Philippians

Review Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons- 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons- 1:1 ◦ Slaves ◦ Set-apart

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” – Philippians 1: 2

Grace=charis- shortened from the Greek/Roman word for “greetings” Peace= eirene- the Greek word for Shalom- Hebrew greeting

In Christ, there is a new identity There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus- Galatians 3:28

Grace: Imputed- God accepts us on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice

Grace: Effectual- God gives us the power to live a life the Christian life

Grace: Infused- the error in thinking that God enables us to live “good enough” to earn his acceptance

Peace: with God- by grace through faith in Christ. Involves the violent death of Christ on the cross Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us- Romans 5:1

Peace: of God- through trusting Christ alone Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus- Philippians 4:6-7

Peace: with one another- the evidence of peace with God is a lifestyle of peace-seeking with one another

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations…

…His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility- Ephesians 2:14- 16

Grace comes through repentance

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son...'

But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate- Luke 15:20-24 (NLT)

Note: He accepted the consequences - Grace comes through repentance Peace comes from grace

What does that say about my relationships?

...from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ... Experiencing grace and peace in all things is God’s desire you

Takeaways: Where is my primary identity? If I’m not experiencing effectual (life-changing) grace and the peace of God, what does that say about my sense of identity?

Takeaways: Am I trying to earn God’s love and grace? If so, am I willing to accept his love and allow his grace to change me from the inside out?

Takeaways: Does my lifestyle reflect peace-seeking or conflict-making? If I have peace with God and the peace of God, how might that affect my relationships with others?

Takeaways: Do my relationship reflect repentance on my part and a willingness to accept the consequences of my actions?

Takeaways: Do I really believe, deep down inside, that God’s desire for me is a grace-filled, peaceful and peace-seeking life?