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Vantage Point Series
Contributed by Robert Shearon on Dec 9, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: Like a football coach in the press box, God has a better vantage point to help us life our lives.
Football analogy
Philippians 1
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Greetings 1-2
God gives grace and peace to his church.
This letter is to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi.
What is a saint?
Grace and Peace
Joy in Prayer 3-11
Fellowship and love should continue to abound among Christians as they are filled with the fruits of righteousness.
1. Praise for their Partnership
2. Prayer for their Righteousness
Joy in Adversity 12-30
Afflictions can actually help further the gospel. Given the gift of suffering for Jesus, you should make sure lifestyle is worthy of the gospel.
1. Adversity Advances the Gospel
2. Adversity Exalts Christ
3. Adversity Encourages Believers
a. Encourages believers to stand firm
b. Encourages believers not to fear
c. Encourages believers to accept suffering
Press Box Life