Last Sunday, Matthew preached from Phil. 1:12-18, where Paul looks his suffering in the eye and rejoices at how it served to spread the kingdom of God. Why could Paul rejoice in the face of suffering? Because he had a supreme ambition for the glory of God and saw how his ambition was fulfilled through his suffering. Paul was bound in the chains of a Roman prison. But the Word of God was not bound. His witness spread the gospel throughout the Imperial Roman Guard, who in turn spread the gospel throughout the city of Rome. Not to mention the inspiring effect of Paul’s faithful evangelism on the Roman church. Both in outward witness and inward example, Paul’s suffering served to advance the gospel. That’s what he cared about. That’s what mattered most to him. And that’s what must matter most to us. If our ambition is God’s ambition, then there’s no circumstance where our ambition cannot be fulfilled, suffering included. Which means we’ve discovered the secret to joy in all circumstances.
Here are a few questions for application:
- What is your supreme ambition? Don’t just give the “right” response. How can you tell? Simply look at what you find joy in more than anything else.
- How is God giving you opportunity amidst present suffering to testify to the gospel? To yourself? To others?
- What examples can you look to of Christians who are suffering to the glory of God? If you can’t think of any, what does that say about your pursuit of Christian community? If you know at least one, what can you do to learn from them?
- How has God used suffering to refine your ambitions in the past, purifying you of lesser, rival ambitions that might otherwise rule your heart?
On Sunday, Mickey preached a message from the book of Ephesians entitled, “All In!” He examined God’s vision for the church… that the church was conceived and formed by God in eternity past. God has always envisioned a people… called and purchased to demonstrate the gospel. The church has the profound privilege to represent the King… to be His body on the earth!
This call and privilege demand a personal commitment that is largely walked out in the mundane reality of everyday life. The miraculous work of God happens in day to day faithfulness… what one man called, “a long obedience in the same direction.” It’s usually the small things that demonstrate God’s power over time… sharing fellowship and care, growing and helping others, working through offenses to maintain unity, serving, giving sacrificially and witnessing when opportunities rise.
Here are some questions for application:
- How are your daily and weekly priorities informed by a love and commitment to the local church?
- How have you seen God’s power displayed in your day to day faithfulness?
- What good work has God prepared you for this week?
On Sunday, Mickey taught on Pastoral Care. His premise was that, as the Head of His Church, one way that Jesus leads His people is through delegated authority. (1 Thes. 5:12, 1 Tim. 5:17)
One example of God leading his people this way is found in Psalm 78:70-72. God called David from shepherding sheep to shepherd His people with skillful hands and upright heart. Likewise, God calls pastors to exercise skillful hands in leading, feeding, protecting and caring for His people; and an upright heart in leading as servants, leading with grace, and leading with affection.
Scripture also speaks clearly to those who follow - to obey and submit, to honor, to support financially and to be faithful members.
Here are a few questions for application:
- What is the difference between obedience and submission? Since submission isn’t blind obedience, what does personal responsibility look like in following?
- What are some ways God calls me in Scripture to honor those who care for and lead me?
- What should I do if I have a question about those who lead? What responsibility do I have? How can I honor God in my attitude and response?
On Sunday, Mickey preached on “The Surpassing Worth” from Philippians 3:2-14. In this passage, Paul declares that what’s really important in life is a life-changing encounter that sets one on a life-long quest.
There are many things of worth in life and many of them not sinful – college, career, marriage, children, grandchildren, sports, travel, music, friends, etc. But how do they compare to knowing Jesus? What is their RELATIVE importance? Their RELATIVE worth? Not that they are unimportant or unworthy or bad…but if you had to forego one or all of those things for knowing Christ would you do it?
Here’s some questions to ponder: Is Christ of surpassing worth in your life? Does your life reflect that? Do you find yourself questing or resting?
What is getting in the way of you knowing Christ? Is Jesus Himself what makes life worth living? Does your love Jesus far surpass your love for those things?
On Sunday, Gene talked about “The Joy of Gospel Partnership” from Philippians 1:1-6. In this passage, Paul conveys that Gospel partnership begins with joyful devotion to God, is expressed in grateful affection for one another, and results in a confident faith for the future. Here are some questions to help apply these truths:
- Paul refers to himself and Timothy as servants or, more literally, slaves. This same word is used to describe Jesus’ posture in Phil 2:7 with the command, “your attitude should be the same” (v 5). How do you think of your life? Do you serve as a slave of Christ or when it is convenient?
- Paul is addressing the church at Philippi along with elders and deacons, revealing the high value God places on the local church. Committed membership is both a responsibility and a privilege. Martyn Lloyd Jones calls church membership “the biggest honor which can come a man’s way in this world.” What is God calling you to do to reinforce the treasure of membership in your life?
- Verses; 5 & 6 contrast the responsibility of man (“your partnership”) and the commitment of God (“He who began…will bring it to completion.”) Paul expresses absolute certainty (“I am sure of this”) that God’s purposes are being and will be complete in our lives. It’s easy to be discouraged when we focus on our problems and imperfections…and that of others! But there’s nothing so encouraging as knowing that God’s plan will be accomplished regardless of our sins and shortcomings. (Read John 10:27-28 & Rom 8:38-39) Consider the quote below and reflect on how verse 6 transforms the way we process all of life.
We go into the artist’s studio and find there unfinished pictures covering large canvases, and suggesting great designs, but which have been left, either because the genius was not competent to complete the work, or because paralysis laid the hand low in death; but as we go into God’s great workshop we find nothing that bears the mark of haste or insufficiency of power to finish, and we are sure that the work which His grace has begun, the arm of His strength will complete. (FB Meyer)
On Sunday, we began a series on the book of Philippians entitled, “Jesus Our Joy” with the reasons we are we studying this book:
- Philippians reflects the love Paul has for this church & the love your pastors have for you.
- Philippians points us to Jesus’ power & example to overcome trials of life with joy.
- Philippians provides a joyful reminder of the mission God has entrusted to us.
This letter is about our joy in Jesus. Lenski calls joy, “the music that runs through this epistle, the sunshine that spreads over all of it!” In these four chapters, Paul speaks of Joy 16 times and Jesus 50 times. That’s because Paul’s joy is found in Christ, and so is ours! While happiness is transient because it depends on circumstances of life, joy is a settled gift of God to those who believe the Gospel. It springs from the settled conviction that God sovereignly controls everything for our good and His glory. That’s why joy is “the flag that flies on the castle of the heart when the King is in residence.”
If like me and the Philippians, you are tempted to complain, if suffering frightens you, if you experience relational conflicts or a lack of contentedness, this letter is for you! I’m really looking forward to studying and applying it together in the months ahead. As we do, please take time to read it through in one sitting on a regular basis. It’s a letter from Paul to a beloved church, and by the work of the Holy Spirit, from the loving Savior to KingsWay.
Here are some questions to consider as we begin to apply these truths:
- Where do you look for joy? Are you more aware of joy or happiness? ]
- How are you experiencing joy in adversity? (We don’t rejoice because of difficulties, but because we experience God’s grace in them!)
- Paul’s example reveals that the Gospel advances in all circumstances. (see Phil 1:12-14) Mark Dever writes that “If you are not willing to work for God in imperfect situations, then you are not willing to work, because that is all we have in this life.” What “imperfect situations” in your life can you use to see the Gospel advance?
Hope you all enjoyed a restful Memorial Day with friends and family. I’m grateful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy. God help us to not take that for granted! Here are a couple application questions to consider from the sermon Sunday on Lamentations 4 and 5.
- Does the reality of God’s judgment make you uncomfortable? Why or why not?
- How does any suffering in this life serve to warn us that judgment is real?
- Where else are you prone to run in the face of suffering besides God?
- How can your cry for mercy in present suffering be marked by thanksgiving? Gratitude? A supreme desire for God?
On Sunday, Gene began a series of messages from the book of Lamentations entitled, “When Suffering Comes.” He began by considering the prophet’s description of the aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in Lam 1:1 to 3:20, including isolation and hopelessness that often accompany serious trials.
- What turning point is described in Lam 3:21? How does “I call to mind” lead to hope? Consider Martin Lloyd-Jones’ words: We must talk to ourselves instead of allowing “ourselves” to talk to us! Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?
- How does Lam 3:22-24 function as a “steadfast anchor of the soul”? What difference does that make in the way you walk through trials?
- John Ortberg calls trials “a temporary opportunity for a permanent gift.” How does God use trials in the lives of His people? How do trials in our lives enlarge our ability to care for others in adversity?
Take this opportunity to pray for one another.
On Sunday, Gene taught from Jesus’ final words to His disciples from Luke 24:33-53. He highlighted Jesus charge in verse 48: “You are witnesses!”
Why did Jesus declare “you are” instead of “you can be”? Are you a witness?
From verses 46 & 47, what is the message we are given to declare?
What place does our testimony play in being a witness? How have you used your testimony to encourage others?
Last Sunday we looked at the parable of the wicked tenants in Luke 20 and saw how you can’t play the game we call life and avoid dealing with Jesus. Matthew ended the sermon with two application questions to consider:
1) Is there any area of your life that you haven’t submitted to the authority of Jesus? Why or why not?
2) Is Jesus Christ the cornerstone of your relationship with God? How can you tell?
