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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2025
November 1, 2025
Philippians 2:12 – Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Thought: Paul commends the Philippians for their obedience to the Word. They obeyed in Paul’s absence, as well as, in his presence. In other words, they were not just men-pleasers. Paul then exhorts these Christians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Some have interpreted this verse to mean that they are free to practice their religion any way they desire. We work it out by doing precisely what God directs out of respect and awe.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
November 2, 2025
Philippians 2:13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure.
Thought: A Christian understands he is a servant of God. This position causes him to be submissive to God’s will. When the servant conforms to the will of God, God works in his life. This is something God longs to do and will do if He is allowed. He will not force His will on anyone. When God is allowed to work in a person’s life, he finds that his life is both blessed and is a blessing to others. God’s “good pleasure” is always beneficial to man.
2 Corinthians 3:5
November 3, 2025
Philippians 2:14 – Do all things without murmurings and disputings.
Thought: Doing “all things” in a certain way is a tall order. Paul exhorts the Philippians to do all things without murmurings and disputings. Thayer defines “murmurings” as “a secret displeasure not openly avowed.” A person can do what he is supposed to do and look good doing it to others, but within he is grumbling and complaining. Disputing involves outward discussion, questioning, and debate. The individual complies but gripes and argues.
1 Corinthians 10:10
November 4, 2025
Philippians 2:15 – That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Thought: Christians are clearly aware that they are living in the world. However, they often forget their purpose. We are to live in such a way as to be blameless and harmless and without rebuke. We are to shine as light in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. This is why we do not murmur and complain. Our thoughts are holy. Our attitudes are positive. Our words are clean. Our behavior exemplifies the Lord we serve. Yes, we shine as lights!
Matthew 5:14-16
November 5, 2025
Philippians 2:16 – Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither have I labored in vain.
Thought: Paul views the Christian life from two perspectives. He sees himself running a race. Too, he views himself as a laborer in a vineyard. When he reaches the finish line, he does not want to find that he has run in vain. Too, when it is time for the harvest, he doesn’t want to find he has labored in vain. This will not happen if the Philippians will hold forth the word of life. They do this by heeding, believing, obeying, and defending God’s precious Word.
Psalm 71:17
November 6, 2025
Philippians 2:17 – Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Thought: Life is not supposed to be all about self. A life of purpose is about service to others. It was Paul who brought the gospel to Philippi. He loved and cared for his brothers and sisters deeply. If he had to be “offered upon the sacrifice and service” of their faith, he rejoiced. If his hardships and sufferings brought blessings to the Philippians, Paul was filled with joy. Dear readers, joy comes by being served, and joy also comes by serving others.
2 Corinthians 12:15
November 7, 2025
Philippians 2:18 – For the same cause also do we rejoice and rejoice with me.
Thought: There are times when we should rejoice with others. Paul had told the Philippians that if he had to be offered up for them, he would rejoice to do so. To be offered up involved pain, suffering, and sorrow at times. Yet, Paul said in the midst of the pain he would rejoice. He, then, exhorted the Philippians to rejoice with him in this. Struggle and pain are not usually causes of rejoicing. Paul rejoiced in these and wanted the church do rejoice also.
Ephesians 3:13
November 8, 2025
Philippians 2:19 – But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
Thought: Paul was a man who was committed to taking the gospel to the world. He established many churches especially among the Gentiles. He was responsible for establishing the church in Philippi. This man had a genuine love for all who were converted to Jesus Christ. When he could not personally go to see them, he would often send others to know of their state. Here, Timothy, a young evangelist is going to be sent to the Philippians.
Ephesians 6:21-22
November 9, 2025
Philippians 2:20 – For I have no man likeminded who will naturally care for your state.
Thought: Timothy joined Paul on his second journey. He was with Paul when he preached in Philippi. He, like Paul, cared for this congregation. The translators of the KJV use the word “naturally” to describe Timothy’s care for this church. The word “naturally” means: “genuinely, really, truly, sincerely, and faithfully.” This natural care for the Philippians caused Paul to trust Timothy. Timothy’s care would be manifested in his service to them.
John 10:12-13
November 10, 2025
Philippians 2:21 – For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
Thought: Christians are supposed to be selfless people. However, it is difficult to put self aside to serve others. This is often true of ministers of the gospel as well. We are very concerned about our own well-being. If there is going to be sacrifice, hardship, or harm come our way, we have a tendency to bow out of the situation. Only a handful are like Timothy. He was one who truly sought the things “which are Jesus Christ’s.” Thus, Paul used him.
1 Corinthians 10:33
November 11, 2025
Philippians 2:22 – But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Thought: Timothy proved himself to Paul. Paul had taught Timothy the gospel. Thus, he was Timothy’s father in the faith. Timothy joined Paul on his second missionary journey. Timothy served Paul faithfully. Paul describes his service with the words “as a son with the father.” He was respectful. He was caring. He was attentive. He was obedient. He was helpful. He helped to make Paul shine. Young men like Timothy don’t come around often.
1 Corinthians 4:17
November 12, 2025
Philippians 2:23 – Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
Thought: As we read Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we often forget he was a prisoner at the time. He hoped to be released, but circumstances can always change. As soon as Paul had some answer regarding his situation, he promised to send Timothy to Philippi. After Paul set forth his commendation of Timothy, it would be difficult for them not to eagerly anticipate the young evangelist’s arrival. He loved Paul. He was like Paul. He would serve them like Paul.
2 Corinthians 12:18
November 13, 2025
Philippians 2:24 – But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Thought: This statement proves that Paul was anticipating being released from the custody of Rome soon. After his release, he would visit the saints in Philippi. This plan made known by Paul would have filled the hearts of the Philippians with joy. A letter is a good thing. A visit from Timothy was better. But, the best thing that would comfort the Philippians would seeing Paul in person. One’s actual presence far surpasses any substitutes.
Philemon 22
November 14, 2025
Philippians 2:25 – Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Thought: Epaphroditus was a member of the church at Philippi. When the Philippians heard of Paul’s imprisonment, they dispatched Epaphroditus to Paul’s side with a gift from the church. Paul now feels the need to return Epaphroditus to them. Notice Paul’s description of this man: my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier. Too, he had ministered to Paul’s wants. It is difficult to let such an asset depart, but it was a must.
Proverbs 25:13
November 15, 2025
Philippians 2:26 – For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Thought: Epaphroditus was very close to all of the members of the church in Philippi. While he was away from them, he had become very sick. This deeply concerned his brothers and sisters in Christ. When Epaphroditus heard of the care the church had for him, he longed for them, “and was full of heaviness.” He hurt because he had become the cause of their sorrow. He longed to be with them. He wanted them to know everything was okay with him.
1 Corinthians 12:26
November 16, 2025
Philippians 2:27 – For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Thought: The concern that the Philippians had because Epaphroditus was sick was not illegitimate. Paul reveals that “he was sick night unto death.” Many of us have had similar experiences. A person we loved was so sick that death lingered near. “God,” however, “had mercy on him.” Paul acknowledges God’s role in healing Epaphroditus. He also notes that God had mercy on him. Had Epaphroditus died, Paul would have had sorrow upon sorrow.
Psalm 30:1-3
November 17, 2025
Philippians 2:28 – I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Thought: Paul’s understanding of the Philippian’s concern for Epaphroditus and his deep love for those Christians caused him to send Epaphroditus back to them. He could see the arrival of Epaphroditus. He could see the joy upon the faces of the ones who love him so. He could see the sweet reunion they would share with one another. He knew his arrival would remove the sorrow that was in their hearts. Thus, he carefully sent this man back to them.
Genesis 46:29-30
November 18, 2025
Philippians 2:29 – Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation.
Thought: Paul gives his commendation of Epaphroditus and exhorts the church to “receive him.” He was to be received “in the Lord,” that is, as a faithful child of God. He was to be received “with all gladness.” This was not a difficult thing for the Philippians to do. This man was one of them. They loved him dearly. In addition, Epaphroditus was to be held “in reputation.” He was to be looked upon with honor. He was to be valued and cherished.
Colossians 4:10
November 19, 2025
Philippians 2:30 – Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Thought: One of the reasons Epaphroditus was to be held in high esteem is because he came close to dying while doing the work of Christ. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to Paul. He was an agent who represented the Philippians. While serving the apostle, something happened that caused this man to disregard his own life and to faithfully render service to Paul. Paul reminds us that sacrifice is more important than the situation.
Romans 16:3-4
November 20, 2025
Philippians 3:1 – Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Thought: One of the themes of the epistle to the Philippians is “rejoice.” Here, Paul begins a new section with the words: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.” Occasionally, we need to be reminded to rejoice. We often see the bad and fail to see the blessings. Paul is about to repeat some things he had told his readers in the past. Paul notes that such was not grievous to him. Repetition serves several purposes. Here, it could protect his readers.
Psalm 5:11
November 21, 2025
Philippians 3:2 – Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the circumcision.
Thought: Three times Paul exhorts these saints to “beware.” The word means “to look, to perceive, to turn the eye toward, to gaze upon.” It is important to see dangerous things. If we fail to see danger, it can bring hurt and death. Paul warns of three things. First, we warns of dogs, mangy, spiritual scavengers. Second, he warns of evil workers, those who engage in wicked deeds. Third, he warns of the circumcision, that is, the Judaizing teachers.
Matthew 7:15
November 22, 2025
Philippians 3:3 – For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Thought: Paul sets forth a truth here that is not understood by many in the religious world. The reason it is misunderstood is because many think physically instead of thinking spiritually. Paul referred to the Philippians as “the circumcision” even though they were not physically circumcised. Under the New Covenant, a spiritual circumcision takes place, a circumcision of the heart. This makes one a spiritual Jew. The flesh is not important.
Romans 2:28-29
November 23, 2025
Philippians 3:4 – Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more.
Thought: Paul knew that the New Testament was now the operative spiritual law. He knew that the fleshly things involved in Judaism were no longer important. However, the Judaizing teachers of his day promoted their fleshly pedigrees. They failed to understand that Paul, too, could “have confidence in the flesh.” Paul was a Jew. His pedigree ran deep. If others believed they could boast of their fleshly ties, Paul could do so even more than they.
2 Corinthians 11:16-18
November 24, 2025
Philippians 3:5 – Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.
Thought: Circumcision was a “sign” of the covenant. Males Jews were to be circumcised on the eighth day. This placed them in a covenant relationship with Yahweh. Paul was a true Israelite, a child of Abraham. He was from the tribe of Benjamin. It was a small tribe, but it had a reputation of being strong militarily. He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a man held in reputation. As touching the law, Paul was a Pharisee, the strictest sect of the Jewish nation.
Genesis 17:10-13
November 25, 2025
Philippians 3:6 – Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Thought: Paul notes that he fought on behalf of Judaism. He also discloses that he was obedient to the Law. Before his conversion, Paul stood in staunch opposition to the church. There was no one more zealous in their attempts to completely destroy the church Jesus died to establish. This was commendable to Jews. No one could keep the law perfectly, but there was nothing that could be held against Paul regarding his obedience. He was blameless.
Galatians 1:13
November 26, 2025
Philippians 3:7 – But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Thought: Paul was a very prominent figure in the Judaism in the first century. He had been trained by Gamaliel. He embraced the strict teachings of the Pharisees. He was known by members of the Sanhedrin court. His zeal for Judaism was unmatched by his peers. He manifested himself as a bitter enemy of Christianity. Most likely, he was financially well off. For Jesus, Paul gave up all. “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
Luke 14:33
November 27, 2025
Philippians 3:8 – Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.
Thought: Once Paul saw the Lord on the road to Damascus everything changed. His yearnings were no longer for the Law of Moses but “for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” His feelings toward all of his benefits was completely different once Christ entered into his heart. He proclaimed that all of those things were counted as dung “that I may win Christ.” The only things that were important to Paul were things centered in Christ.
Matthew 19:27-30
November 28, 2025
Philippians 3:9 – And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
Thought: In Judaism, a man could only be as righteous as his ability to obey the law of God. Under the New Covenant, a man could be wholly righteous. This was made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ and through faith in His blood. Notice how Paul contrasts the two systems: “mine own righteousness” versus, the righteousness “which is through faith of Christ.” Man’s righteousness is imperfect. Righteousness in Christ is absolute perfection.
Romans 3:24-26
November 29, 2025
Philippians 3:10 – That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
Thought: Paul met Jesus Christ while travelling to Damascus to persecute Christians. After learning that Jesus was truly the Son of God and Savior of the world, Paul wanted to get to know all he could about Him. He wanted to know the person of Jesus Christ. He wanted to know the power of His resurrection in his life. He wanted to participate in the sufferings of Jesus. He was even willing to experience death just as Jesus had experienced it.
Ephesians 1:19-20
November 30, 2025
Philippians 3:11 – If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Thought: Paul understood death is the enemy of man. Death snuffs out life on earth. Death is the end of one’s earthly existence. But, Paul also understood resurrection. Jesus was raised from the dead never to die again. He is the promise that there will be more to follow. Paul longed to be part of the resurrection. He yearned for that time when death would hold him no more. He would experience great joy when he was raised to live with Christ forever.
John 11:23-27
Read devotionals for December 2025