1. Philippians

2.  Real faith always includes life-changing power  If I don’t admit the truth about myself, I’m not open to the grace of God  “By the grace of God, I am what I am”

3. Only let us live up to what we have already attained- vs. 16 What have we already attained? Why do we need to “live up to” it?

5. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you- vs. 17 Follow an example, become an example

6. The Imitation Principle- We become like those we spend the most and deepest time with What was Paul’s example?

7. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things- vs. 18-19

8. Legalism is never overcome by license

9. Enemies of the Cross:  Led by appetites (their god is their stomach)  Glory in things they ought to be ashamed of  Live as though their actions don’t matter because righteousness is by grace through faith

10. Enemies of the Cross:  Destiny is destruction  Mind is set on earthly things  Church-goers. Should I follow that kind of example?

11. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body…

12. …Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!- 3:20-4:1

13. How does living in light of Christ’s Kingdom influence our actions? - our citizenship is in heaven Why does Paul mention the transformation of their bodies?

14. How to stand firm in the Lord:  Righteousness in Christ alone  Leave the past behind and live in light of eternity

15. How to stand firm in the Lord:  Follow good examples  Set the mind on spiritual things and remember the temporary nature of this life

16. I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life- 4:2-3

17. What to do when there is division in the church:  Our part: urge humility, unity and forgiveness. Help lead towards restoration of the relationship  See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many- Hebrews 12:15

18. What to do when there is division in the church:  Should we listen to what each says about the other? Take sides?

19. What to do when there is division in the church:  “When those who are called to fish, don’t fish; they fight”- Max Lucado

20. What to do when there is division in the church:  We can't be in disunity about major issues and both be right  Great question: What does God want in this?

21. Takeaways - Am I intentionally growing the Lord (being sanctified)? What steps am I taking? - Who are my models? Are they leading me closer to Jesus? - For whom am I a model? What is my example building in others’ lives?

22. Takeaways - What is my role in division (family, work, friends, marriage)? - Am I seeking restoration relationships? - Taking sides? - Causing the division? - What does Jesus want?