Joy Despite Circumstances
Philippians 1:1 - 30
Read: 3 - 11, 12 - 18, 19 - 26, 27 - 30
Focus: Joy
Single Minds: The attitude that it makes no difference what happens to me as long as Jesus Christ is glorified and the gospel is shared.
For me to live is _______
- Focusing on the God of our circumstances instead of our circumstances
- Paul was miles away from the Philippian believers but they were always on his mind and in his heart.
- It's the Christian love that us us apart.
- Paul prays for their love to abound and grow, to be discerning in their love, and to be pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness.
- Remember that Paul is chained in a Roman prison. Doors were opened as he is a prisoner because of the four guards that see and hear him during the day.
- Paul is being tried because of his religious belief and so the "religious leaders" have to study (another opportunity to share the gospel) to see if there is any validity to his beliefs.
- Other believers are being encouraged because of Paul
- Paul just wants the gospel to be spread...there is no selfish motive.
- There IS power in the gospel
- Paul would rather die to be with Jesus but he knows that God has a purpose.
- Paul charged them to be unified and to defend the faith - it's the set of beliefs that make Christianity.
- Be consistent in your walk, as children of God and walk in a way worthy of the Gospel.
- God has granted to us and given to us the priviledge of suffering for Christ - there is purpose behind our suffering.
- Paul said...for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
- How would we fill this in - For me to live is ________.
- Think about other believers you know and how frequently you think of and pray for them.
- Do you circumstances steal your joy?
- What is your single purpose in life?
- Was is the one thing you want to do before you die or before Christ comes back?
Prayer Requests
- Leah Irwin's Dad - fell off the ladder las night - 4 stitches on the back of his head, but had a clear CAT scan - he's very sore.
- Brent Bostic - friend of Leah Irwin - diagnosed with Hodgkin's this week
- A missionary - Kandy - has breast cancer - will be in our missionary house to receive treatment.
- Madeline - tonsilectomey on Tuesdsay, 3/15
- Emily - pray for her great aunt Wonzel (in the hospital) Pray for her mom as she cares for them.
