* Paul wrote in Ephesians that men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church.
* Here in Philippians he gives us a picture of what that love looks like.
* Husbands should see Christ’s example and apply it to their lives:
* 1) He is humble (vs 5) - humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
* Women naturally do this, but men have to work on it.
* When men are humble it melts a woman’s heart.
* 2) He is sacrificial (vs 6) - He sacrificed his right for His responsibility.
* He let go of His “Godness” so He could experience our “Humanness” - He empathized with us.
* When men empathize it breaks down the walls in their wife’s heart.
* 3) He is a servant (vs 7) - He washed feet.
* A man who serves his wife will have a happy life.
* 4) He was willing to be misunderstood (vs 8) - He died a criminal, but this wasn’t true.
* A man should be willing to forsake his reputation for his beloved.
* *** The results of doing the above:
* 1) He was elevated to a place of honor (vs 9) - Jesus is now in the place of honor.
* “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown” (Proverbs 12:4).
* She became noble by the way he loved her, and her nobility reveals his royalty (a crown).
* 2) He accomplished His purpose (vs 10-11) - everyone can now confess Him as Lord.
* A man’s purpose is directly tied to how well he loves his wife.
* His prayers won’t be answered if he doesn’t treat her properly (1 Peter 3:7).
* If men love their wives as Christ loved the church then they will be elevated to the position of honor (having a wife of nobility) and will accomplish the purpose God set for them.
* Marriage is the test of how much you love the Lord.
Philippians 2:5-11 (10/5/17)
A Husband's Call
October 5, 2017 • Benham Brothers
Philippians 1:3-8 (9/27/18)
September 27, 2018 • Benham Brothers
* Married couples should apply these verses to their relationship. * Imagine how your spouse would respond if you wrote a letter like what Paul wrote to the Philippians. * It starts off with him thinking fondly of them. Notice his thoughts: * 1) Thankful (vs 3) - gratitude breaks down emotional walls. * 2) Prayerful (vs 4a) - your spouse is your top priority in prayer. * 3) Joyful (vs 4b) - if you don’t feel joy you need to re-joy by giving of yourself to your spouse (like Hannah). * 4) Fellowship (vs 5) - “friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interest.” Be buddies and do things together. * 5) Confidence (vs 6) - trusting that God is doing something in your spouse and He can be trusted. Also granting trust to your spouse. * vs 7a - Paul recognizes it’s right to think these things of those he’s ministering to. * 6) Empathy (vs 7) - “we’re in this together.” Turn toward your spouse. * 7) Affectionate (vs 8) - we need to long for our spouse with loving affection. Appreciation leads to affection.
Philippians 1:9-10 (9/23/16)
September 23, 2016 • Benham Brothers
• Paul is talking about growing in maturity - he wants believers to mature in their love for Christ and others. • The proper sign of our maturity is two-fold: • 1) We can discern between good and evil. • 2) We can discern between good and best. • We are not to remain infants as Hebrews 5:13-14 says. • We shouldn’t only know God as Father but not friend, counselor, and guide. • A toddler may call every four-legged animal a “bow-wow,” but in time they should be able to discern between a dog and a cat. • To “distinguish” is a mark of maturity.
Philippians 1:12-14 (10/12/22)
October 12, 2022 • Benham Brothers • Philippians 1:12–14
* In life we have both blessings and burdens. * When Satan is in charge, blessings become burdens. * When God is in charge, burdens become blessings. * What’s true about both is that they aren’t ultimately about you! * God made us to be conduits, not cul-de-sacs. * When we are operating under God: * Blessings flow through us to others. * Burdens are converted to blessings for others. * Let’s look at our role regarding both. * Blessings - As God gives to us, we should be looking to give to others. Why? * Because the foundation for love is to give. * “For God so loved the world that He gave…” * When we give we connect to God. * KEY - when God gives us something good (wisdom, knowledge, experience, etc) and He asks us to give it away, don’t balk! * We often say, “I don’t have anything to offer.” * That’s a slap in God’s face. * Let Him use you to do good things. * Burdens - As we go through tough times, we should be looking to help others. Why? * Same reason as above - the foundation for love giving. * The burden is converted to a blessing for others if you find peace in the pain. * A mindset of “I’m going to get through this so I can help others” is the secret to finding that peace. * Paul is in jail - he wrote most of his letters when his freedom was taken away. * Look how he responded: * Vs 12-14 - courage is contagious. * Paul converted his burden to a blessing for others - both believers and unbelievers. * Look at the result: * People were encouraged (vs 14) - courage is contagious! * People got saved (vs 4:22). * Vs 4:21-22 - Bible Knowledge Commentary: * Those who belong to Caesar’s household were probably those who had come to Christ as a result of Paul’s house arrest. This probably included soldiers and relatives of Caesar’s household.” * There were saints in Caesar’s palace because Paul was put in Caesar’s prison! * The stuff that happens to you is so that something can happen through you for others. * So don’t fret where God puts you, just be faithful right where you are!