Have you ever stood in great need of comfort and encouragement? If so, you know that in time of affliction, there is no thought or word that has deeper meaning, nor any possession of greater value, than that of effective and genuine comfort. The objective of this study is to equip us to have the assurance that there is comfort available, and to know how to be comforted, as well as how to be a comfort to others in the fires of affliction.
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2003
Profiles in Providence #4
Phi 1:27-30 can be summarized: (1) We ought to live as heavenly citizens. Philippi was a Roman colony -- benefits and privileges. (2) Steadfastness is the mark of a good soldier. (3) United effort in the battle is our charge. (4) Be convicted in the cause of Christ. (4) Affliction is the honor of being in the arena. Ecc 1:15 speaks of the crooked stick -- an afliction, bad experience or situation from God you cannot remove or change, designed to teach you a lesson (2Co 12:9, Heb 11:34). In Phi 2:1 "If" is a first class condition -- since these things are true "fulfill my joy by being like-minded" - motivated by the same goal to glorify Christ (Phi 2:2-4). Our basis for unity (Phi 2:1) - our position in Christ, the power of love, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and mercy expressed to others. Let is the passive imperative (Phi 2:3, Phi 2:5, Col 3:15-16) -- we don't have the power, but we can let it be done to us -- God waits for us to let him (Isa 30:18). Jesus, equal with God, stepped down from heaven, and came in the form of a slave (Phi 2:5-8). We know what we should do but don't do it. God always does what He said He would do (1Pe 5:6, Jam 4:10, Psa 90:12). The name of Jesus is above all (Act 4:12). "beloved" means the same love God has for the Son (Eph 1:6, Phi 2:12). "Work out your own salvation (deliverance from shame - 1Co 3:9, Phi 2:12-13)" We are here to be lights in a dark world (Phi 2:14-15).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Philippians 2:12-13, Philippians 2:1, Isaiah 30:18, Philippians 2:12, Hebrews 11:34, Colossians 3:15-16, Ephesians 1:6, Ecclesiastes 1:15, Philippians 2:5, Acts 4:12, Philippians 1:27-30, Philippians 2:3, Psalms 90:12, Philippians 2:1, James 4:10, Philippians 2:14-15, Philippians 2:2-4, Philippians 2:5-8
From Series: "Philippians - Profiles in Providence - Florida 2008"
Philippians 1:12 starts out "Now I want you to know brethren that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel". It's a key verse in the letter Paul wrote to those faithful believers while he was in chains.