The book of Philippians is a personal, heartfelt, passionate, insightful letter that emphasizes central truths about Christian faith. This morning we are focusing on the second half of the third chapter in this letter. The writer, Paul, cares deeply about his friends in Philippi. He writes to encourage them. He writes to remind them of the freedom they have been given by Jesus. He writes to point them to the future not the past.
Every one of us has a history of things we wish we had not said, things we wish we had not done. We are reminded of our past by those who wish to paralyze us, those who wish to render us ineffective, those who want us to doubt the promises God has made to us.
Paul speaks in this passage of "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." He did not forget the lessons in his past ... but he was not ruled by them. He did not allow his past to destroy his future. He believed, and he wanted the Philippian Christians to believe (us too) that our past was not meant to control us. More than that, God has given us a new start and a new future, and no one can take from us what God has promised.
As Christians we are mindful of our past, grateful for our present, confident for our future, as we keep pressing forward.
Forward Living IN CHRIST (11AM)
July 11, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Philippians 3:10–21
Content IN CHRIST (11AM)
July 25, 2021 • Dennis Whitcher • Philippians 4:10–23
On this fourth Sunday in July, we conclude our study of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Previously we learned about being Confident in Christ, Living in Christ, One in Christ, Obedient in Christ, Righteousness in Christ, Transformed in Christ, Joy- Filled in Christ. Today's message is, "Content in Christ." With all of those ways of being "in Christ" how can one not be content in Christ?. Can you be unhappy and still be content without passive resignation that your situation "is what it is"? Growing in contentment is not about feelings, it’s about faith. It’s not about what we do, it’s about how we think. What we know, what we practice, and what we prioritize shows up very clearly in our attitude towards what we are going through. Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and " And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Let's explore what Paul means by those versus.
Content IN CHRIST (9AM)
July 25, 2021 • Dennis Whitcher • Philippians 4:10–23
On this fourth Sunday in July, we conclude our study of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Previously we learned about being Confident in Christ, Living in Christ, One in Christ, Obedient in Christ, Righteousness in Christ, Transformed in Christ, Joy- Filled in Christ. Today's message is, "Content in Christ." With all of those ways of being "in Christ" how can one not be content in Christ?. Can you be unhappy and still be content without passive resignation that your situation "is what it is"? Growing in contentment is not about feelings, it’s about faith. It’s not about what we do, it’s about how we think. What we know, what we practice, and what we prioritize shows up very clearly in our attitude towards what we are going through. Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and " And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Let's explore what Paul means by those versus.
Joy Filled IN CHRIST (11AM)
July 18, 2021
In our summer series studying Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi (a Roman colony in the first century located at the north end of the Aegean Sea) we’ve arrived at chapter four. Paul has such genuine affection for this community of Christians, “whom I love and long for …”. Even as conflict arises Paul encourages the two women named to find common agreement in Jesus. Many have made it their life pursuit to find the “perfect” church. They land at one church for a while but when conflict or difficulty arises they move to another. Those who look for the perfect church will always be disappointed. God’s intention for each of us, and for His Church, is that we grow in our love for Him, and our love for others. Going through conflict, working out disagreements, developing patience, learning more about grace and forgiveness, are ALL necessary ingredients for our growth and maturity. Commitment to each other is the beautiful soil that makes friendships, marriages, families, churches places where love grows. Our common focus is Jesus … our future is secure (our names mercifully are included in His book of life!) … our life together real, genuine, challenging, difficult, wonderful, and joy-filled. We rejoice and give thanks. We are not anxious people. We begin trusting God more and more and as we do we discover amazing PEACE. His peace … even in the midst of conflict.