Encouraged by Faithfulness - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) encouraged by faithfulness (2) life-giving dependability (cf. tuskegee airmen) (3) four traits

Faithful People (3-4): (1) “all” . . . “always” . . . “every” . . . “all” (2) Paul’s appreciation extends
throughout their diversity (3) appreciating differences in personality and gifting (4) learning to be thankful for people more than things (cf. new shirt) (5) their faithfulness was happening in the midst of struggle (6) Paul’s prayer for them is characterized by joy, despite being in prison → the faithful report/presence of others helps us be joyful even in hard circumstances (cf. TB batman picture)

Faithful Partnership (5): (1) specific reason for Paul’s joy is the Philippians’ “partnership in the gospel” (2) later reference to financial gift (3) “partnership” → “koinonia” (i.e. fellowship/community) (4) Paul is pointing out not only the gift but the gospel-based motivation behind the gift (5) operating out of duty vs. delight (cf. taking out trash) (6) “community” intended to lead to “ministry” → getting to know each other so that we can serve each other/others together (cf. Terry Christmas project)

Faithful God (6): (1) our faithfulness is fueled by God’s faithfulness toward us → three stages of salvation (2) “begun” → initial receiving of Christ by grace through faith (i.e. justification) (3) Christ does not save us, then leave us to ourselves (cf. sanctification) → we cooperate in becoming more like who we are in Christ (cf. 2:12-13) (6) final stage of glorification → completed when Christ returns (cf. track runner with dad) (7) what matters most is God’s strength toward me, not the strength of my faith

Faithful Affection (7-8): (1) language of deep relational emotion → “feel”, “heart”, “yearn”, “affection” (2) importance of heartfelt appreciation for each other (3) happens as we live in community together → “partaker” here = “partnership” of v.5 (cf. koinonia) (4) in addition to believing rightly, Christianity is about taking time to get to know each other (cf. shepherding group show and tell) (6) Paul’s imprisonment → faithful affection especially needed during times of struggle (cf. our miscarriage, Rom. 12:15)

Conclusion: communion → “It was necessary for Christ to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” (Hebrews 2:17-18)