Dade City Church of Christ

05/27/2026

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05/24/2026

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05/08/2026

“DO NOT MERELY LOOK OUT FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL INTERESTS, BUT ALSO FOR THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS”

THEREFORE, “IF”. When the apostle Paul uses the word “if” in Philippians 2:1, he is using it in the sense of “since.” There is no doubt in his mind, nor should there be in the minds of his readers, that all of these things are dependable and true. Since these things are true, the rest of his conclusions necessarily follow.
• “if there is any encouragement in Christ,
• if there is any consolation of love,
• if there is any fellowship of the Spirit,
• if any affection and compassion,” (Philippians 2:1)

“MAKE MY JOY COMPLETE BY…
• being of the same mind,
• maintaining the same love,
• united in spirit,
• intent on one purpose.” (Philippians 2:2)

DO NOTHING FROM SELFISHNESS. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) Please read this one twice. It is powerful; and it is important. What does Paul mean by telling us to put others first? He illustrates it by the actions of four representative people known to the disciples in Philippi.

FIRST, JESUS EMPTIED HIMSELF. The first illustration of humility putting the needs of others above their own, is our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but EMPTIED HIMSELF, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF BY BECOMING OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11) Was there ever a greater demonstration of unselfishness, humility, and concern for others above one’s own comfort, safety and welfare?

DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT GRUMBLING OR DISPUTING. “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT GRUMBLING OR DISPUTING; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:12-15). Do we act out of humility and unselfishness, treating others as better than ourselves, looking out for their interests above our own? And as we do so, is it done without grumbling and disputing? Or do we moan and groan seeing ourselves as martyrs? Do we resent it? Jesus didn’t when it did it for us!

SECOND, PAUL WAS POURED OUT AS A DRINK OFFERING. Paul uses himself as the second example of one who put the interests of others above his own. “Holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am BEING POURED OUT AS A DRINK OFFERING out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” (Philippians 2:16-18) He rejoiced that he loved them so much that we was willing to die as a “drink offering” if it would benefit them.

THIRD, TIMOTHY WAS GENUINELY CONCERNED FOR THEIR WELFARE. “But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have NO ONE ELSE OF KINDRED SPIRIT WHO WILL GENUINELY BE CONCERNED FOR YOUR WELFARE. For they ALL SEEK AFTER THEIR OWN INTERESTS, NOT THOSE OF CHRIST JESUS. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.” (Philippians 2:19-24)

FOURTH, EPAPHRODITUS RISKED HIS LIFE. “But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; because HE CAME CLOSE TO DEATH FOR THE WORK OF CHRIST, RISKING HIS LIFE to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” (Philippians 2:25-30)

IS THIS YOUR ATTITUDE? “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) Could you be added to this list of those whom it did describe: Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus? Let’s make that commitment to the Lord and to each other.

~ David B. West

05/07/2026

“CONSIDER IT ALL JOY…WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS” (1 of 2)
(James 1:1-18)

TRIALS, TROUBLES AND TEMPTATIONS. We all have them. The question is, How should be handle them? James shows us how to face these issues (whether internal or external, positive or negative, real or perceived) in a way that will lead to a mature spiritual character and teach us how to avoid the things that would throw us off course and cause us to miss the value contained in them.

RECEIVE TRIALS WITH JOY. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...” (James 1:3). Does this shock you? Are you tempted to reject it outright? Most of us would never think of trouble as a reason for rejoicing. Rather, we moan and groan, murmuring about what God is doing to us, how it isn’t fair and how unhappy we are because of it.

WHY CONSIDER IT JOYFUL? James explains why trials should bring joy (which differs from happiness in that it is not dependent on our circumstances). “…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (1:3) Perseverance refers to patience, endurance, and the ability to see it through in spite of opposition and obstacles. “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (1:4).

A HELPFUL PARALLEL. Romans 5:3-5 casts additional light on this concept. “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, proven character; and proven character hope. And hope does not disappoint….” Also, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees" (Psalm 119:71).

BENEFITS BROUGHT BY TRIALS. Difficulties give the opportunity to demonstrate our trust and dependence on God, they reveal our true character and maturity to ourselves and others, they prepare us to face even more challenging tests in the future, and they develop hope for the future which will not result in disappointment or let down.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO? Often when going through trials, we are confused and don’t know why things are happening or what we should do about them. To this, James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (1:5). Trials provide an opportunity to listen to God and trust what He says, rather than depending on our own wisdom to find the solution.

PRAYER IS UNDER UTILIZED. Prayer is a valuable and under utilized tool provided by God to assist us in facing trials. The failure of prayer to work is not typically due to God’s unwillingness to provide what we need; rather it is our unwillingness to ask or our asking inappropriately. Our Father is generous in His giving, and He doesn't resent or criticize us for asking.

WE MUST ASK IN FAITH. However, there is one prerequisite: we must ask in faith. “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (1:6-7). We cannot go to God for answers while vacillating over whether or not to trust His answers. We must ask Him what to do and then commit to do it once we have an answer.

HINDRANCES TO SEEKING GOD’S HELP. When facing trouble, those in poverty are often hindered by bitterness and lack of confidence that they will receive help. Those with wealth are often self-sufficient and secure in their own ability to resolve their own problems. To each, James recommends, “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business” (1:9-11).

NO REASON NOT TO DEPEND ON GOD. The poor have great blessings and high position in Christ for which they should be proud and the rich have a precarious hold on their wealth for which they should be humble. Having much or little of this world's goods does not give us or deny us what is needed to face our daily trials. Both need dependence on God and trust in His guidance when facing trials.

THERE’S A BLESSING IN THAT TRIAL. A blessing is promised to the person who embraces trials, turns to God for guidance and hangs in there to the end. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (1:12). Perseverance suggests that we must endure the trial to its end. Once we have withstood various tests (over a lifetime), we will be approved by God with the crown of life (see Revelation 2:10). This is what makes it worthwhile. This is the reason we should rejoice in trials. When faced properly, in the way intended by God, the result is spiritual maturity here on earth and a crown of life in Heaven.

THAT’S WHY GOD ALLOWS IT. This is why God allows trials in our life—to be a blessing. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

How do you view trials? Do you accept them joyfully? The second part of this article will discuss how we can go off-track and miss the intended benefits.

~ David B. West

05/06/2026

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05/03/2026

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05/02/2026

“OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD” (Part 2, Conclusion)

PAUL’S CONCLUSION. Our previous article focused on the command to “overcome evil with good.” (Please go back and review it.) We saw that in the spiritual battle between good and evil, our Commander in Chief tells us 1) don’t lose the battle; 2) win the battle; and, 3) do so with good. Our weapons are not optional. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE. We saw this principle at work in the battle between good and evil in the crucifixion of Jesus and in the ex*****on of Stephen. But, how can I do it? Are there practical ways I can fulfill my role, and do my duty? The answer is “Yes.” The text in the preceding paragraph provides practical steps to assist us in knowing what to do when faced with evil.

PERSECUTION IS A REALITY. Don’t be surprised when persecution comes. It is virtually assured to those who walk in Jesus’ footsteps. “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.” (Luke 6:26) “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12) “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. (1 Peter 3:14) “If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” (1 Peter 4:16)

BLESS, DON’T CURSE. How should we respond to persecution? “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. “ (Romans 12:14) “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28) “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45) A curse is wishing for bad things to happen to the other person (such as wishing him to “go to hell.”) A blessing is a prayer for good things to happen to him (such praying for him to “go to heaven”). How can you seek to harm someone whose salvation you are praying for? Pray for their salvation, not damnation. You may even be the answer to your own prayer.

EMPATHIZE WITH FELLOW SOLDIERS. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) We are not in this alone. We have fellow soldiers fighting beside us. They need someone to empathize with them in the good times and the bad. Depend on your fellow soldiers to have your back and to provide "espirit de corps."

BE HUMBLE. “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (Romans 12:16) The world doesn’t revolve around you. Don’t be embarrassed to associate with your fellow soldiers. Humbly respect and serve them. Don’t think too much of your own opinion. Pride is a great obstacle to overcoming opposition.

NEVER TAKE REVENGE. “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:17) We usually think first of getting even and paying people back for the wrong they have done us. But, we are given an absolute (not relative) command forbidding us to ever take revenge. That would just result in more evil in the world. No matter how deserved or justified you think it is, your Commander in Chief commands “never pay back evil for evil to anyone.” Easy to understand; but, more difficult to comply.

BE AT PEACE, IF POSSIBLE. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Here is a conditional statement. In the previous verse, you have total control over whether or not you take revenge. You do not have total control over having peace. There is no peace unless both agree to it. “If possible” tells us that it is not always possible. “So far as it depends on you” requires that you not be the one preventing it. Do everything within your power to reconcile and be at people with your opponent.

LEAVE ROOM FOR THE WRATH OF GOD. “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will replay,’ says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19) Perhaps, because we are so hard to persuade to not take our own revenge, he repeats the prohibition—“Never take your own revenge.” Instead, “Leave room for the wrath of God.” You don’t need to figure out when it applies; it always applies. There are some things that Commander in Chief reserves for Himself. We are not qualified to punish our enemy. We do not know how guilty he is, or how much punishment he deserves. God knows the heart, the motivation, the intent. He alone is qualified deliver punishment. He forbids you to do His job. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.”

HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.“But if our enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will help burning coals on his head.” (Romans 12:20) It sounds a little contradictory, doesn’t it? He just said, don’t take revenge. Now, he says heap burning coals on his head. What are the “coals”? Look for a need in your enemies’ life. Meet it. Repeat over and over. When armies scaled ancient walled cities to invade, they were often repelled by pots of coal or burning oil poured on their heads. This eliminated their effectiveness as your enemy. How effective can your enemy be against you if you continually return good for evil? If you heap acts of kindness on his head?
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) You can do it! Will you commit to following the instructions of your Lord and “overcome evil with good”?

~ David B. West

04/30/2026

“GOD WITH US” ALWAYS!

MATTHEW’S GOSPEL BEGINS AND ENDS WITH JESUS AS “GOD WITH US.” At His birth, He is called “Immanuel” meaning “God with us.” At His ascension back to heaven, after His resurrection, He promises “I am with you always.” “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

THE “WORD” WAS WITH GOD AND WAS GOD. A similar teaching is found in the Gospel of John. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1-2) In the beginning, the Word (Jesus) was with God and was God.

THE WORD AS CREATOR. He was there when God said “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”(John 1:3) “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17) “…His Son…through whom also He made the world.” (Hebrews 1:2)

TO SEE THE SON IS TO SEE A CARBON COPY OF THE FATHER. This Word, who was God, “…became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.” (John 1:18) “…He who has seen Me has seen the Father….” (John 14:9) “…in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:2-3)

JESUS AS OUR MEDIATOR. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus….” (1 Timothy 2:5). Through His virgin birth (where God is His Father and Mary is His mother, Matthew 1:18-25), Jesus is uniquely qualified to take both God and man by the hand and bring them back together in harmony and reconciliation. Why? Because He is both God and man. He knows what it is like to be on both sides, in both roles. He has what it takes to reunite us.

IN THE FORM OF BOTH GOD AND MAN. He existed in the form of God, emptied Himself taking on the form of a man, humbling Himself even to the point of death on the cross. God raised Him and exalted Him above every name in heaven or on earth. “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND? What should we do once we become aware of these glorious facts? We should voluntarily “confess the name of Jesus” now while our doing so will benefit us. The day is coming when “every knee will bow” and “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11). Yes, even the atheists. Yes, even the agnostics. Yes, even the worldly. All will do so. Have you done so already? If not, will you do so before you are forced to with His foot on your neck to your everlasting shame and punishment? Do it now! It is the right thing to do! For what He has done for you, it is due Him. Aren’t you glad He is “God with us”, always!

~ David B. West

04/30/2026

Isaiah ( #5, chapters 7-8) (Bible Class, Dade City, 04.29.26)

Listen to Isaiah ( #5, chapters 7-8) (Bible Class, Dade City, 04.29.26) by Sermons by David B. West on

04/29/2026