Contentment, Friendship & Finances
Make the spiritual secret of contentment a goal in your life.
The key to contentment is realizing that God has given you
all you need to remain victorious in Christ.
NJB 1 Corinthians 15:57 Thank God, then, for giving us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.
NLT 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume.
ESV 1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.
The ability to live above our circumstances comes from Christ’s power flowing through us.
NIV 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
NIV Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Believe you can do all things through Christ. (4:15-17)
Identify the good things people do around you and thank them.
NIV Philippians 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
NIV Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Trust that Father God will meet all of your needs.
Paul emphasizes the loving care of God the Father for His children. He will meet all your needs (material and spiritual) as you present them to Him. He will meet them in Christ Jesus. Only in union with Christ, and in His fellowship can we experience God’s provision. Romans 8:28, 31-39
Philippians 4:10-23
By David Bielby
Final Message in Philippians
This outline is adapted from the Full Life Study Bible notes on Philippians 4
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Sunday, November 13, 2005
5 Resolutions for navigating stress well-Philippians 4:2-9
“Five resolutions for navigating stress well”
Never give up the Christian walk
Philippians 4:2-9
David Bielby November 13, 2005
Summary of Philippians first three chapters:
A) Put the gospel first
B) Adopt Jesus’ death as the test of your outlook
C) Emulate worthy Christian leaders
Runner theme from last week….a marathon runner who presses on to the goal…which is to experience Jesus. Our life goal, the Vineyard’s vision, and each of our lives is to be focused on this one thing….to experience Jesus. As we run, we may grow weary, and so Paul gives a cluster of ‘exhortations’ or encouraging statements to help us endure to the end…to help us press on.
Final message in Philippians can be summed up with the phrase: Never give up the Christian walk.
A) Handling stress in relationships 4:2-9
B) Friendship & gifts 4:10-23
Philippians 4:2-9 rests on Philippians 4:1. So it can really be seen as a passage about how our standing in Christ looks & feels.
Today’s focus is on Philippians 4:2-9: Stress in relationships:Navigating stress well.
Part of God’s goal in this passage is to reiterate things already said in a way that births hope, perseverance & endurance for the weary. Like a marathon runner, we can keep running even when it hurts…even when things are difficult…if we recognize where the battle lies.
Spiritual warfare comes at us most often through people around us.
Jesus example (Peter & Judas Iscariot). We fight the devil when we struggle for unity with other true believers around us. Precious stone (Diamond) illustration.
Resolve to pursue Like-Mindedness with other true believers.
4:2-3 A) Absence of fighting. B) Presence of harmony & good will C) Humility 2:5
Resolve to always rejoice in the Lord. 4:4
Resolve to be known for gentleness. 4:5
Resolve not to be anxious for anything, but to pray instead. 4:6-7
Resolve to think holy thoughts. 4:8-9
Outline modified from Basics for Believers by D.A.Carson
Never give up the Christian walk
Philippians 4:2-9
David Bielby November 13, 2005
Summary of Philippians first three chapters:
A) Put the gospel first
B) Adopt Jesus’ death as the test of your outlook
C) Emulate worthy Christian leaders
Runner theme from last week….a marathon runner who presses on to the goal…which is to experience Jesus. Our life goal, the Vineyard’s vision, and each of our lives is to be focused on this one thing….to experience Jesus. As we run, we may grow weary, and so Paul gives a cluster of ‘exhortations’ or encouraging statements to help us endure to the end…to help us press on.
Final message in Philippians can be summed up with the phrase: Never give up the Christian walk.
A) Handling stress in relationships 4:2-9
B) Friendship & gifts 4:10-23
Philippians 4:2-9 rests on Philippians 4:1. So it can really be seen as a passage about how our standing in Christ looks & feels.
Today’s focus is on Philippians 4:2-9: Stress in relationships:Navigating stress well.
Part of God’s goal in this passage is to reiterate things already said in a way that births hope, perseverance & endurance for the weary. Like a marathon runner, we can keep running even when it hurts…even when things are difficult…if we recognize where the battle lies.
Spiritual warfare comes at us most often through people around us.
Jesus example (Peter & Judas Iscariot). We fight the devil when we struggle for unity with other true believers around us. Precious stone (Diamond) illustration.
Resolve to pursue Like-Mindedness with other true believers.
4:2-3 A) Absence of fighting. B) Presence of harmony & good will C) Humility 2:5
Resolve to always rejoice in the Lord. 4:4
Resolve to be known for gentleness. 4:5
Resolve not to be anxious for anything, but to pray instead. 4:6-7
Resolve to think holy thoughts. 4:8-9
Outline modified from Basics for Believers by D.A.Carson
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Life's Goal is Jesus
The goal of life is Jesus
Sermon Notes
The ABC’s of Philippians 3:12 to 4:1
David Bielby November 6, 2005
Introduction: Saul’s conversion story Acts 9:1-19
A) Yearn to grow in knowing Jesus: Phil 3:10-16
B) Yearn for Jesus’ return: Phil 3:17-21
C) Remember that you stand against the world, the devil’s schemes and your own sinful flesh by four keys (Philippians 4:1):
1) Reject the Pharisees way (Philippians 3:1-11)
2) Follow Paul’s way (Philippians 3:1-11)
3) Yearn to grow in knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:10-16)
Why can’t we have a church where some people think once saved always saved, and some people think sanctification is fully possible now and yet still love one another?
4) Yearn for Jesus’ return (Philippians 3:17-21)
The theme of eschatology (end of this age and the return of Jesus) runs through Paul’s writings. Here it is in Philippians again! It has been an inference or direct reference in every single paragraph of Philippians. It is a theme also in Ephesians as well as Romans. So I am praying about taking the congregation through a study of the book of Revelation in 2006. Join me in praying about this. Does our trust in what the bible says about the future affect our daily living for Jesus now? Paul keeps hammering the concept home. Here we have it again in Philippians 3:17-21.
The illustration of a runner: Keep running towards Jesus
Sermon Notes
The ABC’s of Philippians 3:12 to 4:1
David Bielby November 6, 2005
Introduction: Saul’s conversion story Acts 9:1-19
A) Yearn to grow in knowing Jesus: Phil 3:10-16
B) Yearn for Jesus’ return: Phil 3:17-21
C) Remember that you stand against the world, the devil’s schemes and your own sinful flesh by four keys (Philippians 4:1):
1) Reject the Pharisees way (Philippians 3:1-11)
2) Follow Paul’s way (Philippians 3:1-11)
3) Yearn to grow in knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:10-16)
Why can’t we have a church where some people think once saved always saved, and some people think sanctification is fully possible now and yet still love one another?
4) Yearn for Jesus’ return (Philippians 3:17-21)
The theme of eschatology (end of this age and the return of Jesus) runs through Paul’s writings. Here it is in Philippians again! It has been an inference or direct reference in every single paragraph of Philippians. It is a theme also in Ephesians as well as Romans. So I am praying about taking the congregation through a study of the book of Revelation in 2006. Join me in praying about this. Does our trust in what the bible says about the future affect our daily living for Jesus now? Paul keeps hammering the concept home. Here we have it again in Philippians 3:17-21.
The illustration of a runner: Keep running towards Jesus
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Experiencing Jesus
Experiencing Jesus
Philippians 3:1-11
Introduction: What was the happiest day of your life? One of mine was the day I married Amy. I often remember the moment she stepped into the sanctuary of the church we were married in, that April day almost 25 years ago….
What was the greatest achievement of your life to date?
What is the thing you are the most proud of in your family heritage? Did you have a forefather who fought valiantly in the Civil War or was one of your family members a famous person? What is the one thing you live for in life? If you could have all the free time in the world, what is the one thing you would probably do more than anything else? What is your life vision? What are you doing here on earth?
Without a vision, the people perish! Not having a clear vision produces weak Christians, weak Christian families, weak LifeGroups, and weak Churches. Without a clear vision for our lives, we will flounder in the difficulties we face and never know how to walk in the joy of Christ. They say if you aim at nothing you will hit it every time. We will never be satisfied in life unless we have the right target, and we hit that target with own life. We will never have a joy-fill journey in Christ Jesus. So what does the bible say about developing a personal destiny? A personal vision?
I. Make sure you are not like the _Pharisees_: Put no confidence in your natural abilities, achievements, wealth or heritage. Philippians 3:1-7
A. Religious people tend to rely on their good deeds, performance and
spiritual heritage.
B. Revelation of Christ delivers us from a performance based faith.
Note: the comparison of dogs, those men who do evil & who mutilate their flesh.
Show the picture of the latrine in Philippi.
Circumcision & Paul’s play on the words in the Greek here.
Paul’s summarization of all his natural ability, achievements, wealth & heritage is in Vs 7.
II. Make sure you are like _Paul_: Value Jesus so much everything else pales in comparison with Him! Philippians 3:8-11
A. Anti-experiential faith
B. Experiencing Jesus
Progression:
My own ability, achievements, wealth & heritage are all loss in comparison
to the supreme value of knowing Christ.
Defining knowing Christ: experiential knowledge, not fact gathering.
Knowing Christ is a supernatural encounter with God. Hunger to experience more of Jesus’ power, more of Christ daily is theologically laid out right here! Never let people tell you that because you have everything
you need in Christ, that you should not seek for more of Christ. That is
the error of emphasizing what you already have to the exclusion of seeking
more. The same error occurs when people pray for healing only in the realm
of declaring healing to the exclusion of asking for healing also! We are to
affirm who we are in Christ and hunger for more of Christ! That is Paul’s
example. The Kingdom which is to come, has already come. The Kingdom which has already come we are also to pray for that very Kingdom to come…
These truths are NOT mutually exclusive. We must be inclusive.
So thank Christ for what He has done for you. Ask Christ…seek Christ for what He will do for you & in you!
Back to Philippians 2: If Christ counted the laying aside of the throne of heaven to become a man, something He would do to reach us, then how can
we value anything on this earth over knowing Christ? Now that we see who
Jesus really is, that He is God living inside us, how can we value anything as
much as knowing Him? Everything is a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus.
All I have lost is ‘skubalon’ in exchange for gaining & being found in Christ!
(contrast a legalistic righteousness to the free righteousness by personal faith
in Jesus). ‘Skubalon’ is either human excrement or dog dung or scraps of food thrown out for dogs to pick through. It is a vulgar term, like a curse word.
Hunger for Christ:
Power of his resurrection
Fellowship of sharing in His sufferings
Conformation to His death
Attaining the resurrection from the dead
Philippians 3:1-11
Introduction: What was the happiest day of your life? One of mine was the day I married Amy. I often remember the moment she stepped into the sanctuary of the church we were married in, that April day almost 25 years ago….
What was the greatest achievement of your life to date?
What is the thing you are the most proud of in your family heritage? Did you have a forefather who fought valiantly in the Civil War or was one of your family members a famous person? What is the one thing you live for in life? If you could have all the free time in the world, what is the one thing you would probably do more than anything else? What is your life vision? What are you doing here on earth?
Without a vision, the people perish! Not having a clear vision produces weak Christians, weak Christian families, weak LifeGroups, and weak Churches. Without a clear vision for our lives, we will flounder in the difficulties we face and never know how to walk in the joy of Christ. They say if you aim at nothing you will hit it every time. We will never be satisfied in life unless we have the right target, and we hit that target with own life. We will never have a joy-fill journey in Christ Jesus. So what does the bible say about developing a personal destiny? A personal vision?
I. Make sure you are not like the _Pharisees_: Put no confidence in your natural abilities, achievements, wealth or heritage. Philippians 3:1-7
A. Religious people tend to rely on their good deeds, performance and
spiritual heritage.
B. Revelation of Christ delivers us from a performance based faith.
Note: the comparison of dogs, those men who do evil & who mutilate their flesh.
Show the picture of the latrine in Philippi.
Circumcision & Paul’s play on the words in the Greek here.
Paul’s summarization of all his natural ability, achievements, wealth & heritage is in Vs 7.
II. Make sure you are like _Paul_: Value Jesus so much everything else pales in comparison with Him! Philippians 3:8-11
A. Anti-experiential faith
B. Experiencing Jesus
Progression:
My own ability, achievements, wealth & heritage are all loss in comparison
to the supreme value of knowing Christ.
Defining knowing Christ: experiential knowledge, not fact gathering.
Knowing Christ is a supernatural encounter with God. Hunger to experience more of Jesus’ power, more of Christ daily is theologically laid out right here! Never let people tell you that because you have everything
you need in Christ, that you should not seek for more of Christ. That is
the error of emphasizing what you already have to the exclusion of seeking
more. The same error occurs when people pray for healing only in the realm
of declaring healing to the exclusion of asking for healing also! We are to
affirm who we are in Christ and hunger for more of Christ! That is Paul’s
example. The Kingdom which is to come, has already come. The Kingdom which has already come we are also to pray for that very Kingdom to come…
These truths are NOT mutually exclusive. We must be inclusive.
So thank Christ for what He has done for you. Ask Christ…seek Christ for what He will do for you & in you!
Back to Philippians 2: If Christ counted the laying aside of the throne of heaven to become a man, something He would do to reach us, then how can
we value anything on this earth over knowing Christ? Now that we see who
Jesus really is, that He is God living inside us, how can we value anything as
much as knowing Him? Everything is a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus.
All I have lost is ‘skubalon’ in exchange for gaining & being found in Christ!
(contrast a legalistic righteousness to the free righteousness by personal faith
in Jesus). ‘Skubalon’ is either human excrement or dog dung or scraps of food thrown out for dogs to pick through. It is a vulgar term, like a curse word.
Hunger for Christ:
Power of his resurrection
Fellowship of sharing in His sufferings
Conformation to His death
Attaining the resurrection from the dead
Monday, October 17, 2005
Kingdom Serving Philippians 2:19-30
Slave-this term had a different connotation in Paul’s day than it does in modern America. For one thing there was no race attached to slavery in Paul’s day. Some slaves were temporary and others were life long slaves. They all were considered ‘living tools’ of their masters though with no personal rights. That was in common with America’s slave history.
Ephesians 6:5-9 instructions to slaves
Philippians 2:22 Same word…to serve as a slave
ESV 1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.
ESV Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
ESV Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
The parallels with slavery in scripture tied to the physical practice in their day of real slavery. It also tied to the real condition of slavery to sin & the freedom to move from slavery to sin now to a new slavery…slavery to Christ.
ESV Romans 6:15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. 20 When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We were bought on the slave market of sin…the auction block…when no one would buy us…Christ purchased us to make us slaves of righteousness!! Freed to be slaved…
Genuine concern for others vs concern for ourselves
Review a couple key points:
ABS
Advance-Put the advance of the gospel first. Put the gospel first.
Believers-Put your fellowship with believers around the gospel first.
Stand United-Put unity for the sake of the gospel as a premium priority.
Focus on the cross! Put the gospel first.
Adopt Jesus’ death as the test of your outlook!! Put the gospel first.
How do we know if we are self centered or Gospel centered?
Center yourself on others because of Christ, His Kingdom & the Gospel!
Make Spirit –led plans for the benefit of others first!
Listen to and emulate worthy Christian leaders
Emulate those who are sincerely concerned for others
Emulate those who have proven themselves during hardship
Not the untested
Not the headstrong strutting peacocks who promote themselves
Christ
Paul
Timothy
Epaphroditus
Philippians
Now it’s your turn!
Amy’s constant example for me regarding myself and the children.
Always thinking of what the other person will need first!
The examples of true Christianity come from home life more often than we realize.
We are called to care for those we preach the gospel to as a mother cares for her children.
We are called to train faithful men who will train faithful men as a father teaches his son his favorite hobby or a job skill.
Five dimensions of teammates shown in Epaphroditus:
Five ways to emulate Paul & his team
Use uplifting labels for each other in the ministry:
1) My brother First we are called family.
2) My co-worker Laborers for the harvest field (spiritual vision, work & profit)
3) My fellow soldier Discipline, Unity & Combat in the field (mission trip)
4) Your messenger Courier to encourage the missionary Paul
5) Your minister Dispensing financial aid to the missionary Paul
Ephesians 6:5-9 instructions to slaves
Philippians 2:22 Same word…to serve as a slave
ESV 1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.
ESV Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
ESV Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
The parallels with slavery in scripture tied to the physical practice in their day of real slavery. It also tied to the real condition of slavery to sin & the freedom to move from slavery to sin now to a new slavery…slavery to Christ.
ESV Romans 6:15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. 20 When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We were bought on the slave market of sin…the auction block…when no one would buy us…Christ purchased us to make us slaves of righteousness!! Freed to be slaved…
Genuine concern for others vs concern for ourselves
Review a couple key points:
ABS
Advance-Put the advance of the gospel first. Put the gospel first.
Believers-Put your fellowship with believers around the gospel first.
Stand United-Put unity for the sake of the gospel as a premium priority.
Focus on the cross! Put the gospel first.
Adopt Jesus’ death as the test of your outlook!! Put the gospel first.
How do we know if we are self centered or Gospel centered?
Center yourself on others because of Christ, His Kingdom & the Gospel!
Make Spirit –led plans for the benefit of others first!
Listen to and emulate worthy Christian leaders
Emulate those who are sincerely concerned for others
Emulate those who have proven themselves during hardship
Not the untested
Not the headstrong strutting peacocks who promote themselves
Christ
Paul
Timothy
Epaphroditus
Philippians
Now it’s your turn!
Amy’s constant example for me regarding myself and the children.
Always thinking of what the other person will need first!
The examples of true Christianity come from home life more often than we realize.
We are called to care for those we preach the gospel to as a mother cares for her children.
We are called to train faithful men who will train faithful men as a father teaches his son his favorite hobby or a job skill.
Five dimensions of teammates shown in Epaphroditus:
Five ways to emulate Paul & his team
Use uplifting labels for each other in the ministry:
1) My brother First we are called family.
2) My co-worker Laborers for the harvest field (spiritual vision, work & profit)
3) My fellow soldier Discipline, Unity & Combat in the field (mission trip)
4) Your messenger Courier to encourage the missionary Paul
5) Your minister Dispensing financial aid to the missionary Paul
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Kingdom Humility Philippians 2:1-18
1)Focus on the cross.
Yesterday at En-Gedi (VCFBN's Leaders training seminar) we learned about people who lose their focus.
Maintaining focus as people of God is critical. If we lose our focus
we will meander through the desert of life.
People out of focus creates a myriad of problems.
Stagnation results. Unproductiveness.
Values start to slip. Complaining rises.
Worship is not about us….it is about treasuring Jesus!
Bringing Jesus to the center of our focus is critical.
Our vision should be to ‘Experience Jesus’!
The cross is the ‘apex’ of Christ’s life work. Therefore, we should focus on the cross of Christ.
Note Philippians 2 immediately leads us to His obedience,
even unto death,
even unto death on a cross.
The apostolic focus was on the cross. Like a great tether ball, never straying from its pole, the apostolic letters regularly wind up back at the cross. The pole
That centers truth in Christianity. It is the focus that brings fruitfulness for all of us!
Five Perspectives on the Cross
A) God’s perspective-Propitiation (14 times God reveals He hates evil doers...in first 50 psalms)
B) Christ’s perspective-High point of unqualified obedience!
C) Satan’s perspective-Revelation 12 appeal to the blood of the cross to overcome the devil.
D) Sin’s perspective-Stain cleansed. Debt paid off.
E) Our perspective-Our attitude: unqualified obedience possible in Christ because the one who unqualifyingly obeyed His Father dwells in us!!!
2) Adopt Jesus’ death as the test of your outlook1:27-30 Teaches that we are called not only to believe on Christ, but also
to suffer for Him!
2:1-4 Teaches that we are not only to enjoy the comforts o the Gospel, but are to
also pass them on by embracing Christ’s mindset! Paul appeals to experience. Conversation-put a button on it! Listen and watch out for others interests…not only your own!
The Son’s self-denial 2:5-8 “Christ did not take the form of God…He was in the form of God”. He took the form of a human being without leaving the form of God. Illustration: Sun & clouds (As the sun is hidden when the clouds cover the earth...so the Son of God's divine nature was hidden from our view when He clothed himself in human flesh. He always was, and is and will be Divine, AND He took on human flesh when He entered Mary's womb.
The Son’s vindication 2:9-11 The Father has exalted Christ to the highest place.
What principle operates here?
Trust in the Father. The way down is the way up in God’s Kingdom!
2:12-18 Teaches we are called to do our best to grow in our salvation!
Outline blended from ACC Vol. VIII & Basics for Believers by Carson
Yesterday at En-Gedi (VCFBN's Leaders training seminar) we learned about people who lose their focus.
Maintaining focus as people of God is critical. If we lose our focus
we will meander through the desert of life.
People out of focus creates a myriad of problems.
Stagnation results. Unproductiveness.
Values start to slip. Complaining rises.
Worship is not about us….it is about treasuring Jesus!
Bringing Jesus to the center of our focus is critical.
Our vision should be to ‘Experience Jesus’!
The cross is the ‘apex’ of Christ’s life work. Therefore, we should focus on the cross of Christ.
Note Philippians 2 immediately leads us to His obedience,
even unto death,
even unto death on a cross.
The apostolic focus was on the cross. Like a great tether ball, never straying from its pole, the apostolic letters regularly wind up back at the cross. The pole
That centers truth in Christianity. It is the focus that brings fruitfulness for all of us!
Five Perspectives on the Cross
A) God’s perspective-Propitiation (14 times God reveals He hates evil doers...in first 50 psalms)
B) Christ’s perspective-High point of unqualified obedience!
C) Satan’s perspective-Revelation 12 appeal to the blood of the cross to overcome the devil.
D) Sin’s perspective-Stain cleansed. Debt paid off.
E) Our perspective-Our attitude: unqualified obedience possible in Christ because the one who unqualifyingly obeyed His Father dwells in us!!!
2) Adopt Jesus’ death as the test of your outlook1:27-30 Teaches that we are called not only to believe on Christ, but also
to suffer for Him!
2:1-4 Teaches that we are not only to enjoy the comforts o the Gospel, but are to
also pass them on by embracing Christ’s mindset! Paul appeals to experience. Conversation-put a button on it! Listen and watch out for others interests…not only your own!
The Son’s self-denial 2:5-8 “Christ did not take the form of God…He was in the form of God”. He took the form of a human being without leaving the form of God. Illustration: Sun & clouds (As the sun is hidden when the clouds cover the earth...so the Son of God's divine nature was hidden from our view when He clothed himself in human flesh. He always was, and is and will be Divine, AND He took on human flesh when He entered Mary's womb.
The Son’s vindication 2:9-11 The Father has exalted Christ to the highest place.
What principle operates here?
Trust in the Father. The way down is the way up in God’s Kingdom!
2:12-18 Teaches we are called to do our best to grow in our salvation!
Outline blended from ACC Vol. VIII & Basics for Believers by Carson
Sunday, October 02, 2005
A.B.S. Philippians 1:12-30
“Joy through life’s storms”
A.B.S. (Strengthening your ABS?...or God’s Anti-lock Braking System?)
Sermon by David Bielby from October 2, 2005
The maturing of apostolic ministry results in a gospel focus. The more mature a believer becomes in the Lord the clearer their life focus on the gospel becomes.
The test of fire proves what is really in the heart of a man. God allows us to be offended to reveal what’s in our hearts and minds.
“There is nothing that will test our beliefs more than suffering for them.” Donald Baker
A.B.S.
Advance____: Philippians 1:12-18a…Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your life. Put the gospel first.
PAST: Paul looks back at his past in these verses and here recognizes what has happened to him…(He is in prison for preaching Christ and His gospel). Paul defines the spiritual effect of his ‘reversal’.
Paul’s example is impressive and clear: Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your aspirations. Our own comfort, our bruised feelings, our reputations, our misunderstood motives-all of these are insignificant in comparison with the advance and splendor of the gospel. As Christians we are called to put the advance of the gospel at the very center of our aspirations. ….D.A. C arson
Aspirations_____: Delight in Christ, His Kingdom & His Gospel Central over all else…even yourself!!! Put the gospel first.
The trap is that if we chase happiness we will never find it. If we delight in the gospel of Christ…and if we give ourselves to advancing it then we will find joy in it’s advancement even if it costs us tremendously. Recognize the sovereignty of God in your life. See how He can gain glory even in the very worst of situations.
Believers_____: Philippians 1:18b-26 Put the believers of the gospel at the center of your principled self-denial. Put the gospel first.
Present: The gospel is being proclaimed all around Paul…and so he delights in that.
Even though motives of some men in preaching are designed to cause Paul trouble, Paul still delights. He refuses to be discouraged by the impure motives of those who oppose him…instead choosing to delight in the present advancing gospel of Christ’s Kingdom!!!
Future: Paul faced his future by evaluating it simply in the light of what is best for the advancement of the gospel!! So live for the gospel. Make it the center of your purpose for living. Spiritual self-denial has at it’s roots not some sort of spiritual state that we can gain for ourselves, but a true motivation of gaining spiritual good for those around us.
Stand__ United: Philippians 1:27-30 Let your contending for the faith drive you to unite with other believers, avoiding division whenever possible. Be a steadfast church! Put the gospel first.
*Concepts adapted from “Basics for Believers” by D.A. Carson, The Message of Philippians by J.A. Motyer, and Philippians ‘Jesus our Joy’ by Donald Baker.
A.B.S. (Strengthening your ABS?...or God’s Anti-lock Braking System?)
Sermon by David Bielby from October 2, 2005
The maturing of apostolic ministry results in a gospel focus. The more mature a believer becomes in the Lord the clearer their life focus on the gospel becomes.
The test of fire proves what is really in the heart of a man. God allows us to be offended to reveal what’s in our hearts and minds.
“There is nothing that will test our beliefs more than suffering for them.” Donald Baker
A.B.S.
Advance____: Philippians 1:12-18a…Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your life. Put the gospel first.
PAST: Paul looks back at his past in these verses and here recognizes what has happened to him…(He is in prison for preaching Christ and His gospel). Paul defines the spiritual effect of his ‘reversal’.
Paul’s example is impressive and clear: Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your aspirations. Our own comfort, our bruised feelings, our reputations, our misunderstood motives-all of these are insignificant in comparison with the advance and splendor of the gospel. As Christians we are called to put the advance of the gospel at the very center of our aspirations. ….D.A. C arson
Aspirations_____: Delight in Christ, His Kingdom & His Gospel Central over all else…even yourself!!! Put the gospel first.
The trap is that if we chase happiness we will never find it. If we delight in the gospel of Christ…and if we give ourselves to advancing it then we will find joy in it’s advancement even if it costs us tremendously. Recognize the sovereignty of God in your life. See how He can gain glory even in the very worst of situations.
Believers_____: Philippians 1:18b-26 Put the believers of the gospel at the center of your principled self-denial. Put the gospel first.
Present: The gospel is being proclaimed all around Paul…and so he delights in that.
Even though motives of some men in preaching are designed to cause Paul trouble, Paul still delights. He refuses to be discouraged by the impure motives of those who oppose him…instead choosing to delight in the present advancing gospel of Christ’s Kingdom!!!
Future: Paul faced his future by evaluating it simply in the light of what is best for the advancement of the gospel!! So live for the gospel. Make it the center of your purpose for living. Spiritual self-denial has at it’s roots not some sort of spiritual state that we can gain for ourselves, but a true motivation of gaining spiritual good for those around us.
Stand__ United: Philippians 1:27-30 Let your contending for the faith drive you to unite with other believers, avoiding division whenever possible. Be a steadfast church! Put the gospel first.
*Concepts adapted from “Basics for Believers” by D.A. Carson, The Message of Philippians by J.A. Motyer, and Philippians ‘Jesus our Joy’ by Donald Baker.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Encouragement Philippians 1:1-11
Joy for the journey in Christ Jesus
Part 2: Encouragement
Philippians 1:1-11
David Bielby
VCF B/N
Christian encouragement is the art of helping someone become a better Christian during all seasons of life.
1) Review of past msg.
2) Cultivate the art of elevating others
Philippians 1:1-2
Paul was an apostle. How did he present himself to the Philippians? What connotation did the label slave have in their day? Paul was a tradesman (tent maker), Apostle, successful church planter, faith healer, prophetic minister and many other wonderful things in God’s Kingdom.
As we mature in Christ, we become less and less impressed with name dropping and titles for ourselves, and more interested in elevating others around us.
If you want to be great, be the servant of all.
The cult of celebrity seems to be an American disease. The plague of vain ambition-can ruin us.
Humility is a guardian against the plague of vain ambition resident within the heart of the leader who wants to be a star. Status, name-dropping, defensiveness, self-promotion, using the ends to justify the means are all bluntly shut out by Paul’s humble presentation of himself.
For more: Denny Gunderson’s “The Leadership Paradox”
To identify as a slave of Christ is to say that one is no longer a slave to sin. It is not just saying he is called a slave of Christ…no Paul says he is a slave of Christ.
See Romans 6:15-23
Chrysostom said Paul made slavery for Christ an honor by saying this. In other words, the lowest point of societal roles has now become the pinnacle of Christianity.
3) Your partners in the gospel are the members of our fellowship & our missionaries.
Philipians 1:3-5
Our partners as a Church
One another here in B/N
Pastor, Servants Team & all the Saints
Our missionaries we have officially committed to
(Paul was an official partner with the Philippian Church)
Terry & Sharon Zimmerman
Lori Boyer
4) Pray thank-filled prayers for your partners in the gospel.
5) Pray for spiritual growth of your partners in the gospel. Never assume your
friends in Christ are ok. Pray for them. Love, knowledge & depth of insight, spiritual growth in purity & holiness.
6) Bear your true future in mind...always see the future judgment of believers where you will be rewarded for what you have done in Christ!
See Philippians 1:6 & 10
7) Communicate how you feel and how you are praying so your partners in the gospel know it and are encouraged as well.
Part 2: Encouragement
Philippians 1:1-11
David Bielby
VCF B/N
Christian encouragement is the art of helping someone become a better Christian during all seasons of life.
1) Review of past msg.
2) Cultivate the art of elevating others
Philippians 1:1-2
Paul was an apostle. How did he present himself to the Philippians? What connotation did the label slave have in their day? Paul was a tradesman (tent maker), Apostle, successful church planter, faith healer, prophetic minister and many other wonderful things in God’s Kingdom.
As we mature in Christ, we become less and less impressed with name dropping and titles for ourselves, and more interested in elevating others around us.
If you want to be great, be the servant of all.
The cult of celebrity seems to be an American disease. The plague of vain ambition-can ruin us.
Humility is a guardian against the plague of vain ambition resident within the heart of the leader who wants to be a star. Status, name-dropping, defensiveness, self-promotion, using the ends to justify the means are all bluntly shut out by Paul’s humble presentation of himself.
For more: Denny Gunderson’s “The Leadership Paradox”
To identify as a slave of Christ is to say that one is no longer a slave to sin. It is not just saying he is called a slave of Christ…no Paul says he is a slave of Christ.
See Romans 6:15-23
Chrysostom said Paul made slavery for Christ an honor by saying this. In other words, the lowest point of societal roles has now become the pinnacle of Christianity.
3) Your partners in the gospel are the members of our fellowship & our missionaries.
Philipians 1:3-5
Our partners as a Church
One another here in B/N
Pastor, Servants Team & all the Saints
Our missionaries we have officially committed to
(Paul was an official partner with the Philippian Church)
Terry & Sharon Zimmerman
Lori Boyer
4) Pray thank-filled prayers for your partners in the gospel.
5) Pray for spiritual growth of your partners in the gospel. Never assume your
friends in Christ are ok. Pray for them. Love, knowledge & depth of insight, spiritual growth in purity & holiness.
6) Bear your true future in mind...always see the future judgment of believers where you will be rewarded for what you have done in Christ!
See Philippians 1:6 & 10
7) Communicate how you feel and how you are praying so your partners in the gospel know it and are encouraged as well.
Four Terms To Understand in Philippians 1:1-11
Four terms to better understand Philippians 1:1-11
A) Slave-this term had a different connotation in Paul’s day than it does in modern America. For one thing there was no race attached to slavery in Paul’s day. Some slaves were temporary and others were life long slaves. They all were considered ‘living tools’ of their masters though with no personal rights. That was in common with America’s slave history.
B) Saint-Although millions of Christians today believe that saints are a special class of Christians who must be approved by a process in the Church, Paul means all Christians in the city of Philippi. Any Christian is a saint in the bible’s eyes because our sainthood is not based on what we have done but solely on Christ’s work for us through the atoning sacrifice on the cross. Saints are not people we go to in prayer because they have a special in with God. We all are saints the moment we choose to start trusting in Christ for our salvation as the Philippian jailer did in Acts 16.
C) Joy-this term is not referencing the feeling one gets when things go well for you or when your emotions are stoked. Joy here is attached directly to the progress of the gospel without regard to our personal comfort or discomfort.
D) Participation-This term means more than the common idea of ‘sharing thoughts or views in common’. It involves a deeper and more formal commitment. There was a sort of legally binding relationship that Paul may have had with the Philippian Church. Paul was bound to help them if they were in trouble ever as well. The fact that he was in prison meant that he may not have been in a position to reciprocate as he was obligated to do. The fact that he was facing potential execution underscored the gravity of his ‘debt’ to the Philippians. Gordon Fee and other scholars have developed the historical use of this term. See NICNT on Philippians by Fee for more on this and for other resources.
A) Slave-this term had a different connotation in Paul’s day than it does in modern America. For one thing there was no race attached to slavery in Paul’s day. Some slaves were temporary and others were life long slaves. They all were considered ‘living tools’ of their masters though with no personal rights. That was in common with America’s slave history.
B) Saint-Although millions of Christians today believe that saints are a special class of Christians who must be approved by a process in the Church, Paul means all Christians in the city of Philippi. Any Christian is a saint in the bible’s eyes because our sainthood is not based on what we have done but solely on Christ’s work for us through the atoning sacrifice on the cross. Saints are not people we go to in prayer because they have a special in with God. We all are saints the moment we choose to start trusting in Christ for our salvation as the Philippian jailer did in Acts 16.
C) Joy-this term is not referencing the feeling one gets when things go well for you or when your emotions are stoked. Joy here is attached directly to the progress of the gospel without regard to our personal comfort or discomfort.
D) Participation-This term means more than the common idea of ‘sharing thoughts or views in common’. It involves a deeper and more formal commitment. There was a sort of legally binding relationship that Paul may have had with the Philippian Church. Paul was bound to help them if they were in trouble ever as well. The fact that he was in prison meant that he may not have been in a position to reciprocate as he was obligated to do. The fact that he was facing potential execution underscored the gravity of his ‘debt’ to the Philippians. Gordon Fee and other scholars have developed the historical use of this term. See NICNT on Philippians by Fee for more on this and for other resources.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Part 1: The God who pursues us (Acts 16)
Introducing: Joy for the journey in Christ Jesus
Part 1: The God Who Pursues Us
September 18, 2005 Sermon Notes by David Bielby
Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Bloomington/Normal
Acts 16:6-40
Outline ideas adapted from Philippians "Jesus our joy" by Donald Baker (IVP)
1) Acts 16:6-10
Live for the Lord’s call on you only!
Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus & God’s call
Visions/Planning & God’s sovereignty
What was the first encounter with God you ever had?
2) Acts 16:11-15
Get involved with where God is moving!
The pre-synagogue riverside meeting
Evangelism methods & God opening a heart
Lydia-A wealthy merchant business lady becomes the first European in Paul's ministry.
3) Acts 16:16-24
Have courage to counter the devil’s attack on God’s work!
Harassment: One of the devil’s ways
Paul’s spiritual authority and power
Psychics today: True and false
Slave girl-perhaps she became a Christian through this. God's favor touches not just business people, but those who are destitute and without hope. Yet her rich owners missed God so badly they persecuted Paul-even though they witnessed the miracle of God's power through him.
What attitudes or personal desires have stopped you from accepting God’s kingdom coming into your life?
4) Acts 16:25-40
Know your future no matter how bad things look or feel!
Philippian jailer’s conversion
We all will receive rewards from the Lord for what we have done as Christians. For those who don't know Jesus, they must hear what Paul told the Philippian jailer sometime before he went to sleep. That every person in the world needs to repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The jailer repented with trembling when he asked Paul what he must do to be saved. Paul gave him the rest of the answer...believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.
What belief do you have about the future judgment? Is it deep
enough to enable you to sing even when suffering?
5) God’s pursuit of us
Make room for people of all kinds of people!
Wealthy merchant, slave girl or government employee (Philippian jailer)-God
pursues us all.
God is pursuing you. He hasn't brought you to this point by accident. He has sent people into your life as He sent Paul into the Philippians lives. Recognize His deep love for you and take comfort in the fact that He loves you!
Take comfort in the knowledge that God is pursuing you!
Part 1: The God Who Pursues Us
September 18, 2005 Sermon Notes by David Bielby
Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Bloomington/Normal
Acts 16:6-40
Outline ideas adapted from Philippians "Jesus our joy" by Donald Baker (IVP)
1) Acts 16:6-10
Live for the Lord’s call on you only!
Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus & God’s call
Visions/Planning & God’s sovereignty
What was the first encounter with God you ever had?
2) Acts 16:11-15
Get involved with where God is moving!
The pre-synagogue riverside meeting
Evangelism methods & God opening a heart
Lydia-A wealthy merchant business lady becomes the first European in Paul's ministry.
3) Acts 16:16-24
Have courage to counter the devil’s attack on God’s work!
Harassment: One of the devil’s ways
Paul’s spiritual authority and power
Psychics today: True and false
Slave girl-perhaps she became a Christian through this. God's favor touches not just business people, but those who are destitute and without hope. Yet her rich owners missed God so badly they persecuted Paul-even though they witnessed the miracle of God's power through him.
What attitudes or personal desires have stopped you from accepting God’s kingdom coming into your life?
4) Acts 16:25-40
Know your future no matter how bad things look or feel!
Philippian jailer’s conversion
We all will receive rewards from the Lord for what we have done as Christians. For those who don't know Jesus, they must hear what Paul told the Philippian jailer sometime before he went to sleep. That every person in the world needs to repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The jailer repented with trembling when he asked Paul what he must do to be saved. Paul gave him the rest of the answer...believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.
What belief do you have about the future judgment? Is it deep
enough to enable you to sing even when suffering?
5) God’s pursuit of us
Make room for people of all kinds of people!
Wealthy merchant, slave girl or government employee (Philippian jailer)-God
pursues us all.
God is pursuing you. He hasn't brought you to this point by accident. He has sent people into your life as He sent Paul into the Philippians lives. Recognize His deep love for you and take comfort in the fact that He loves you!
Take comfort in the knowledge that God is pursuing you!
Monday, September 12, 2005
Joy-filled journey in Christ Jesus
The outline of yesterdays sermon is now posted on my Ephesians blogspot. If you missed the message or would like to review it, please go to:
http://ntephesians.blogspot.com/
Next Sunday we will start into a wonderful look at the church in Philippi and Paul’s letter to them.
I’m asking each person in the fellowship to add Philippians to your devotional reading for the next few months. Please take a verse or paragraph each day and keep in front of you.
Extraordinary circumstances opened the door for the gospel in Philippi. We will look at what God did in His pursuit of the Philippians…and also His extraordinary pursuit of us as a people today. I’m calling this series “Joy-filled journey in Christ Jesus”.
Please join me in making it your personal goal to gain a deeper grasp of this awesome section of God’s holy word during the next two months. More will be said on Sunday, but for now please take the section in Acts which we have about Philippi and prayerfully read it this week.
NLT Acts 16:6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not let them go. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the city of Troas. 9 That night Paul had a vision. He saw a man from Macedonia in northern Greece, pleading with him, "Come over here and help us." 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, for we could only conclude that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. 11 We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony; we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we supposed that some people met for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had come together. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. "If you agree that I am faithful to the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my home." And she urged us until we did. 16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters. 17 She followed along behind us shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved." 18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and spoke to the demon within her. "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her," he said. And instantly it left her. 19 Her masters' hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. 20 "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!" they shouted. 21 "They are teaching the people to do things that are against Roman customs." 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So he took no chances but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 25 Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, "Don't do it! We are all here!" 29 Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 He brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with your entire household." 32 Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in his household. 33 That same hour the jailer washed their wounds, and he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 Then he brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
http://ntephesians.blogspot.com/
Next Sunday we will start into a wonderful look at the church in Philippi and Paul’s letter to them.
I’m asking each person in the fellowship to add Philippians to your devotional reading for the next few months. Please take a verse or paragraph each day and keep in front of you.
Extraordinary circumstances opened the door for the gospel in Philippi. We will look at what God did in His pursuit of the Philippians…and also His extraordinary pursuit of us as a people today. I’m calling this series “Joy-filled journey in Christ Jesus”.
Please join me in making it your personal goal to gain a deeper grasp of this awesome section of God’s holy word during the next two months. More will be said on Sunday, but for now please take the section in Acts which we have about Philippi and prayerfully read it this week.
NLT Acts 16:6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not let them go. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the city of Troas. 9 That night Paul had a vision. He saw a man from Macedonia in northern Greece, pleading with him, "Come over here and help us." 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, for we could only conclude that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. 11 We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony; we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we supposed that some people met for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had come together. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. "If you agree that I am faithful to the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my home." And she urged us until we did. 16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters. 17 She followed along behind us shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved." 18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and spoke to the demon within her. "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her," he said. And instantly it left her. 19 Her masters' hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. 20 "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!" they shouted. 21 "They are teaching the people to do things that are against Roman customs." 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So he took no chances but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 25 Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, "Don't do it! We are all here!" 29 Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 He brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with your entire household." 32 Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in his household. 33 That same hour the jailer washed their wounds, and he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 Then he brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Paul's letter to Philippi
This blog is dedicated to discussing Paul's ancient letter to Philippi. Due to the special nature of his friendship with this congregation, we may be able to learn many unique lessons from this powerful, four chapter letter. There are a number of great commentaries on this letter. My favorites so far include
D.A. Carson "Basics for believers" and the NICNT "Paul's Letter to the Philippians" by Gordon Fee.
D.A. Carson "Basics for believers" and the NICNT "Paul's Letter to the Philippians" by Gordon Fee.
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