Intro: (1) series recap (2) experiencing camaraderie (cf. airport delay) (3) two pictures, two resultsTwo Pictures1. 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...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) pro quarterback (3) five aspects of Christian confidenceConfident through prayer (19): (1) question of how Paul could be confident of “deliverance” (2) spiritual use of this word for Paul (cf. Eph. 2:5, Rom. 1:16) (3) death is not the end (cf. Job 13:15-16) → everything made right in eternity (4) combo of Philippians’ prayers and HS empowerment will help him maintain th...  Read More

Intro: (1) Paul’s imprisonment → an “advance” (2) learning to find encouragement in setbacksEvangelizing (13): (1) most likely writing from Rome → background from Acts 21-28 (2) house arrest, chained to Roman soldier, paying “rent” (3) “imperial guard” a force of 10,000 soldiers charged with protecting the emperor (4) six hour “chain shift” → captive audience (5) Paul’s life/ministry takes a diffe...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) practicing encouragement by praying for others (3) my current prayer practicePrayer for love (9a): (1) prayer for growing love → vertical and horizontal (2) fuzzy sentimentality (cf. Rom. 12:10) vs. sacrificial giving (cf. John 3:16, Rom. 5:8, Eph. 5:2) →only possible with Christ (3) wedding day vs. wedding vowsPrayer for wisdom (9b): (1) love grounded in Christ is wise...  Read More

Intro: (1) encouraged by faithfulness (2) life-giving dependability (cf. tuskegee airmen) (3) four traitsFaithful People (3-4): (1) “all” . . . “always” . . . “every” . . . “all” (2) Paul’s appreciation extendsthroughout 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 happenin...  Read More

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