Download - PowerPoint for 10-29-13
Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances
Week 8 4:8‒23 and Summary
4:8‒9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And the things which you have learned and received and heard about and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
4:8‒9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And the things which you have learned and received and heard about and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
How it Aits together
See the board!
One comment on vv. 8‒9
Embrace the good wherever it is found but do so guided by Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy (the gospel and how it is lived out).
4:10‒13
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last ⌊you have renewed your concern for me⌋, for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. 11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how both ⌊to make do with little⌋ and I know how ⌊to have an abundance⌋. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be Ailled and to be hungry, both ⌊to have an abundance⌋ and to go without. 13 I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me.
4:14‒18
14 Nevertheless you have done well by sharing with me in my afAliction. 15 Now you also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone, 16 because even in Thessalonica ⌊on more than one occasion⌋ you sent for my need. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek for the proAit that increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; ⌊I am well supplied⌋ because I received from Epaphroditus ⌊what you had sent⌋, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacriAice, well-‐pleasing to God.
4:19‒20
19 And my God will fulAill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory ⌊forever and ever⌋. Amen.
“Thanks, Sort of”
1. Giving is more than a human transaction. 2. How can I say thanks? A. Thanks, but I am not driven by money or
comfort. B. Thanks, but no more.
4:21‒23
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
4:21‒23
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
3 Observations
1. Emphasis on unity (every, your spirit). 2. Caesar’s household = employees of the imperial government
3. Grace bookends the letter.
Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances
Summary
What is this letter about?
What is this letter about?
Chris&an Discipleship
1. Christ and His Gospel
• 104 Verses, “Christ” named 37 times • Gospel 9 times • “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Mark 8:35).
What are you living for?
2. Principles Jesus Taught and Demonstrated
• Humility before exaltation (2:6‒11; Mark 9:35) • Losing to gain (3:8; Luke 9:23‒25) • Conformed daily to the cross-‐death (3:10; Luke 9:23‒25)
2. Principles Jesus Taught and Demonstrated
• Do not worry (4:6‒7; Luke 12:22‒31) • Giving is worship (4:18–19; Matt 6:24) Have we let Jesus and his teaching shape us?
3. Thinking and Doing
• Discern what really matters 1:9‒10 • The verb “to think” is used 10 times • The verb “to consider” 3 times in 3:7‒8 • The verb “to ponder” in 4:8 How are you thinking?
3. Thinking and Doing
• “Conduct yourselves as citizens” 1:27 • Obey as you always have 2:12; 3:15 • The call to imitate (3:15, 17; 4:9) How are you living? Whose example are you following?
What is this letter about?
Chris&an Discipleship
Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances
The End