Encouraging Camaraderie - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) series recap (2) experiencing camaraderie (cf. airport delay) (3) two pictures, two results

Two Pictures
1. Citizens (27a): (1) “manner of life” = citizenship (cf. 3:20) (2) Philippi deeply patriotic → military background (3) extended to worship (cf. Acts 16) (4) “worthy of gospel” → reflects Christ more than cultural norms → will bring struggle (5) take most pride in benefits of heavenly citizenship → authority, protection, service, care (cf. local church) (7) immigrant’s citizenship papers

2. Soldiers/Athletes (27b): (1) “standing firm” and “striving side by side” → military imagery (2) “one spirit” → unity created by HS (cf. 1:19, 2:1, 4:1) (3) “one mind” → unity based in
devotion/friendship (4) “for the faith of the gospel” → devotion to Christ in the face of cultural opposition (5) idea of teamwork to accomplish a goal (cf. Hazel volleyball) (6) boys in the boat

Two Results
1. Courage (28): (1) don’t be “frightened” → beyond normal word for fear (cf. nightmare, fleeing army) (2) memory of Acts 16 (3) very common biblical command → Josh. 1:9, Ps. 56:3-4, Is. 41:10, John 14:27, 2 Tim. 1:7 (4) destruction vs. salvation (5) public commitment to Christ in scary public spaces one form of evangelism (cf. Phil B ministry)

2. Endurance (29-30): (1) two-fold gift described here → “has been granted” (2) first gift is
faith/belief (3) second gift is suffering for Christ → shocking outcome of grace (cf. Acts 5:41)
(4) suffering not a punishment but proof of God’s grace (cf. 3:10, 2 Tim. 3:12) (5) app to praying for mission partners (cf. 1 Peter 5:9)

Conclusion: set up communion → For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord . . . for God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. - 2 Timothy 1:7-10