Philippians: To the Shortsighted Church
A million things compete for our attention every single day, but which ones really deserve to be looked at? Life as a follower of Jesus will be a mixed bag of joy and heartache, but we always get to choose—do I fix my gaze on the burdens or the blessings?
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is an affectionate thank-you to a church that cared for him at great personal cost. But in characteristic fashion, the apostle shifts the focus from his chains and their sacrifice to the work of Jesus Christ himself.
When God’s promise of eternal life is in our sights, what temporary death to self can steal our joy? Let’s encourage our hearts to perceive the gifts right in front of us, and live each day as a thank-you note to Jesus.
Week 1
1 of 3
Dan Sherfield
October 17, 2021
We can look at Jesus’ time on earth as an example or a roadmap for how we can live our own lives. We can pay attention to who he loved and served as a blueprint for who we ought to love and serve. Doing so allows us to accept and show the amazing love he has for us all. Let’s not live our lives on the sidelines but be active participants in his work.
Week 2
2 of 3
Garry Abbott
October 24, 2021
Is there something or someone you'd be willing to die for? Most of us can think of at least one. A family member, an ideal about justice, a faith--something we hold so dear we'd lay down our lives in a heartbeat. But in the first chapter of Philippians, Paul turns this question around in a way that exposes our true motivations. It's one thing for Christians to say we'd die for Jesus, but then spend our days living for wealth or power or pleasure.
In this first chapter of Philippians, Paul reminds his friends that the resurrection changes not only what we'd die for, but what we live for every single day
Week 3
3 of 3
Jim Keller
October 31, 2021
The thoughts and attitudes you hold on the inside have a way of working themselves to the outside--whether you want them to or not. Paul admonishes his friends in Philippi to be authentic in their faith. In other words, what they think and feel on the inside should match up with their actions on the outside. If not, others will see the mismatch and perhaps attribute this duplicity to Jesus himself.
Paul's words echo down through the centuries to us today, guiding us to authentically live out our faith in obedience to the risen Christ.
