Philippians

Review  In Christ, Paul is totally free…  To t rust in the bigger picture  No pity-parties  Sees beyond personal pain to Christ’s plan  Exalt Christ as a purpose and serve his people as a default

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel…

…without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have- Philippians 1:27-30

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ- vs. 27 What might happen?

- Paul stays in jail and dies for the gospel - Beginning a period of more intense persecution

What might happen? - Paul is released and comes to visit the Philippians - Bringing words of correction to the Christians at Philippi Ultimately, who is responsible for an individual Christian’s growth?

…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ- vs. 27 …live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ- Message Version Conduct= citizenship

Literally- Show by your changed life the reality of your citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom by the gospel of Jesus How? What change is Jesus NOT talking about? In what ways do Christians stumble in showing the reality of Jesus today?

Whatever happens…be so centered on Jesus, so sold-out, head-over-heels in love with Christ, that every circumstance is an opportunity to experience the joy and awesome excitement of God working through you to accomplish his will on this earth: Christ glorified in you

Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel- vs. 27b The most missional church of their time, and lost their love for one another in the process

It’s possible to have a lot of activity for God without having the blessings of God If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing- 1 Corinthians 13:2

…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel- vs. 27b Problems from within and persecution from outside are both obstacles and opportunities for the church of Jesus Christ - We either divide and are conquered or unite and overcome

Although I am ultimately responsible for my growth in the faith, Christianity is always a team effort - Never a spectator-sport - Never a solo effort

Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God- vs. 28 In Christ- calm, cool, courage. How?

What is the sign that they will be destroyed? When Christians (humbly) refuse to back down, walk away or retreat, they prove the reality of their faith to a watching world

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have- vs Granted= gracious gift. How? What are the Philippian Christians facing?

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed- 1 Peter 4:12-13

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world (citizenship), but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you- John 15:19

The reality of the gospel is lived out daily through your life Christianity becomes a team effort

Unity is not an option Suffering and faith go hand-in-hand