We come to the last of Paul's "whether" statements at the end of Ch 1. He is confident that, although he would prefer to be executed so he could be with Jesus, he is probably still needed to help the church mature. He thinks he will be set free and be able to visit them again! They have that to look forward to!
But in the meantime..... Paul can't say for sure if, or when, he will be able to see them. He encourages them to live as good citizens of the heavenly kingdom, no matter what happens to Paul! Then he describes what that will look like!
This is where things heat up. This is where we do some serious reframing. I will ask this question here and in the morning: How do you know you are living as a citizen of heaven? What is the proof of your salvation? If you asked four people you would get seven answers.
What serves for Paul as "proof" of salvation? What has to be reframed? I will give you just enough to make you curious. If you want to understand how to reframe your pain...yes, painful experiences and feelings, then you will need to....
.....View and See!
Philippians 1:27-2:4
"What's the Whether": Part 3
September 26, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:27–30, Philippians 2:1–4
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 1:12-18
September 12, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:12–18
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 http://pastor.....your http://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"http://.....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..... http://.....view and See! Steve