Few places in scripture reveal the father-heart of the Apostle Paul more so than the verses in this passage in Philippians. Though Paul could operate in some of the most stunning power from the Holy Spirit, he also understood the importance of nurturing those whom he spiritually fathered. From his words in Philippians 1:3-11, we learn the deep value of intentionally encouraging others in the walks with God. Paul tells the Philippians that they brought him joy. He let them know that he was praying for them. He reinforced that their hope in Jesus must remain strong as they look for deep growth in the love of God toward each other. Before he finishes his empowering words here, Paul reminds them all that the return of Jesus must remain at the forefront of their thinking. The aroma Paul releases in this encouraging passage is the fragrance of the Kingdom. May we all breathe it in deeply.
Smells Like Kingdom In Here
Philippians 1:3-11
January 16, 2019 • Jeff Lyle
Remaining True To The End
May 1, 2019 • Jeff Lyle
Last words tell us so much about a person. As Paul is closing out his highly heartfelt letter to this little church that owned a special place in his heart, we find him moved by the Holy Spirit to express his gratitude for who they are and what they have done for him. Paul's life reveals to us the truth that power and anointing never elevate above the level of our humility and gratitude. As Paul calls the Philippians to remain true to the end of their race, we are helped by his words to know for ourselves what it means to live lives of contentment, generosity and partnerships in the Kingdom.
Prioritizing Peace
April 17, 2019 • Jeff Lyle
Most of the world thinks of peace as the absence of conflict. Beyond that, many of those same people assume that peace is unattainable unless that absence of conflict is their current reality. Wouldn’t it be terrible if that were true? That would mean that would be zero possibility of peace unless everything in our lives was pleasant, friction-free and easy on our souls. In this message, we will learn that peace is something that is to be prized, and especially when it is attained in the midst of real-life struggles. Because we live in a world conditioned by sin and brokenness, we will only experience spiritual peace to the degree that prioritize and pursue it. The Apostle Paul teaches us how to do exactly that as he instructs the Philippian believers to fight for peace in their human relationships, their relationship with God and their own minds.
Essentials For Victory-Part 2
April 10, 2019 • Jeff Lyle
Picking up where we left off last time in Paul's little letter to the Christians at Philippi, we receive two final essentials for us to embrace in order to experience regular victory. This type of victorious, abundant living never happens accidentally for Christians. While it is true that God is in full, sovereign control of everything that takes place in the universe, we should never allow that reality to rob us of living with purposed intentionality. We are responsible for living lives that are situated to bring glory to Jesus Christ. As we live those kinds of lives, we discover that we also live at high levels of fulfillment and pleasure. Paul’s words to the Christians at Philippi reveal to us some of the necessary mindsets and actions that all Christians must embrace in order to live in victory. From the hungers of our hearts unto our assurance about eternity, how we think and who we follow are essential elements that will help determine the level of victory we each experience as we follow Jesus.