We will begin the "body" of Paul's letter to the people he loves in Philippi. As we read, we will make some observations about the way Paul thinks and what he is modeling for the young believers he is writing to! How does Paul handle situations that are out of his control? How does he find joy when people are intentionally trying to hurt him?
"That's great! But pastor.....your title....your spelling needs help! Didn't you mean w-e-a-t-h-e-r?" Did I? Maybe I meant exactly what it is written! How's that? If you have a chance to read all of Ch 1, you will notice three times Paul recognizes the uncertainty of his outcome. This could go "this way" or "that way".
But he is ok with either way..."whether" it's "this" or "that".....there is a greater focus that affords him emotional strength. He knows how to do the mental work of finding joy in his life -- genuine joy. Do you know the secret? If not, then.....
.....View and See!
Steve
Philippians 1:12-18
September 12, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:12–18
Philippians 1:1 6
August 29, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:1–6
I am excited to put the magnifying glass over Paul's letter to the church in a Greek city called Philippi! This was the first European city to receive the news of Jesus! Philippians is one of Paul's "prison letters" - yes, he wrote it while in prison awaiting trial which could end in his release or his death! This makes it even more astounding that this letter is so full of encouragement, reassurance, and joy! How is that possible? Without giving away too much, I can tell you that this little (only 4 chapters) letter is as important to believers today in America as it was to the believers in Philippi in 62 AD when Paul wrote it. The thread of this letter will lead us to important discussions regarding mental and emotional health! Topics like anxiety, contentment, negativity, and ambition are touched on along the way. What is the thread that ties everything together? How can I find mental and emotional well-being in the world we live in? How do I live a properly "centered" life? In a culture of narcissism and hedonism, we need the Word of God to help us break free from......?? If you want the answer, then...... http://......view and See!!!! Steve
Philippians 1:7-11
September 5, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:7–11
"Prayer: The First Step to Change" - Philippians 1:7-11 After considering the warmth of the relationship between Paul and the church people in Philippi, we will read and consider his prayer for them in vv 9-11. He has already said that he is confident in God to finish what He started in their lives. But he doesn't sit back and just wait for God to do it. He prays for the thing he knows God will do! There are four specific things Paul prays for the people, and his prayer is full of the potential that he knows is there because God is at work in their lives. That confidence is what undergirds the things he prays for. He is hopeful they will come closer and closer to reaching their potential! Potential for what? Others-centered living! Have you arrived at "full selflessness"? Are you as loving as Christ? If not, then you are in good company! And.....I think you will thoroughly enjoy the details of Paul's prayer. I promise you at least two surprises! http://.....view and See! Steve
Philippians 1:19-26
September 19, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:19–26
"What's the Whether?" - Partt 2 We will turn our attention to the next section of Philippians 1 as we try to see life the way the apostle Paul saw life. Can we really experience joy? Can we really find confidence about our future even when we don't know the details? How confident are you about your future? Do you have anxieties about the future? Do you worry about your life? Do you worry about your death? Are you stressed about how things will turn out? An interesting word has popped up a few times recently in my reading and listening. It's not a "Bible word", but the concept is there for sure! It's a word that describes a skill that Paul seems to have perfected. What's the word? The word is "reframing". You see, our world and our lives are filled with events. How we talk about those events, and how we think about them, is extremely important. To put a frame around a picture -- to crop it -- is to decide what is central and how we view it. To "reframe" the picture is to place a different part in the center -- or to look at it differently. Paul, in my opinion, had perfected the skill of reframing. And in this section, we will see how he reframes matters of life and death. You know, if we live this way, it's not just the picture that is important! The frame matters too! There are many, many voices that want to tell you how to frame the events of your life. If you want to learn the secrets to skillful "reframing", then..... http://.....view and See! Steve