03 - The Joy Of Suffering (Part 1) - BridgeWay Christian Church

03 - The Joy Of Suffering (Part 1)

Philippians 1:9-18

June 25, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann

Paul once wrote that no matter how bad things get in a believer’s life, God can (and will) use the “bad” to produce “good” (cf. Rom. 8:28). Paul experienced this truth firsthand while imprisoned in Rome. In his letter to the Philippians (written under house arrest), the apostle expressed his joy over his difficult circumstances. But why? It’s because he saw God bring about a greater good from it all—namely, the salvation of Roman guards to whom he could preach non-stop. Are you able to see the good in the midst of your pain? Do you believe that, for believers, “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28), no matter what?

Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.

01 - Introduction: The Joy Set Before Us

June 11, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann

In his prison-epistle to the Christians in Philippi (in the province of Macedonia), we learn that Paul’s joy was not dependent upon his circumstances. Although he had been imprisoned for almost four years at the time of his writing (1:18), he rejoiced always and was content in all things (4:11)—even in the face of his uncertain fate (2:17, 18). For that reason alone (and owing to the fact that there are 15 explicit references to either "joy" or "rejoicing") the concept of Christian joy is the central theme of PHILIPPIANS. How about you? Do you find joy in all things? Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.

02 - The Joy Of Brotherhood

June 18, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann

As Paul languished under house arrest in Rome, his joy overflowed. The believers in Philippi, to whom he was writing, were a brotherhood to him. In his letter, therefore, he didn’t concern himself with his own circumstances inasmuch as he was thinking of their faithfulness. He wasn’t focused on his own afflictions inasmuch as he focused on their love for him and each other. And he wasn’t so much concerned about his own suffering inasmuch as he was concerned about their steadfastness. To Paul, the brotherhood of believers is a unique fraternity that, if honored, can bring spiritual joy. Do you agree? Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.

04 - The Joy Of Suffering (Part 2)

July 2, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann

The epistle to the Philippians is one of the most quoted in the Bible, yet Paul wrote it not for the popular sound bites, but to paint a picture of mature Christian faith. While many give their lives to Jesus, few then go on to live a life of truly vibrant faith. The thesis of Philippians, however, encourages us to live vibrantly. Its reads, “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Php. 1:21). The point being is that our lives should be lived to Him, through Him, for Him, and with Him, and in such a way that it is about Him—everything should be about Jesus. “To live is Christ” means that Christ is the chief focus, goal, and desire of our life. “To die is gain” means that we will experience the joys of heaven. Rich in Christology and personal application, Pastor Ronald H. Gann expounds upon Paul’s famous Prison-Epistle verse-by-verse.