Esther – 2014-Western Pennsylvania

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: James 4:10, Philippians 2:14-15, Philippians 2:2-4, Philippians 2:5-8, 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

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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.