Written from jail in Rome, Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi offers insight into suffering and perseverance, and encourages its readers to rise above circumstances with joy, humility and unity. A life worthy of the gospel experiences every circumstance through the lens of eternity.
This Sunday we are beginning a new sermon series on the New Testament book of Philippians. We’ve subtitled it: Joy In Every Circumstance.
The good news is, joy is more than a fleeting emotion. It’s not dependent on how we feel, or even, what we know. It can’t be bought, but it can be stolen, though you don’t have to let it be. You can give it away, but there’s always more where that came from.
In this message, the Apostle Paul addresses the topic of citizenship. It’s a pretty personal topic for him – after all, he has had his rights as a Roman citizen violated and had to stand up for himself. But, as we will see, Paul has a whole other perspective on the subject of citizenship… beyond our earthly national affiliation… and how we represent the kingdom to which we – as followers of Jesus - truly belong.
As we continue this week, we’ll be taking a look at the power of a radical idea. The kind of idea that motivates someone to do something that seems irrational, unbelievable, incomprehensible, to others. But that, when carried out can turn the world on its head in all kinds of amazing ways.
As we are working our way through the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, this Sunday, we’re digging into chapter 3. This portion of Paul’s letter is filled with words of encouragement and exhortation. But tucked in amongst the affirmation and instruction are some words of warning that we might be tempted to skim over. But just like other warnings we encounter, we would be wise to take seriously what Paul has to say.
As we come to the end of Paul’s letter, we will discover that joy is inextricably linked to peace. But as we have just discussed… peace is in very short supply! Fortunately, there is a solution. The good news is that peace is possible; in us and in the midst of our circumstances, and through us, in the midst of our conflict-ridden world. Let’s learn to be people of peace. Our world desperately needs it!
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