Lessons from the Tabernacle on Abiding in Christ – Canberra 2014
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2003
Profiles in Providence #2
Will God perfect us in time (Phi 1:6 )? Not all of us will stand before Jesus at the judgement seat with equal "perfection" -- we must turn ourselves over to God's plan, His focus. Jesus Christ is mentioned 56 times in Philippians. Ecclesiates is a parallel in that it mentions joy or rejoicing about the same number of times. Phi 4:15 and Phi 4:19 indicate the gracious giving the Philippian believers engaged. Had Elijah chosen to not go to the brook Cherith, would God had supplied food through the raven? He had to go where God commanded. Phi 1:7-8 says it was reasonable for Paul to think highly of the Philippian believers because they were partakers of grace. Obedience is the price of blessing in God's economy. Paul's prayers are summaries of his doctrinal statements in his epistles. Phi 1:12 is a key verse; Paul wants them to know that all the things against him -- bad circumstances (for four years in prison and on trial) -- have proliferated the Gospel. Paul's "chains in Christ" were becoming manifest to all around him (Phi 1:13-18, Act 27:1-44). Every trial has a "use-by date". Paul saw the greatest purpose of his life was what he could do for others (Phi 1:21-26, 1Co 1:11).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Philippians 1:13-18, Philippians 1:12, Philippians 1:7-8, Philippians 4:19, Philippians 4:15, Philippians 1:21-26, Philippians 1:6, Acts 27:1-44
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.