Notes

Philippians 1:1-11

The Gospel confronts our doubt...

... In our identity

a. We are no longer slaves to sin but saints set apart for God’s work (1-2)

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:1-2 ESV

In evidence of God working in our lives (5, 7, 9-11)

a. Where is doubt in your life?

“because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:5, 7, 9-11 ESV

Joseph’s response to his brothers after being sold into slavery

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20 ESV

... In the character the of the creator(6)

a. God began the work in you

b. God sustains the work in you

c. God will complete the work in you

d. God does not fail

e. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 ESV

Further Reflection

1) What does it mean to you to be a servant of God? What does it mean to you to be a saint, holy one, sacred, set apart for God? If you are a believer, how does your new identity in Christ impact the way that you live?

How does your new identity confront doubts that you have? How does having a loving Father help you to live in His grace and peace?

2) How often do you thank God for the blessing of other Christians? And then let them know they have blessed you? Do you have deep fellowship/partnership with other believers? How can you develop even deeper relationships with other believers and journey together? Where do you see evidence of God at work in your life? In the lives of other believers with whom you are close? When doubts arise, how can evidence of God at work in your life move you towards assurance?

3) What are some characteristics of God? How have you seen evidence of God's character in your life? When you doubt, what are some things that you can remember about God that may help lead you from doubt to assurance? Do you have any stories from when you were in the midst of a storm that you can look back on and see how God was working in the midst of that storm?

Consider keeping a Spiritual Signposts Journal, recording markers when God was faithful in the midst of your storms.

Come visit us at Faith Community Church located at 1306 Riedel Rd Gambrills, MD, for our Sunday Services at 9am & 10:45am to learn about and worship our Lord Jesus Christ.