06 - The Joy Of Christian Unity (Part 2) - BridgeWay Christian Church

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06 - The Joy Of Christian Unity (Part 2)

Philippians 2:1-4

July 23, 2017 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann

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Paul repeatedly emphasized in his writings his desire to see the Body of Christ unified. To the Romans, he emphasized church unity (Rom. 15:5-7). To the Corinthians, he emphasized church oneness (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11). To the Ephesians, he emphasized church solidarity (Eph. 4:1-6). To the Colossians, he emphasized church harmony (Col. 3:12-15). To the Philippians, he emphasized church like-mindedness (Php. 1:27-2:4). Moreover, to the churches in Galatia he warned against divisiveness (Gal. 5:26 cf. 6:2-3) and to the Thessalonians he encouraged congregational cohesion (1 Thess. 4:9-10 cf. 2 Thess. 1:3). So why did Paul champion church unity the way that he did and as much as he did?

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.

03 - The Joy Of Suffering (Part 1)

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.