Dusty Davis Youth and Family Ministry

My Family

My Family

Life… What Really Matters?

Two Options “The Good Life”

OR

“The Suffering Servant”

“The Good Life” Philippians 3:4b-6

◦“3:4b ... If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 3:6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.”

“The Good Life” - Response Philippians 3:8

◦“3:8 … I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,”

“The Suffering Servant” 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

◦ “11:23 Are they servants of Christ?-I speak as if insane-I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 11:24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 11:26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 11:27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 11:28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.”

“The Suffering Servant” - RESPONSE 2 Corinthians 11:16-18

◦“11:16 Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 11:17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 11:18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.”

“The Faithful Follower” Philippinas 4:11b-13

◦“4:11b … I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 4:12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Application - Take some time in the next 2 days to consider whether the way you evaluate “what really matters” in your life is by physical parameters or spiritual parameters.

◦ Are you concerned with your reputation and fame… or God’s reputation and fame

- Implement reminders to keep your focus on Him◦ Time with Him first/last part of your day, alarm, entertainment,

computer/phone background, bracelet, etc.