Encouraged in Christ- SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) read v.1-2 (2) triple use of Christ Jesus (cf. St. Patrick prayer) (3) four encouragements in Christ

Servants of Christ: (1) usually intros himself as “apostle” (i.e. authority) → “servant” here (i.e. UNDER authority) (3) doulos → one of many terms translated “servant” → only one which designates being property of owner (4) a negative term in Philippian culture but used of OT heroes like Moses and David → used of Christ in ch.2 (5) those who belong to a good owner are eager to serve him well (cf. Boxing Day) (7) how would our relationships change if we approached them as servants?

Saints in Christ: (1) saint = holy → OT background (cf. burning bush, priesthood, Isaiah) (2) special setting apart unto the Lord (cf. Ex. 19:5-6 → 1 Peter 2:9-10) (3) holiness comes from Christ, not ourselves (cf. 3:9), and is not diminished when we mess up → child still belongs to parents after disobeying (4) ALL the saints → every believer a future king/queen of the universe (cf. Lewis) (5) those in Christ are saints regardless of feelings, failures, etc. (cf. Christian lady with mental illness faithfully attending worship)

Situated by Christ: (1) addressed to those “at Philippi” (2) rich military history → father of ATG, later where Augustus avenged his father’s murder (3) a Roman colony, settled by military veterans, who enjoyed full Roman privileges (4) church planted by Paul on his second missionary journey (cf. Acts 16) (5) very diverse city of about half Romans, half not, as well as 1 in 5 who were slaves (6) Christ always meets us in specific time/place → prayer requests

Submitted to Christ: (1) only letter that Paul begins by addressing the leaders (2) two “offices” of leadership → overseers reflect Christ’s authority, deacons reflect his servantheartedness (3) part of growing in Christlikeness is participation in a local congregation, joyfully submitted to spiritual authority (cf. Heb. 13:17) (4) also a reminder to leaders that biblical leadership is characterized by humble service (cf “WITH”) (5) framework of Grace leadership → elders, deacons, staff, shep group leaders

Conclusion: (1) encouragement packet (2) write/text someone a note of encouragement today


Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise.