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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Essential Steps to Spiritual Growth”
Philippians 3:12-16
Paul unveils his own strategy for growth in Christ, beginning with a focus on Christ’s persistent love, followed by releasing the past and stretching forward to the clear goal of heaven, refusing to give up any ground already gained. These four simple steps, when practiced consistently, will produce a life worthy of the gospel.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “What Gives You Confidence in God?” Philippians 3:1-11 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What Gives You Confidence in God?”
Philippians 3:1-11
This text highlights two opposing perspectives on how to develop confidence in God’s love and favor: either to earn it by the moral effort you have engaged in, standing out from the crowds of humanity; or to put your trust in what Christ has accomplished on your behalf to please God and redeem you from your sins. Paul himself has fully plumbed the depths of each approach, and declares with no hesitation that the only approach to true confidence in God’s love is through Christ. Further, the benefits of knowing Christ completely outshine the seeming benefits of self-styled accomplishments, whatever they may be.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What Gives You Confidence in God?”
Philippians 3:1-11
This text highlights two opposing perspectives on how to develop confidence in God’s love and favor: either to earn it by the moral effort you have engaged in, standing out from the crowds of humanity; or to put your trust in what Christ has accomplished on your behalf to please God and redeem you from your sins. Paul himself has fully plumbed the depths of each approach, and declares with no hesitation that the only approach to true confidence in God’s love is through Christ. Further, the benefits of knowing Christ completely outshine the seeming benefits of self-styled accomplishments, whatever they may be.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Illustrated in Living Color” Philippians 2:19-30 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Illustrated in Living Color”
Philippians 2:19-30
Who in your circle of family, friends or acquaintances lives a life worthy of the gospel? Is there anyone who would point to you as their model? In this text, Paul points to two (or three, if you include Paul himself) individuals with whom the Philippians are well-acquainted and shows how their behaviors reflect the mind and priorities of Jesus. Such living illustrations encourage and motivate the people of God to strive for excellence in discipleship? Who would you point to in our church family as such illustrations?
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Illustrated in Living Color”
Philippians 2:19-30
Who in your circle of family, friends or acquaintances lives a life worthy of the gospel? Is there anyone who would point to you as their model? In this text, Paul points to two (or three, if you include Paul himself) individuals with whom the Philippians are well-acquainted and shows how their behaviors reflect the mind and priorities of Jesus. Such living illustrations encourage and motivate the people of God to strive for excellence in discipleship? Who would you point to in our church family as such illustrations?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Shine don't whine" Philippians 2:14-18 David Leard
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Shine don't whine"
Philippians 2:14-18
Life worthy of the gospel will stand out so clearly from the surrounding culture that it will shine like a star against the blackness of the night sky. Christians lives ought to be described as “blameless and innocent”, “without blemish” as children of God in the middle of a crooked and perverse world. We are called to live differently than the world around us. There is a command given today's scripture text to address one of the biggest ways we can be different and shine before others with the love of God. We are commanded to do "all things" without "grumbling" or "arguments". This will occur as we hold fast to and hold forth the “word of life. ” Paul’s own joy over the church in part depends on his eternal perspective – that they are growing in maturity and hence increasingly demonstrating this kind of life.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Shine don't whine"
Philippians 2:14-18
Life worthy of the gospel will stand out so clearly from the surrounding culture that it will shine like a star against the blackness of the night sky. Christians lives ought to be described as “blameless and innocent”, “without blemish” as children of God in the middle of a crooked and perverse world. We are called to live differently than the world around us. There is a command given today's scripture text to address one of the biggest ways we can be different and shine before others with the love of God. We are commanded to do "all things" without "grumbling" or "arguments". This will occur as we hold fast to and hold forth the “word of life. ” Paul’s own joy over the church in part depends on his eternal perspective – that they are growing in maturity and hence increasingly demonstrating this kind of life.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Working for Pleasure” Philippians 2:12-13 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Working for Pleasure”
Philippians 2:12-13
This text presents an apparent paradox. On the question of our salvation, who’s doing the work: we or God? It seems clear on the face of it; the imperative is written to humans – work out your own salvation…. But the last clause is theologically so rich; we can only work out into public practice the new life that God has worked into us, and His purpose cannot be thwarted, because He is at work within us both to will and work for His pleasure. The work of salvation, including our sanctification, is something we often find to be a laborious hardship. But God for His part is smiling, doing what He does in and through us out of sheer joy. The fact that He is willing to work in and through us is a monumental truth, and should strike us with awe and wonder (“fear and trembling”).
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Working for Pleasure”
Philippians 2:12-13
This text presents an apparent paradox. On the question of our salvation, who’s doing the work: we or God? It seems clear on the face of it; the imperative is written to humans – work out your own salvation…. But the last clause is theologically so rich; we can only work out into public practice the new life that God has worked into us, and His purpose cannot be thwarted, because He is at work within us both to will and work for His pleasure. The work of salvation, including our sanctification, is something we often find to be a laborious hardship. But God for His part is smiling, doing what He does in and through us out of sheer joy. The fact that He is willing to work in and through us is a monumental truth, and should strike us with awe and wonder (“fear and trembling”).
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