This week’s message is “Pursue Harmony” from Philippians 4:1-3. In this text, Paul provides two imperatives for Christian living: Stand Firm and Pursue Harmony. First, because our homeland is in heaven & not on earth, and we have a Savior and a glorious hope, we must stand firm by contending for the Gospel even in opposition. One way we do that is by radically pursuing relational harmony. One man wrote, “It is against the nature of the church and the community of the redeemed to confess unity in heaven and practice disunity on earth.” What are some ways God is calling you to pursue relational harmony? Who do you need to express forgiveness to or to extend love toward?
Paul also contends for the ministry of reconciliation in the church by asking a “true companion” to “help these women.” From time to time, we all need a trusted mediator to help us resolve a dispute. Are there unresolved conflicts in your life where you could ask a friend or leader for help?
At the end of the message, we viewed a short video called Perspectives from Peacemaker Ministries. Take a couple of minutes to review it by clicking here.
On Sunday, Aaron Campbell spoke about our Citizenship in Heaven from Phil 3:17 to 4:1: “This World is Not Our Home!” He pointed to trials and adversity as God’s megaphone to show us our weaknesses and lift our gaze to Him. Our weakness reminds us that this is not the way things were meant to be. Consider: How have difficulties and adversities in your life caused you to see God and treasure His promises more clearly?
Aaron also talked about the mission God has entrusted to us. “Because the future is certain, the present has meaning… God uses imperfect people in imperfect circumstances for His perfect work to go forth.” How are you doing identifying and walking in the works God has created for you?
For further reflection, Paul Tripp’s excellent article that Aaron quoted from is available here: God’s Will for Your Wait
On Sunday, Johnny Duress spoke from Ephesians 1:3-7: “Look at What God Has Done for Us!” He pointed out that God began blessing in the first chapters of Genesis in creating man and placing him in a world of blessing on every side. But that blessing was eclipsed by sending His Son to be a propitiation for our sins followed by the promise of v. 3: “God… has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing!”
- As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s consider our thankfulness quotient. How often do you give thanks for God’s amazing blessings that fill your life? Make a list of blessings you’re aware of today.
- Paul goes on to list additional blessings… predestination, adoption, redemption and forgiveness. Johnny exhorted us to think of life from the perspective of Romans 8:28… to see all of life - both blessings and trials - as coming from the hand of a loving Father. In that light, how do you think of difficult times, trials and adversity? How can you prepare your heart so that you encounter God’s kindness in future trials?
On Sunday, Gene preached from Philippians 3:7-14. Verses 7 to 11 highlight our goal to live for “know Christ Jesus,” and verses 12 to 14 describe how we do that. Here are some questions to help in application:
- We must “forget what lies behind” in order to run the race. What ways do your successes, failures, or memories tempt you to run the race “looking backward”? What commitments is God calling you to make to press on to served God?
- “Straining forward to what lies ahead” protects us from distraction and discouragement. How can we live each day with “knowing Christ” continually in view?
- In verse 12, Paul exhorts us to “press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.” Literally, we grasp Him because He first grasped us! How does our daily walk reflect a dependence on God’s work in our lives?
In Sunday’s message, Gene preached from Philippians 2:19-30 on “Real Life Examples.” We saw how Paul included these two men as living illustrations of his admonition in Philippians 1:27 to “Let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” The Gospel had dramatically transformed the lives of these two men!
Timothy is an example of selfless humility in his genuine concern for God’s work…putting Jesus’ interests ahead of his own. Can you point to choices you have recently made to set aside your rights to sacrifice for others?
Epaphroditus is an example of sacrificial obedience. He was proven when he had an opportunity to make the 800 mile trip to Rome to deliver Paul’s gift. He was faithful in serving Paul, even at the risk of his own life. He was ambitious for the Gospel! How is God calling you to invest sacrificially for His glory? What godly risks can you take to bear fruit for Him?
