10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Theme: True contentment is a virtue that Christians should cultivate because it shows that Christ is all-satisfying.
Outline: Three lessons to learn about true contentment.
True contentment is not based on our circumstances. vv 10-12
True contentment is a virtue that must be learned. vv 11-13
True contentment is possible in and through Jesus Christ alone. v 13
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Theme: In this problematic, sin-fallen world, God provides directions for Christians to have His peace, all of which involve being in closer relationship with Him.
Outline: 3 remedies for you to partake of in order to have God’s peace in stressful times
Last Week
1)
Gratefully going to God about everything –
Prayer (4:6-7)
The Prohibition: Be anxious for nothing
The Prescription: In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
The Promise: The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Theme: In this problematic, sin-fallen world, God provides directions for Christians to have His peace, all of which involve being in closer relationship with Him.
Outline: 3 remedies for you to partake of in order to have God’s peace in stressful times
1)
Gratefully going to God about everything –
Prayer (4:6-7)
The Prohibition: Be anxious for nothing
The Prescription: In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
The Promise: The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The final two remedies will be covered in next week’s sermon.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 3:17-20 (NASB)
17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Matthew 5:14 (NASB)
14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Theme: Standing firmly in Christ, Christians need to work at resolving conflicts with one another so that the church can be healthy and honorably do Gospel ministry together.
Outline: 5 Observations that will help us resolve conflicts for church health/growth and enable honorable Gospel ministry.
1. We must stand firm in the Lord, together (verse 1)
2. We should acknowledge that resolving conflicts takes hard work but is possible, in the Lord (verses 1-2)
3. Those involved in conflict should be the first to work on resolution (verse 2)
4. Sometimes resolving a conflict takes help from mature believers (verse 3)
5. We should know that resolving conflict is necessary for honorable Gospel ministry (verse 3)
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
Theme: In our pursuit of Jesus, Christians must follow godly examples on earth, as eternal citizens focused on heaven where Christ is, rather than on the things of this world.
Outline: 2 constructive commands and 2 contrasting incentives for us to know Christ more, become more like Him, and to influence others towards Christ.
The 2 Constructive Commands (verse 17):
Christians are instructed to 1) follow and 2) observe godly examples towards Christ.
The 2 Contrasting Incentives (verses 18-21):
Why should we follow/observe godly examples?
1) Because there are many enemies of the Gospel who live for the temporary things of the world (verses 18-19)
2) Because our eternal citizenship is in Heaven where Christ is (verses 20-21)
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
Theme: In our pursuit of Jesus, Christians must follow godly examples on earth, as eternal citizens focused on heaven where Christ is, rather than on the things of this world.
Outline: 2 constructive commands and 2 contrasting incentives for us to know Christ more, become more like Him, and to influence others towards Christ.
The 2 Constructive Commands (verse 17):
Christians are instructed to 1) follow and 2) observe godly examples towards Christ.
The 2 Contrasting Incentives (verses 18-21):
1) Because there are many enemies of the Gospel who live for the temporary things of the world (verses 18-19)
2) Because our eternal citizenship is in Heaven where Christ is (verses 20-21)
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
This sermon is continued from November 11.
Theme: Attaining the prize of knowing Jesus more and becoming more like Him involves entering in the race, embracing the right attitudes, and exerting the required effort.
Outline: Three essential keys to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and in your Christian Character.
Review from Part 1 (November 11)
I. Enter in the race (verses 3:12,14)
II. Embrace the right attitudes (verses 3:12-16)
A. Humility of heart – “I have not arrived yet (to spiritual maturity/completion)” (verses 3:12‑13)
Continuing Part 2 (Today)
B. Persistence/Perseverance – “I’m in this to the end” (verses 13-14)
C. Unity in Community – “Were in this together!” (verses 15-16)
III. Exert the required effort (verses 3:12,13,14)
God Predestined (Elected) You – Ephesians 1:1-11
God Regenerated You – John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1;3
God Called You – Romans 8:30
God Justified You – Romans 8:30
God Converted You – Ephesians 2:1-3
God Forgave You – 1 John 2:12; Colossians 2:13
God Washed You – Titus 3:5
God Adopted You – Galatians 4:4-7
God Reconciled You – 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
God Sanctified You – Romans 8:29
God Redeemed You – 1 Peter 1:18-19
God Bought/Purchased You – 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23
God’s description of those He purchased – Romans 3:10‑18; Isaiah 1:6; Jeremiah 17:9 Revelation 3:17; James 4:14; Psalm 1:4; 49:7
The price we were purchased with (Blood of Christ) – 1 Peter 1:18-19
