathy) and mercies. Paul wanted the Philippians to consider these things as he makes his next appeal to them.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
October 22, 2025
Philippians 2:2 – Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Thought: Paul had predicated his remarks here with verse one. If consolation, comfort, fellowship, bowels, and mercies exist in the Christian faith, the Philippians could prove it by fulfilling Paul’s joy. That joy would come when he saw them united in Christ. He uses several words to describe unity: likeminded, the same love, one accord, and of one mind. It is not easy to have all of these things. When they are present, things and good and pleasant.
Psalm 133:1
October 23, 2025
Philippians 2:3 – Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Thought: Paul wanted the Philippians to possess a genuinely strong unity. He now reveals how this could be done. First, they must eliminate the negative. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” Second, they must practice the positive. “…but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” When we are dealing with our brothers and sisters in Christ, a good phrase to remember is: “Less of self, and more of thee.”
Romans 15:1-3
October 24, 2025
Philippians 2:4 – Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Thought: Man has a tendency to be self-absorbed. Our needs, our likes, and our opinions are right and are all that matters. We forget that the body of Christ has many members. They, too, have needs, likes, and opinions. Many of them are different than ours. Therefore, Paul reminds us not to just be concerned about our own welfare, but look “every man also on the things of others.” Most of the time there are solutions that satisfy the needs of all.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27
October 25, 2025
Philippians 2:5 – Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Thought: When Christians are struggling with issues, there is one person to which they can turn and find a perfect example. That person is Jesus Christ. Paul had told the Philippian Christians to be likeminded, to esteem others better than themselves, and to look on the things of others. He now uses Jesus as an example of one who did just that. Notice, Paul’s emphasis on the mind. It is the control center. We need the mind of Christ to guide us.
1 John 2:6
October 26, 2025
Philippians 2:6 – Who, being in the form of God, thought is not robbery to be equal with God.
Thought: There are two major thoughts in this verse. First, Paul reveals that Jesus was “in the form of God.” There was a time when He was a spirit being like the Father. He possessed all of the qualities and powers of deity. However, God’s plan involved His becoming a man. This leads to Paul’s second thought. Jesus did not think being equal with God was something to grasped. He was willing to become a man and suffer and die for us.
Hebrews 1:3
October 27, 2025
Philippians 2:7 – But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
Thought: Instead of holding tightly to His divine nature, Jesus was willing to make himself of “no reputation.” Those words mean that He was willing to empty Himself. He was willing to become a servant instead of being the one served. He was willing to take on flesh and all that involves instead of remaining a spirit. It is difficult for human beings to understand all Jesus sacrificed just to come to earth to dwell among men. He gave up glory and majesty for us.
Hebrews 2:14-18
October 28, 2025
Philippians 2:8 – And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Thought: God is eternal, having no beginning and no end. God does not die. Yet, Jesus subjected Himself to death as a man. Jesus’ death involved several personal qualities. Paul mentions two. First, He was humble. Second, He was obedient. These might not seem to be very important until one learns that Jesus would die up “the cross.” The Romans perfected crucifixion to be a long and painful process. Jesus lovingly and voluntarily yielded to it.
Matthew 26:39-44
October 29, 2025
Philippians 2:9 – Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above all names.
Thought: Jesus humbled Himself to accomplish His Father’s will to die for lost humanity. In return, God exalted Him. In fact, Paul proclaims that God “highly exalted him.” Too, He gave Him a name that is above all names. God exalted Jesus to have all power in heaven and in earth. He is the King of all kings. He is the Head of the church. He is the High Priest over the house of God. And, the name of Jesus is known two thousand years after His death.
Matthew 23:12
October 30, 2025
Philippians 2:10 – That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth.
Thought: When one bows in the presence of another, it is out of respect for the individual. The Father has lifted up the name of Jesus above all other names. Thus, He deserves the respect and admiration of all. In this world, some will bow before the Christ, but not all will. However, there will come a day when every knee will bow, “of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth.” Not one human will defiantly stand in His presence.
Revelation 5:11-13
October 31, 2025
Philippians 2:11 – And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God.
Thought: Paul stated in the previous verse that every knee would bow before Jesus. Now, he asserts that “every tongue” will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. There have been many throughout history who have denied the Lordship of Jesus. They ridiculed and scoffed His holy name. One day this will change. They will bow in His presence and confess that He is Lord of all. Whether one does it now or later, confession will be made to the glory of God.
2 John 7
Read devotionals for November 2025