• Paul was talking about putting no confidence in the flesh.
• He used the word “consider” over and over in his writings.
• Romans 6:11 - How do we overcome sin? We need to “consider” ourselves dead to sin.
• This means to “recognize that we’re dead to sin and act like it” even though we don’t feel like it.
• In these verses Paul is talking about how “things” can lure us away from Christ.
• These things are “competing affections” and have to be fought against. How?
• By “considering” what they really are.
• Tempted to find security in a job or bank account? Consider those things in light of eternity.
• Vs 13-14 - Paul uses the power of “consider” in a different way.
• He’s saying that even though he knows God well he doesn’t “consider” himself to be even close to where he needs to be.
• Vs 15 - Paul says that all who are mature in the faith should think like this.
• The power of considering is your ability to “reframe” something in your mind.
• In doing this you are leading your mind and not letting it lead you.
Philippians 3:7-9 (9/29/16)
Consider
September 29, 2016 • 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!