Walk This Way

Isaiah Church

Walk This Way

September 17, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Philippians 3:17–21

Just as it was in ancient Philippi, there are always competing gospel messages. In ancient Rome the good news of Caesar and the peace he brought was the primary message, against which Paul preached the gospel of Jesus. Today, we don't compete against the gospel of Caesar, but rather the gospel of self.

91 percent of Americans affirm this statement: "To find yourself, look within yourself.” While this thinking may feel natural and appealing, it ultimately doesn't hold up to scrutiny and isn't ultimately fulfilling. Rather, by living for something bigger than mere pleasure and ourselves, we have the potential to find infinite joy.

Paradox of Joy

July 16, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Philippians 1:1–5

The Self-Help industry has exploded in America. The ideas of self-esteem, self-care, self-love, self-importance, and self-actualization have become pervasive in culture - but has self-help actually helped us? As the focus on the self has increased, so too has self-harm - we are more mentally unstable, miserable, and medicated than we are have been. There is a better orientation to the self, namely, self-denial. This counterintuitive and paradoxical approach is at the heart of Paul's letter to the Philippian church. Despite what it cost Paul to plant the church at Philippi and his present circumstances when writing the letter, he had nothing but joy in his heart.

Completion Formula

July 23, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Philippians 1:3–11

If asked what kinds of things bring lasting joy, what would you say? While many things can bring short term feelings of happiness, a great purpose and strong relationships have repeatedly been shown to be essential for long-term joy and thriving. However, humans are notoriously bad at pursuing the things that bring long-term joy. How can we walk the right path? In Philippians 1, the Apostle Paul demonstrates what finding joy in shared purpose and people looks like and how it relates to God making us complete.

Building Your Brand

July 30, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Philippians 1:12–18

We now live in a world where everyone is expected to build a personal brand. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review states, "For better or worse, in today’s world everyone is a brand. Whether you’re applying for a job, asking for a promotion, or writing a dating profile, your success will depend on getting others to recognize your value. So you need to get comfortable marketing yourself.” What would the Apostle Paul think about this kind of approach? Despite being the primary architect of the Christian church and shaping Western culture more than almost anyone else, Paul thought very little of his personal brand but a lot about the gospel of Jesus. Only this mentality will heal the self and set us free from our envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition.