The Prayer Of Your Leader Series

The prayer of your leader

Philippians 1:1-11

Philippians because it hits on so many different topics hat I wanted to share with you, not only today, but in the weeks to come.

As you reflect on the passage this morning, it reflects how I feel about this church, this community, and you as individuals, and what I hope for us as we continue on our journey. This journey that we are on together once more, the journey to become more and more like Jesus as he shapes us and molds us, His followers, to reflect Him and our Heavenly Father. This passage in Philippians ends in a prayer. I am going to pray this prayer for us as church body, and challenge us to respond and pray it for each other as well.

Before we get to the prayer, here some biblical truths Paul wanted the believers in Philippi to know, and God wants believers (followers of Jesus) to know today.

I. We have PEACE from God. (vs. 1-2) ***

*** SPEND THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TIME HERE – BUT IT MOST BE MENTIONED.

Paul is talking to the Saints (believers), and extends them Peace.

God’s peace comes through knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. It means we can trust Him. HE is in control. We can depend on Him. We can be at ease because of Him. Paul’s in jail, the church is worried about Him, and perhaps what might happen to them. Grace and peace to you.

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

My hope is that you have the PEACE of God in your life this morning – regardless of any trouble or concern. . If you want PEACE in your life; in Your church; in your work; in your family, then Jesus needs to be a part of it. Going through changes in your church or life, you have concerns about the future, facing anxiety or uncertainty - seek the Lord because He gives you peace. IF you don’t seek Him today, right now. Let God know you need Him to come into your life, you want the peace that Jesus brings.

** And as followers of him we get to be the agents that extend it to other in Jesus’ name (through our words and actions). Just as Paul did. We have peace from God, and have the opportunity to pass it on to others.

(Another biblical truth we learn)

II. There is joy in PARTNERING with other believers. (vs. 3-6)

– I have been thinking about you all, preparing to come, and it has brought me joy. I have looked forward to arriving here, since I first received the call from an elder to invite me to come and serve. I looked forward to reconnecting with you, to getting to know some of for the first time. I have a grateful and hopeful heart as I anticipate God working through all of us, bringing us together, and growing us together, as the family of God. I also look forward to God using us to minister and reach out to others who don’t know Him.

- But this not something that is designed for each of us to do on our own.

- We are called to do it TOGETHER. Not just you with me the pastor, but all of us together.

- Can you partner with yourself? Is that possible? NO of course not.

(Consider this question)

- Am I willing to join with other believers (not just the pastor), to encourage, to be encouraged, to care and be cared for, to love and be loved. To live out the “one anothers” in scripture, as I walk with God.

- In the months to come, you will be hearing about different opportunities you will have to do just that.

(opportunities NOW = joining others in SS; serving together in ministry (VBS this week; youth group; children’s church; music ministry; women’s ministry); getting involved in Bible study currently going on, or starting one.

1 Cor 12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

*** “we can’t say I don’t need you.” *** WE NEED EACH OTHER

There is a sign on the window when you walk in the church, on the office door, on your bulletin every Sunday. They say the same thing…. “YOU ARE NEEDED HERE!”

I NEED YOU, YOU NEED ME, WE NEED EACH OTHER. – turn to your neighbor and tell them that.

I need you; you need me.

LISTEN TO THIS STORY - There was a man all alone; he had no children or siblings. He was always working, never stopping, and yet he was never content with what he had. HE said to himself, "Why am I working so hard, not getting any enjoyment from what I do?" … King Solomon says – “this a miserable life, without meaning.” (being alone, doing things alone, for ourselves, not having any partnerships is miserable) - Eccl 4:8