Text: Philippians 4: 1-3 (CSB) – “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. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 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.”
So far in our study, we have viewed the Philosophy that Paul is teaching – “To live Christ.” And the Pattern that Paul says we should live by – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” And next, the Prize that Paul says we should seek – “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Now, in Chapter 4 Paul shows you the Power in the Christian Life we lead. In verses 1 – 4 – He speaks of the Joy – The Source of Power. Then in verses 5 – 7 – He speaks to Prayer – The Secret of Power. And in verses 8 – 23 – He shows us Christ – The Satisfaction of Power.
Remember that this little book of Philippians is a real “Rubber hits the Road” description of Christianity. Paul tells us of the JOY and HOPE in the midst of adverse circumstances. So, consider what he means by:
· Joy – this is an inner happiness, exaltation, exuberance not based on outward situations.
· Hope – in the Scriptures this is a confident expectation. It is not based on what happens around us – but what happens within us. And finally,
· Attitudes – especially Self-control – Paul reminds us to refuse to let anyone or thing control us.
Once again, we will take two sideroads before getting to the main point starting tomorrow, when Paul urges Christian unity.
No comments:
Post a Comment