http://bible.com/events/49098309

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 9

Living The Jesus Life, Conclusion

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 4:10-20

Paul wants us to know that knowing Jesus is a deeply transformational experience.

Philippians 4:10-11

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

1. Contentment isn’t happiness.

2. Contentment is learned.

Philippians 4:12

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Matthew 6:26-33

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

The nature of God’s care for us is not that we have everything we want, it is an attitude of complete trust no matter what we have.

Philippians 4:19-20

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Giving at COTN

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!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49098952

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life: Part 9

Philippians 4:10-20

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 4:10-20

Last week as we came into the home stretch of the letter, we heard Paul’s final parting thoughts as he is bringing this to a close.

– First a reminder to rejoice in the Lord.

– He encourages them to be gentle and gracious in their relationships with one another.

– And finally, he shares his decisive teaching about worry-

True to form, although Paul’s parting to-do list is complete, he isn’t done bringing the encouragement.

Philippians 4:10-11

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

You may recall that Paul began his letter expressing his thanks and gratitude for the Philippians partnership in the gospel.

As we get to the end of the letter, Paul returns to share his thankfulness for their generosity and friendship. And he wants them to know that their friendship and love has made this gift so special.

As we have come to the end of our study and I have been reflecting on our journey, I have been really amazed by something Paul didn’t say. For all of the great things Paul has said about living the Jesus life- what he hasn’t said has easily made just as much of an impact.

Not once do we find him ranting about the stupid government and how they are doing him dirty by keeping him locked up. No cries of injustice.

Not one word about how aggravating it is to be chained to another human being.

No complaints about living conditions

Not one word.

He’s in a first century Roman prison. Dirty, dark, no air conditioning, no running water, or indoor plumbing.

All because he is telling people about Jesus. He doesn’t know how the future will go- if he will be released from prison.

Yet he says “I’m good guys- I’ve learned to be content no matter what”

To be content is to be self-sufficient or self-satisfied, to be satisfied, to be at peace internally- regardless of circumstances.

Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

The secret to living the Jesus life content- is to live in the strength of Christ.

Through the ups and downs, Paul had learned to find his peace and satisfaction in the person of Christ, regardless of what was happening around him.

For Paul, so many things were stripped away- he couldn’t lean on possessions or comforts- he had to learn to be content in Christ. To be satisfied knowing the presence of God was with him.

And this all-star, hall-of-fame Christian, the Apostle Paul, had to LEARN this in his life. It wasn’t automatic. It wasn’t easy. It didn’t happen on the first time, every time. He wrestled with it, he failed at it, he got it some and missed it some.

But over the years, he has learned to find peace in the midst of any circumstance. That’s living the Jesus life, learning to be content in Christ, no matter what comes our way.

Philippians 4:18-20

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Through all of Paul’s ups and downs, shipwrecks and beatings- he had learned the faithfulness of God. Not to always give him what he wanted, but to provide what he needed.

And it’s that faithfulness that Paul assures his readers will be there’s living the Jesus life- God will meet your needs.

Throughout this letter Paul has shown us by example what it means to live the Jesus life.

As he brings things to a close- he makes sure to share his secret of life.

Living life focused on knowing Christ, no matter what.

To have deep peace and satisfaction, regardless of what’s happening around him.

And it’s Christ who gives the strength to live like that.

Will you commit to learning with Paul- Learn to live the Jesus life content?

Giving at COTN

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!

Giving

http://bible.com/events/49095103

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 8

A Panel Discussion of Philippians 4:1-9

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 4:1-9

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭9

‬‬Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Today, our focus is on Philippians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

To focus on that directive, “Do not be anxious about anything,” we’ve assembled a panel of experts to address some of the key issues and provide tools for overcoming anxiety. Joining us this morning are:

Ashlea Link: Ashlea is the School Social Worker for Rockingham County Schools and is married to Jared, Campus Pastor for our East Rockingham Campus. Learn more about her here: https://www.cotnaz.org/podcast/06-14-20-wbtx-program-ashlea-link-testimony/

Pastor Margaret Michael: Margaret is Outreach Pastor for Church of the Nazarene and Pastor of our Celebrate Recovery Ministry. You can reach Pastor Margaret at margaretmichael@cotnaz.org

Mark Sensabaugh, LPC: Mark is no stranger to COTNAZ, having ministered to us several times. He is a counselor for Journey Biblical & Clinical Counseling in Harrisonburg. Learn more about him here: https://www.journeycounselingministries.org/staff/

Anxious for Nothing Small Group Coming in July

In July, we are offering a short-term group opportunity at our Harrisonburg campus. Anxious for Nothing is a four-part group/class designed for those ministering to others who deal with anxiety or those experiencing anxiety themselves. Each session consists of a biblical teaching, small group discussion and directed prayer that will happen from 10:30 to 11:30 for four consecutive Sundays.

Spaces are limited for the group, so please register soon:

https://cotnaz.churchcenter.com/groups/connect-groups/anxious-for-nothing

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Giving at COTN

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!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49095280

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life: Part 8

Philippians 4:1-9

“Do not be anxious”

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 4:1-9

Matthew 6 is right in the middle of Jesus teaching known as the sermon on the mount. It’s essentially Jesus telling his disciples how to live the Jesus life.

Jesus has covered some big and heavy topics so far. Things like adultery, divorce, telling lies, loving your enemies, how to manage your money how to pray. And right in the middle of that teaching, he addresses a topic that affects us all in some way or another. Worry.‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬-‭31‬‬

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Jesus has gone to detail to explain to his followers- If you really want the Jesus life; Don’t worry.

As we continue in our teaching series, the apostle Paul will join Jesus in the bold and assertive declaration- Do not be anxious.

I can imagine your question might be like mine-“That’s all well and good Paul and Jesus- But how? How do I live the Jesus life, free of worry?”

That’s what we will seek to answer today in Part 8 of our teaching series, Living the Jesus Life.

As we begin today in verse 3 of chapter 4, Paul is coming out of the last turn, heading down the home stretch of his letter.

The final things, one last reminder, one last bit of encouragement for his friends before he signs off.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬‬

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

In the face of difficulties with the church, from outside the church, with life in general- CHOOSE JOY.

To choose joy is a lifestyle- a commitment to see the good in all things through the lens of God who controls all things.

Our joy is not haphazard happiness- it’s a firm confidence in Christ Jesus.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬‬

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.I wonder today, do you consider worry or anxiety a matter of your spiritual health? Do you take it as seriously as Jesus and Paul?

A quick google search reveals that anywhere from 20-30% of people will deal with worry or anxiety.(My anecdotal experience would say it’s not any different within the church context.)But it doesn’t seem like we deal with worry as decisively as some of Jesus other teachings-If 30 out of 100 of us in the room today were lying or stealing on daily basis that would be a big deal, right?

If 20 of us were murderers- that would be problematic, and frightening.

But 30 people dealing with worry, do we sense that as needing decisive action for living our Jesus life?

The worry that Paul is warning about is the relentless internalizing, replaying, obsessing about the unknown, fear of the uncontrollable parts of life, playing out the worst case scenario’s about literally everything..

What are the things in your life that you worry most about? What are the things you internalize and obsess about? Lose sleep over?

– Perhaps about money- not having enough, or how to manage what you have.

– about our health, or the health of a loved one.

– The un-known of getting older, perhaps even about death.

– We worry about the future, our education, our jobs, our kids.

What is it for you?

Worry is real. And it’s a struggle. And it’s not compatible with living the Jesus life.

The good thing for those of us who deal with worry- Jesus and Paul both give us weapons to tackle it.

The question will be: As you seek to live the Jesus life, will you take up the weapons to defeat worry in your life? It’s a fight worth fighting friends.‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬‬

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

For Jesus- The answer to worry, is to look up. Look beyond ourselves to the immeasurable greatness and wonder of God.

So much worry comes from our own processing of how we can do it, how we can handle it, what we are going to do- Jesus says- Seek GOD first- take your eyes off yourself and what you can do- and seek the Lord- He will take care of you.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7

‬‬Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In every situation, through prayer, bring your needs to God. With a thankful heart, tell him what you need, what’s going on.

Again, there is a shift of focus right?

Take your worries to God in prayer, asking Him for what you need, and allow him to bring you His peace.

What a great exchange- your worries, for God’s peace.

This is the invitation of the Jesus life.

To bring all of our worries, our troubles, our anxieties before the Lord.

With a grateful heart for a father that knows us and hears us- tell him what’s on our minds, and what we need.

And receive his peace- live life in the power of his presence, not the antagonizing weight of worry.

With an offer so amazing, why wait?

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9

‬‬Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I think Paul understood that if all we think about are the negative things in life, we will never break free from the cycle of worry.

If we focus on the bad, the negative, the broken, the ugly, we are inviting worry back into our lives.

Focus on the good things, allow God’s peace to guard your heart.

Live the Jesus life free of worry.

Giving at COTN

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!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49092711

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 7

Philippians 3:12-21

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 3:12-21‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭21‬‬

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

What is the goal?

1. The heavenward call-Life on earth may be important, obedience on earth may be important, but let’s never forget the goal.

2. Our citizenship in Heaven-Philippi was filled with individuals who were proud to be Roman citizens. But Paul is declaring that we are ultimately citizens of heaven, which speaks of our identity, our heritage, our family.

3. Awaiting the return of the Savior-Jesus is coming back! The resurrected Jesus, sitting at the right hand of the Father, will return again.

So this is the goal: the promise of heaven, the call to be citizens of His Kingdom, and the promise of the soon coming King, returning to transform us completely and finally.

So how do we arrive at the goal?

-In pursuit of the goal there is one thing Paul does. Interestingly, the one thing is actually two things that happen together, in unison.

-Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.

Forgetting what is behind

-Paul is not saying that the past is bad and he’s definitely not saying the past doesn’t matter. The problem is that if we allow ourselves to stay there, the consequences will be costly.

-An important truth from God’s Word: Your past has no more power over you than what you give it.

-In this text, Paul is not literally forgetting, rather he is removing the power of what’s behind to hinder him in the now.

Straining towards what is ahead

-While forgetting about what is behind, we must strain towards what is ahead.

-We don’t walk toward what is ahead, or run toward what is ahead, we strain toward what is ahead.

-You can’t strain toward the future without choosing to forget what is behind.‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3

‬‬Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

As we run this race, there will be things holding us back:-in Philippians 3 it was the past, focusing on what’s behind, losing focus and getting our attention focused on the wrong things.-in Hebrews 12, it’s the entanglements, the sin, and the things that weigh us down and hold us back.

Why was this so important to Paul?

Why was focusing on the goal so important?

What was the church in Philippi missing?

What might we be missing today?

Ultimately, Paul was saying, “Don’t quit”.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Proverbs 21:5

Habakkuk 2:2-3

2 Corinthians 5:17

Giving at COTN

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!

Giving