Strength for the Journey...Life Lessons from Philippians http://www.tcaa.com Paul wrote to the Philippians from Rome-- a prisoner of Nero. He was chained day and night to a Roman soldier. He knew his life could end soon...and he wrote to people of faith who needed to be encouraged. Philippians is a guide for ordinary living. You will find help for the normal problems Christians face. Paul reminds the Philippians and us "that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 Our lives are filled with and problems, frustrations, anxieties, and pressures that can lead to feeling weary, discouraged and defeated. We need to discover and understand the source of joy, confidence and strength to fully follow Jesus. Christ is our life; Christ is our confidence; and Christ is our strength for the journey."All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death." Philippians 3:10 (Good News)Week 9: Giving That Pleases God STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY: STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY: LIFE LESSONS FROM PHILIPPIANS Philippians 1:27-2:4 How have you experienced the "big dog" syndrome? God calls us to reverse our natural tendencies to put ourselves first with a supernatural unity. 1. UNITY KEEPS US FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE: 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. Philippians 1:27 How is "whatever happens" in your life now? Stay focused with a consistent walk: Stay focused on the only good news: Stay focused as a team: Stay focused through conflict: ...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... Philippians 1:28-29 2. UNITY BINDS US TOGETHER IN COMMUNITY: If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 What is the spiritual "glue" of our faith community?_ Should we ever become "unglued"? Because of personalities? I Corinthians 1:10-16 Because of legalistic life style choices? Romans 14:1-24 Because of ministry methods? Luke 7:29-35; Galatians 2:11-14 Because of selfishness and pride? Philippians 2:2 Unity doesn't mean complete agreement, but it means that we stick together despite our differences. We can stick together because our unity is rooted in Jesus! Fellowship problems are solved when our hearts are right with Christ and each other: Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. Philippians 2:1 (Contemporary English Version) What happens when we stick together? We will live in harmony.We will think the "one thing."We will be united as one person. We will put the interests of others first.How can we introduce the family of faith as the third place where community and connection take place? A unity verse for our community: Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him. Colossians 3:17 (CEV) GET CONNECTED TO THE GOSPEL PROJECT THIS EVENING AT 5 PM All adults are invited to join the Pastor and staff as we launch the Gospel Project at TCAA. The Bible is critical to spiritual transformation. We will not understand what the Bible says to us until we understand the Bible as the story of God's plan to rescue the world from sin and death through Jesus! The Gospel Project will help us to "breathe" Scripture! The Bible is not something to learn but God's instructions that show us how to live a Christ-centered life. We want to know what the Bible says about "that." The Gospel Project will ensure that we stay focused on the way we encounter Jesus in the Bible. The Gospel Project will unify adults, youth and children under one Christ-centered resource. 97dollarvids,thechurchatarrowhead http://97dollarvideomarketing.com http://www.youtube.com/user/TheChurchAtArrowhead?feature=mhee
