• “What do you want for Christmas?”
• Bible talks about money about 800 times… Jesus talks about money about 25%

 
You have no idea how many times I hear…

• We come to Leavener because they don’t ask for money.
• You don’t take an offering. Do you have another job?
• Doesn’t God command/expect us to tithe?
• Aren’t you robbing the attender of an opportunity?
• Tithe was an OT Law – for the Levitical Preisthood
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
• You don’t give to get back.

7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

• “Give until it hurts”

8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.[1]

• You can’t find a command to tithe in any NT

 
APPRECIATION OF SUPPORT
PHILIPPIANS 4
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.

• Are you content? (phone upgrades, TV’s, stuff)
• Content – Understanding needs vs wants.
• This is not prosperity Gospel.
• What is it that causes us to move from “I want” to an “I need” mentality?
• A child cannot discern between want and need.

12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

• It was the power of Christ within him that gave him spiritual contentment.[2]
• When you get to the end of “yourself”… He’s there!
• Amplified - “I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency”
• Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.[3]

14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

• Paul is broke and in prison.
• Philippians is one of the most generous and giving churches.

 

• Leavener’s plan for giving… none/God…
• budget… none/God.

 

• How has Leavener, the community, ministered to people this past year?
• Our God is a giver… we are stewards
• Leavener – 77 givers in 2022 (26 families gave 80%) (33% of givers give 80%)
• Leavener gives to our community first – Then outside the community (other believers) and then even to the world (as the Spirit leads)
• This not boasting for me or Leavener
• Counseling for individuals
• Support for Jeff Pokone in general
• Scott Mescher – Missionary training around the world
• Support for former family who lost their wife/mother
• Youth for Christ Needs
• National Network of Youth Ministers for Indiana Lunch
• FUMC Food Pantry
• Car for Pinheads Employee
• Supported Pinheads employees (back surgery, mother, dining room table, gift cards)
• Meals for police / groceries for firemen
• 2 Kids who lost their father
• Friend in Ohio who had a liver transplant
• Friend in Texas who is homebound and dependent on machines to keep her alive
• FPU and coffee for Police
• Meals for Hamilton County Chaplains
• Lunches for Holio Road Pastors
• Helped our own families that are struggling
• Sticks & Stones
• Building a Refuge
• $3,600 database and App
• $900 Trailer Storage
• $180/wk for meals
• $35k – Camp expenses (53% is paid by Leavener)
• $3,500 – Sound Board & Monitor
• $1,300 - Camera

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account.

• (NLT) [17] I don't say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness.  (Message) [17] Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus (a good steward) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

• My family is well taken care of.
• Not by you… but by God.
• It may come through you… but it is all His in the first place.
• History of personal provision – Elder Meeting
• “How much do you need?”
• “Error on the side of generosity”
• I don’t have another job… at least a paying job.
• I rarely take additional income from speaking opportunities, weddings or funerals, etc.
• I have never been in need.
• I have no debt.
• I receive a salary; it includes a housing allowance.
• I have medical insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
• I have life insurance.
• The elders are helping me catch up on my retirement.
• You care for us well in other ways.
• Gifts to travel
• Take care of my car when it breaks down.
• Wedding food…etc

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
FINAL GREETINGS
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

• Roman citizens, Roman guard… those guarding Paul?

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[4]

[1] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 9:6–8). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 98). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 1:3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:10–23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Bad Christian news swirls quickly! – MinistryWatch

• Unity is necessary for the church (people don’t vote on the facts… they vote on their friends or who they like)
• Unity is gained slowly and lost quickly
• Division: Pride, sin (sexual, money, jealousy, bitterness), heresy (false teaching), legalism (judges others, religious), primary and secondary issues & distrust.

 
PRACTICAL COUNSEL
PHILIPPIANS 4
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner (deacon or elder), to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side (they were involved in ministry, what role?), along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

• They are believers… probably mature believers.
• Conflict can start at leadership.
• The issue doesn’t matter because it is not mentioned.
• Paul is saying these two women need a mediator… this is what Jesus did. (1 Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,[1])


• Two sides have to agree on two things:
  • 1) we will meet &
  • 2) we will do what the mediator tells us… based on trust.
• Sometimes this is needed in a marriage… sometimes in a divorce with kids.

 

• Anxiety… dealing with issues
• Right now, nearly 40 million adults (18 and older) (19.1% of the population) are living with a serious anxiety disorder.
• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is highly treatable, but only around 37 percent of those affected actually receive treatment.
• “Anxiety disorders cost the US more than $42 billion a year, almost one third of the $148 billion total mental health bill for the US.”
• THE POINT: Life causes anxiety
• What causes anxiety? (non clinical definition) – Anticipating the future, in the worst possible scenario… and freaking out about it.
•    1) It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you force it to happen
•    2) You wear yourself out to the point of anxiety.
• Causes of anxiety: Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
•  Screen time (24 hour lifestyle, facebook, e-mail, cell phones),
• On average, the generational cohort born in and after 1996, dubbed "Gen Z," watches of 7.2 hours of video on their screens per day.
• With content constantly available, many Gen Zers find themselves "doomscrolling" on TikTok and Instagram.
• Smartphones and social media have become ubiquitous, and algorithms condition young people to stay glued to their phones.
• Strategically curated feeds coupled with doomscrolling can be detrimental to mental health, not to mention a major time sucker.
• Traffic (license numbers should be cell phone numbers), fractured family systems (holidays), lonely, isolated, financial pains, works 60-80 hours a week, success (have to perform even more), strained personal relationships (family, co-worker, roommate)
• How do you know you are stressed? Unusual mood swings, anger, depressed, exhausted, fragmentation, disassociation or withdrawing, body changes (tongue), paranoia & suspicion, weight gain, panic, panic attics, insomnia (mattresses with instructions), too frequent use of substances: alcohol, drugs, diet coke, caffeine (Starbucks), comfort foods, general irritability, reckless driving, change in sexual desire, health related issues, irritated bowel syndrome, ulcers, victim mentality, shopping sprees and unnecessary spending (what do I need?)
• Time magazine says you need: behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, antidepressants, minor tranquilizers, exercise, eat properly and alternative procedures such as yoga, aromatherapy & acupuncture.
• Does God have anything to say about anxiety?

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Paul knew you would question this, so he said it twice) 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

• Only 21% of men say they received emotional support from a friend within the past week, compared to 41% of women, according to a 2021 survey by the Survey Center on American Life.
• Similarly, just 25% of men say they've said "I love you" to a friend recently, as opposed to 49% of women.

6 Don’t worry about anything,

• What if I have a good reason… Paul was in prison and possibly to be put to death… he gets it)
• What is worry? The Greek word translated “anxious” (careful) in Philippians 4:6 means “to be pulled in different directions.”
• Our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us the opposite direction; and we are pulled apart!
• The Old English root from which we get our word “worry” means “to strangle.”
• If you have ever really worried, you know how it does strangle a person! [2]

but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

• Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern!
• The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway.[3]

whatever is honorable, whatever is just,

• Worthy of respect and right.

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

• You come to Church this morning and you hear encouragement from the Word of God.
• Tonight, you end your day watching the Grammy’s, Tulsa King, 1923 and Mayor Kingstown and what are you going to be dwelling on when you go to bed.
• You’re going to be dreaming about Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Beyonce shooting each other in long dresses over a bag of weed and then end up getting killed in prison.
• Or you can dwell on moral excellence and have the potential to sleep peacefully.
• Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living;
• or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry.[4]

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.[5]

• The result is that the “peace of God” guards the heart and the mind.
• We experience “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1); and the “peace of God” takes us a step farther into His blessings.
• This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people, or things.[6]

 
What do you do?
It is a lifestyle issue… It is a mindset.

• Michelle does the iPod.
• Keith… Connie reads the Bible to him.

 
Paul’s list of encouragement to the church
        1) Anchor your joy in Jesus… not circumstances. (Reasons to complain or reasons to rejoice; rejoicing cultivates a heart of hope)
         2) Respond gently/reasonably… I DEMAND!!! FREAKING OUT… chill out
         3) Jesus is always with you… He never leaves you… when you are lonely
         4) Prayer allows you to be conversational with your Savior. Who do you call?
         5) Choose to be anxious about nothing… sometimes it is a difficult battle.
         6) Meditate… mentally… stay focused on Jesus. Think… dwell… in order to respond.
         7) Live according to the Truth you know rather than your anxiety
         8) Plug into the church… we do this as a community… walk with each other.
         9) Accept the peace of God… it is a gift from God that you already have.

Paul writes this to the church because he loves them… and I tell you these things because I love you.

• I’ve responded both ways… one way I typically regret… the other way I have learned to rest.
• I’ve learned to say “I love you” more.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:5–6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 94). Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 96). Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:2–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.

Last night we saw “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”

• What a waste of time. And Hollywood will celebrate this.
• “Nothing matters”
• “If Nothing Matters, Then All The Pain And Guilt You Feel For Making Nothing Of Your Life Goes Away – Sucked Into A Bagel.”
• “Every New Discovery Is Just A Reminder…” “We're All Small And Stupid.”

 
Paul is exercising the spiritual mind.

• He is looking at things on earth from God’s point of view.
• As a result, he is not upset by things behind him, around him, or before him—things do not rob him of his joy![1]

​REACHING FORWARD TO GOD’S GOAL
PHILIPPIANS 3
12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

• Paul is referring to his behavior… the things he does as being imperfect.
• He is not satisfied with his journey being imperfect.
• Paul has a desire for his flesh to completely line up with his spirit. He can see the difference.
• He wants to know Jesus better and to completely walk by the Spirit that resides in him.
• But he has taken hold of the one who is perfect and did things perfectly and learning to let Jesus do his life for him.

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it.

• Paul does not play the comparison game here.
• Paul could have easily rated his faith walk with those he knew and probably felt pretty good about himself.
• But he really compared himself to Jesus and knew that he had fallen short.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,

• So, what do you do? Focus on the past?
• Sit in your misery?
• “Forgetting what is behind” – my fleshly acts have already been dealt with and forgotten.
• Thank God for that… because if I did not have forgiveness… I would be sitting in the puddle of my past.
• My past is gone.
• And if it is gone for me then it is gone for my spouse who believes. I probably should let it go.
• And for all the other believers who I hold onto their past. “Well, I can forgive… I just can’t forget.”
• Paul says, “forgetting what is behind”
• “To forget” in the Bible means “no longer to be influenced by or affected by.”[2]
• My fleshly acts have already been justified.
• Even my future fleshly acts have been justified.
• I live in a state of justification.
• As in when a runner stretches for the finish line.

14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

• Paul is not referring to salvation here otherwise that would contradict everything he has already said in this chapter… and would be based on works rather than faith.
• In order to run the Greek games, the runner had to already be a citizen.
• He wasn’t trying to earn his citizenship.
• He is pursuing God…
• “I don’t know how”
• You YouTube everything else… YouTube that!
• Listen, Brock Purdy (SF QB) is not going to get in the huddle today and say to his team, “OK guys, Coach has a great game plan, were just gonna stand here and let him do his thing.”
• Nor will he say, “Hey guys, forget whatever Coach said, we are going to do it my way.”
• “Here’s the play Coach called, let’s do it exactly as he taught us.”

15 Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.

• “mature” – those who are perfect!
• My journey ahead is God revealing things to me in my thinking and doing.
• “I make every effort”
• I want my journey to move forward… not satisfied.
• I study, I learn, I try to eat better, I try to exercise, I move forward by taking a step, I get out of bed… and sometimes it is really really hard.
• I mean… there is something inside of me that is telling me not to. I battle in my head.
• But two things… I know my perfected Spirit is leading me and convicting of the goodness now and ahead.
• And the second thing is, I am hopefully surrounded by a community that is echoing the same thing.
• For me, I am blessed with an earthly partner on this journey… I realize it is not the same for everyone in this room.
• It’s not my kids! It’s my wife. My kids left me… as they should!
• But my second encourager is my wife… after the Spirit.
• Then hopefully my kids, my friends, and the Church.
• The world would be a bonus but I am not dependent on that because we have been set apart from that!
• That is… we are already sanctified. Past tense!

16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

• But wait… what!?!
• You mean my self-assessment may not be true?
• The churches in Revelation… Samson…
• NO MATTER WHAT!!!
• You should live up to whatever truth we have attained.
• Trust what you know!!!
• What do you know?
• I know my perfected Spirit is leading me and convicting of the goodness now and ahead.
• This is where we have to “Zoom out”.

17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.

• Hang out with the like-minded and pay attention to how they pursue Jesus.
• We are not perfect in our behavior, but we pursue the perfect behavior by trusting Jesus.

18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

• Paul is weeping as he writes this letter.
• Just thinking about those who oppose him upsets his stomach.

19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things,

• Most likely referring to the Judaizers.
• Dietary restrictions and focus on attaining wealth.

20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

• We are no longer citizens of this world.
• We don’t think like the world.
• Don’t expect us to act like the world.
• Don’t expect us to be accepted by the world.

21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.[3]

• A glorified body awaits us.
• Don’t ask me what that looks like, how old it is or what it will eat!
• I don’t know!

Philippians 4
1 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. [4]

• Paul loved the Church at Philippi and just wanted to be with them.
• But since he couldn’t be there…
• Trust what you know…

Stand firm together… in the Lord!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 88). Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 89). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Php 3:12–21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Old Covenant vs New covenant
 - New makes old obsolete
KNOWING CHRIST
PHILIPPIANS 3
1 In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.

• We are prone to forget who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives.
• Keep waving the banner.
• Paul’s tone changes… very loving man… speaks of joy… he is happy… through suffering.
• There is a conflict he has been involved with for many years.
• There were other religious people who continually undermining Paul’s ministry.
• Critics, enemies & opposition from pastors and elders of the church
• Paul rebuked religious people who led people astray.

2 Watch out for the dogs (Religious people), watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh (happy knife-cutters). 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh--

• “Evil workers.” These men taught that the sinner was saved by faith plus good works, especially the works of the Law.
• But Paul states that their “good works” are really evil works because they are performed by the flesh (old nature) and not the Spirit, and they glorify the workers and not Jesus Christ.[1]
• There is a difference between Christians and religious people… understanding, joy and humility
• Dogs – violent, mean, bark, bite and scary. Not domesticated at the time.
• God hates religion!
• Religious people believe that Jesus helps us but that He needs us to help Him.
• Jesus plus anything ruins everything
• Circumcision plus salvation nullifies the cross (Gen 17 – Circumcision was a seal of the covenant that God made with Abraham)
• Temple, priests, sacrifices not needed today
• What are some examples of us adding to our faith to make it a “religion”?
• Richard Halverson writes, “When the Greeks got the Gospel, they turned it into philosophy; When the Romans got it, they turned it into a government; when the Europeans got it, they turned it into a culture; when the Americans got it, they turned it into a business.”
• The DNA of the church produces certain identifiable features:
     - The centrality of Jesus Christ
     - The innate desire to form deep-seated relationships that are centered in Christ
     - Authentic community
     - Familial love and devotion of its members to one another
     - The native instinct to gather without static ritual
     - The internal drive for open-participatory gatherings
     - The loving impulse to display Jesus to a fallen world.

4 although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee;

• Most rule keeping devoted religious people of their day…
• Jesus pointed out they even tithed from their spice racks

6 regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.

• (OT has more than 600 laws and Paul was blameless).

7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.

• Paul was auditing his own life… and realized that he had been bankrupt all along.

8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung,

• Garbage, refuse, filth, dung, dog dung, turds…
• Isaiah 64:6 - and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
• I started cleaning out my office at home yesterday.
• Things that I considered valuable (ad cost me much) are now considered just junk… trash.

 
so that I may gain Christ

• Paul literally had to “lose his religion” so that he could “find salvation”.
• Religion is about what “I do”… The Gospel is about what “Jesus has done”.
• Religion trusts in “my works”… The Gospel teaches us to rest in Jesus’ works.
• Religious people confuse justification and sanctification.
• Religious people hate to repent because it reflects their wrongdoing. (You are taking away their goodness!)
• Religion lends an uncertainty to your fate in the end.
• Religion leads to pride or despair. (I can do it or I can’t do it).
• Christianity leads to humbleness and joy which makes us happy!
  
  
• Hard Religion
     - Religion tells you to “clean up your act!”
     - Religious people take things out of the Bible and add their own rules to them and beat people with self-righteous rules and restrict their joy that Jesus intended.
  
  
• Soft Religion
     - Vote, Golden rule, be nice to animals, do things for others, fight poverty…
  
  
• Everyone has religion and is building their resumes.
• Everyone wants to be righteous.
• Will you pursue it through religion or through Jesus.
• All Religions tell us how to become righteous…
  - Buddhism – To be righteous… you cease all desires
  - Confucianism – You pursue education, reflection and lead a moral life.
  - Hinduism – You detach yourself from your ego and live in unity with the divine.
  - Judaism – You obey God’s Law.
  - New Age – You should see yourself as connected with the Oneness and live in perfect harmony with the creation.
  - Taoism – You should line yourself with the Tao and go with the flow
  - Islam – You should live a moral life, do good deeds, and stand before Allah in the end and if your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds and Allah so wills it, you shall be declared righteous.
• Every single religion… both hard and soft… tells us that on our resume should be listed all the things we have done to be declared righteous.
• Paul is saying that it has nothing to do with what we have done but purely what Jesus has done.

Grace vs works
A lady was arguing with her pastor about this matter of faith and works. “I think that getting to heaven is like rowing a boat,” she said. “One oar is faith, and the other is works. If you use both, you get there. If you use only one, you go around in circles.”
‘’There is only one thing wrong with your illustration,” replied the pastor. “Nobody is going to heaven in a rowboat!”[2]
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.
Justification…

• God demands perfection and there is only one way we can become perfect. Through Christ!
• Two words on my resume… Jesus Christ.
• I have been declared righteous because of my faith in Jesus!
• Gift righteousness!

10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.[3]
Sanctification…

• Everything changes. It has changed and continues to change!
• New nature, new desires, new power, new passion… a life that results in passion, purpose and JOY!
• Religion cannot compare to this!

It’s tax season and you are collecting your forms.
 - You will do your own personal financial audit.
 - What if you audit the things you do this week?
 - Is it your strength or His strength?

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 84–85). Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 85). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Php 3:1–11). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

What do you need to know? – You will not avoid temptation… Jesus said, “Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy… I came that you might have life.”
         - Even Jesus was tempted.
         - He understands our temptation.
Temptation – Brain – stores behavior patterns that were established before you were redeemed and even after you have been redeemed.
 - The power of sin sends thoughts to your mind based upon stimulus and behavior patterns that have been stored in your brain.
 - Then the battle takes place in your mind. These thoughts versus the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). The good news is that you do not generate these thoughts… you can’t.
Romans 6:12-14 - Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. 13 And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.[1]
The church in Philippi is being tempted on losing their unity.
Philippians 4:2-3 - I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.[2]
​
LIGHTS IN THE WORLD
PHILIPPIANS 2
12 Therefore, my dear friends (?... tough guy turned tender), just as you have always obeyed, (we live in a culture that it is cool to be disobedient… to be different… Greek: shut up and do what you are told… Obey them…. Requires humility) so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence (been gone about 4 years), work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you (Sabbath rest) both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
 - Paul is writing to people who are already “saints” (Phil. 1:1), which means they have trusted Christ and have been set apart for Him.
 - The verb “work out” carries the meaning of “work to full completion,” such as working out a problem in mathematics.
 - In Paul’s day it was also used for “working a mine,” that is, getting out of the mine all the valuable ore possible; or “working a field” so as to get the greatest harvest possible.[3]

 (The doctrine of regeneration… New Covenant is where God took out your heart of stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh… Changed from the inside out… new creation… new nature… new desires
Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.[4]
God does a good work in you… it is the indwelling Spirit that is working within you…
It is a joyous life… not you having to do something that you don’t want to do.
We don’t do anything… God makes a Christian… Jesus did that by being a sinless person who died for our sins… I didn’t do anything but trust… A gift of grace…
Sanctification…
God gives you a new nature so live according
God gives you new desires so feed them
God gives you new gifts so serve in ministry
God gives you the power of the Holy Spirit so live in accordance… not of your own strength
Colossians 1:10 (The Message) - We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.
In humbleness I recognize my limitation and danger in knowing anything of Greek, but in looking at the text I think it is a far misrepresentation in this passage for one to interpret that God is proud of us.
It is amazing to see the liberty of the paraphrase here in Colossians 1:10. He is pleased in us...as we are in Christ.  And it pleases Him when His children walk worthy of the family name in the Savior, yet there is no commendation to us!  And in that good pleasure He has called us to 'walk worthy' and to prove His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12: 2).  
The emphasis here is certainly on us to walk, bear fruit and grow - thereby pleasing God as we live by faith.
 - And the means by which we do that is completely impossible if it is not for the Spirit He placed in us.
 - How marvelous are His works and His plan and the gift of His Spirit.
Pride/proud – 2 Corinthians 5:12 - We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearance rather than in the heart.[5]
Christian life is not we need to stop doing certain things but we need to start learning what it means to be.
Because God is at work in us… it changes our will… which works its way out in our lives.
 - Too many Christians obey God only because of pressure on the outside, and not power on the inside.[6]
14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing,
 - Israelites… walking around the woods for 40 years… God is trying to teach them to quit grumbling… but they don’t ever get it.
 - Questions… having questions is OK… questioning is doubting and not trusting… it is a heart issue… and sometimes we even do this with God.
15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world,
 - People are watching your behavior
 - and honestly, they are judging you… even on social networking
16 by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.
  - Tell others… notice it… encourage them… send notes… call them… be pleased about others
Give a chance for people to do encourage others right now.
Paul gives a great example of encouragement… this ministry was not in vain…
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS
19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21 all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 23 Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.
 - Paul was mentor to Timothy (father and son like relationship).
 - Timothy got saved under Paul’s ministry.
25 But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need--26 since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.[7]
 - Epaphroditus returned Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.
“What is Jesus doing in you?” Stop trying to fix your life… and for that fact… other’s lives
“How is God working in you?”
“What grumbling and questioning do you need to repent of?  What is the root of your bitterness?” Stop the questioning disposition.
“Who needs you to be like Paul?”
“Who needs you to be like Timothy or Epaphroditus?”

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 6:12–14). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:2–3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 77). Victor Books.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Eze 36:26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:12). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 78). Victor Books.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Php 2:12–30). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

OUTREACH Brochure: “Our convention can change the future of your church.”
“I am a man who deals with pride and in pursuit of humility.”
​
Humility vs Pride
        1. John Stott said, “Pride is our greatest enemy” – humility is your greatest friend.
        2. Pride is demonic – first sin, cause satan to be kicked out of heaven vs. humility which is represent throughout Jesus’ life.
        3. Pride is the encouragement to compare ourselves to other people vs comparing to Jesus.
        4. Pride covets the success of other people vs humility causes us to rejoice in their success
        5. Pride is about me… what I deserve, what I want vs. humility that is to say it is all about Jesus.
        6. Pride is about my glory… Do respect me?, Do you want to be like me? vs. patterning your life after another… learning to be like Jesus.
        7. Pride - I am God vs. celebrating the fact that God has lovingly served me.
        8. Pride is arrogance, cockiness, smugness and is repugnant vs. humility leads to confidence.
        9. Point of pride is independence (doing what we want) vs. acknowledging that we are dependent on a Savior to lead and guide us through life.
        10. Augusta, “Pride is the mother of all sin, the root of all sin” vs. humility is the root of all joy.
        11. Pride is something we can achieve in this lifetime vs. humility is something that we pursue through this lifetime. “I am proud to report that I am now humble!”
What would our presidential campaign be like if it were based on humility?
What about athletes? What about rap music?
Today’s truth is counter culture…
CHRISTIAN HUMILITY
PHILIPPIANS 2
1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
 - Paul knew what some church workers today do not know, that there is a difference between unity and uniformity.
 - True spiritual unity comes from within; it is a matter of the heart.
 - Uniformity is the result of pressure from without.[1]

Basics of the Exchanged Life

1. We are created with a body, soul & spirit
2. Sin nature is problem
3. New nature is in sin nature is out
4. Law was an act of grace
5. Law came so you would sin more
6. New Covenant came in Acts 2, everything prior was law
7. Forgiveness is complete at the point of salvation
8. Behavior is a function of your nature
9. Sanctification is both past tense & present tense.
10. Jesus lives through you
11. You have the mind of Christ
12. Contrary thoughts are from the power of sin
13. Adversity leads to perseverance, perseverance proven character, proven character hope that doesn't fail
14. Hope leads to opportunities to make a defense for the hope you have

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

• How does pride break out in the church?
  Leavener specifically?
• Proud people only care about what they care about… humble people care about the needs of others.
• Family first, but not the only exception.

CHRIST’S HUMILITY AND EXALTATION
5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.

• Only Christians have the opportunity to understand real humility because Jesus is the perfect example of humbleness.
• Chili con carne – carne=meat;
• incarnation – God becomes meat
           God became a man
           Creator entered into creation
           Timeless/eternal enters into time
           Omnipresent enters into place
          Seated on a throne but chooses to be born in a cave
           Surrounded by angels in glory but comes to be mocked and abused by sinners
           Living in heaven but comes to live in poverty on the earth
  Doesn’t mean that God ever quit being God to become man.
   - He set aside his divine attributes to be like us to live a full human life.
          - Gave up His wisdom to grow in wisdom
          - Emmanuel = God with us

And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death--
even to death on a cross.
Jesus’ death on the cross is the most humble act.
It was my sin that put Jesus on the cross.
It was Jesus who humbled Himself to die as my substitute.
The Great Exchange:
2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.[2]
9 For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name that is above every name

The most beautiful name of all… Jesus
Jesus came to reconcile all sinners.
The name of Jesus is the one we should exalt.

God has exalted Him
 
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow--
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth--
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.[3]

 - Nero was the greatest leader of that time
 - Every public event, the citizens would bend their knee and proclaim that Nero is the greatest leader of all time.
 - Paul is saying that EVERY KNEE WILL BOW…
 - You can try to straighten it out… but every knee will bow.
 - My name does not matter, “Leavener” does not matter… The only name that matters is Jesus.
 - It is not about us or our ministry!
 
1) God hates pride (Proverbs 8:13 - To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.[4])
2) God humiliates proud people (Proverbs 16:5 - Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.[5])

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble,
than to divide plunder with the proud.[6]

3) God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble
Proverbs 3:34 - He mocks those who mock
but gives grace to the humble.[7]
(James 4:6 & I Peter 5:5)
 
CJ MeHaney
        1) Follow the truth where ever it leads.
        2) Invite and pursue correction and counsel. (Don’t blame shift)
        3) Learn from everyone… including your enemies and critics
        4) Repent quickly & thoroughly (tapout)
        5) Seek and celebrate other work in other Christians
        6) Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness
        7) Listen to Scripture more than yourself
        8) Exalt the name of Jesus in whatever you do
        9) Laugh – proud people cannot laugh and cannot laugh at themselves.
 - We sat around dinner last night with friends and laughed about all the ways I pronounce different words. “What’s the big deal about saying ‘Here’s the dill.’”?
            (You are ridiculous… you are great comedic material, don’t waste it… redeem it)
        10) Sleep like a believer
 
I apologize in my failure…
I boast in what Jesus has done in me
(Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord)

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 73). Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Php 2:1–11). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Pr 8:13). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Pr 16:5). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Pr 16:18–19). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Pr 3:34). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• We started out Philippians with Paul in prison in Rome and talking about how to find joy in our loneliness.
• Then last week we talked about Paul rejoicing in his suffering because no matter what, the Gospel was being spread.

ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL
PHILIPPIANS 1
18 …Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

• “Salvation” – not a spiritual salvation, but a physical salvation from his imprisonment.
• One of the few things we share in the human race… death.
• We are born spiritually dead… then we will face physical death.
• Genesis 2:16 – If you sin… you will die
• Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death
• Romans 5:12 - Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned
• Every hour 6,393 people die.
• The first person that I deeply loved that died was my grandfather… Brownie Brunkow
     - Tulsa Pipe Coating
     - Claude’s Hamburgers
     - Pool table
     - Cancer
• It is awkward to talk about death in today’s society…
• We don’t show death on the news
• We send people away to die in nursing homes & hospitals
• Death is an enemy… I Corinthians 15
• What awaits us on the other side…
• Universalism – is a huge lie… “They are in a better place now.”
• Anilationism – Our soul ceases to exist and we are no more.
• Daniel 12:2-3 – Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and eternal contempt. 3 Those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.[1]
  Reincarnation – You die and come back in order to work off your sin.
• Purgatory – A place you go to work at redeeming your sins.
• Hebrews 9:28 - so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.[2]
• What about the religion that says we all die and all go to hell? Where is that one?
• Here is what the Bible says about death…
• I Thessalonians 5:23 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.[3]
• We are three parts… body, soul & Spirit.
• At death, the soul & Spirit are separated from the body…
• Where does the spirit & soul go at this point?
     Luke 16 – holding place that has two sections… with chasm that separates the two sides
     Sheol (Hebrew) of Hades (Greek) had two sides:
     1) Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise – The saved side.
     2) Hell – a place of torment for the unrighteous dead.
• 2 Corinthians 5:8 - In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.[4]
• Jesus speaks of hell more than anyone in the Bible.
     Gihenna is spoken of 12 times
• If you are a non-believer… this world is as good as it gets.
  If you are a believer… this world is as bad as it gets.
• Paul has incredible insights to death…
  
  
• Dependent on the Spirit working in his life and his situation.

20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

LIVING IS CHRIST
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better--24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.

• Brent & Deanna Higgins Video
• Kimberly Schilling - Questions

27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.[5]
Our suffering is purposeful…
To live is Christ… to die is gain…
Everyone of us will die…
Horatio G. Spafford was a lawyer in Chicago that lived during the 19th century. During his later life, he experienced many personal tragedies. The Spaffords were pretty well known during the 1860s, not only for their law practice, but also because Horatio Spafford and his wife, Anna were close supporters and friends of D.L Moody. During the 1870s things went very wrong for the Spaffords. In 1870, the Spaffords' only son was killed by scarlet fever at the age of four. A year later in 1871 they were ruined financially by the Great Chicago Fire. Horatio Spafford decided that he and his family needed a break from the events from the events that had happened recently and so they went to England for a break.
In 1873 when Horatio Spafford's wife and four daughters were leaving from New York to England, the ship that they were travelling on, 'Ville de Havre' struck another ship and sunk, killing his four daughters.His wife, the only survivor, sent him a telegram 9 days after the ship left the harbor of New York, with two words, "Saved alone".
Horatio Spafford, upon hearing the news, left for England to join his wife. As the ship he was on passed the place where his daughters perished, the captain called him to the bridge. "A careful reckoning has been made", he said, "and I believe we are now passing the place where the de Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep." That night, in his cabin, Horatio penned the lyrics to one of the most famous hymns of all time.
“It is Well with My Soul” – Audrey Assad

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

​It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Da 12:2–3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 9:28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (1 Th 5:23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:8). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:18–30). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

I am so stuck on this truth… that I come across as this is what you would expect the pastor to say…

• Theology in suffering must replace the therapy of suffering in the church today.
• Bible tells us that suffering is the result of sin
• We enter and leave the world by causing others to suffer
• Throughout life we deal with suffering… Psalm (1/3), Lamentations, every prophet (except Haggai) include a lament in their book, Jesus lamented over Israel.

Those suffering around us today:

• 4 Families in Idaho who lost their college students
• Hospitals are full with RSV patients
• Homicide rate in Indianapolis is setting records
• We’ve all got friends who are going through relationship issues
• There is grief for loss in this room as we are in the holiday season
• Financial issues for many

It overwhelms us… it encompasses every human being. You will suffer. You will not avoid it. Will you suffer with purpose or without purpose?
This is not a message about who has suffered the most…
Paul –
2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us.[1]
2 Corinthians 11:23-30 - I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death.
24 Five times I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers; 27 toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and without clothing. 28 Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
30 If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses.[2]
2 Corinthians 12:6-9 - For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”
Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.[3]
Paul in prison in 62 AD in Rome.
 - Epaphroditus was sent to deliver an offering to Paul and care for him.
 - Epaphroditus got sick on the way.
ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL
PHILIPPIANS 1
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word, fearlessly.

• It is not a question of “if you will suffer”… it is “when will you suffer”
• It is going to happen… why do you think you can avoid suffering even for a day?
• Will you suffer with purpose or without purpose?
• Will suffering compel you to love Jesus more?
• Will suffering purify your motives?
• Will your suffering reorient your focus on Jesus and the Good News?

I am begging you not to waste your suffering!!!

• Will your chains of suffering be an opportunity for you to share about the sufferings of Jesus and how He has triumphed?

1. You ask the question… “Why are chained here?”
    - You are not “chained here”… you are free!
    - You are free to tell others of the Truth!
   
   
2. Will the other Christians benefit from watching you suffer? WE WATCH!!!
   
   
3. Will non-Christians become Christians because of your suffering?
   -People are watching you suffer!!!
   
   
4. Will you suffer with purpose or will you waste your suffering?

Misconceptions of Suffering…
       1) Suffering is not avoided by you having a lot of faith.
       2) Suffering does not automatically make you a victim.
       3) Suffering is not necessarily a result of sin.
       4) Suffering is not to be pursued. (It makes us holy…)
       5) Suffering is not to be avoided.
       6) Suffering is not to be excused because God uses it. (Because God uses it doesn’t justify the sin)
       7) Suffering is no excuse to allow injustice and evil. (We must still be just and avoid evil)
       8) Suffering is for us… not an act of atonement… but for sanctification. (We aren’t paying God back for sin… don’t believe in karma… penance… purgatory)
       9) Suffering is not to be fully understood in this life.
      10) Suffering is not beyond the sovereign goodness of God.
15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.
 - Some Bible teachers teach from very corrupt motivations.
        - It is about producing numbers…
        - It is about controlling the behavior of their congregation
18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.[4]
 - Paul… are you sure that is what you meant to say!?!

• Paul tells us that in suffering… the key is to rejoice.
• You wrongly identify joy with an emotion… and you can’t command an emotion!
• I couldn’t command Sam and Chloe to mourn last weekend!
• Roughly 18 times in the NT… Joy and suffering are mentioned together.

You suffer through your finances… your poverty… your loss of loved ones… separations and divorces of relationships… your unemployment… your addiction… your sin… your unmet expectations!
Jesus is the perfect example of suffering…

1. Jesus took our sin and purchased our salvation through His suffering
2. Jesus suffered for us
3. Jesus continues to suffer with us (“Saul, why do you persecute me?”)
4. Jesus will put an end to all suffering… this world comes to an end.
5. John 16:33 – In this world… you will have tribulation… you will suffer!

• You will suffer… suffer well… suffer with Jesus… let Jesus use the suffering!
• Don’t waste any of your suffering… It cost you much!
• Invest in the people who know Jesus and the people who need to know Jesus!

Romanian pastor… “Christians are like nails… the harder you hit them… the deeper they go.”
I pray that you go deeper in Christ by each blow of suffering that you receive!

[1] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 1:8–10). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 11:23–30). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 12:6–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:12–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

PHILIPPIANS 1
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. [1]
 

• Philippians: Theme is joy
• Paul is experience loneliness while sitting in jail and writing his friends.
• He is broke… hungry… and by himself.

 

• In a recent national survey of American adults, 36% of respondents reported serious loneliness—feeling lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time or all the time” in the four weeks prior to the survey.
• This included 61% of young people aged 18-25 and 51% of mothers with young children.

 

• 43% of young adults reported increases in loneliness since the outbreak of the pandemic.
• About half of lonely young adults in our survey reported that no one in the past few weeks had “taken more than just a few minutes” to ask how they are doing in a way that made them feel like the person “genuinely cared.”
• Young adults suffer high rates of both loneliness and anxiety and depression.
• According to a recent CDC survey, 63% of this age group are suffering significant symptoms of anxiety or depression.[2]

 

• Young adults are twice as likely to be lonely than seniors.
• 79% of adults aged 18 to 24 report feeling lonely compared to 41% of seniors aged 66 and older. This is consistent with earlier research.
• More than twice as many younger adults as older adults experience feeling left out.
• More than two in five adults (42%) aged 18 to 34 report “always” feeling “left out,” compared to just 16% of people aged 55 or older who say the same.
• Men and women have roughly the same likelihood of loneliness.
• 57% of men and 59% of women reported being lonely.
• Loneliness levels were close to equal in 2018 as well, with 53% of men and 54% of women reporting feelings of loneliness.
• In 2019, data showed a spike in loneliness among men, with 63% experiencing loneliness compared to 58% of women.[3]

 
Epidemic in our culture (Bowling Alone… Robert Putnam)

• Joining and participating in one group cuts in half your odds of dying next year.
• More Americans are bowling more than ever before but they are not bowling in leagues.
• Playing cards with friends is down 25% (in last 25 years)
• Evening with neighbors is down 33% (how many homes have you been in?)
• Family dinners are down 33% (fast food)
• Having friends over is down 45%
• Readiness to make new friends is down 33%

 

• American Social Review: Social Isolation in America Average American only has 2 close friends (down from 3 in 1985)
• 25% of Americans have no one to confide in 80% of Americans only confide in family (they drive you nuts the most)

 

• Socially isolated needy people gather together to ignore one another
• Lonely people go to the coffee shop and drink their burnt coffee with their headphones in their ears and ignore other people “in community”
• Dog Lovers – Move on from people to pets – “my baby”
• Fighting to let their “best friend” dine with them
• “Your friend licks himself!!”
• Church/Religion

 

• People are disconnected and lonely – It is epidemic

 

• “Did God create us because He was lonely?” – Trinity
• Created everything good… it is not good for man to be alone.
• Genesis 3 – “sin” separates us from God and one another
• Loneliness is one of the effects of sin.

 

• Our culture and the church tells you that the answer to loneliness is a “friend” (accountability partners)
• Facebook – we had things in common in high school but I don’t know who they are now.

 

• What is the answer: Paul said it is that we become partners for the Gospel.
• It is centered on our relationship with Jesus.

 

• Marriage counseling: Focus is on the relationship with Jesus, then choose to be partners.
• Gospel Partnership – is like friendship but is much deeper… you know what to do with
• sin which typically is what destroys the relationship.

 
Verse 2 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Grace… understanding grace –
• When you receive grace you want to give grace
• Grace is given along with repentance
• Grace leads to peace (we were objects of wrath… now there is no condemnation)
• Peace allows you to be “OK” with others sin and “gooberishness”
• Michelle and I experience sin, repentance, grace & peace

 
Verse 3 - I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, (memories)

• Leads to memories… great memories vs very bitter memories
• With God… he can help us create new memories (especially inside marriage).

 
Verse 4 - always praying with joy (14x’s) for all of you in my every prayer,

• Joy or derivative is used 14 times in Philippians (how can he?... he knew something)
• Joy is a lifestyle… happiness is an emotion
• If joy were an emotion, then it would not be present in all circumstances
• Joy celebrates the forward Gospel of Jesus Christ despite all the junk that is happening around me.

 
Verse 5 - because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

• Gospel Partnership – spiritual perseverance
• We are moving forward in the Gospel of Jesus
• We have endured rough times… memories
• God is going to replace those memories
• God is not going to give up on you!
• He will bring it to completion.

 
Verse 7 - Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (partakers of grace) 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

• It changes our heart for people and causes us to pray for others
• Paul is compelled to be a compassionate man
• Paul was a KILLER
• Now he is an encourager
• He realizes his life is not about himself but it is about others
• Prayer overcomes proximity and affinity
• He writes to encourage them (letters are important)

 
Verse - 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior (excellent) and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,

• I have failed the mercy portion of a Spiritual Gifts analysis.
• It is the understanding of the Gospel that allows me to love others.
• This based upon discernment and trust of other people.

 
Verse 11 - filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

• Righteousness –
• 2 Corinthians 5:21- He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.[4]
• If you don’t comprehend this… you get trapped in religion
• You give Jesus your sin and He gives you righteousness
• Your legal standing before God but also your lifestyle!
• You are a new creation… you have a new heart.

 

• It is all about Jesus… (mentioned 7 times in the first 11 verses)
• This community is only together because of our relationship with Jesus Christ and the moving forward of the Good News of what He has done for us and through us.
• Is loneliness a bad thing? No… sometimes God uses lonely times for you us to draw near to Him… Jesus is found many times to be experiencing loneliness
• He voluntarily withdrew… in the garden… on the way to the cross (denial).
• He was utterly alone on the cross.
• He can sympathize with us!

 
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [5]

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Philippians 1:2–11). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america
[3] https://newsroom.cigna.com/loneliness-epidemic-persists-post-pandemic-look
[4] Christian Standard Bible (2 Corinthians 5:21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Hebrews 12:1–2). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Luke leaves Rome and travels to Philippi, where he stays with the church.

• Titus travels to the Island of Crete and plants a number of churches there.
• Spring 62 - Crisis in Philippi
• After some time, Paul decides to address the problems in Philippi that Epaphras reported to him.
• The problems are as follows: There are contentions, grumblings, and disputes present that are rooted in pride and petty jealousies.
• Two sisters in particular, Euodia and Syntyche (sin-2-key), are quarreling with each other fiercely. (These women, along with Clement, have helped Paul labor in the gospel every time he was present in Philippi.)
• The Philippians are receiving persecution at the hands of their pagan neighbors who are libertines noted for their loose living and bondage to their fleshly appetites.
• The Philippians are also being agitated by Jewish missionaries who are urging them to be circumcised and come under the Law.
• Epaphras recovers from his illness, and Paul sends him to Philippi.
• Paul plans to send Timothy to Philippi once he learns about the results of his upcoming trial.
• He wants Timothy to bring back a report on the church’s progress.
• Paul is optimistic that he will be released and plans to visit the church when that time comes.
• Philippians is Paul’s last letter to a church that is recorded in the NT.

 

• PAUL WRITES PHILIPPIANS
• Year: Spring 62
• From: Rome
• To: The church in Philippi (which is about 12 years old)
• Provocation: Paul wants the Philippians to know how he is doing in Rome.
• He gives them an update on Epaphras (also called Epaphroditus) and tells them that he is sending him back to them.
• Paul encourages the church in the face of opposition.
• He addresses their contentions by presenting Christ—His humility and His lack of self-preservation.
• Paul puts the church on guard against the Judaizers (“the mutilation party” as he calls them) and against the pagan libertines.
• He tells the Philippians of his plan to send Timothy to them when he has a better idea of his own future.
• That future includes his desire to visit them when he is released from prison.
• Paul speaks directly to Luke and asks him to help two sisters in the church to reconcile and live in harmony (chapter 4:3).
• He ends the letter by thanking the church for its gracious financial gift.
• A highlight of this letter is found in chapters 2:6-11 where Paul quotes an ancient Christian hymn regarding the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

 

• In spite of his difficult circumstances as a prisoner in Rome, Paul is rejoicing.
• The secret of his joy is the single mind; he lives for Christ and the Gospel. (Christ is named eighteen times in Philippians 1, and the Gospel is mentioned six times.)
• “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
• But what really is “the single mind”?
• It is the attitude that says, “It makes no difference what happens to me, just as long as Christ is glorified and the Gospel shared with others.”
• Paul rejoiced in spite of his circumstances, because his circumstances strengthened the fellowship of the Gospel (Phil. 1:1–11), promoted the furtherance of the Gospel (Phil. 1:12–26), and guarded the faith of the Gospel (Phil. 1:27–30).[1]

 

• Philippians: Theme is joy
• What is the difference between joy and happiness?
• Can you be happy and joyful at the same time?
• Can you be happy and without joy?
• Can you be joyful and not happy?
• What makes you happy? What brings you joy?

 

• Happiness depends on circumstances
• Joy is independent of circumstances
• Joy is accessible to the believer when happiness is on vacation (nowhere to be found)

 

• Hebrews 12:2 - keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[2]

 

• Constitution: We have rights… among them… Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
• Happiness occurs in two places: culture and religion
•    Culture: people, places or things
•    Processes: There always steps…
•    Football Team winning
•    Favorite Starbucks drink
• Finishing a project
• Being with family or friends
• Ice cream
• Traveling – Trips – Vacation

 

•    Culture is not the answer for happiness

 

• Religion: Pop psychology (Oprah), creating your own God, Joel Osteen (health & wealth=prosperity)
• Just because it is in a book, magazine or even on religious television
• Galatians 5:19-21 - It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.[3]

 

• Walking in prosperity, incredible health, strong relationships, living in victory, without pain and anxiety excludes Jesus.
• Your plan should include God

 

• Jesus was born in a poor family… sometimes homeless, common job, hungry & didn’t even have enough money to pay his taxes.
• Relationships: Jesus have strange relationships? Family disowned him, friends abandoned him, Judas betrayed him & the crowd called for his death.

 

• Pain: Did Jesus ever experience pain? Cross…

 

• Victor or victimized: False accusations, false witnesses, false trial, false condemnation and false execution

 

• Worries & Anxiety: Gethsemane… sweated drops of blood.

 

• There are days of pain!!! We think we can live in the first couple of chapters of Genesis. The fall of man occurred!

 

• #1 prescription drug in America is anti-depressants (118 million people)
• 25% of adults and 8% of adolescents experience a major period of depression.
• #3 reason for death among teenage girls is suicide

 

• Our pursuit of happiness is not working…

 

• Three reasons why…
• We hang our hopes on someone or something
• (desire is ok… it is the discontentment that ruins us)
• We get those things think will make us happy… and they don’t make us happy.
• (spouse, child, job, car… Ecclesiastes… “Everything is meaningless”
• We create diversions
• (computers, television, Blackberries, sleeping, eating, internet, etc)

 

• CHRISTIAN WARFARE
• PHILIPPIANS 1
• GREETING
• 1 Paul and Timothy (Paul’s right-hand man), servants of Christ Jesus:
• To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi (Acts 16:11-38 – it was hub, strategic for church planting), including the overseers and deacons. (pastors & elders)[4]
• Christ Jesus (mentioned twice in first verse)
• There wasn’t a lot of talk about Jesus
• Philippians written in 62 AD (about the same time as the Gospels)
• Jesus rebelled against culture because he came as a humble servant. (Matthew 20:28 - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[5])
• Saints – Those who believe in Jesus Christ…
• Saint Qualifications - In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saint.
• Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized as having lived heroic virtues.
• To be recognized as a Blessed, and therefore beatified, in addition to personal attributes of charity and heroic virtue, one miracle, acquired through the individual's intercession, is required.
• Canonization requires two, though a Pope may waive these requirements. Martyrdom does not usually require a miracle.
• Christian: One step… Jesus… Check!!! Done!!!!
• Jesus rose for you and you are set apart… it is our identity!
• Put this on your resume… business card… REPRESENT!

 

• Servants
• Greek word is slave… not the same thing as America practiced.
• Be a slave to Jesus Christ
• Slave to sin, religion or Jesus
• Sin – Titus 3:3 - For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.[6]
• It usually starts kind of fun and then turns bad…
• It is selfish… it is about me… it demands service… it is “me” oriented

 

• Religion – 2 Peter 2:19 - They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.[7]
• Religion is horrible… it is about a list of things you must do… and you measure up according to how you act to things that are posted on the list.
• It is selfish again… it is about “me”… pride… external rewards…
• Man promises happiness in religion, Christ promises joy in understanding
• Jesus – You never know what is in store… it is fun…
• It is selfless… not selfish… it is not about me… it is about Christ doing things while I rest.

 

• Why would I become a slave? I’m free already… No… not really…
• You are a slave to someone or something… Who is your master?

 

• Slavery is the key to freedom!
• Humility is the key to joy!
• Servanthood is a great lifestyle for those who identity is a Saint.

 

• Our identity is a SAINT
• Our lifestyle is a SERVANT

 

• Knowing that I am a SAINT… makes me happy
• Living as a servant… brings me Joy…

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 64). Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 12:2). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Ga 5:19–21). NavPress.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Mt 20:28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Tt 3:3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (2 Pe 2:19). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.