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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 3

Philippians 1:27-30

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 1:27-30.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭30

‬‬Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

-While most of us do not enjoy pain, the truth is, it’s not pain in and of itself that we hate. It’s pain without purpose.-Paul’s words ‘whatever happens’ is a clear indication that he has experienced joys of sorrows, blessings and suffering.-“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (verse 29).-It isn’t enough to simply believe in Jesus, living the Jesus life means that we are to “suffer for him”.-The suffering Paul speaks of here is given to us, it is granted, like a gift.

While it’s true that there is pain and heartache and suffering in this world because of the presence of sin, it is a mistake to say that God has nothing to do with suffering.

We are sometimes surprised by the suffering in our life.

But we really shouldn’t be based on what we read in our Bibles and on the experiences of those who have followed Christ.‭‭

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10

‬‬And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.‭‭

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18

‬‬For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬‬

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭10

‬‬that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.“

Those who understand God’s sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.” R.C. Sproul

Someone asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?”

“Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who can take it.”

3 Reasons We Suffer:

1. The consequences of our actions

Humanity ultimately brought suffering into the world by rejecting God’s authority. When we choose to sin, God honors the free will He has given us, and allows us to experience consequences.

2. The consequences of others’ actions

The choices others make impacts us. Just like we can face the consequences of our actions, we can certainly face the consequences of others’ as well.

3. Because we need to grow

Growth involves resistance, and God sometimes allows suffering so we can be mature.

Bottom Line:

God does more work through pain than any other human experience.‭‭

Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5

‬‬Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Verses for further study/reflection:

2 Timothy 2:12

1 Peter 4:1-2

1 Peter 5:10

Romans 8:18

James 1:2-4

Psalm 34:19

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life Part 3

Philippians 1:27-2:4

Living The Jesus Life

This series is the next in an annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

As we continue in our teaching series, the Apostle Paul will challenge us to see that the citizenship that matters most in our lives has nothing to do with speed traps, spring taxes, or voting

The most important thing for us to live our lives by, is not determined by our physical location, but rather our citizenship in heaven.

That’s the call of living the Jesus life. To live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭28‬‬

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Paul has already mentioned some of the challenges he is facing, now he turns to address some of the matters that the church is dealing with.

Nothing in the letter itself explains the details of the opposition they were facing, but it seems like it was coming from the Roman empire- from those outside the church.

The word for “Conduct yourselves” is unique in the original language. It certainly has implications of how we live and act. But, in the original language it also includes how people conducted themselves as citizens of a particular state.

So, Paul makes a play on that idea here- He implies that they should live like a colony of heaven. What should shape how they live is their relationship to heaven through Christ.“Conduct yourselves like heaven, right here on earth!”

With that focus, Paul anticipates that several things will be true of their lives together-That they will stand firm in The Spirit

That they will strive together

That they will not be afraid‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭30

‬‬For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Paul doesn’t want his friends to think that they have done something wrong because opposition has arisen, or because they are facing challenging times.

In fact, as he writes from a Roman prison, Paul wants them to know that suffering for Christ, is a sign, a gift of living the Jesus life.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬‬

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Have the same mind, focused on the kingdom of God- strive together

Don’t allow selfish desires to veer you off course- Unity can breakdown strongholds and dispel fear, but selfishness destroys the work of God.

Friends the vision of Living the Jesus Life that Paul had from a roman jail nearly two thousand years ago, is still the call to live the Jesus life today.

To live by the heavenly code- by the values and ethics of the Kingdom of God.

As you think about your life today- What citizenship does your life reflect?

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 2

Philippians 1:19-26

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 1:19-26.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭26

‬‬for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

The end brings clarity.

As Paul writes in this next part of chapter 1, he is reflecting on his life and his possible death (remember, he is writing from a Roman jail).

His life could end at any moment and the end, at least the thought of end, brings incredible clarity.

-Paul might be facing his death any moment now, and with that he declares that He wants Christ to be exalted no matter what, whether by life or by death.

-The focus of this passage is on these 8 words in verse 21: “to live is Christ and to die is gain”.

1. To live is Christ-Paul found His true life in Christ. Eternal life but also life today.

-Paul’s source of joy (a theme throughout Philippians) is Christ. It is safe to say that Paul’s life found its ultimate meaning in Christ. So, if Paul lives, he gets to live serving and pleasing Christ.

-His life IS Christ, to live IS Christ.

2. To die is gain

-We fear death. To us, death seems like the end. But since Paul finds ultimate meaning in Christ and in relationship with Him, then death is just the end of this life, but the doorway to eternal life with him.

-His ultimate concern and most precious possession, both now and forever, is Christ and his relationship with Him.

-If He lives, that’s great because He lives for Christ. If he dies, that’s even better! Paul is in a no-lose situation.

“Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now.”

D.L. Moody

The question Philippians 1:21 asks of us is this: who is Lord?

Bottom Line:

Living the Jesus life means that your life is in His hands, one way or the other.

Verses for further study/reflection:

John 15:13

1 John 3:16

Luke 9:24

2 Corinthians 5:15

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If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

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Living The Jesus Life: Part 1

Philippians 1:1-11

Living The Jesus Life

This series is the next in an annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Our journey begins today in Philippians 1:1-11.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul is saying, “You are pure and blameless when you are filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus.”

Living the Jesus Life means to be filled with HIS righteousness. Not just His righteousness, but the fruit that comes from being filled with HIS righteousness.

1. God’s Righteousness is not earned-We are talking about a standard that we don’t measure up to

More importantly, we can’t measure up to this standard.

-Trying to earn His righteousness is a life destined for frustration, for legalism, and for bondage.

-It’s true that you can’t earn this. But it’s also true that you don’t have to.

2. God’s Righteousness is not bought-Just as it cannot be earned. God’s Righteousness cannot be bought.

-God’s righteousness doesn’t cost you anything, but it cost Jesus everything.

-We receive His righteousness through an exchange: our sin for His righteousness.

-We are declared righteous and justified because of the blood of Jesus Christ. No other reason.

3. God’s Righteousness is not temporary

-God’s declaration over you is not temporary. It is over and done, once and for all.

-We don’t live our lives seeking to be more righteous, you already are.

-We now walk surrendered – in step with His Spirit.

Bottom Line:Self-righteousness isn’t righteousness at all – only that which is found through Christ.

Verses for further study/reflection:

1 John 3:7

1 John 2:29

Philippians 3:9

1 Corinthians 1:30

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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Church of the Nazarene – East RockLiving The Jesus Life

Philippians 1:1-11

Living The Jesus Life

This series is the next in an annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is an ideal manual for living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023

Our journey begins today at verse 1 of Philippians.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

What we call the book of Philippians, is really a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul.

The city of Philippi was a thoroughly Roman city, very loyal and patriotic to the Roman government as many retired Roman military lived here.

It’s believed there weren’t enough Jewish men present to start an official synagogue, so those wishing to pray simply went outside the city on sabbath to gather and pray.

When Paul and his companions went out to pray on Sabbath, they encountered a wealthy woman named Lydia and some others praying.

Beginning with Lydia, then her whole household, the Holy Spirit used that encounter to establish what would become Paul’s favorite Jesus Community.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭6‬‬

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

As we will see in the coming chapters, the church had commissioned a man named Epaphroditus to carry a gift to Paul while he was in prison.

The text we have today is Paul’s response to that gift. Epaphroditus would deliver back to them as an encouragement in their faith. You can already tell that the savor of this letter is different from some of the others that we find of Paul.

In Verse 4 he makes it clear that as he prays for them, he does so with Joy. Throughout this letter joy or rejoice will appear more than a dozen times.

Think about that- a man in prison, under arrest, possibly even chained to a Roman guard, unsure of his future, goes on and on about JOY.

During his first visit to Philippi Paul was harassed by a demon possessed woman, he was arrested, beaten with rods, thrown in prison, and then told to get out of town.

Within the first few verses of this letter, we see that Paul thinks a little differently about things- He is making the choice to view everything through the lens of Jesus and his Kingdom. His confidence is placed entirely in Christ.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬‬

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

Paul likens his affection for them to the love that Christ himself would have.

You can only imagine how encouraging and heartwarming this portion of the letter was for them. To know that their gift was received, that they were not forgotten, even though it had been so long.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭11

‬‬And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

He asks the Lord that the Philippians Love would abound more and more.

Paul is asking the Lord that they would be people known by, or characterized by their Love.

He concludes his prayer asking the Lord that as the Philippians would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

It may seem too simple, or too obvious, but the only way to live the Jesus life, is in and through the person of Jesus. Yet there are Christians all around us who are trying to live their lives with Christ as only an after-thought, or a Sunday morning visit.

There is never any doubt for Paul- The righteousness of Christ- right standing with God and right living- are only found through the person of Jesus.

The secret to living the Jesus life, is turning it all over to Him.

That’s what Paul is praying- That we would be filled with the fruit of righteousness (right relationship to God and right living) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God

The focus of the letter of Philippians is on Christ- His righteousness, His mind, His love- Its about living the JESUS life. That’s the book of Philippians.

That’s the journey we are on together- to seek out and live the Jesus life, that only comes through faith in Him.

Will you commit to living the Jesus life?

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