All, please take a few minutes and listen to this sermon by Jim Stevens which really sets the stage for the book we are studying. I had never really heard the book of Phillipians set up this way and it was amazing. It is called "At the River's Edge" from Feb 1, 2009 and you can find it here: http://visitchristcommunity.com/message_library
Paul’s Life for Christ
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
Live as Citizens of Heaven
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
4 comments:
Verse 20 should be all of ours mantra. What an amazing letter.
Let's have a great week of study,
cas
I said a prayer this morning based on these verses (especially v.25) that I would be such an encouragement and teahcer to my children.
PS I also contacted the folks in coatesville and am waiting for a response later this week about what we can do. They were in good shape this weekend, but expect more needs to develop soon.
CAS, Great challenge! Please hold me to being in the Word this week! It truly is an amazing letter.
JMB, nice prayer idea! Also, thanks for contact Josh. Let us know what we can do.
This verse spoke to me:
30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
My prayer is that there's some evidence in my daily life that 'I am still in the midst' of the struggle of fighting for the Gospel with my brothers in Christ.
Let's do some battle...
2 great verses -
"live as citizens of heaven"
"privilege of suffering for him"
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