Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians · 2020. 6. 24. · 16 Philippians 2:25-30 How to Treat Good (but Imperfect) People 17 Philippians 3:1-3 Has Your Joy Sprung a Leak? 18

Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians | CalvaryABQ.org/series384

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Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians Skip Heitzig

In the series Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians, we learn how to find joy in the most unlikely places as we discover that God can add color to the most black and white moments in life.


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Table of Contents

# SCRIPTURE: MESSAGE:

1 Philippians 1:1 A Joy Unexpected

2 Philippians 1:1-2 News Flash: Youâ€™re a Saint!

3 Philippians 1:3-8 The Family Business

4 Philippians 1:9-11 Pray for Love

5 Philippians 1:12-14 The Happy Prisoner

6 Philippians 1:15-18 Pest Control

7 Philippians 1:18-21 Can You Predict Your Future?

8 Philippians 1:22-26 Living on Earth; Longing for Heaven

9 Philippians 1:27-30 How to Stand When They Want You to Fall

10 Philippians 2:1-4 Being Around People--While Still Being Sane!

11 Philippians 2:5-8 What Would Jesus Do?

12 Philippians 2:8-11 Be Humble or You'll Stumble

13 Philippians 2:12-13 How to Have a Great Workout

14 Philippians 2:14-18 Glow in the Dark!

15 Philippians 2:19-24 A Little Help from My Friends

16 Philippians 2:25-30 How to Treat Good (but Imperfect) People

17 Philippians 3:1-3 Has Your Joy Sprung a Leak?

18 Philippians 3:4-8 Get a Real Testimony!

19 Philippians 3:8-11 Benefits of Being Believers

20 Philippians 3:12-16 Put On Your Running Shoes

21 Philippians 3:17-21 Show Me Your Passport, Please!

22 Philippians 4:1-5 The Anatomy of a Healthy Church


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23 Philippians 4:6-7 Overcoming an Anxious Mind

24 Philippians 4:8-9 Think What to Do; Do What You Think

25 Philippians 4:10-13 How to Have Greener Grass NOW

26 Philippians 4:14-23 Is Your Checkbook Converted?


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SERIES: Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians

MESSAGE: A Joy Unexpected

SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:1

URL: http://CalvaryABQ.org/4190

MESSAGE SUMMARY Life doesnâ€™t have to be easy to be joyful. In fact, ease of living and joy of heart have little to do with each other. Joy is not the absence of trouble but rather the presence of Jesus. Paulâ€™s letter to the church at Philippi is a letter dripping with joy and surprisingly soâ€”itâ€™s not what anyone would expect given the circumstances surrounding the author and the recipients. As we dip our toes into the joyful waters of this epistle, itâ€™s my prayer that your smile will grow bigger and your heart will become lighter.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: April 23, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "A Joy Unexpected" Philippians 1:1 Path Life doesn't have to be easy to be joyful. In fact, ease of living and joy of heart have little to do with each other. Joy is not the absence of trouble but rather the presence of Jesus. Paul's letter to the church at Philippi is a letter dripping with joy and surprisingly soâ€”it's not what anyone would expect given the circumstances surrounding the author and the recipients. In our new series, Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians, Pastor Skip began by unpacking the first verse of the book:

I. A Dynamic Pair II. A Difficult Place III. A Divine Purpose

Points A Dynamic Pair

• In AD 62, the apostle Paul penned the book of Philippians as a prisoner in Rome. Though jailed, Paul was full of joy.

• Joy is one of the most infallible signs of the presence of God, an unmistakable badge of His ownership. A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms. Joy is a byproduct and consequence of pursuing Christ.

A. Paul

http://calvaryabq.org/4190


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When Paul was called Saul, he was a very religious, exacting, narrow-minded Pharisee. His life could be summarized as judging, jabbing, and even driven by jihad.

Yet on the Damascus road, Paul left judgment and found joy. Joy began to grow in his heart as he journeyed with Jesus (see Acts 9).

Paul mentioned joy and its variants nineteen times in the letter of Philippians. It was essential to his outlook.

B. Timothy Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman and an unbelieving Greek man. His

mother, Eunice, and grandmother Loisâ€”both believersâ€”raised him. Timothy may have been fifteen years old when he left home. He was part of

Paul's second missionary journey. Paul said there was no one as "like-minded" (Philippians 2:20)â€”literally, equal-

souledâ€”with him as Timothy. Together, Paul and Timothy were "bondservants of Jesus Christ" (v. 1); they

lived their lives serving the Lord. Apart from pursing Christ, the more you do as you please, the less you're pleased with what you do.

Joy is a flag over our lives, showing that the King is in residence. • Probe: Why is it important to be like-minded in ministry? How is being a bondservant of Jesus

tied to being like-minded?

A Difficult Place

A. Rocky Start at Philippi Paul didn't plan to visit Philippi, but God kept closing doors as they headed east.

God was saying, "No, " so Paul went west. A closed door opened up a clear work. In the city of Philippi, Paul met Lydia; she

was converted and a church began. In God's economy, saying no is as important as go.

B. Rough Circumstances for Paul Paul and Timothy's circumstances went from bad to worse: they were beaten up

and arrested. They faced a difficult place and difficult people. Yet Paul and Timothy did not live under the circumstances; they lived above

themâ€”they found joy in the jeering. In their pain, they found God's purpose. • Probe: Discuss the terms no and go. Share a time when the Lord told you no. How did God let

you know His answer (a closed door, a Bible verse, a friend, etc.)?

A Divine Purpose

A. Spiritual Family A church in Philippi grew as a result of Paul and Timothy's pain, leading to the

appointment of bishops and deacons. Among the negative experiences, Paul looked for God's effective work.

When life happens unexpectedly, know that God is moving supernaturally. There are two sides to every event: the factual (who, what, when, where), and

the actual (why). Paul looked for the actual side, God's why.


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John Nelson Darby said, "God's ways are behind the scenes, but He moves all of the scenes which He is behind."

B. Spiritual Fathers Paul and Timothy demonstrated that if dynamic people are in difficult places, they

discover divine purpose: joy. Purpose in pain may help another person. JOY is an acronym, showing order of service: Jesus, Others, You.

• Probe: Share a time when God brought purpose from your pain. How did He work supernaturally or naturally in your circumstance?

Practice Connect Up: Joy is defined as a great pleasure and delight. What is it about your relationship with Jesus that brings joy? Be specific (His love, guidance, character, etc.). Connect In: James said, "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials" (James 1:2, NIV). Discuss how Christians are to be dispensers of joy in the journey of life, especially in the midst of trials and tribulation. What does it mean to bring joy to a fellow Christian? Crosswalk recommends the following: Remember what God intends the church to be. Welcome one another. Be subject to one another. Forbear one another. Pray for one another. Serve one another. Encourage one another. Bear one another's burdens. Connect Out: Talk about how Christians are to exude joy and love (see John 13:35). How can joy and love be a witness to a watching world? Share about a person in your life that emanates love and joy? How does it affect you? In sharing joy with unbelievers, Guideposts recommends the following: Smile at the people you see. Radiate grace. Sing throughout the day. Write a kind note to someone. Talk to strangers. http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-love-one-another-even-other-christians-11577126.html https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/positive-living/7-ways-to-bring-joy-to-the-world-today

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. Joy is one of the most infallible signs of the presence of God; it is an unmistakable badge

of divine ownership 1. A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms 2. We are called to preach the gospel, which means good news

a. A joyful believer is a beautiful believer b. A joyful Christian is a good representation of the good news

3. The joy of the Lord is our strength (see Nehemiah 8:10, NLT) B. There is a great difference between joy and happiness

1. Joy is fixed; happiness goes up and down depending on the happenings 2. Hap is an old word for chance 3. Two-thirds of Americans claim to be unhappy

C. Philippians was penned in AD 62 by Paul, who was incarcerated in a Roman jail


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1. He had been incarcerated in Jerusalem 2. Taken to Caesarea, standing trials for two years 3. He finally appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome

D. Paul had always wanted to go to Rome (see Romans 1:8-12)

1. He expected to go as a preacher, not a prisoner 2. The Roman government paid for it 3. He was chained to soldiers 4. He did not know which way his sentence would go

E. However, running through this letter is the theme of joy

1. Takes us out of the black and white of life 2. God colors our lives with His joy

II. A Dynamic Pair

A. Paul 1. You would not have associated joy with the person Paul was before he met

Christ a. His name was Saul of Tarsus

I. Religious, legalistic Pharisee (see Philippians 3:5-6) II. Judgment, jihad (see Acts 8:3; 9:1)

b. Something happened to him and then in him (see Acts 9:1-19) I. He received Christ II. The seed of joy was planted in his heart and grew, and he went on

three missionary journeys 2. First missionary journey

a. To Antioch of Pisidia b. Kicked out of town (see Acts 13:14-52) c. Filled with joy d. Paul changed from legalism to lightheartedness (see Romans 14:17)

3. He was told not to go to Jerusalem because he risked arrest (see Acts 20:22-24) 4. Paul listed joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) 5. There is more joy in Philippians than in any of Paul's other books

a. Mentioned at least nineteen times b. Apostle of joy

B. Timothy 1. Timothy is another person with whom you would not have associated joy

a. Mixed parentage: mother was Jewish, father was Greek b. Raised by his mother, Eunice, and grandmother Lois (see 2 Timothy 1:5)

2. Paul preached the gospel, and Eunice, Lois, and Timothy accepted Christ 3. He followed Paul on his missionary journey

a. Discipled and mentored by Paul b. "Son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2)

4. Paul sent him back to the Philippians to represent him (see Philippians 2:19-20) a. Isopsuchos = like-minded b. In Paul's mind, sending Timothy was as good as going himself

C. The real reason for Paul and Timothy's joy is found in the word bondservant


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1. Doulos = a slave a. Refers to someone who serves willingly b. They were devoted to serving Jesus as their master

2. Joy is never found by direct pursuit; it's a byproduct of pursuing Christ and His will

3. The more you do what you please, the less you will be pleased by what you do 4. Joy is the flag flown over the castle of your heart when the King is in residence

III. A Difficult Place

A. Rocky Start at Philippi 1. Paul never wanted to go to Philippi

a. On his second missionary journey, he planned to go through Galatia and expand northward and southward

b. God resisted him going to the places he planned (see Psalm 37:23) c. Sometimes God says no d. God's no is as important as His go (see Acts 16:6-7)

2. Paul went to Troas and received a vision telling him to go to Macedonia (see Acts 16:8-10)

3. He arrived in Philippi and went to the river where women were praying (see Acts 16:13-15)

a. There was no synagogue because they did not have enough Jewish men b. Lydia was saved because of Paul's presence at the river

4. Things went from bad to worse: Paul was arrested and beaten (see Acts 16:23-40)

B. Rough Circumstances for Paul 1. Years went by, and the church at Philippi received word that Paul was in jail

again a. They sent money to Rome for his ministry b. The book of Philippians is his joy-filled thank-you letter to them

2. As believers, we are told to rise above our circumstances (see Romans 8:37) a. The Christian life is to be lived above the circumstances, not under them b. In their pain, Paul and Timothy found God's purpose

IV. A Divine Purpose

A. Spiritual Family B. Spiritual Fathers C. The church at Philippi grew D. Whatever negative experience Paul faced, he looked for how God was working (see

Philippians 1:3-4) 1. When life happens unexpectedly, God is moving supernaturally 2. There are two sides to every event: the factual side and the actual side

a. The factual side: who, what, when, where, how b. The actual side: why

3. All the bad things that happened to Paul ended with furthering the gospel (see Philippians 1:12)

4. A book of joy written by a guy who was once a killjoy who became the apostle of joy


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E. Place a dynamic person in a difficult place with difficult people and have them discover the plan of God, and the result will be joy

F. You can expect joy if you are filled with the Holy Spirit

Figures referenced: William Barclay, Tim Hansel, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., E. Stanley Jones, C.S. Lewis, Theodore Roosevelt, Robert Louis Stevenson, Billy Sunday Works referenced: Be Joyful; The Joy of Living: A Study of Philippians; Laugh Again; The Life of Joy and Peace: An Exposition of Philippians; Philippians, Life at Its Best; Philippians: The Believer's Joy in Christ; A Study in Philippians (How to be Happy in Difficult Situations); The Wizard of Oz Greek words: doulos, isopsuchos Cross references: Psalm 37:23; Nehemiah 8:10; Acts 8:3; 9:1-19; 13:14-52; 16:6-10, 13-15, 23-40; 20:22-24; Romans 1:8-12; 8:37; 14:17; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:3-4, 12; 2:19-20; 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:5

Topic: Joy

Keywords: joy, gospel, good news, happiness, jail, bondservant, slave, circumstances, plan of God, will of God, Holy Spirit


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MESSAGE: News Flash: Youâ€™re a Saint!


SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:1-2


MESSAGE SUMMARY You've heard it before. Someone excuses his or her crude behavior by saying something like, "Well, I'm no saint, but I do the best I can." Or, "She's so wonderful; she's a saint!" The idea most folks have is that saints are those who've died and attain special status because of their unusual accomplishments while they lived on earth. Nothing could have been further from Paul's mind when he wrote this letter to living "saints." I hope you're one.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: April 30, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "News Flash: You're a Saint!" Text: Philippians 1:1-2 Path You've heard it before. Someone excuses his or her crude behavior by saying something like, "Well, I'm no saint, but I do the best I can." Or, "She's so wonderful; she's a saint!" The idea most folks have is that saints are those who've died and attained special status because of their unusual accomplishments while they lived on earth. Nothing could have been further from Paul's mind when he wrote this letter to living "saints."Â In this teaching, Pastor Skip defined a biblical saint:

• A Saint Belongs to Two Spheres • A Saint Behaves Submissively • A Saint Believes in the Scriptures • A Saint Benefits Spiritually

Points A Saint Belongs to Two Spheres

• One of the most misunderstood words in the Bible is the word saint. Some think of a saint as a dead person made into a statue. Webster's Dictionary defines it as such:

o One officially recognized through canonization as preeminent for holiness o One of the spirits of the departed now in heaven



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• In short, the popular understanding is that a saint is a near-perfect person, now dead. But this is not how the Bible defines a saint. Rather, a saint is someone who has been saved by Christ.

• God's people have dual citizenship: we have a physical and a spiritual address, and eventually, we will have an address in heaven.

• They Have a Spiritual Address • The term "in Christ" (v. 1) means a life united with Christ. • Though Christians live in the world, we are not of it; we should have a light touch on the

world's terrain because we are just passing through. • They Have a Physical Address • Notice the physical address: "in Philippi" (v. 1). Christians are residents both "in Christ" and in

the world. As citizens in the world, we should live responsibly, not cloistered away from it. We need to be responsible at both addresses.

• Probe: Write down two lists. On one list, write your responsibilities as citizens in our society and world (to vote, pay taxes, etc.). On the other list, write your responsibilities as Christians and citizens of heaven (to love, pray, serve, etc.). What are the similarities and differences between the lists?

A Saint Behaves Submissively

• Notice the word bondservants. Paul introduced himself as a servant. He was a servant writing to servants.

• Forty percent of people in the Roman Empire were slaves, often regarded as a piece of property.

• In Judaism, slaves were freed after six years, but could voluntarily stay. This is the type of servanthood Paul referred to: a willing submission to a master.

• Probe: What are the characteristics of a servant (humility, giving, thankfulness, etc.)? How is submissiveness at the heart of a servant's life?

A Saint Believes in the Scriptures

• After Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, the people practiced it and circulated it. Early Christians considered Paul's lettersâ€”along with the Gospelsâ€”Scripture.

• A saint is someone who believes God and His Word and has no problem seeing God's superintendence over Scripture. Saints see the Bible as a love letter from God and live and learn from its principles.

• Probe: What is your attitude toward the Bible? Does it occupy a prominent position in your life? Discuss your dependence on God's Word. Share how you daily study and read God's Word.

A Saint Benefits Spiritually

• Philippians opens with a typical ancient salutation. Paul combined the greeting of the Western world with Eastern sensibility, replacing the normal greeting of the day, euphrainÃ³ (rejoice), with charis and eirÃ©nÃ© (grace and peace).

• Grace and peace are always together in the New Testament. Grace leads to peace. • They Experience Grace

o Grace is the fountain; peace is the stream that flows from it.


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• They Enjoy Peace o Peace is the ability to sleep with a clear conscienceâ€”a heart at ease.

• A saint is someone who allows the light of Christ to shine through them. • The word saint means the most holy things. When God sees you in Christ, He credits you with

Jesus' righteousness. Even though we are all sinners, God looks at you "in Christ." You are a most holy thing to Him.

• The Father sees through a type of rose-colored glasses, blood-stained with Christ's sacrifice. • In the world, there are either saints or ain'ts. The difference is how God sees you, and that

depends on whether or not you've received Christ as Savior. • Probe:Â As Pastor Skip taught, the Greek word for saint is hagios. It means set apart by (or for)

God, holy, sacred. Compare the biblical definition to the popular Roman Catholic definition. What are the main differences?i

Practice Connect Up: In 1 Peter 1:16, Peter echoed Leviticus 11:44, where God said, "Be holy, for I am holy." How does our holiness honor and bring praise to the Holy One? How can we make sure we are genuinely holy, not acting in a pretentious way but honoring God? Connect In: The biblical understanding of saints is a group of people who are set apart for the Lord and His kingdom. Discuss how both the individual Christian and the church is to be holy. What are the marks of holiness?ii Connect Out: How can a biblical understanding of the word saint be used as an outreach tool to unbelievers? Where is the good news to be found in our being set apartâ€”holyâ€”for God's purposes? Explain your answer. iFor help, read this article: https://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html iiFor help, read this article: https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/june-2007/12-marks-of-holiness

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. Saint is one of the most misunderstood words in the Christian language

1. The dictionary does not define saint the same way the New Testament does 2. Dictionary defines saint as essentially a near-perfect person who has died

B. This definition of saint came about in the early church

1. It was believed that anyone who died a Christian martyr would be declared a saint

2. As time went on, the Vatican in Rome established a process called canonization to keep unworthy people from becoming saints

C. The New Testament knows nothing about canonizing a dead person; it knows everything about recognizing a living person

1. Paul wrote to saints in his letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Philippians, and Colossians


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2. He did not write to dead people D. Most people do not associate sainthood with joy

1. Saints are portrayed as gloomy and sad 2. Due to old artistic renderings of saints

II. A Saint Belongs to Two Spheres

A. Because you have a spiritual address, you also have an eventual address in heaven (see John 14:2)

1. Dwelling on earth, but destined for glory (see Philippians 3:20) 2. God's people have dual citizenship 3. Those who live only in the physical address should suck as much pleasure out of

their time on earth as they can, because it will be the last good times they will ever experience

B. They Have a Spiritual Address 1. In Christ Jesus 2. We are united to Jesus' life (see John 17:23) 3. We share the same life as Christ (see Galatians 2:20) 4. We should live in this world with a light touch because we are just passing

through C. They Have a Physical Address

1. On earth 2. Since we are residents of two realms, we should live responsibly in both 3. Jesus never intended us to be disassociated from our world and society (see

Matthew 10:16; John 17:15) 4. The struggle is how to balance both passports

a. Make sure you are talking to Christ about your Philippi b. Make sure you are talking to your Philippi about Christ

III. A Saint Behaves Submissively

A. A saint is a servant 1. Paul wrote as a servant to servants (see Philippians 2:5-7) 2. They were humble

B. In the Roman Empire, 40 percent of the population was under slavery 1. In Judaism, slaves were released after seven years 2. Bondservant: if a slave wanted to serve longer, they became a voluntary servant

for life C. Redeem

1. It means to go to the slave market, pay for a slave, and release the slave from the slave market to work for you

2. Set free to be a slave of Jesus (see Romans 6:17-18) 3. Being a believer means you ran away from the master of sin to a higher form of

slavery 4. Being a saint is not an emotional goose bump but a submissive heart (see John

14:15) 5. It's not how high you jump but how straight you walk when you hit the ground

IV. A Saint Believes in the Scriptures


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A. When the Philippians received Paul's letter, they read it, obeyed it, and circulated it 1. They believed what Paul wrote was from God, to be applied to life 2. Peter referred to Paul's writings as Scripture (see 2 Peter 3:15-16) 3. Paul was confident he wrote with God's authority (see 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

B. Saints are people who believe that God had no problem superintending the writing of a book

C. What is your attitude toward your Bible? 1. Is it the Book or just a book? 2. Your love for the Bible is directly proportional to your relationship with the

Author 3. Look at the Bible as God's love letter to you

V. A Saint Benefits Spiritually

A. They Experience Grace B. They Enjoy Peace C. Paul combined greetings from the Western and Middle Eastern worlds

1. The common Greek greeting was chairÃ³â€”rejoice 2. The common greeting in Israel was shalomâ€”peace 3. Paul changed chairÃ³ to the similar word charisâ€”grace, kindness

D. You always find grace and peace together; God's grace produces peace E. Grace is the fountain and peace is the stream that flows from it (see Romans 5:1-2)

VI. Closing

A. A saint is a person who the light shines through B. Saint means holyâ€”hagios

1. God sees us that way even if we don't feel that way, because we are in Christ 2. He sees us through bloodstained glasses because of what Jesus did on the cross

Figures referenced: Caesar Augustus, Marcus Aurelius, Diognetus, St. Anthony, St. Barbara, St. Christopher, St. Drogo, St. Genesius of Rome, St. Isidore of Seville, St. Jude Works referenced: Sixth Sense Greek/Hebrew words: chairÃ³, charis, hagios, shalom Cross references: Matthew 10:16; John 14:2, 15; 17:15, 23; Romans 5:1-2; 6:17-18; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:5-7; 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 3:15-16

Topic: Saints

Keywords: saints, martyr, canonization, joy, citizenship, heaven, servant, bondservant, redeem, redemption, submission, the Bible, grace, peace, holiness


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MESSAGE: The Family Business




MESSAGE SUMMARY No matter what you may do for a living, there is a higher purpose for your life. No matter what you do for work, God is at work in you and through you. You may have a career in mind, but God has a calling in mind. These are not contradictory paths but complementary ones. The apostle Paul assured his audience of God's work collectively, personally, and practically. We are the objects as well as the instruments of God's work in the world.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: May 7, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "The Family Business" Text: Philippians 1:3-8 Path No matter what you may do for a living, there is a higher purpose for your life. No matter what you do for work, God is at work in you and through you. You may have a career in mind, but God has a calling in mind. These are not contradictory paths but complementary ones. We are the objects as well as the instruments of God's work in the world. As Pastor Skip revealed, the apostle Paul assured his audience of God's work collectively, personally, and practically:

• Be Thankful for God's Work Collectively (vv. 3-5) • Be Confident in God's Work Personally (v. 6) • Be Aware of God's Work Practically (vv. 7-8)

Points Be Thankful for God's Work Collectively

• Most people have an occupational and professional business, but we also have a spiritualâ€”missionalâ€”business: proclaiming the gospel.

• In Philippians 2:19-25 and 4:3, Paul listed members in the family business. • Paul had a powerful ministry in Philippi, and then was imprisoned. While in prison, he rejoiced

as he remembered Lydia's salvation, the Philippian jailer's conversion, and the church that was established there.

• As Paul remembered, he thought, Bless you, prison, and bless you, pain.



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• His attitude set his altitude. Gratitude is the attitude that sets the altitude for living. Paul's joy and thankfulness was directly proportional to the growth of the family businessâ€”the kingdom of God.

• Probe: Paul could have recalled Philippi with bitterness, but he chose to look for God's work in and through his own hardship. Think of things God has taught you in hard times, and thank Him for them. How does your attitude affect those closest to you (i.e., children, spouse, friends)?

Be Confident in God's Work Personally

• It's God's work: "He who has begunâ€¦" (v. 6, emphasis added). o Note the things Godâ€”not Paulâ€”did: He opened Lydia's heart and caused the

earthquake (see Acts 16:16-40). Paul just showed up and God produced. Like a skillful artist, God expresses Himself through His people.

• It's a gradual work: "He who has begun a good work" (v. 6, emphasis added). o Like an artist working on a painting, God continues His work on us; we are a work in

progress. Holiness is not a sprint but a marathon. • It's a growing work: "A good work in you" (v. 6, emphasis added).

o God's work is always an inside job before it's an outside job: first in you, then through you.

o What kind of work is He doing in you? It's a process with several phases: First, He makes us guilty so that we're aware we're lost. Second, He makes us hungry for new, different life. Third, He makes us happy: we have the joy of sin now forgiven. Fourth, He makes us holy by taking off our rough edges.

• It's a guaranteed work: "[God] will complete it" (v. 6). o Whatever God starts, He finishes. He is not like people; He's the author and finisher of

our faith. When will it be finished? "Until the day of Jesus Christ" (v. 6). o God will never give up on you; He will make you more and more like Jesus until He

returns. • Probe: The word confidence means the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or

something; a firm trust. Discuss why we can be confident in Christ. How has He shown Himself trustworthy? To help you, here are nine characteristics of trustworthy people: they have integrity and are authentic, consistent, compassionate, kind, resourceful, connectors, humble, and available. 1

Be Aware of God's Work Practically

• "I have you in my heart" (v. 7) is a very tender statement, underscoring the special place the Philippians had in Paul's heart. Paul felt linked to them, whether he was in jail or out preaching: "both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel" (v. 7).

• He called them partakers with him, which had the same root word as fellowship, indicating a partnership.

• How can you be sure God is really working in you? There are two signs: • One, you stand for the gospelâ€”defense.

Whenever you hear someone ridicule the gospel or mock Jesus, you defend Him and His good news.

You try to answer their questions, explain your faith, and stand up for truth.


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• Two, you spread the gospelâ€”confirmation. Every generation needs the gospel preached and received. It is proof you're in the family business: you believe in the product and help

spread the news. • Probe:Â Take the two signsâ€”stand and spreadâ€”and share about a time you did one of them

effectively. What was the outcome? Share about a time you did one ineffectively. Why was it ineffective?

Practice Connect Up: Paul said, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). How does a thankful heart reflect a redeemed heart? Why is it God's will that we be thankful? Connect In: The church is one of the largest families in the world.Â Some estimate there are 2.2 billion members of this family. Just as a biological family shares DNA, what is the DNA of our spiritual family (Christ, the Holy Spirit, Communion, love, fellowship, service, etc.)? Name some more characteristics of our shared spiritual DNA. How should our common bonds affect the way we treat one another? Connect Out: The famous missionary doctor Albert Schweitzer said, "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." Talk about the people you're thankful for, including but not limited to Christ. On a similar note, how can you represent a thankful heart for others, particularly unbelievers or those who have hurt or angered you? How does your attitudeâ€”good or badâ€”affect unbelievers? 1http://www.success.com/blog/9-traits-of-trustworthy-people

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. We have a spiritual businessâ€”a high and holy business

1. God's business 2. A family business 3. We are part of God's spiritual family (see Luke 2:49)

B. Fellowship

1. KoinÃ³nia = partnership 2. God is our Father (see John 20:17) 3. We are in a partnership with the Lord and with others

C. Our product is the gospel

1. Only the gospel creates life change 2. The good news is that what Jesus did on the cross was enough to get us from

earth to heaven


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3. The gospel has changed many lives II. Be Thankful for God's Work Collectively (vv. 3-5)

A. Paul wrote from a prison cell in Rome, reminiscing about the church at Philippi (see Acts 16)

1. Paul didn't even want to go to Philippi 2. One woman named Lydia received Christ as her Savior 3. Paul healed a demon-possessed girl and was arrested, beaten with rods, and put

in jail B. When the Holy Spirit filters your memories so you see God working, you will have joy

1. Paul was thankful for what the gospel had produced: life change 2. Paul's joy and thankfulness were directly proportional to the growth of the family

business (see Philippians 1:12-14) III. Be Confident in God's Work Personally (v. 6)

A. God's work 1. Paul was not referring to what the Philippians did or what he didâ€”he just

showed up and God did the work 2. PoiÃ©ma = a thing made, a work, workmanship (see Ephesians 2:10) 3. God is the skillful Artist who is always seeking to express Himself

B. A gradual work 1. God has begun a good work in you 2. It is an ongoing work, a work in progress 3. Holiness is not a light switch; it's not a sprint, but a marathon

C. A growing work 1. God's work is always an inside job before it's an outside one; He works in you

before He works through you 2. God wants to make His music through you

D. A good work 1. He makes you guilty

a. He makes us aware of our lost condition b. This drives us to seek salvation

2. He makes you hungry, causing you to long for something more 3. He makes you happy; He puts the joy of a forgiven life inside of you 4. He makes you holy; He takes off the rough edges

E. A guaranteed work 1. Whatever God starts, He finishes (see Hebrews 12:2) 2. God won't stop working on you until Jesus shows up and we're in His presence

in our glorified bodies 3. God never quits on us

IV. Be Aware of God's Work Practically (vv. 7-8)

A. Partakers 1. Related to fellowship 2. SugkoinÃ³nos = a partaker with, co-partner

B. You can be sure that God is really working in you 1. When you stand up for the gospel


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a. Apologia = a verbal defense b. Defense of the faith (see 1 Peter 3:15)

2. When you spread the gospel a. BebaiÃ³sis = confirmation, ratification, establishment b. When the gospel is preached and received, it is confirmed

C. The practical proof that you are part of the family business is that you believe in the product

V. Closing

A. Christianity is always one generation from extinction B. A New Testament church is a joint partnership together in the family business C. In order to be part of the family business, you need to be part of the family through

salvation (see John 3:3)

Figures referenced: R.C.H. Lenski Works referenced: Forbes Magazine, Huffington Post Greek words: apologia, bebaiÃ³sis, koinÃ³nia, poiÃ©ma, sugkoinÃ³nos Cross references: Luke 2:49; John 3:3; 20:17; Acts 16; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:12-14; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:15

Topic: God's Work

Keywords: spiritual family, partnership, gospel, Holy Spirit, thankfulness, joy, guilty, happy, holy, fellowship, partaker, faith


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MESSAGE: Pray for Love




MESSAGE SUMMARY Love is the subject of more songs than any other topic. It's a word that falls off countless lips effortlessly and often without thought. But as someone noted, "One of the great illusions of our time is that love is self-sustaining. It is not. Love must be fed and nurtured, constantly renewed." The great apostle Paul had a deep love for the Philippian believers, and they for him. But love must be understood and developed intelligently. On this Mother's Day, when we celebrate the unique love of a mom, let's also consider how our love can become mature and God-honoring.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: May 14, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Pray for Love" Text: Philippians 1:9-11 Path Love is the subject of more songs than any other topic. It's a word that falls off countless lips effortlessly and often without thought. But as someone noted, "One of the great illusions of our time is that love is self-sustaining. It is not. Love must be fed and nurtured, constantly renewed." The great apostle Paul had a deep love for the Philippian believers, and they for him. But love must be understood and developed intelligently. On this Mother's Day, when we celebrate the unique love of a mom, let's also consider how our love can become mature and God-honoring. Pastor Skip's path through the text is as follows:

• Our Love Should Be Plentiful (v. 9a) • Our Love Should Be Perceptive (vv. 9b-10a) • Our Love Should Be Pure (v. 10b) • Our Love Should Be Purposeful (v. 11)

Points Our Love Should Be Plentiful

• Paul prayed for love because it's the hallmark of our faith in Jesus Christ. • A Christian's love should super-abound, exceeding the fixed amount and flowing from God,

through us, and out to others.



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• How do we increase something that is already overflowing? Keep the hose running; don't let it stop. If God's love has flowed into our lives, it ought to flow out of our lives.

• Probe: Take a mental inventory: Does your love abound in your marriage? At home? To family and friends? In the church? If not, how can you learn to increase your love for God and others?

Our Love Should Be Perceptive

• Paul qualifies love's abundance with knowledge and discernment, approving what is good. This qualifier brings balance.

• Balanced by Knowledge o The Greek word for knowledge indicates knowledge gained by experience. o Mature love is not sentimental or emotional; it is knowledgeable. o Our love should not only be a growing love, but also a knowing love.

• Balanced by Discernment o Discernment is a mature, sensitive, and moral perception. Take moral and ethical

considerations into account in order to govern abounding love toward people. In short, make sure agape love is not sloppy love.

o We need to "approve the things that are excellent" (v. 10) by carefully examining the expressions of our love in light of God's Word.

o Discerning love doesn't accept or approve something just to avoid confrontation. • Probe: Perceptive means showing or having sensitive insight. Give some examples of what

perceptive love looks like. What type of insight into love should Christians display and be aware of (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)? Take a moment to pray for more love in your life.

Our Love Should Be Pure

• Paul gave a purpose clause: so "you may be sincere and without offense" (v. 10). • Sincere is taken from the Latin phrase cine sera, which means without wax. This term is used to

describe pure porcelain, untainted with wax; it's sun-tested. • In common language, it means don't be phony, but love with pure motives. • Probe: Pure means without unnecessary elements, unadulterated, free of contaminates. The

only pure love is that which stems from Christ. Share a time when someone loved you with the pure, sincere love found in Christ. What were the circumstances? How was it different from the more common forms of love? How did it make you feel?

Our Love Should Be Purposeful

• The idea Paul expressed is that this kind of loveâ€”abundant, perceptive, and pureâ€”is "the fruits of righteousness" (v. 11), by which we glorify God.

• The purpose of all love is to bring God glory because glorifying Him is the purpose of all life. • The world will know we are followers of Jesus by our love, a purposeful vision of glorifying

Christ. • Our love should be growing, knowing, and showing. • Probe: Are you purposeful in your love toward Christ and others? Share a time someone saw

Christ's love working through you (it's tough to talk about yourself, but this is good for the group). What was the end result of letting Christ's love rule in your life?


Page | 22�

Practice Connect Up: God is love, but not all love is God (for example, loving pizza is not the same as loving your mom). Discuss the difference between the two. Read 1 John 4:8, 16. What does "God is love" mean? Connect In: Love is the main fruit of the Spirit. All the other fruits come from love. Christian thinker Thomas Aquinas said that love finds a voice in virtue, acting with integrity and right-mindedness toward others. Discuss why our behavior should reflect our Christian love. How can love be incorporated in and through the church? Connect Out: Jesus said the world will know we are His followers by our love (see John 13:35). How can love act as an evangelism tool with unbelievers? Here's an acronym to discuss:

• Listen. Be a friend. • Observe. Pay attention to others' needs, comments, and questions. Act on your observations.

Provide help and prayer for the person. • Voice your concerns about their standing apart from Christ. • Encourage. Gently but firmly point the person to the true love found in Christ.

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. In many of Paul's letters, he included a prayer for the recipients

1. He prayed for people 2. He prayed regularly 3. It is not recorded that he prayed for anything physical 4. He prayed for the spiritual issues

B. In Philippians 1, Paul prayed for love

1. Love is the hallmark of the Christian faith (see John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:13) 2. Love is the culmination of our faith

II. Our Love Should Be Plentiful (v. 9a)

A. Abound in love 1. Abound = to be present in large numbers or in great quantity 2. The Philippians already loved one another 3. Paul wanted them to continue to love one another

B. It's possible Paul was speaking about loving different kinds of people in the world 1. As God loved the world 2. John 3:16

C. It's more likely Paul was speaking about love within the church 1. Sometimes it is easier to love people you never see instead of the people who

are actually around you (see 1 Thessalonians 3:12) 2. Does your love abound?

a. The love of God has been poured out (see Romans 5:5) b. We have an unlimited capacity to love


Page | 23�

3. If God's love has flowed into your life, it ought to flow out of your life a. No one around you should ever feel love-starved b. They should feel love-soaked

III. Our Love Should Be Perceptive (vv. 9b-10a)

A. Love needs parameters 1. Love is like a river; if it has free flow with no restraints, it can kill people 2. If our love is just pure emotion without discretion or direction, it can bring

devastation B. Balanced by Knowledge

1. EpignÃ³sis = recognition, knowledge a. A mature knowledge brought on by experience b. Paul often combined or contrasted love and knowledge in his writings

(see 1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:1-2) 2. Love needs knowledge for it to be responsible (see Romans 10:1) 3. Placing feeling above knowledge is the most dangerous, irresponsible thing you

could do a. You can feel out of love with your spouse and feel in love with someone

else b. A parent can feel that they should give their child anything they want c. You can feel it is loving to let another Christian do something they

shouldn't do d. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is confront your Christian

brother or sister (see Matthew 18) 4. Our love should be growing, but it should also be knowing (see 2 Peter 1:5-6)

C. Balanced by Discernment 1. Discernment is mature insight

a. Love is expressed in different ways at different times b. Different contexts c. Example: Jesus Christ

2. The most frequently used Greek word for love is agapÃ© a. God's love for us and what we aspire to b. Make sure your agapÃ© is not sloppy (see 1 Corinthians 13:6)

IV. Our Love Should Be Pure (v. 10b)

A. To approve used to refer to testing metals to determine purity 1. We must carefully examine every expression of our love in light of God's Word 2. It's an issue of what the Bible says about how we feel

B. Paul prayed for the expression of their love 1. Sincere comes from the Latin words sine cera

a. Without wax b. Used by porcelain dealers and statue makers to indicate that their wares

had not been broken and repaired with wax 2. Pure love without offense

a. Don't let your love be phony b. Sometimes our love can be insincere (see Romans 12:9)


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c. Best example of insincere love is Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus with a kiss (see Luke 22:48)

C. The best testimony is a genuine Christian life without hypocrisy V. Our Love Should Be Purposeful (v. 11)

A. The purpose of all love is to glorify God (see 1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:10-11) 1. It will be evident in our lives 2. If our love glorifies God, people around us will feel loved and cared for

B. Our love should be growing, knowing, and showing VI. Closing

A. Pray that your expressions of love would be pure B. Spiritual entropy

1. We are constantly being pulled toward the world's ideals 2. The only way to counteract this is to infuse ourselves with new energy (see

Hebrews 10:25)

Figures referenced: Matthew Henry, Jaron Lowenstein, Dwight L. Moody, Malcolm Muggeridge, Tertullian Greek/Latin words: agapÃ©, epignÃ³sis, sine cera Cross references: Matthew 18; Luke 22:48; John 3:16; 13:35; Romans 5:5; 10:1; 12:9; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:31; 13:1-2, 6, 13; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Hebrews 10:25; 2 Peter 1:5-6; Revelation 4:10-11

Topic: Love

Keywords: prayer, love, abound, church, parameters, knowledge, discernment, responsible, approve, purity, sincere, hypocrisy, glorify


Page | 25�


MESSAGE: The Happy Prisoner




MESSAGE SUMMARY What does it take to steal your joy? To answer that question honestly, you would need to discover what you're passionate about--what drives you and what your expectations of life are. Why is this so important? Because things won't always go your way. Unfavorable winds will toss the ship of your life around on the ocean of circumstances and heartbreaks. What do you need then? The right perspective! Let's learn these truths from Paul's prison cell in Rome.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: May 21, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "The Happy Prisoner" Text: Philippians 1:12-14 Path What does it take to steal your joy? To answer that question honestly, you would need to discover what you're passionate aboutâ€”what drives you and what your expectations of life are. Why is this so important? Because things won't always go your way. Unfavorable winds will toss the ship of your life around on the ocean of circumstances and heartbreaks. What do you need then? The right perspective! Pastor Skip continued unpacking the book of Philippians, teaching truths from Paul's prison cell in Rome:

• Godly Passion Is Commendable (v. 12b) • Great Problems Are Inevitable (v. 12a) • Good Perspective Is Essential (vv. 12-14)

Points Godly Passion Is Commendable

• Paul wrote Philippians from a Roman prison cell, but he was determined and had a singular focus: the gospel. In all of his writings, Paul mentioned the gospel seventy-two times.

• Until you experience the gospel's power, you'll never have a gospel passion. • Paul's passion for the gospel is summed up in a pair of verses: "As much as is in me, I am ready

to preach the gospel" (Romans 1:15) and "I have made it my aim to preach the gospel" (Romans 15:20).



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• Spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal your joy. Paul's passion was his purpose, bringing him a joy unfettered by his imprisonment.

• Probe: Discuss your master passion in life. Is there a connection between your master passion and the gospel? If not, how can you help bring them together?

Great Problems Are Inevitable

• A godly passion invites great problems: the great commission will always bring great conflict. Faith can be fatal (but only in this life).

• Paul returned to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. He was later accused and sent to Caesarea Philippi for a two-year prison sentence. His heart was set on reaching Rome with the gospel but instead he found himself in jail. Through it all, he didn't lose his joy; instead, he set it loose wherever he found himself.

• Probe: Share about a time in your life when your problems seemed so big that nothing could solve them. How did God show Himself in the midst of the problem? Did He solve the problem, use it to refine you, or both?

Good Perspective Is Essential

• The words rejoice, joy, and rejoicing are mentioned sixteen times in the four chapters of Philippians.

• Paul's joy is found in the word furtherance. It means advancement or forward movement in spite of obstacles.

• Paul's suffering wasn't an obstacle in advancing the gospel; in fact, it made it possible. His suffering furthered the gospel in three specific ways:

o His suffering furthered God's plan for Roman soldiers (see v. 13). Paul preached to the Praetorian Guardâ€”Caesar's elite soldiers.

o His suffering furthered God's plan for Roman citizens (see v. 13b): "And to all the rest." The longest period of Paul's incarceration was the greatest period of Paul's

impact. Paul's confinement was his assignment; his prison became his pulpit. During his imprisonment, Paul wrote Philippians, Philemon, Ephesians, and

Colossians. o Paul's suffering furthered God's plan for reluctant saints (see v. 14).

If God could use Paul in jail, He can use us out of jail. Paul's example inspired other Christians who were afraid of Roman persecution to share the gospel.

Don't be a sappy or scrappy prisoner but a happy prisoner for Christ. • Probe: Having the right perspective helps determine our priorities. Discuss the connection

between perspective and priorities. How are they connected? What are your priorities in life? How do they relate to the furtherance of the gospel?

Practice Connect Up: Share with your group the things about Jesus you are passionate about (e.g., His love, compassion, salvation, etc.). How does Christ's character help you draw close to the Father? What does Christ's character reveal about the Father (see John 10:30)?


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Connect In: How does your passion for Christ influence the body of Christ? What ministry roles do you perform in your local church? What ministry roles have you wanted to take part in, but time or other priorities took precedence? What difference would it make if you made the gospel your priority? What would the risks and rewards be? Connect Out: As Bob Dylan said, "You're gonna have to serve somebody." To put it another way, we're all imprisoned to someone or something. How is this analogy helpful in reaching out to nonbelievers? Besides sin itself, what things were you chained to before coming to Christ? It could be a life you didn't anticipate or expect (e.g., a job, an illness, or even an actual prison cell). How can you use your story about how you found purpose in Christ to help others in similar situations?

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. You would not expect to find joy in prison B. Paul wrote this letter as he was incarcerated for his faith in Christ

1. He was a prisoner in Rome 2. He was not in the best of conditions

C. The theme of this book is joy (see Philippians 1:3-4, 18; 2:17; 3:1; 4:4)

1. Spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal your joy 2. Paul had no outward reason to be joyful

II. Godly Passion Is Commendable

A. Paul had a passion in his life 1. He was determined and highly motivated 2. Everyone has a master passionâ€”what you want more than anything else

B. Paul's passion was the gospel (see Philippians 1:5, 7, 12, 17, 27) 1. Paul mentioned the gospel seventy-two times in all his writings 2. Romans 1:15; 15:20

C. At one time, Paul tried to stop the gospel 1. The gospel was the only thing that could change him 2. When he saw Jesus, his life was never the same

D. Until you have experienced the gospel's power, you'll never have a gospel passion (see Romans 1:16)

III. Great Problems Are Inevitable

A. A godly passion always invites great problems 1. When you are passionate about souls, you enter a battleground on which Satan

has been fighting a long time 2. The Great Commission will always bring great conflict (see Matthew 24:9)

B. Something happened to this passionate man 1. He was in jail 2. This had happened many times before 3. He was stuckâ€”he did not have the freedom to minister like he wanted 4. He had always wanted to go to Rome, though not necessarily in this capacity

(see Romans 15:30-32)


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C. How did he get there? 1. Arrested in Jerusalem 2. Imprisoned two years in Caesarea by the Sea 3. Appealed his case to Caesar 4. Sent by ship to Rome 5. Ship went down and had to swim to shore 6. Ended up in a Roman prison

D. Incarceration always challenges your joy 1. Confinement or restriction 2. Job, relationship, circumstances

IV. Good Perspective Is Essential

A. The furtherance of the gospel 1. ProkopÃ© = progress, advancement

a. A forward movement in spite of obstacles b. Used of pioneers and soldiers advancing in obstacles

2. Paul wanted them to know that none of what happened to him had stopped the gospel; in fact, it had furthered it

B. Three ways the gospel was furthered 1. For Roman soldiers

a. PraitÃ³rion = praetorium b. The elite personal soldiers for the emperor c. Paul was chained to a praetorium guard

I. They were chained to him in six-hour shifts II. Whether he ate or slept, a guard was always there

d. Some of those soldiers were reached (see Romans 4:22) 2. For Roman citizens

a. Paul was under house arrest (see Acts 28:16) b. He had certain freedoms: people could visit him (see Acts 28:30-31) c. The longest period of Paul's incarceration was the greatest period of

Paul's impact I. The prison became his pulpit II. He wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during

this time 3. For reluctant saints

a. Christians in Rome were afraid to announce they followed Christ b. In watching and hearing about Paul, they became more bold c. They reached the people Paul could not reach

V. Closing

A. Many people feel chained to something B. Maybe you could be a happy prisoner

1. Not a sappy prisoner 2. Not a scrappy prisoner 3. 2 Timothy 2:9


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Figures referenced: William Booth, John Bunyan, Charlotte Elliott, Martin Luther, F.B. Meyer, J.C. Penney, Charles Wesley, John Wesley, Susanna Wesley Works referenced: Pilgrim's Progress, Psychology Today, Winnie the Pooh Greek words: praitÃ³rion, prokopÃ© Cross references: Matthew 24:9; Acts 28:16, 30-31; Romans 1:15-16; 4:22; 15:20, 30-32; Philippians 1:3-5, 7, 17-18, 27; 2:17; 3:1; 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:9

Topic: Joy

Keywords: joy, prison, spiritual maturity, passion, gospel, problems, Great Commission, jail, incarceration


Page | 30�


MESSAGE: Pest Control




MESSAGE SUMMARY Every groupâ€”whether itâ€™s a club, a corporation, a homeowner association, or a churchâ€”has its share of problem people and detractors. Such can be touchy, irritable, irrational, unreasonable, contentious, or legalistic. Their words may hurt us deeply. Their actions may confuse us greatly. So how do we handle these pesky folks? Most importantly, what should we do or not do with those who name the name of Christ but act like pests?

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes:Â June 11, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Pest Control" Text: Philippians 1:15-18 Path Every groupâ€”whether it's a club, a corporation, a homeowner association, or a churchâ€”has its share of problem people and detractors. Such people can be touchy, irritable, irrational, unreasonable, contentious, or legalistic. Their words may hurt us deeply. Their actions may confuse us greatly. So how do we handle these pesky folks? Most importantly, what should we do with those who name the name of Christ but act like pests? Pastor Skip identified a threefold strategy:

I. Identify the Troublemakers II. Ratify the Truth-makers III. Magnify the True Message

Points Identify the Troublemakers

• Paul referred to believers in this passage (see vv. 12-14), not unbelievers. • It's important not to idealize the early church, because they were just like us.

o The church in Corinth dealt with division over preachers, immorality, rampant divorce, arguments over spiritual gifts, and a lack of love. Sounds very contemporary, doesn't it?



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• Why are these people in the church? Because, as John Trapp put it, "The devil loves to fish in troubled waters." Satan loves to amplify any conflict, disagreement, or issue in order to divide God's people.

• Paul identified them by their characteristics: o They were jealous (see v. 15). The word envy refers to those who create conflict and

are argumentative. o They were selfish: those who "preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely" (v. 16);

the idea is that they were like politicians, canvassing for votes, seeking office, promoting themselves.

o They were malicious: "supposing to add conflict to my chains" (v. 16).They caused friction, deliberately looking to irritate Paul and talk down his mission. Remember, they called themselves Christians; they weren't anti-Christ but anti-Paul.

• Probe: Read Galatians 5:16 and 3 John 1:4. It's important to recognize troublemakers, but how do you avoid becoming one of them? In the church, what should our ultimate motivation be? Where do we draw the line with troublemakers? How do we deal with them?

Ratify the Truth-makers

• Paul didn't fixate on the troublemakers but instead found the silver lining in the cloud of controversy and contentionâ€”the truth-makers.

• Paul saw that some believers preached Christ "from goodwill" (v. 15). They saw that Paul was "appointed for the defense of the gospel" (v. 17), recognizing that his imprisonment was not a disappointment but a divine appointmentâ€”he was on duty to defend the gospel.

• Paul probably lost his life because of troublemaking Christians in Rome. Envy and selfish ambition led them to denounce him, and Nero executed him.

o When Onesiphorus came to Rome, no one could or would tell him where Paul was; he had to search diligently for him (see 2 Timothy 1:16-17).

o Paul wrote to Timothy, "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them" (2 Timothy 4:16). Note Paul's forgiving attitude.

• Probe: When you look for people in the body of Christ who are looking for Christ, you'll find them. Think of people you see who are suffering for doing God's will. What are some ways you can ratify these truth-makersâ€”supporting and encouraging them? How can you resist envy and strife in the church?

Magnify the True Message

• As Paul sat in jail thinking about those who persecuted him and those who supported him, his conclusion was, "What then?"â€”or, "So what?"

o He didn't say, "Shame on them! Don't they know who I am?" He said, "Christ is preached; and in this, I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice" (v. 18).

• Paul wasn't an unfeeling statue; in fact, he felt things deeply. He was determined not to let mean people rob his joy.

• Paul knew a great truth: the power is in the message, not the messenger. o He would agree that if someone tampers with the message, go at them (see Galatians

1:6-12), but if they attack the messenger, ignore them. • Paul had comradesâ€”partners in the gospelâ€”and he rejoiced in them; he also had

criticsâ€”dissenters in the gospelâ€”and he rejoiced in spite of them.


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o As long as they preached the right message, Paul overlooked their motives. o His calling was not to protect or defend himself but to protect and defend the gospel of

Jesus Christ. • Probe: We must practice discernment and guard God's truth, especially in the church. What

are some ways you can make sure that you are known for what you stand for rather than what you stand against?

Practice Connect Up: Pastor Skip noted that "God reserves the right to use people who disagree with you." What are ways that you can keep your focus on Him and His message, rather than letting yourself get lost in the frustrations of certain believers' motives? Connect In: Pastor Skip said, "We often make too much over what divides us, and not enough over what unites us." Read verse 18. What was Paul's litmus test for deciding whether to stand against believers or to let God sort them out? What are some challenges you see in the body of Christ? Which ones do you need to confront, and which ones do you need to let go? Connect Out: How does a poor witness within the church affect your witness outside the church? How does the perfection of the message offset God's imperfect messengers? Make a list with your group of what you stand for as a Christian. What difference does it make to be known for what you stand for rather than what you are against?

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. Church history is filled with contention

1. Unbelievers have noticed this 2. Many denominations hold to many varying beliefs and practices

B. There were Christian people who were opposed to Paul

1. We are all imperfect, but we all get together (see Luke 4:18) 2. We are a messy bunch

C. How do you deal with people who claim to be Christians but are pesky? II. Identify the Troublemakers

A. Troublemakers emerge on their own B. These people were believers (see v. 14)

1. Some people like to idealize the early church 2. The New Testament is filled with early church issues

a. Corinth was divided over leadership b. It was filled with rampant divorce and immorality, and lacked love

C. Satan loves to exploit and amplify any issue that may be among us D. They were jealous of Paul

1. Paul was an easy target: intelligent, gifted, successful 2. This is human nature

E. They were a contentious group


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1. Argumentative 2. Some people thrive on this and are known more for what they are against than

what they are for 3. They exist to slam others

F. They were selfish (see v. 16) 1. A political term that refers to a politician canvassing for self-promotion 2. They put down Paul to make themselves puffed up 3. Not new in the early church (see 3 John 1:9) 4. When you hear gossip, someone's ego is being exalted

G. They were malicious (see v. 16) 1. Thlipsis = persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation 2. Irritation caused by the rubbing of one object over another 3. They wanted to add to Paul's already irritating situation 4. They were not anti-Christ, but they were anti-Paul

III. Ratify the Truth-makers

A. There are troublemakers, but there are also good people B. Starve the problem and feed the solution

1. Run ahead of the troublemakers 2. Their voice will diminish as you go further ahead

C. Paul most likely lost his life as a result of troublemaking Christians in Rome 1. He was beheaded by Caesar Nero 2. Many of the jealous Christians in Rome denounced Paul, adding to the sentence

handed down by Nero 3. Onesiphorus (see 2 Timothy 1:16-17)

a. Came to visit Paul in prison in Rome b. No one would or could tell him where Paul was c. He had to search for him d. It seems that many people were embarrassed that Paul was in prison

4. Clement of Rome a. Wrote a letter to the church at Corinth addressing anger and jealousy

among God's people b. Listed deaths, trouble, and issues plaguing seven specific church leaders as

a result of these problems c. One of the examples was of Paul d. Envy among Christians somehow brought about Paul's execution

5. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 a. No one stood with Paul except the Lord b. He was utterly alone

IV. Magnify the True Message

A. What then? means So what? 1. Though he was persecuted by unbelievers and picked on by believers, Paul still

rejoiced 2. Paul was not impervious to the criticisms of others 3. He was a person with emotions and feelings, and he was wounded deeply

B. He rejoiced because the gospel was being preached


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1. The power is in the message, not the messenger 2. If people tamper with the message, go at them (see Galatians 1:6-8) 3. If people tamper with the messenger, ignore them

C. They were brothers in Christ V. Closing

A. We often make too much over what divides us and not enough over what unites us 1. We are often known more for what we are against 2. God reserves the right to use people who disagree with you

B. You don't get to heaven by being a certain denomination, but by trusting in Christ's death and resurrection

Figures referenced: Caesar Nero, Clement of Rome, C.S. Lewis, John Trapp, John Wesley Works referenced:The Screwtape Letters Greek words: thlipsis Cross references: Luke 4:18; Galatians 1:6-8; 2 Timothy 1:16-17; 4:16-17; 3 John 1:9

Topic: Division

Keywords: joy, contention, denominations, troublemakers, early church, division, jealousy, envy, argument, selfishness, gossip, anger, persecution, gospel


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MESSAGE: Can You Predict Your Future?




MESSAGE SUMMARY If you were going to sit down and write a short description of what you wanted your future to look like, what words would you choose? Let me suggest four that come straight out of Paul's experience: joy, confidence, hope, and life. After musing over past events that brought him to prison, Paul looks ahead to his uncertain future. But these four words sum up what he expected his future to include--even if it meant his possible execution.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: June 25, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Can You Predict Your Future?" Text: Philippians 1:18b-21 Path If you were to sit down and write a short description of what you wanted your future to look like, what words would you choose? Pastor Skip suggested four that come straight out of Paul's experience: joy, confidence, hope, and life. After musing over past events that brought him to prison, Paul looked ahead to his uncertain future. But these four words sum up what he expected his future to includeâ€”even if it meant his possible execution. Pastor Skip pointed out the thoughts that kept Paul anchored in Christ:

• Joy (v. 18b): Joy Is an Act of the Will • Confidence (v. 19): Confidence Is Developed by Prayer and Provision • Hope (v. 20): Hope Looks for Opportunities to Point to Christ • Life (v. 21): Life Happens Even in the Face of Death

Points Joy

• Paul spoke of the past up until the phrase "Yes, and will rejoice" (Philippians 1:18b). Then he began looking to the future.

• His first future declaration focused on joy, a word used at least nineteen times in Philippians. • Paul was determined that all that had happened to himâ€”arrest, prison, persecution,

shipwreck, and imprisonment while awaiting trial with Caesar Neroâ€”was not going to bring him down.



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• He told his audienceâ€”including usâ€”that nothing and no one would steal his joy; it was fixed on and in the Lord.

• Joy is a choice, an act of the will, internally triggered, tied to your relationship with God, and your reaction to being justified by faith.

• Probe: Joy is commonly defined as a feeling of great pleasure. Discuss the difference between joy and happiness. Pastor Skip delineated them as being external (happiness) and internal (joy).

Confidence

• Notice Paul's use of the phrase I know in verse 19. There was certainty in Paul's outlook that was determined by his up-look; he kept his eyes on God.

• The word deliverance is a Greek word commonly used for salvation. Paul was not using it in the sense of being savedâ€”he was already a Christianâ€”but in the sense of being rescued: he believed that God would deliver himâ€”"whether by life or by death" (v. 20).

• Paul's confidence was twofold: o It was based on the prayers of God's people. Why should we pray?

Spiritual work requires spiritual tools. Prayer produces confidence.

o It was also based on the provision of God's Spirit. The word supply means a lavish supply, like a harmony of voices. We can be confident because God will provide all we need through the Spirit. The hand of God will not lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.

• Probe: Confidence is the belief that one can rely on someone or something, a firm trust. Discuss how our confidence, like Paul's, can be firmly placed in Christ. What characteristics of Christ command confidence?

Hope

• Hope is an earnest expectation, a gaze at something in the distance. Paul was looking to Christ with undivided attention; more than anything, he wanted to be a faithful witness.

• Part of Paul's witness was boldnessâ€”a reminder that what the church needs is not to be breaking bad, but breaking bold.

• Notice the words "Christ will be magnified." The Greek word for magnified means to make great, to enlarge. How can we possibly make Christ greater?

o Present your body as a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1). Let your hands, feet, and tongueâ€”your whole bodyâ€”be used for Christ's glory.

• Probe: The writer of Hebrews linked confidence, hope, and assurance together (see Hebrews 11:1). Discuss how these words are connected. How do confidence, hope, and assurance define our present circumstances and our future reality?

Life

• Jesus was the summum bonum (the highest value) of Paul's life, his motto, and his fuel to persevere.

• Verse 21 demonstrates that Paul's master passion was Jesus. Despite not knowing the circumstances his life would take, Paul knew what his goal was while he still lived: he lived for Christ, and he died for Christ under Nero.


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• In one brutal moment, Paul went from the imperial city of Rome to the eternal city of God. Tradition holds that Paul was beheaded; in that instant, he gained eternal life.

• Probe: How can we live for Christ in today's world? How is dying a gain for Christians?

Practice Connect Up: In addition to the words discussed in this study (joy, confidence, hope, and life), what are some other characteristics that define believers (see Galatians 5:22-23)? How do they help us maintain an eternal perspective, focusing our attention on Christ and not on the worldâ€”providing us with a proper "up-look"? Connect In: In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul tells the church to not be like those who don't have hope. In these verses, Paul linked our hope to Christ's return. How is the second coming of Jesus intricately linked to a believer's hope for the future? Connect Out: In a world where many have no future or hope, how can we use this message to communicate to unbelievers that God does have a beautiful future for those who believe? How can you use Jeremiah 29:11 as a witness tool?

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. Predicting the future has been a favorite pastime since antiquity

1. People's desire to know the future makes horoscopes and fortune-tellers popular today

2. We want to know what is coming in the future B. All forms of fortune-telling are forbidden in the Scriptures

1. They are fake 2. They call on nothing to predict the future they don't know 3. Only God can predict the future

C. You can predict your future responses D. Up to this point in Philippians, Paul spoke in past tense

1. Philippians 1:3, 5, 12 2. Paul wrote to the Philippians about what happened in the past and what was

happening in the present E. The future was uncertain for Paul

1. He did not know what the outcome of his trial would be 2. He made predictions about his responses to those circumstances 3. If you are a follower of Christ, you can predict your responses as well

II. Joy (v. 18b)

A. Philippians is a letter 1. Originally there were no chapters or verse identifications 2. Until the year AD 1227, all of the Bible was text


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3. Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, decided it would be easier to find things in the Bible with chapters and verses

4. In AD 1382, the first English Bible to have verse numbers was the Wycliffe Bible B. Paul was saying that the things of the past would not rob him of his joy

1. They had furthered the gospel 2. Past circumstances

a. He was arrested in Jerusalem b. He spent two years in jail at Caesarea by the Sea c. He went through three mistrials d. He was shipwrecked on his way to Rome to appeal to Caesar e. He was put in jail again in Rome

3. Past and present people were also trying to rob him of joy C. Paul did not know what would happen in the future as far as circumstances went

1. He would stand trial before Caesar Nero 2. Caesar would either exonerate him or execute him

D. Joy is an act of the will 1. It is tethered to something different than happiness

a. Happiness is a temporary feeling of delight if the circumstances go your way

b. Joy is fixed c. The Bible mentions happiness about thirty times; it mentions joy 300

times 2. The difference between happiness and joy

a. Happiness is externally triggered; it goes up and down depending on the circumstances

b. Joy is internally triggered; it is based on a relationship with God c. Happiness has its source in events, people, and things d. Joy has its source in God

3. Though Paul may have been emotionally unhappy, he stated that nothing and no one would steal his joy

III. Confidence (v. 19)

A. Your outlook is determined by your uplook 1. Paul saw not only the stars, but the God who made the stars 2. If joy is an act of the will, then confidence is a statement of faith

B. Paul knew he would be delivered 1. SÃ³tÃ©rian = deliverance, salvation 2. Paul knew things would turn out for the best (see Romans 8:28)

C. Confidence is developed by prayer and provision 1. Prayer of God's people

a. Most believers marginalize prayer b. If we really thought prayer had the power to change things, we would be

doing it a lot more c. We should pray because:

I. Spiritual work requires spiritual tools II. It produces confidence

2. Provision of God's Spirit


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a. EpichorÃ©gia = supply, provision, equipment I. We get the word chorus from this II. It literally means one voice upon another

b. The reason Paul was confident was because the Holy Spirit provided everything he needed to handle the future

c. The hand of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you (see Zechariah 4:6)

IV. Hope (v. 20)

A. Earnest expectation is like an intense form of hope 1. It literally means to watch something with outstretched head 2. Paul hoped more than anything else that he would be a faithful witness for Christ

B. Hope looks for opportunities to point to Christ 1. Paul wanted to express his faith and exalt his Savior 2. He wanted to be bold 3. While the world is breaking bad, the church needs to be breaking bold

a. The world is bold about what it believes b. They want to get out there and get it in your face c. That is how Christians need to be about our faith

4. Ask God to make you a bold Christian C. Paul hoped for Christ to be magnified

1. How can you make the greatest Person in the world greater? a. To most people, Jesus was just someone from 2,000 years ago b. When you show up, Jesus is either magnified or minified through your life

2. We should want God to be greater through our life (see Romans 12:1) V. Life (v. 21)

A. Paul was passionate about Christ; he lived for Him 1. Christ was the summation of Paul's life 2. John 11:25

B. Life happens even in the face of death 1. Later, Paul was arrested again, placed in solitary confinement, and sentenced to

death 2. In one brutal moment, Paul went from the imperial city of Rome to the eternal

city of heaven VI. Closing

A. The only circumstance you can predict is whether you will spend eternity in heaven or in hell

B. John 3:3

Figures referenced: Dale Carnegie, Howard Hendricks, Stephen Langton, Abraham Lincoln, Leonard Ravenhill, A.T. Robertson, Charles Spurgeon, Corrie ten Boom Works referenced: Wycliffe Bible Greek words: epichorÃ©gia, sÃ³tÃ©rian


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Cross references: Zechariah 4:6; John 3:3; 11:25; Romans 8:28; 12:1; Philippians 1:3, 5, 12

Topic: Joy

Keywords: future, joy, circumstances, happiness, confidence, prayer, provision, hope, boldness


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MESSAGE: Living on Earth; Longing for Heaven




MESSAGE SUMMARY Knowing what Paul knew about heaven made him think very differently about earth. As Thomas Watson said, "Spiritual things satisfy; the more of heaven is in us, the less earth will content us." It's like a kid eating his vegetables while eyeing the chocolate cake promised after the meal (the salad becomes a means to an end). Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come," indicating we should be longing for heaven. So how do we effectively live on earth with heaven ahead?

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: July 9, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Living on Earth; Longing for Heaven" Text: Philippians 1:22-26 Path Knowing what Paul knew about heaven made him think very differently about earth. As Thomas Watson said, "Spiritual things satisfy; the more of heaven is in us, the less earth will content us." It's like a kid eating his vegetables while eyeing the chocolate cake promised after the meal (the salad becomes a means to an end). Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come," indicating we should be longing for heaven. So how do we effectively live on earth with heaven ahead? Pastor Skip shared three points to describe Paul's approach to finding the balance:

• Wrestling with a Predicament (vv. 22-26) • Wanting to "Push-Off" (v. 23) • Willing to Persist (v. 24)

Points Wrestling with a Predicament

• Christians live between two worlds: we're grounded on earth but going to heaven. • In this passage, Paul was in jail facing a trial. He was between a rock and a hard place. Paul knew

what he wanted in light of his situationâ€”to go be with Jesusâ€”but knew what the Philippians needed in light of their situation.



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• We need to be careful in our pursuits: are we after God's glory or our own comfort? If we choose comfort, two problems can arise, neither of which causes us to think about the hereafter:

o Fatalism: despairing, we yearn for death. o Materialism: seeking pleasure, we live for this world and ourselves.

• Probe: Discuss fatalism and materialism. Think of examples in the world of these two mindsets. How is the Christianâ€”and the churchâ€”called to be different? How can the church be, as Jesus said, in the world but not of it (see John 17:15-17)?

Wanting to "Push-Off"

• It Will Be a Departure o Paul desired to depart this world. o The word departâ€”to unloose or break upâ€”was used to describe sailors untying their

moorings and setting sail, soldiers breaking camp and marching out, and farmers removing the yoke from their oxen after a day's work.

• It Will Be an Encounter o What makes the death of a believer so sweet isn't the departure; it's the arrival. o The real joy of heaven won't be what is there but who is there: Jesus. Heaven's main

attraction will be God, not people or stuff. • It Will Be Much Better

o In Greek, the word better can be translated as much more better. Grammatically, it's a mess, but theologically, it's glorious.

o In heaven there's no soul sleep, limbo, or purgatory. "To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). We'll be far better off being in His presence.

• Probe: Share two things you believe heaven will be like. Take a quick read of Revelation 21-22 to get a glimpse of the new heaven and the new earth. What aspects of the new heaven and the new earth stand out?

Willing to Persist

• Paul's struggle was between what he felt he wanted and what he knew the Philippians needed. • The mark of a spiritually mature person is someone who puts his or her own desires on pause

for the needs of others. • For Fruitful Service

o As long as Paul was living, he labored for the Lord. o Laboring looks like:

People won to Christ (see Romans 1:13) Holy living (see Romans 6:22) Giving (see Romans 15:26-27) Good works (see Colossians 1:10) Praising God (see Hebrews 13:15)

o Fruitfulness ends when we die. We don't bear fruit in heaven; our labor will be finished. Now is the time of opportunity.

• For Needful Progress o The word progress indicates the advance of an army on a mission.


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o In Paul's case, he was willing to postpone heaven so he could help others grow on earth. o Remember: we're on our way to heaven, and until we get there we need to do

something. o Live as the old Native American proverb states: "When you were born, you cried and

the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."

• Probe: Look up the Scriptures concerning what laboring looks like. How are you doing in each area (evangelism, holiness, giving, good works, and praise)? In what areas and ways can you improve?

Practice Connect Up:Â In the book Between Two Worlds, John Stott wrote, "Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every truly human aspiration. To find Him is to find ourselves." How do we find ourselves in Christ in life and death? Connect In: Apply Paul's principles to the universal church. On one hand, the church is looking to be with the Lord. On the other hand, the church is to be salt and light in the world. How does the church fulfill the truth of living on earth, but longing for heaven? Connect Out: The mark of a spiritual person is someone who puts his or her own desires on pause for the needs of others. How does sharing your faith put your own desires on pause, seeking the best for nonbelievers? Take a moment to pray for one person that you know is not a believer. Ask God to give you wisdom in sharing Christ with them.

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. We live between two worlds

1. We are earth-born but heaven-bound 2. We experience the tension of living in between

B. Paul saw his prison as an opportunity

1. He saw his release as an opportunity to continue sharing the gospel 2. He also saw that heaven was so much better

C. We are the same way

1. Jesus instructed us to stay busy until He comes back (see Luke 19:13) 2. But we also long for His return (see Revelation 22:20)

D. Many people don't believe there is anything beyond life on this earth, but we know better

II. Wrestling with a Predicament (vv. 22-26)

A. Paul knew that God was going to do what He wanted to do 1. The problem was that Paul didn't know what that was 2. GnÃ³rizÃ³ = I make known, declare, know 3. Paul wanted what God wanted


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B. When our life gets confining, that is when we struggle 1. The lack of options increases our burden 2. We have to be careful because our choices become critical 3. Are we after God's glory or our comfort?

C. If all you want is your comfort, you can fall prey to two extremes 1. Materialism

a. Make it all about your pleasure b. Live the most comfortable life until you die

2. Fatalism a. Want to die and get life over with b. Tempted with thoughts of suicide

III. Wanting to "Push-Off" (v. 23)

A. It Will Be a Departure 1. AnaluÃ³ = I unloose (for departure), depart, return 2. This word was used by three different people groups in antiquity

a. Sailors I. Used when they would unloose the moorings from the dock

when they were ready to sail from one port to the next II. 2 Timothy 4:6

b. Soldiers I. Used when they would break up camp and move from one

campsite to another II. We are just camping out in this life III. A camping tent is a good description of our physical body

I. It gets old II. It wears out III. 2 Corinthians 5:1

IV. We are so preoccupied with our tents c. Farmers

I. Used when the yoke was lifted from the work animal at the end of the day

II. Jesus used this analogy to encourage us to allow Him to rule our lives (see Matthew 11:29)

III. When our yoke is removed, we get to enter the kingdom of God (see Matthew 25:21, 23)

B. It Will Be an Encounter 1. It is not the departure that makes the death of a believer sweet; it is the arrival 2. Heaven is not about what's there; it's about who's there

a. Family and friends b. The intimate, face-to-face encounter with Jesus c. Heaven's main attraction is God, not stuff (see John 14:3; 2 Corinthians

5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:17) C. It Will Be Much Better

1. Philippians 1:21 2. We will look and feel much better


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3. Paul saw heaven for a moment and it was too much for him to even explain (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-4)

IV. Willing to Persist (v. 24)

A. The mark of a spiritual person is putting their own desires on pause for the needs of others (see Philippians 2:3-4)

B. For Fruitful Service 1. Paul used his every breath for their betterment 2. Fruit

a. Winning people to Christ (see Romans 1:13) b. Holy living (see Romans 6:22) c. Giving (see Romans 15:26) d. Good works (see Colossians 1:10) e. Praise (see Hebrews 13:15)

3. Fruitfulness ends when you die a. You cannot be fruitful in heaven b. We will be rewarded for our fruitfulness when we get to heaven

C. For Needful Progress 1. If Paul would have moved to heaven at that point in his life, his hassles would

have been done with, but so would have his effectiveness 2. You are on your way to heaven; until you get there, do something

Figures referenced: Christopher Columbus, F.B. Meyer, D.L. Moody, John Stott, Mark Twain Works referenced: Between Two Worlds, "I'll Fly Away" Greek words: analuÃ³, gnÃ³rizÃ³ Cross references: Matthew 11:29; 25:21, 23; Luke 19:13; John 14:3; Romans 1:13; 6:22; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 8; 12:1-4; Philippians 1:21; 2:3-4; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:6; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 22:20

Topic: Heaven

Keywords: heaven, opportunity, materialism, fatalism, suicide, departure, fruit, progress


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MESSAGE: How to Stand When They Want You to Fall




MESSAGE SUMMARY The truth is, weâ€™re surrounded and outnumbered! The vast majority of the people we encounter in life donâ€™t share our values nor worship our God. The difficulty of the Christian life is that weâ€™re called to stand up for Christ when the rest of the world wants us to sit down or fall flat. They would much rather that we keep our mouths shut and conform to their standards. Letâ€™s consider four spiritual weapons that will help us in the fight to stand strong in our faith.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: July 16, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "How to Stand When They Want You to Fall" Text: Philippians 1:27-30 Path The truth is, we're surrounded and outnumbered! The vast majority of people we encounter in life don't share our values nor worship our God. The difficulty of the Christian life is that we're called to stand up for Christ when the rest of the world wants us to sit down or fall flat. They would much rather we keep our mouths shut and conform to their standards. Pastor Skip considered four spiritual qualities that will help us in the fight to stand strong in our faith:

• Consistency (v. 27a) • Unity (v. 27b) • Bravery (v. 28) • Agony (vv. 29-30)

Points Consistency

• In the first part of Philippians, the apostle Paul addressed the church as saints, then as servants. In this section, he addressed them as soldiers. Paul understood that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground.

• "Only let your conduct be worthy" (v. 27a). Conduct is Paul's main topic. The Greek word for conduct (politeuomai) is where we get the words politic, police, etc. It is a verb that carries the idea of being a good citizen.



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• Worthy (in Greek, axiÃ³s) means to balance the scales. A person is worthy of honor because their beliefs are balanced out by their actions.

• Christians must be consistent in our conduct; we must not live beneath our theology. • The greatest weapon against the Devil is a godly, consistent life. Our lives should be filled with

evidence of the gospel: love, forgiveness, hope, and all the qualities of godly living. • Probe: Discuss areas in your life where you need more consistency. What steps will you take

to live a more consistent life?

Unity

• Paul urged the Philippians to "stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together" (v. 27b). Stand fast is soldier talk: it carries the meaning of staying at your post while under attack. Striving together is an athletic term: it highlights the church working together as a team, a unified approach.

• Unity does not mean unanimity (everyone thinks alike) or uniformity (everyone acts alike). Unity means harmony, people working together and cooperating over essentials.

• As a saying in the medieval church went, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity."

• Probe: In Ephesians 4:3, Paul said, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit" (NIV). How are we to keep unity in the body of Christ? What does it mean to "make every effort"?

Bravery

• Verse 28 can be translated as "don't be intimidated by your enemies." We must not let unbelievers scare us into silence or inaction because fearful people can be controlled, manipulated, overwhelmed, and shut down.

• Christians are called to be brave nonconformists, to stand out like a diamond against a dark backdrop.

• Don't shrink from the world. Stand and make a difference. Jesus said, "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Too often, we flip it around. If you bow before God, you will be able to stand before men.

• Probe: Read Joshua 1:7, 23:6, and 2 Chronicles 32:7-8. What characterizes a life of Christian courage? Share stories about individuals that you feel were brave.

Agony

• "It has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me" (vv. 29-30). The first part of these verses (believe) guarantees the second part (suffer). If we believe in Christ, we will suffer for Christ. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33).

• Conflict is a strong word, meaning agony. It's the same word used to describe what Jesus felt in Gethsemane.

• Suffering is granted; it is a gift from God. Suffering will make us strong (see Romans 5:3-5). • Suffering makes us long for heaven, increases patience, and helps us relate to others who are

suffering. • Probe: Helen Keller said, "We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy

in the world." How do agony, suffering, and persecution bring joy to the Christian? How does


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Jesus' triumph over death and the world (see John 16:33), giving you courage to stand fast in the face of agony?

Practice Connect Up:Â How does Christ's work on the cross bring together the four qualities discussed in the teaching: consistency, unity, bravery, and agony? Discuss each characteristic as it relates to Jesus. Connect In: Paul wrote to the Galatian church, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). How should the body of Christ bear one another's burdens in times of trial and tribulation? How can we be brave and consistent in the midst of persecution, especially since the worst of it happens elsewhere in the world? Connect Out: Throughout history, the persecution of Christians has led many nonbelievers to Christ. One is the founder of the Voice of the Martyrs, Richard Wurmbrand. Recalling his time in a communist prison, Wurmbrand said, "It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted [the communists'] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy." How can enduring persecution be a witness to an unbelieving world?

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. Unbelievers are watching and scrutinizing Christians now more than ever B. Paul understood that the Christian life is not a playground but a battleground

1. He had his share of troubles and persecution 2. 2 Corinthians 11:23-25

C. Paul wrote to the Philippians as soldiers II. Consistency (v. 27a)

A. The literal translation of conduct is political affiliation 1. Politeuomai

a. We get our words politics and police from this word b. Comes from the word polis which means a city c. Carries the idea of being a good citizen

2. Our citizenship is in heaven (see Philippians 3:20) 3. The idea is that we conduct ourselves so we offer the very best of ourselves to

God B. Worthy of the gospel

1. Worthy means to balance the scales 2. Paul was saying that our practice must match our proclamation

C. If we say we have a repentant life, it must be evident in what our life produces (see Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8)

1. A Christian must never live beneath his theology 2. One of the greatest weapons against the Devil is a godly, consistent life (see 1

John 1:6)


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3. Our lives must give proof that they have been touched by the gospel a. The gospel is filled with love (see John 3:16) b. The gospel is filled with forgiveness c. The gospel is filled with hope d. The gospel is filled with holiness

III. Unity (v. 27b)

A. Stand firm 1. Stēkete = stand fast, stand firm, persevere 2. Speaks of a soldier who would stand in his position in the face of opposition

B. When you have other people standing with you, your odds of victory increase 1. SunathleÃ³ = to strive with 2. Paul saw the church as a team sport

C. Unity in the Bible does not mean: 1. Unanimityâ€”everyone thinks exactly the same way 2. Uniformityâ€”everyone acts the same way

D. Unity means harmony 1. We choose to work together and cooperate over the essentials 2. In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity 3. Jesus prayed for unity (see John 17:11, 21-23)

IV. Bravery (v. 28)

A. Don't let unbelievers scare you 1. The word terrified refers to horses that are easily spooked and throw their

riders 2. Another term for this is battle-shy

B. The church cannot be motivated by fear because fear cripples people 1. Fearful people can be manipulated 2. The Philippians had reason to be afraid

a. They could be persecuted b. They could be executed

C. When you are hassled by unbelievers, it proves who you are 1. Be a brave nonconformist 2. You will shine like a light in a dark background 3. They will fall back (see John 18:5-6) 4. Stephen could not keep his mouth shut about Jesus (see Acts 7:56) 5. Peter was timid at first, but was then filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (see

Acts 2:1-37) D. Don't shrink from your world; stand up to it

1. If you bow before God you will be able to stand before man 2. Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:4-5

V. Agony (vv. 29-30)

A. If you believe in God, you will suffer for Him 1. 2 Timothy 3:12 2. John 16:33

B. Paul saw suffering as a privilege


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1. The word granted comes from the word grace 2. God gave us the grace to suffer

C. Suffering will enlarge your life and make you a delight to others as you are tempered by that suffering (see Philippians 3:10)

1. When you suffer on earth, it makes you long for heaven 2. When you suffer on earth, it produces patience in you 3. When you suffer on earth, you will become sensitive to the suffering of other

believers D. When you suffer, make sure you suffer for the right reasons

1. On Christ's behalf, for His sake (see Matthew 5:10) 2. Some people are persecuted because they are obnoxious 3. Matthew 10:16; Colossians 4:6

VI. Closing

A. Stand tall, strong, and together, even if it hurts B. Stand for God's glory

Figures referenced: Augustine of Hippo, Bernard of Clairvaux, John Bunyan, John Calvin, Billy Graham, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, C.S. Lewis, D.L. Moody, G. Campbell Morgan, Charles H. Spurgeon, Telemachus, Charles Wesley, John Wesley, George Whitefield, N.T. Wright Greek words: politeuomai, stēkete, sunathleÃ³ Cross references: Matthew 3:8; 5:10; 10:16, 28; Luke 3:8; 12:4-5; John 3:16; 16:33; 17:11, 21-23; 18:5-6; Acts 2:1-37; 7:56; 2 Corinthians 11:23-25; Philippians 3:10, 20; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 John 1:6

Topic: Persecution

Keywords: fight, battle, persecution, citizenship, unity, harmony, bravery, fear, agony, suffering


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MESSAGE: Being Around People--While Still Being Sane!




MESSAGE SUMMARY Relationships are hard. They take a lot of work. If you think about it, every person in the world is incompatible with every other person. Enough time together would reveal this truth. Because of this, tensions rise, emotions flare, and bad responses ensue. Every friendship, every marriage, every family, and every organization (including every church) has its relational challenges. The church at Philippi did, too, and it was that disunity that tested Paulâ€™s joy. Letâ€™s consider the basics and the basis of successful relationships, and move from surviving them to thriving in them.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: July 30, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Being Around Peopleâ€”While Still Being Sane!" Text: Philippians 2:1-4 Path Relationships are hard. They take a lot of work. If you think about it, every person in the world is incompatible with every other person. Enough time together would reveal this truth. Because of this, tensions rise, emotions flare, and bad responses ensue. Every friendship, every marriage, every family, and every organization (including every church) has its relational challenges. The church at Philippi did, too, and it was that disunity that tested Paul's joy. In this teaching, Pastor Skip considered the basics and the basis of successful relationships, and taught how we can move from surviving them to thriving in them.

• The Basics of Great Relationships • The Basis of Great Relationships

Points The Basics of Great Relationships

• The church is not a society of perfect people, but redeemed people. • In this passageâ€”which in the original Greek is one long sentence, the apostle Paul used a

protasis/apodosis structure, an if/then construction.Â • Negativelyâ€”What Not to Do with Others • Don't Be Selfish



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The Greek word for selfish ambition is eritheia. It means a divisive faction or a contention. Selfishness is the very heart of our fallen nature, the root of every other sin.

The "me" philosophy is automatically planted in the heart of every child. • Don't Be Prideful

The Greek word for vain conceit is kenodoxia, a compound word meaning vainglory or self-conceit. It holds the ideas of an exaggerated sense of our own importance.

There are two ways to enter a room: Here I am, or There you are.Â Paul entered the room the second wayâ€”as a bondservant.

• Positivelyâ€”What to Do with Others • Do Be Humble

The word Paul used for lowliness is tapeinophrosune. It is a compound for a modest disposition, a humble mind.

Humility was something the ancient Greeks despised, and it is looked at unfavorably in our secular world as well.

The secret to joy is a humble mind. Pride makes God your enemy, and humility makes God your friend.

Humility is the grace that becomes the grease that keeps the gears of relationships turning.

• • Do Be Respectful

The word for esteem is hÃ©geomai. It means to consider, to account for, or to think of. The Message translates verse 4 as follows: "Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."

When you put another person first and they put you first, your relationship will flourish.

• Probe: Compare and contrast these two states of mind, negative and positive. Discuss a time when someone you know was selfish and prideful toward you. How did you feel? Now share a time when someone was humble and respectful? How did this make you feel? How do humility and respect reflect Jesus?

The Basis of Great Relationships

• Because the World Won't Provide It o When you see the word therefore, ask yourself, "What is it there for?" It connects the

passage to the previous thought. In this case, Paul was saying something akin to "Selfishness is all around you; don't let selfishness be part of you."

• Because You Belong to Jesus Christ o The word if in verse 1 can also be read as since: "Since you've been consoled by

belonging to Jesus Christ." o We belong to Jesus. He forgave us, washed us, and promises us heaven.

• Because His Love Is the Catalyst o If Jesus loving you has made a difference in your life, what difference has Jesus loving you

made in other people's lives? o The basis of our relationship with Christ is to accept others like He accepted you. o If Jesus is in you, then love will come from you.


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• Because We're a Spiritual Family o The Philippian church, like any church, was not perfect. There were two dividing forces:

False teachers outside (see Philippians 3) Fighting members inside (see Philippians 4)

o God's people are a fellowship of the Spirit, a peculiar people attached to a single Person: Jesus Christ.

o Many times, quarreling families come together if attacked. o Everyone needs a group where we can be accepted, loved, and taught. o Be humble, helpful, and noble for the sake of the church and your brothers and sisters.

• Probe: Though there are similarities between how the world and Christians value relationships (e.g., both deem respect, honesty, appreciation, and love as essential), what are some key differences? How are Jesus, the Bible, and our moral disposition to influence our relationships?

Practice Connect Up: How should our relationship with the Lord influence our relationships with people? What are some similarities and differences between the two (e.g., God is perfect in His relationships and we are not)? Connect In: What are some key characteristics of our relationships with other believers?Â Look up these verses for insight: Romans 14:13; 15:7, 14; 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2, 32; 5:19, 21; Colossians 3:13, 16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Connect Out: When developing relationships with nonbelievers, what tactics can you use to lovingly share the gospel? Look up Matthew 5:16 and 1 Peter 3:15 to help you form an answer.

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. People can be hurtful, prideful, spiteful, careless, heartless, thoughtless, and tactless

1. Many of our problems in life come from our interactions with people 2. People can rob us of our joy

B. In Philippians, Paul used a joyful tone

1. He was joyful despite his circumstances 2. He knew that people can be the biggest challenge to our joy 3. We are part of the problem because we are people too

C. What is a Christian to do with problem people?

1. We often think Christian people should be better than others at getting along 2. They often are not because a Christian goes through internal struggles with the

flesh (see Romans 7:15; Galatians 5:17) 3. Sometimes the flesh wins and relationships are strained

D. There are often tensions within the body of Christ

1. There were tensions within the church at Philippi 2. This also happened with Jesus' disciples (see Mark 9:33-34; Luke 9:46; 22:24)


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3. Paul and Peter had a disagreement about the law (see Galatians 2:11-14) 4. There was a disagreement at the council of Jerusalem about the requirements

for salvation (see Acts 15:1-29) E. The church is not a perfect people; they are a redeemed people

1. The Bible recognizes this can sometimes be tough 2. Sometimes it is impossible to get along with others (see Romans 12:18) 3. You cannot run away from people

II. The Basics of Great Relationships

A. Negativelyâ€”What Not to Do with Others 1. These are the same two reasons that Satan got kicked out of heaven (see Isaiah

14:12-14) 2. Don't Be Selfish

a. We want our lives to be comfortable b. Selfishness is at the very heart of our fallen nature; it is the root of every

other sin 3. Don't Be Prideful

a. Kenodoxia = vainglory, empty pride I. Kenos = empty II. Doxa = honor, renown, glory, splendor III. Used to describe a person who had exaggerated ideas of their

own importance b. Some people are puffed up with pride (see Romans 12:3)

B. Positivelyâ€”What to Do with Others 1. Do Be Humble

a. Humility is having no thought of yourself I. The secret to having joy in spite of people is humility II. The quickest way to get God against you is to puff yourself up

with pride; the quickest way to get God on your side is to be humble (see James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)

b. In the Greek culture, humility was not to be desired c. Jesus was humble (see Philippians 2:5-8) d. Humility is the grace that becomes the grease so the gears of

relationships can turn smoothly 2. Do Be Respectful

a. Finishing first isn't the most important thing; sometimes it's helping someone even finish at all

b. Esteeming others better than ourselves is against our human nature I. If you approach people while aware of your own failures,

shortcomings, and sin, you will approach them differently II. Paul approached people in this manner (see 1 Corinthians 15:9;

Ephesians 3:8) III. The Basis of Great Relationships

A. Because the World Won't Provide It 1. Philippians 1:27-30


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2. Since the world persecutes the church, the church should not persecute the church (see John 16:33)

3. Since selfishness is all around you, it should not be among you B. Because You Belong to Jesus Christ

1. Philippians 1:1 2. We can get along with one another even though we are imperfect 3. Jesus can get along with all of us even though we are imperfect

C. Because His Love Is the Catalyst 1. If Jesus loving you has made any difference in your life, it will show in your

humility (see John 3:16) 2. We can accept others because Jesus accepted us

D. Because We're a Spiritual Family 1. There were two things in Philippi that are true of every single church

a. False teachers on the outside (see Philippians 3) I. There is always outside pressure on the church II. The world is always against the church

b. Fighting members on the inside (see Philippians 4) 2. Pressure from the outside is compounded when there is dissention on the inside 3. We are related through Christ's blood and one Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 12:13)

E. Be humble, be helpful, and be noble for the sake of Christ 1. If we were to live that way, we would be joyful 2. The more you do as you please, the less you are pleased with what you do

IV. Closing

A. Do to others as you want them to do to you (see Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31) B. The quickest road to joy is humility; the quickest road to unhappiness is pride

Figures referenced: Leonard Bernstein, Bernard Rimland Works referenced: Newsweek Magazine Greek words: doxa, kenodoxia, kenos Cross references: Isaiah 14:12-14; Matthew 7:12; Mark 9:33-34; Luke 6:31; 9:46; 22:24; John 3:16; 16:33; Acts 15:1-29; Romans 7:15; 12:3, 18; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 15:9; Galatians 2:11-14; 5:17; Ephesians 3:8; Philippians 1:1, 27-30; 2:5-8; 3-4; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5

Topic: Relationships

Keywords: people, church, body of Christ, pride, humility, joy, relationships, selfishness, respect, persecution


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MESSAGE: What Would Jesus Do?




MESSAGE SUMMARY The campaign What Would Jesus Do? has been around for years, challenging Christians to think about what Christ might actually do in any given situation so they might do likewise. Before us, we have an example of what Jesus actually did do. His example of humility and self-sacrifice is Paulâ€™s illustration to fortify his exhortation of loving people through lowering ourselves.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: August 6, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "What Would Jesus Do?" Text: Philippians 2:5-8 Path The campaign What Would Jesus Do? has been around for years, challenging Christians to think about what Christ might actually do in any given situation. Before us, we have an example of what Jesus actually did do. His example of humility and self-sacrifice is Paul's illustration to fortify his exhortation of loving people through lowering ourselves. Pastor Skip focused on four characteristics of Christ:

• His Divinity (v. 6a) • His Humility (vv. 6b-7a) • His Humanity (vv. 7b-8) • His Desirability (v. 5)

Points His Divinity

• Jesus Christ is God incarnate: "Being in the form of God" (v. 6a). • The Greek word for form is morphÃ©. Paul referred to Jesus' essential nature; it never changes.

Jesus possesses the unchangeable, essential nature of God. • The word being is in present active tense. This means that Jesus has always been, continues to

be, and will always be God. • Jesus claimed to be God. In many texts, including Luke 5, John 5, 8, and 10, He either stated his

deity or was understood by others to claim his deity.



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• Probe: Why is it important for Christians to understand that Jesus was God incarnate (i.e., the Bible teaches it, and it is necessary for biblical theology)? Can anything or anyone but God save us?

His Humility

• The word robbery means to seize or carry off by force. The idea is that Jesus chose not to hold on to the privileges of His deity so He could come to earth and fulfill His mission.

• Jesus didn't need anything; He had all the glory and praise of heaven. But His attitude was one of unselfish love and concern for others. He laid down His rights in order to serve others.

• Verse 7 is a theological diamond, sparkling bright: "[Jesus] made Himself of no reputation." o Jesus emptied Himself of His prerogatives as deity, temporarily giving up His glory (see

John 17:5). o He also emptied Himself of independent authority, submitting to the will of the Father

(see John 5:19, 30). • Jesus' humble attitude is the polar opposite of Satan's attitude: Satan had a subversive mind;

Jesus had a submissive mind. Jesus as the Creator chose to become a creature; Satan as a creature wanted to be the creator.

• Probe: Why do you think God the Son had to humble Himself into the form of a person to save people? Consider the following statements: The Bible teaches that God is with us, further revealing His heart toward humanity. Just as God was with Adam and Eve in the garden, so, too, is Jesus with His people, establishing a new covenant and destroying the works of Satan. Jesus came as an example for believers, preparing us for a heavenly destination.

His Humanity

• Through Jesus, God stooped from heaven to earth, from deity to humanity, from life to death. • When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He entered into a permanent physical body, from which

there is no escape. • Jesus died physically, rose physically, ascended into heaven physically, and will return physically.

It's the ultimate cross-cultural experience. • Theanthropic: undiminished deity and unprotected humanity. • "Form of a bondservant" (v. 7b). Jesus took the nature of a slave, not merely an outward

expression, but an inward reality to serve and save others. • The question What has Jesus done? can be answered:

o Being equal with God, He emptied Himself of privilege and position. o He left heaven, added a human nature, and served people.

• Probe: Throughout Christian history, various statements of faith (known as creeds) have stressed Christ's divinity and humanity. The earliest Christian creeds have stated that Jesus is 100 percent God and 100 percent human. Why is this divine human nature important for Christians to understand?

His Desirability

• "Let this mind be in you" (v. 5). This refers to an attitude of service toward others. If we want to be like Jesus, we must humbly serve.

• The incarnation should become the motivation for our demonstration of love.


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• Outlook determines outcome; attitude determines aftermath. o If our outlook is selfish, our actions will be destructive. o If our outlook is self-sacrificing, the outcome will be edifying.

• True humility doesn't stay in the mind; it moves to our hands and feet. We need to put our mind in motion and go from attitude to action.

• There's a paradox to Christian living: the more we give, the more we receive; the more we sacrifice, the more we are satisfied.

• Probe: To desire is to have a strong feeling or yearning for something or someone. Discuss things you desire in life. How is Jesus the culmination of all our good and righteous desires? C. S. Lewis stated, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

Practice Connect Up: Discuss the interrelationship of those within the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). In theology, the relationship is known as the perichoresis, a mutual exchange of love within the Godhead. Scientist and theologian Alister McGrath said perichoresis "allows the individuality of the persons to be maintained, while insisting that each person shares in the life of the other two." Though we can't fully comprehend the pure unity of God, we can apprehend it in a formal sense; it is not a contradiction.Â¹ Connect In: How is the church to reflect Christ's humility and humanity? In what ways can the church be Christ's hands and heart to a hurting worldâ€”including those in the church? Give practical suggestions. Connect Out: How can Christ's divinity serve as a talking point for nonbelievers, particularly those from different faiths? How would you defend this doctrine from those who claim Christ wasn't divine?Â² Â¹ For further study, visit calvaryabq.org/teachings_view.asp?ServiceID=4185. Â²Here's some help: bible.org/article/apologetics-jesus.

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. To answer the question What would Jesus do?, you must first look at what Jesus has

already done B. Paul gave us Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of humility

1. The condescension of Jesus Christ 2. Heaven to earth

C. You will not appreciate what Jesus has done without understanding who He is II. His Divinity (v. 6a)

A. Form of God 1. MorphÃ© = form, shape, outward appearance 2. Theou = God, a god 3. SchÃ©ma = fashion, habit, form, appearance

http://www.calvaryabq.org/teachings_view.asp?ServiceID=4185

https://bible.org/article/apologetics-jesus


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4. Jesus possessed the unchangeable, essential nature and character of God B. Being

1. Present active participle 2. Jesus always has been and presently continues to be God (see John 14:9) 3. Jesus never became God; He always was and is God (see John 1:1; 5:18; 8:58;

10:32-33; 20:28; Luke 5:17-21) 4. If Jesus is not God, He deserves an Academy Award because He sure acted like

it 5. He created the world (see Matthew 8:26-27; Mark 4:39-41; John 1:2)

III. His Humility (vv. 6b-7a)

A. Robbery 1. Used of a soldier who would plunder and steal 2. Jesus did not think equality with God was something to be grabbed a hold of 3. Jesus did not need anything

a. He could have stayed in heaven b. He wasn't thinking of Himself c. His attitude was that of unselfish concern

B. The incarnation of Jesus Christ 1. It is a great mystery (see 1 Timothy 3:16) 2. God taking on human skin and living among us 3. Fulfillment of prophecy (see Isaiah 7:14)

C. "Made Himself of no reputation" (v. 7a) 1. KenoÃ³ (ekenōsen) = I empty, deprive of content, make unreal 2. Jesus poured Himself out

a. He did not empty Himself of deity b. He emptied Himself of the privileges of deity

I. His glory (see John 17:5) II. Independent authority; He submitted to the will of the Father (see

Matthew 26:39, 42; John 5:30) c. Jesus had all the rights as God, but emptied Himself of the privileges

D. Contrast between Jesus' and Satan's philosophies 1. Satan's philosophy

a. He wanted his own will to be done, not God's b. A creature who wanted to be the Creator c. Subversive mind

2. Jesus' philosophy a. He wanted not His own will to be done, but God's b. The Creator who was willing to become a creature c. Submissive mind

IV. His Humanity (vv. 7b-8)

A. In Christ, God stooped from heaven to earth, from deity to humanity, from life to death B. When Jesus was born, He entered into a permanent, physical body from which there is

no escape 1. When He died, He died physically 2. When He rose, He rose physically


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3. When He ascended to heaven, He did so physically 4. He is now seated at the right hand of God physically 5. When He comes back, He will come back physically

C. Culture shock 1. The ultimate culture shock is leaving heaven and coming to earth 2. Jesus went from the anthems of praise in heaven to the scorn and mocking of

this earth 3. The theanthropic nature of Christ: undiminished deity, unprotected humanity

D. Jesus didn't just pretend to serve; He was, in His very nature, the human servant of God in heaven

1. Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45 2. He served many people, including His disciples (see John 13:3-17)

V. His Desirability (v. 5)

A. If we want to follow Jesus, we must follow Him in this: humbly being a servant (see Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23)

B. The incarnation should become the motivation for our demonstration of loving service 1. You are never more like Satan than when you are selfish 2. You are never more like Jesus than when you humbly serve

C. Humility does not stay in the mind 1. It has to move to the hands and feet before it is true humility 2. Jesus didn't just think humble thoughts; He did humble actions

D. The more you give, the more you receive

Figures referenced: Charles Sheldon Works referenced: In His Steps Greek words: ekenōsen, kenoÃ³, morphÃ©, schÃ©ma, theou Cross references: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 8:26-27; 16:24; 20:28; 26:39, 42; Mark 4:39-41; 8:34; 10:45; Luke 5:17-21; 9:23; John 1:1, 2; 5:18, 30; 8:58; 10:32-33; 13:3-17; 14:9; 17:5; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:16

Topic: Humility


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MESSAGE: Be Humble or You'll Stumble




MESSAGE SUMMARY Humility is that slippery quality that once you think you have it, you don't! Also, the pathway of humility is a hard one. For Jesus, it meant the cross. But humility will always be rewarded. Using Christ as our ultimate example, Paul demonstrates how Jesus' voluntary humiliation was compensated by the Fatherâ€™s lavish exaltation. So even though humility doesn't come without a price, without it, there will be no harmony, no unity.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: August 13, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Be Humble or You'll Stumble" Text:Â Philippians 2:8-11 Path Humility is that slippery quality that once you think you have it, you don't! Also, the pathway of humility is a hard one. For Jesus, it meant the cross. But humility will always be rewarded. Using Christ as our ultimate example, Paul demonstrated how Jesus' voluntary humiliation was compensated by the Father's lavish exaltation. So, even though humility comes at a price, without it, there will be no harmony, no unity. Pastor Skip covered three fundamental facts about humility:

• Humility Is Sometimes Painful • Humility Is Always Hopeful • Humility Is Ever Needful

Points Humility Is Sometimes Painful

• Pride is the oldest sin in the universe and it shows no signs of growing weaker with age. Pride took Lucifer out of heaven and Adam out of paradise.

• Jesus is the ultimate example of humilityâ€”the shining opposite of Satan; He left heaven's glory for a gory death.

• The ultimate focus of the gospel story is not Christmas but Calvaryâ€”"the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).

• Jesus' crucifixion is central to the gospels, with over 579 verses given to the last twenty-four hours of His life.



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• Invented by the Persians and perfected by the Romans, crucifixion was a painful death for murderers, robbers, and slaves.

• Yet Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death for the forgiveness of humanity. • Probe: The Greek word used for humbled is tapeinoÃ³. It means to make or bring low, to humiliate.

With Jesus as the ultimate example, discuss characteristics of humility. How can humility be painful in life?

Humility Is Always Hopeful

• Though painful, humility is hopefulâ€”it looks past pain to a future when God will highly exalt His people.

• The phrase highly exalted is huperupsoÃ³ in Greek. It means to elevate above others and to raise to the highest position.

• The Father's estimation of Jesus is the polar opposite of the world's estimation. • Paul's focus was on the upward trajectory of Jesus Christ after His death, coming in four

phases: o Resurrection: death and burial were the last thing human hands did to Him. o Ascension: the disciples watched as Jesus vanished into the air. o Dominion: Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, a place of power and authority. o Intercession: Jesus is active in heaven, praying for and interceding on people's behalf (see

Hebrews 7:25). • Furthermore, notice the definite article the in "the name" (v. 9). Jesus' name is the name above

all names. He is the Savior and Lord.Â • Please notice that God the Father called Jesus "Lord" (v. 11), a term used for God (Adonai). The

Father gave Jesus the supreme titleâ€”the sovereign Lord of all. This title was: o Predicted: "The Son of Manâ€¦His dominion is an everlasting dominion" (Daniel 7:13-14) o Preached: Peter proclaimed, "God has made this Jesusâ€¦both Lord and Christ" (Acts

2:36). o Proclaimed: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb, forever and ever!" (Revelation 5:13). • Paul's teaching in the text is also an example for us: as the Father raised Jesus, so too will God

raise His people. Peter stated a similar truth: "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).

• Probe: How can humility bring hope in a practical sense? Consider these acts of Christian love and faith: Have a thankful heart. Put others first. Bear other's burdens. Forgive easily. Be teachable. Build up one another. Seek God's wisdom and knowledge. Understand God's goodness and grace.

Humility Is Ever Needful

• The point of this passage is to show us how to treat one another. Unity comes through humility and conformity to God's will.

• If the Lord Jesus can humble Himself, so can you. If the Father exalted Jesus, He will lift you up, too.

• Here's the principle: the way up is down, and the way down is always the way up (see Luke 18:9-14).


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• How will we know if we have arrived at true humility? We never will. The day you think you have humility is the day you lose it.

• Following Jesus' humility costs us sacrifice and service, but it pays with heaven and exaltation. • Not only does God reward humility, it also improves others' lives. • Probe: How much is God drawn to humility? Consider these texts: Job 22:29 (God saves the

humble); Psalm 10:17 (God hears the humble); Isaiah 57:15 (God dwells with the humble). Discuss the key words in these passages: saves, hears, and dwells. Why do you think God values humility so much?

Practice Connect Up: Pastor Skip quoted Martin De Haan: "Humility is something we should constantly pray for, yet never thank God that we have." Take a moment to pray for a humble heart in relation to the following areas of your life: family, work, church, and outreach and service. Connect In: Augustine said, "It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels." Discuss the truth of this quotation as it relates to the body of Christ. What are some ways the church can show humility in the world today, reflecting Jesus in word and deed? Connect Out: As you reach out to your community with Christ's love, how can humility be a bridge between you and nonbelievers? Consider this quote by Wes Simmons: "Courage. Boldness. Confidence. These are the words we typically associate with evangelism. But what if evangelism is more about our weakness than our strength, more about humility than boldness? What if it's more about sharing why you need Jesus, inviting people into your brokenness, than it is about trying to convince them why they need Jesus?"

DETAILED NOTES

I. Introduction A. Pride goes before a fall (see Proverbs 16:18)

1. It is the oldest sin in the universe and shows no signs of growing weaker with age

2. Pride took Lucifer out of heaven 3. Pride took Adam out of paradise 4. Pride took Saul out of the kingdom 5. Pride took Nebuchadnezzar out of Babylonian society 6. Pride took Haman out of the Persian court 7. Pride changed angels into demons 8. Pride changes friends into enemies 9. Pride is the cancer of the soul; if left undiagnosed and untreated, it will destroy

spiritual life B. The cure to pride is humility (see Philippians 2:1-4)

1. To get along with people, you have to esteem them as important 2. Unity is the result of humility

C. Jesus is the ultimate example of humility (see Philippians 2:5-8)


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1. He left heaven's magnificence to come to earth's mess 2. He went to the cross

D. Jesus' humility was rewarded as He was exalted II. Humility Is Sometimes Painful (see v. 8)

A. Jesus' birth was miraculous and His life was extraordinary, but His death was the epicenter of redemptive history

1. Worldly people prefer the Jesus of Christmas 2. The focus of the entire Bible isn't the manger, but the cross (see Revelation

13:8) a. Even at Jesus' birth, there were things that pointed to His death

I. The wise men brought Him myrrh (embalming fluid) as a gift (see Matthew 2:11)

II. When Jesus died, they took 100 pounds of myrrh to embalm Him (see John 19:39)

b. In the Gospels, only four chapters refer to the first thirty years of Jesus' life

I. Eighty-five chapters speak about the last three and a half years of His life

II. Of those eighty-five, twenty-nine focus on the last week of His life III. Of those twenty-nine, thirteen deal with the final day of His life IV. 579 verses in the Gospels focus on the last twenty-four hours of

Jesus' life 3. All pre-New Testament history looks forward to the cross; all post-New

Testament history looks back to the cross 4. Cut the Bible anywhere and it will bleed (see Genesis 22; Exodus 12; Leviticus 5;

Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) a. Even in heaven, Jesus will bear the marks of His death (see Revelation

5:6) b. The only work of man that will be in heaven are the marks of the

crucifixion of Jesus Christ B. Crucifixion was the most degrading, excruciating form of death at the time

1. Created by the Persians 2. Perfected by the Romans

a. Preferred method of capital punishment b. Delayed death for hours or even days

3. Jesus endured that humility because it provided the one thing we need more than anything else: forgiveness

a. He loves us (see John 3:16) b. He loved us enough to pay the penalty so we could be forgiven

C. For us, humility can be painful 1. Not as painful as Jesus' death (see Hebrews 12:4) 2. Can cost us:

a. Comfort b. Reputation c. Misunderstanding d. Time


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e. Money III. Humility Is Always Hopeful (see vv. 9-11)

A. Because Jesus humbled Himself, the Father highly exalted Him 1. HuperupsoÃ³ = to highly exalt 2. God the Father's estimation of Christ is the polar opposite of the world's

estimation of Christ a. They scorned Him (see Luke 8:53) b. They sneered at Him (see Luke 16:14) c. They plotted to put Him to death (see John 11:53) d. They spat in His face and beat Him (see Matthew 26:67; 27:30-31)

3. The world treated Jesus with rejection and extermination; God treated Jesus with hyper-exaltation

B. The exaltation of Christ came in four phases 1. His resurrection

a. Jesus died at the hands of sinful men and was resurrected b. Acts 2:36

2. His ascension into heaven 3. His dominion

a. Matthew 28:18 b. With the Father in heaven

4. His intercession a. Jesus is not inactive in heaven b. The Great High Priest c. He is praying for us (see Hebrews 7:25) d. His work of redemption is over, but His work of intercession is ongoing

C. God has given Jesus a name that marks Him above all others 1. The name Jesus was very common in ancient times 2. Jesus Christ is Lord 3. God the Father called Jesus Christ the Lord 4. Two common uses for the term lord in the New Testament

a. A term of respect, equivalent to sir b. God the Lord

I. Typical Jewish term that referred to God II. In ancient times, they did not pronounce the name of God III. Hashem = the Name IV. Adonai = Lord

5. Predicted (see Daniel 7:13-14) 6. Preached (see Acts 2:32, 36) 7. Will be proclaimed (see Revelation 5:12-13; 19:16)

D. Jesus' reward for His humility is being super-exalted by the Father (see Isaiah 45:22-23; Romans 14:11)

1. God exalts the humble (see 1 Peter 5:6) 2. You are going to be raised up in due time 3. Trust God enough with your life that you don't live for people's affirmation, but

wait for God's exaltation IV. Humility Is Ever Needful (see vv. 3-5)


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A. If Jesus can humble Himself, you can humble yourself 1. If God the Father exalted Jesus, He can exalt you 2. The way up is down, and the way down is always the way up (see Luke 18:14)

B. The day you think you have humility is the day you lose it V. Closing

A. God is very into those who are humble (see Job 22:29; Psalm 10:17; Isaiah 57:15) B. Adonai doesn't just mean the Lord; it also means my Lord C. The first step toward God is humility, never pride (see Matthew 5:3)

Figures referenced: Frederick Lehman, C.S. Lewis, W. Graham Scroggie Works referenced: "The Love of God" Greek/Hebrew words: Adonai, Hashem, huperupsoÃ³ Cross references: Genesis 22; Exodus 12; Leviticus 5; Job 22:29; Psalm 10:17; 22; Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 45:22-23; 53; 57:15; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 2:11; 5:3; 26:67; 27:30-31; 28:18; Luke 8:53; 16:14; 18:14; John 3:16; 11:53; 19:39; Acts 2:32, 36; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:1-8; Hebrews 7:25; 12:4; 1 Peter 5:6; Revelation 5:6, 12-13; 13:8; 19:16

Topic: Humility

Keywords: pride, humility, unity, the cross, crucifixion, forgiveness, heaven, joy, exaltation


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MESSAGE: How to Have a Great Workout




MESSAGE SUMMARY Every day in every city, people go to the gym to get in a workout. Running on a treadmill, spinning on a cycle, working the stair-climber, and lifting weights are becoming more and more frequent in our health-conscious culture. But money spent on a gym membership is pointless unless we take the right approach. In this message, I want to consider what it means to have a healthy spiritual life by showing you what it means to "work out your own salvation in fear and trembling." Let's be determined to stay in top spiritual shape.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: August 20, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "How to Have a Great Workout" Text: Philippians 2:12-13 Path Every day in every city, people go to the gym to get in a workout. Running on a treadmill, spinning on a cycle, working the stair-climber, and lifting weights are becoming more and more frequent in our health-conscious culture. But money spent on a gym membership is pointless unless we take the right approach. In this message, we learn how to have a healthy spiritual life, looking at what it means to "work out [our] own salvation in fear and trembling." Pastor Skip unpacked five choices we must make if we want to stay in top spiritual shape:

I. Get a Good Trainer:"Therefore my beloved" II. Pump Some Iron:"Work out" III. Follow a Personal Plan:"Work out your own salvation" IV. Don't Flex in the Mirror:"With fear and trembling" V. Use Power Supplements:"For it is God who works in you"

Points Get a Good Trainer

• When Paul said, "Therefore" (v. 12), he was pointing believers toward Jesus Christ as the ultimate example for us to follow in love and humility.



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• A good personal trainer motivates and encourages us, making sure we're using correct form. It's the same with Jesus, who said nineteen times, "Follow Me." He is the template for our behavior.

• Paul praised the Philippians for obeying his instructions. Obey is the same word he used in Ephesians 6:4, the idea being that, just as a child responds to a parent's instruction and example, so they responded to his example as he followed Jesus.

• In his absence, the Philippian believers continued to walk in faith. The real test of maturity is how you live when the props are gone.

• Probe: Jesus' example should inspire us to live with integrityâ€”following Him even when no one but God is looking. In what ways have you let Jesus into every part of your life?

Pump Some Iron

• With Jesus as our perfect personal trainer in spiritual matters, we should get to work living out our faith.

• When Paul said to "work out your salvation" (v. 12), he didn't mean the Philippians needed to do works that led to salvation. He was addressing believers, people already saved through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.

• Rather, Paul exhorted them to work out their salvation, and you can't work out what God hasn't already put in you.

• The idea of work out is to cooperate with God's operation in your lifeâ€”to put His saving work into action in your life.

• Probe: Spiritual growth is not accidental but intentional. How does spiritual maturity result from human cooperation with God's operation? What are some examples of this in your life?

Follow a Personal Plan

• Good trainers personalize fitness plans for each individual. God does the same for each believer.

• You have your own relationship with God in Christ, so why try to have a cheap imitation of someone else's relationship with Him?

• Most of our problems come not when we're looking ahead but when we're looking around. • Probe: Read Hebrews 12:1-2. Discuss what it means that Jesus is the "author and finisher of our

faith." What happens when we fail to keep our eyes on Him?

Don't Flex in the Mirror

• Fear and trembling means living out your faith with deep reverence for God, having a tender conscience and being open to His prompting.

• The Bible indicates that God honors those who maintain "a nervous and trembling anxiety to do right" (J. B. Lightfoot): "But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2).

• Our calling in Christ should inspire us to do good because we don't want to disappoint Him in anything we think, do, or say.

• Anytime we think of ourselves as spiritual giants, we're setting ourselves up for a fall.


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• Probe: Read 1 Corinthians 10:12. Paul gave this lesson to warn Christians not to fall into idolatry. What things are you prone to putting ahead of God in your life? How do you resist them?

Use Power Supplements

• When you work out, a healthy, natural supplement will maximize your efforts for the greatest possible benefit. Spiritually, God's power supplements our efforts to follow Jesus.

• Again, you can't work something out that God hasn't first put in youâ€”He gives you His divine energy "both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (v. 13).

• God gives you the desire and then the energy and ability to do His will. It's that cooperation that helps you live out your faith, maturing you as you do the works He has set aside for you (see Ephesians 2:10).

• Probe: What desires has God given you? What do you enjoy doing with Him and for Him? Are you active in pursuing those desires?

Practice Connect Up:Read 1 Peter 1:2-8. Discuss what it means to be "partakers in the divine nature." How does the sequence of actions Peter described relate to working out your salvation? What does it mean to add virtue to your faith, and knowledge to virtue, and so on? Connect In:Read 2 Corinthians 10:12. What was Paul warning Christians about? How does comparing yourself with others boost your ego or rob your joy? Why is it important to keep your eyes on Jesus as an example (and on others who are following Him)? Connect Out: Read Psalm 37:1-9. How do these verses reflect what it means to work out your salvation with fear and trembling in the world around youâ€”with your family (both immediate and extended), at work, and in your community?

OUTLINE

I. Get a Good Trainer: "Therefore my beloved"

II. Pump Some Iron: "Work out"

III. Follow a Personal Plan: "Work out your own salvation"

IV. Don't Flex in the Mirror: "With fear and trembling"


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V. Use Power Supplements: "For it is God who works in you"


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MESSAGE: Glow in the Dark!




MESSAGE SUMMARY To make an object glow in the dark, a phosphor that will energize by ambient light and have a very long persistence (like zinc sulfide and strontium aluminate) must be applied. For a Christian to glow (shine the light of truth and salvation) in a dark culture, there are four considerations that will energize us. Today letâ€™s study how we can penetrate a murky world.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: August 27, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Glow in the Dark!" Text: Philippians 2:14-18 Path To make an object glow in the dark, we must apply a phosphor (like zinc sulfide and strontium aluminate) that energizes by ambient light and has a lengthy, persistent radiance. For a Christian to glowâ€”to shine the light of truth and salvationâ€”in a dark culture, there are four considerations that will energize us. Pastor Skip showed us how we can shine the light of Christ to penetrate a murky world:

• Analyze the Condition of the World (v. 15) • Recognize Your Position in the World (v. 15) • Advertise Your Vocation to the World (vv. 14, 16) • Maximize Your Action for the World (vv. 17-18)

Points Analyze the Condition of the World

• The world is watching Christians; we shouldn't blend in but stand out and shine a light. • Christians shine in a number of ways:

o Some are like candles, with a quiet glow that draws people. o Some are spotlights, shining in faces. o Some are like flashlights, helping others out of darkness.

• The world is crookedâ€”morally and spiritually bent and deformed. • The world is perverseâ€”contorted and twisted. • We should look at the world in the following ways:



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o Plainly: the world is not getting any better. o Spiritually: we must see people not as clients, but as eternal souls. o Ultimately: there are ultimate, eternal ends: either heaven or hell.

• Probe: Discuss the type of light you are (candle, flashlight, or spotlight). Talk about some of the positive and negative traits of being that kind of light.

Recognize Your Position in the World

• The word for light is the same for star: objects that shine in dark places. • When the world gets darker, shine brighter. Be a glow-in-the dark Christian. • Light must be seen to be useful. There is no such thing as a secret disciple; secrecy will destroy

discipleship, and discipleship will destroy secrecy. • Light reveals what darkness hides, showing the dirt and dust. The gospel is revealing, not

concealing. • Light shows the way out of darkness. It doesn't just expose; it directs and rescues. • Christians should not block the sun, but reflect the Son. • Persistence is proportional to radiance; for us to glow we must go to Him. • Probe: Unpack the statement, "Persistence is proportional to radiance." What are some of the

characteristics of staying close to the light source, Christ (love, mercy, etc.)? How does staying close to the light help you reflect the light better?

Advertise Your Vocation to the World

• Notice the words blameless and harmless. Our light is to be attractive, not attacking. o By having the right attitude: "do all things without complaining or disputing" (v. 14). o By doing the right action: "holding fast the word of life" (v. 16).

We glow in the dark by living life differently and speaking truth accurately. What you exemplify by your life, you must amplify with your lips.

• Probe: Give some practical examples of living life differently and speaking truth accurately. Here are some ideas to get you started:

o Living life differently: smile, love people, don't lie, help the helpless, and be kind and compassionate.

o Speak truth accurately: don't exaggerate, mean what you say and say what you mean, point people to Scripture not opinions, and be accurate with facts and figures.

Maximize Your Action for the World

• Paul linked his own suffering and the Philippian church's sacrifice to worshiping God. • Notice the phrase "poured out" (v. 17). It's a picture of a worshipper pouring libation on an

altar or providing animal sacrifice. Paul used a similar phrase in 2 Timothy 4:6 to describe his life as a sacrifice to God.

• Paul added his suffering to the Philippians' sacrificeâ€”both were acts of worship. • The word for service means liturgy, a type of worship service. Paul saw suffering as an act of

devotionâ€”not to be sought out, but endured in God-honoring ways. • Our action in the world should be an attitude of worship, letting our life and lips represent

Christ.


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• Do you see people living in darkness, needing the light? Do you shine brightly, standing out with Christ's good news? Do you live carefully, watching your attitude around unbelievers? Do you speak the gospel message accurately?

• Let's glow in the dark lest the darkness overshadow our glow. • Probe: Share a time when your suffering was an act of worship. How did your suffering bring

Christ glory?

Practice Connect Up: In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." In Matthew 5:14, Jesus said Christians are the light of the world. How are both lights similar, and how are they different? For example, as God, Jesus is pure light, but Christians only reflect His light. So how do we reflect God's light? Furthermore, how do non-Christians reflect God (imago Dei, made in the image of God)? Connect In: Just as individual Christians are to glow in the dark, so, too, is the universal church. List the things the church has done that reflect the light of Christ. Then list the things the church has done that do not reflect the light of Christ (i.e., the Inquisition). What can you learn from these two lists? Connect Out: The noted Bible translator Desiderius Erasmus said, "Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself." Or consider D. L. Moody's words: "We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining, they just shine." Light penetrates darkness. How can living in the light of Jesus be a witness to a watching world? Share an example of a time when someone saw your actions and made a positive comment.

OUTLINE

I. Analyze the Condition of the World (v. 15)

II. Recognize Your Position in the World (v. 15)

III. Advertise Your Vocation to the World (vv. 14, 16)

IV. Maximize Your Action for the World (vv. 17-18)


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MESSAGE: A Little Help from My Friends




MESSAGE SUMMARY Life without friendship is like the sky without the sun. Paul knew the value of having true friends who stuck with him during difficult times. And right in the middle of this letter, he mentioned two of themâ€”Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two guys helped shoulder the burdens for the apostle and brought him great joy. As we consider Timothy's friendship profile, see how many of these qualities are present in your own life.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: September 17, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "A Little Help from My Friends" (Part 1) Text: Philippians 2:19-24 Path Life without friendship is like the sky without the sun. Paul knew the value of having true friends who stuck with him during difficult times. And right in the middle of this letter, he mentioned two of themâ€”Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two guys helped shoulder the burdens for the apostle and brought him great joy. As we consider Timothy's friendship profile, see how many of these qualities are present in your own life:

I. A Good Friend Is Reliable II. A Good Friend Is Compatible III. A Good Friend Is Thoughtful IV. A Good Friend Is Loyal

Points A Good Friend Is Reliable

• As technology increases, personal touch decreases. • In life, those who make the most impact are those who show the most care. • A friendship, like Rome, is not built in a day. • Paul mentioned two friends in this text: Timothy and Epaphroditus. This study focuses in on

Timothy. • Friends are people you can trust; they are reliable.



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• Paul sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica, from Ephesus to Corinth, and from Ephesus to Macedonia. These travels covered over 800 miles, and gave Timothy a chance to prove himself.

• To be reliable is to become valuable. Timothy became very valuable to Paul: he went from Paul's spiritual son to his servant to his substitute.

• Faithfulness will open the door to fruitfulness (see Matthew 24-25). • Probe: Synonyms for the word reliable are dependable, consistent, steadfast, and unfailing. First

discuss how these words apply to Jesus. How does He show each of these characteristics in your life? Second, discuss how these words describe you. If they don't, what steps can you take to become more reliable?

A Good Friend Is Compatible

• In friendship, we talk of compatibilityâ€”personalities that are well-suited. • Paul called it being like-minded. Literally translated, it means equal-souled. • Christian friends have a common goal: to serve Christ and His people (see 1 Corinthians

16:10). • A key to a good friendship is to find someone who wants to pursue Jesus as much as you do

and then march into the future with that person as a true soul mate. • Probe: Skip quoted C.S. Lewis: "True friends don't spend time gazing into each other's

eyesâ€¦but they face in the same directionâ€”towards common projects, interests, goalsâ€”above all, toward a common Lord." Discuss the importance of compatibility with friends. Why is it important to "face in the same direction"?

A Good Friend Is Thoughtful

• A true friend genuinely cares for your welfare. • Notice the word sincerely. For Paul, Timothy was the real deal; there was nothing fake or phony

about him. • In our secular world, people only care for themselves. But Timothy had Christian maturity. • According to Bernard of Clairvaux, there are four stages of Christian maturity: love of self for

self's sake, love of God for self's sake, love of God for God's sake, and love of self for God's sake.

• Probe: Pastor Skip said, "All of us live in one of two places: Philippians 1:21 ("For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain")or Philippians 2:21 ("For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus"). How do you tip the balance from its default setting in 2:21 to the redeemed setting of 1:21?

A Good Friend Is Loyal

• Paul used the words proven character to describe Timothy. The idea is that something (in this case, Timothy's character) has been proven after being tested.

• For Paul, Timothy had proven character:

o He was on Paul's team for Paul's second missionary journey to Macedonia and Corinth. o He went with Paul on a trip to Jerusalem to collect money for the church. o Both of these trips required perseverance, faithfulness, and loyaltyâ€”all of which built

Timothy's character.


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• Paul mentioned Timothy twenty-four times in his letters, describing the friendship as a son with his father.

• Probe: The word loyal is defined as giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person. Discuss your loyalty to your family, spouse, coworkers, and fellow Christians. Do you show firm and constant support? What is the value of loyalty? What are the challenges of doing it well? How does spiritual maturity improve loyalty?

Practice Connect Up: Jesus called His disciples friends (see John 15:15-17). What does it mean to be God's friend? What does this tell you about the importance of good friendships? Connect In: In the body of Christ, we are all spiritual brothers and sisters. But sometimes we lack good friends. Using Pastor Skip's points, discuss how you can become better friends with fellow Christians. Here are some ideas: really listen when they speak, call them frequently, hang out with them, share with them your goals for life, buy simple gifts of appreciation, be there for them during the big moments of life (births, birthdays, marriage, deaths, etc.). Connect Out: In addition to Christian friends, many of us have non-Christian friends.Â Some define this as friendship evangelism. One Christian site states this relationship as follows: "Friendship evangelism as a method of bringing people to Christ or sharing the gospel of Christ has several meanings and connotations. Some people believe that friendship evangelism requires Christians to become friends with unbelievers, establishing a relationship before attempting to address their need for a Savior. Some see friendship evangelism as living a solid, righteous lifeâ€”a living testimonyâ€”before others so that they desire that kind of life and ask how to achieve it. At that point, the gospel is shared."1 How can you use your friendship with a non-Christian to be a witness for Christ? 1 Blue Letter Bible, "What is friendship evangelism?" https://www.gotquestions.org/friendship-evangelism.html, accessed 9/17/17.

https://www.gotquestions.org/friendship-evangelism.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/friendship-evangelism.html


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MESSAGE: How to Treat Good (but Imperfect) People




MESSAGE SUMMARY Some of the greatest people I have ever met have been relatively unknown individuals. They serve diligently behind the scenes with no desire for the limelight. Their names are not known to men, yet they are known to God. But even the choicest servants of God are not perfect. We all have our blemishes, shortfalls, quirks, idiosyncrasies, and oddities. Paul gave us an excellent way to treat such people in his words about his friend Epaphroditus.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: October 1, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "How to Treat Good (but Imperfect) People" Text: Philippians 2:25-30 Path Pastor Skip noted that some of the greatest people he has met have been relatively unknown individuals. They serve diligently behind the scenes with no desire for the limelight. Men don't know their names, yet they are known to God. But even the choicest servants of God are not perfect. We all have our blemishes, shortfalls, quirks, idiosyncrasies, and oddities. Paul gave us an excellent way to treat such people in his words about his friend Epaphroditus. Pastor Skip offered three principles on how to treat good but imperfect people:

I. Acknowledge Their Strengths (v. 25) II. Accept Their Shortcomings (vv. 26, 28) III. Affirm Their Sacrifice (vv. 27, 29-30)

Points Acknowledge Their Strengths

• Epaphroditus was a Gentile convert, named for Aphrodite, the Greekgoddess of love and fertility.

• Epaphroditus was a member of the Philippian church, sent to Rome to help Paul. • Paul described Epaphroditus in the following ways:

o Fellow worker: Epaphroditus came all the way from Philippi to work next to Paul in jail. o Fellow soldier: The Christian life is a battle. An effective Christian will be a target of Satan

and needs fellow soldiers for support.



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o Messenger: The word Paul used means delegate and ambassador. Epaphroditus volunteered to make a dangerous 800-mile trip to represent the gospel.

o Minister: The word Paul used is the same for liturgy, a word used of priests in a sacred duty. Epaphroditus' service was a sacred duty.

• Learn to see people through the lens of their most desirable attributes and strengths. • Probe: Using Epaphroditus as an example, discuss your personal strengths (worker, soldier,

messenger, minister). Think of them as abilities God has given you to do His work. How are your strengths being used for the gospel?

Accept Their Shortcomings

• Shortly after Epaphroditus arrived in Rome, he became ill. • The Philippians worried. Epaphroditus found out they were worrying and his reaction was to

become "distressed" (v. 26). • The word used for longing indicates a deep, intense desire. In other words, Epaphroditus was

homesick, so Paul decided to send him back to Philippi. • Paul's attitude toward Epaphroditus shows that he had grown in grace since his first missionary

journey and subsequent falling out with Barnabas over John Mark, another homesick young missionary.

• Everyone has strengths and faults. Friendship flourishes at the fountain of forgiveness. • Probe: Just as you discussed your strengths, now discuss your weaknesses. Think of them as

things in which God can show His strength in you. What steps can you take to make your deficits into assets?

Affirm Their Sacrifice

• Epaphroditus placed his very life in danger. The word regarding refers to a throw of dice, taking a chanceâ€”so, in a sense, Epaphroditus was a gambler for God.

• Having affirmed his friend's sacrifice, Paul then asked for the appreciation of the Philippian believers (see v. 28).

• "Hold such men in esteem" (v. 29): Paul was referring toservants who sacrifice for the gospel. We are to respect and admire them.

• Honor up, honor down, honor all around: Learn to be a servant. Learn to bless a servant. • Probe: To honor means to show respect or esteem. Using Jesus as an example, what

characteristics are worthy of honor? Bible.org lists the following honorable characteristics:Â¹ o Willing to lead by example o Committed to seeking God's will o Willing to obey the Lord's commands o Willing to sacrifice and be uncomfortable o Committed to building God's kingdom o Serving without receiving glory on earth o Committed to respecting and serving others

Practice Connect Up: As Pastor Skip said, "Friendship flourishes at the fountain of forgiveness." Discuss how forgiveness has both a vertical aspect (relationship to God) and a horizontal aspect (relationship to


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others). Why do you think Jesus placed so much emphasis on forgiveness (see Matthew 6:14-15; 18:22; Luke 17:3-4)? Connect In: The church is full of imperfect people (including you), yet the Lord continues to use imperfect people to further His gospel. Consider the following people Jesus used: Paul, Peter, Thomasâ€”each with his own flaws and foibles. How has God used your imperfections for His glory, benefiting the church? Connect Out: Missionaries are the obvious example of those who reach out with the gospel, leaving the comfort of home and family to build God's kingdom. First, what practical ways can you support missionaries? Second, take a moment to pray for the missionaries you know, asking the Lord to care for their every need. Third, next time you get the chance, thank your church missionaries for their work and take time to listen to their needs. Â¹ Gregory Brown, "12. Characteristics of Honored Servants," August 19, 2016, https://bible.org/seriespage/12-characteristics-honored-servants, accessed 10/01/2017.

OUTLINE

I. Acknowledge Their Strengths (v. 25)

II. Accept Their Shortcomings (vv. 26, 28)

III. Affirm Their Sacrifice (vv. 27, 29-30)


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MESSAGE: Has Your Joy Sprung a Leak?




MESSAGE SUMMARY I have a bicycle pump in my garage that stands constant guard to reinflate my tires. It seems that I have a slow leak in one of them. Perhaps from a very small thorn or a defect in the tube, the air slowly leaks out, leaving the ride spongy. Spiritual thorns that deflate joy can also threaten our Christian experience. Letâ€™s consider some simple principles that firm up our life journey and keep "the joy of the Lord" intact.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: October 8, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Has Your Joy Sprung a Leak?" Text: Philippians 3:1-3 Path Pastor Skip stated, "I have a bicycle pump in my garage that stands constant guard to reinflate my tires. It seems that I have a slow leak in one of them. Perhaps from a very small thorn or a defect in the tube, the air slowly leaks out, leaving the ride spongy. Spiritual thorns that deflate joy can also threaten our Christian experience." In this message, Skip considered some simple principles that firm up our life journey and keep the joy of the Lord intact:

I. Joy Must Be Guarded (v. 1) II. Legalism Must Be Avoided (v. 2) III. Identity Must Be Comprehended (v. 3)

Points Joy Must Be Guarded

• Famed evangelist Billy Sunday once said, "If you have no joyâ€¦there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere."

• Circumstances, people, everyday problems, overwork, sin, doubt, disease, and chronic pain can all cause leaks in our joy.

• Paul used strong language as he instructed us to guard our joy. Notice the word finally. It can better be understood as furthermore. Paul told the Philippians to constantly rejoice. The verb tense indicates that it's meant to be an ongoing activity.



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o Joy has less to do with what is happening around you; it's what's inside you that brings joy.

o Joy is not automatic; it's a learned response, a choice to make. • Joy was Paul's outlook because Jesus was his uplook. Joy centers on a spiritual reality: God is on

His throne. Because of that truth, you can say, "I am joyful because I have a relationship with the Lord."

• Paul repeated himself in this passage to help us remember the importance of joy. • Probe: The word guarded means to be cautious, to have reservations. Besides joy, what other

characteristics must be guarded in a Christian's life? Here are some to think about: prayer, Bible reading, serving others, loving others, and life priorities.

Legalism Must Be Avoided

• Paul spoke against Judaizers, those who mixed the law and grace. Paul gave three warnings against legalism because being joyful means being careful.

o Legalists can be scavengers: "Beware of dogs" (v. 3) o Legalists can be evil, but think they're doing good: "Beware of evil workers" (v. 3). Good

works are a by-product of salvation, not its basis. o Legalists can be destructive: "Beware of the mutilation" (v. 3). Legalists taught that

circumcision, a work of the flesh, was vital to salvation. Legalism mutilates the grace of God and the work of Jesus Christ.

• Probe: Legalism is defined as excessive adherence to the law or formula. In what areas do you find you lean too much toward legalism? How can you learn to lean back toward joy? What would you share with a fellow Christian who leans too heavily toward legalism? What Scriptures would you share concerning our freedom in Christ?

Identity Must Be Comprehended

• In verse 1, Paul described a true Christian believer: o True follower: "we are the [true] circumcision." Christians are those who have a true,

inward cleansing, not a meaningless outward mark. o True worshipers: "who worship God in the Spirit." Worship is an inward position of the

heart, taking an outward form: singing, prayer, etc. o True celebrators: "rejoice in Christ Jesus." This means to boast of or honor. Legalism

boasts in its own works, minimizing the work of Jesus Christ. o True believers: "have no confidence in the flesh." The humanist message is to pull yourself

up. The legalist message is to work your way to heaven. But the biblical message is that Jesus paid it all and all credit is His.

• Probe: To comprehend is to grasp something mentally, to understand it and follow it.Look over Pastor Skip's four points. In what ways do you comprehend them, or follow them? In what ways do you notâ€”and how can you improve your comprehension as a follower, worshiper, celebrator, and believer? Consider 1 Corinthians 13 and Colossians 3:5-13.

Practice Connect Up: Jesus said that those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and truth (see John 4:24). Discuss what Jesus meant by spirit and truth. Would you agree with the following statement?


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"Unless there's a real passion for God, there is no worship in spirit. At the same time, worship must be â€˜in truth,' that is, properly informed. Unless we have knowledge of the God we worship, there is no worship in truth."1 Connect In: Within any given church, you will find both legalists and antinomianists (those who think they are not obligated to follow any law). How are Bible-believing Christians to strike a balance between the two extremes within the church? Connect Out: When sharing the gospel with an unbeliever, how would you respond to the following charge? "All Christianity is about are a bunch of dos and don'ts; it's all about following a set of rules." 1 "What does it mean to worship the Lord in spirit and truth?," https://www.gotquestions.org/worship-spirit-truth.html, accessed 10/8/2017.

OUTLINE

I. Joy Must Be Guarded (v. 1)

II. Legalism Must Be Avoided (v. 2)

III. Identity Must Be Comprehended (v. 3)


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MESSAGE: Get a Real Testimony!




MESSAGE SUMMARY I have heard various people give their testimony over the years. A testimony is the story of how you came to believe in Christ personally. What is your story? Could you tell it to someone? You should be able to trace the steps you took in your lifeâ€™s journey from aimless wandering to purposeful living as a Christian. These verses are Paulâ€™s personal testimony. Letâ€™s consider three essential ingredients to building a real testimony.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: October 15, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Get a Real Testimony!" Text: Philippians 3:4-8 Path Pastor Skip noted that he has heard various people give their testimony over the years. A testimony is the story of how you came to believe in Christ personally. What is your story? Could you tell it to someone? You should be able to trace the steps you took in your life's journey from aimless wandering to purposeful living as a Christian. These verses are Paul's personal testimony. In this teaching, Pastor Skip considered three essential ingredients to building a real testimony:

I. Shred Your Religious RÃ©sumÃ© (vv. 4-6) II. Have a Spiritual Encounter (v. 7a) III. Learn How to Count (vv. 7-8)

Points Shred Your Religious RÃ©sumÃ©

• The apostle Paul's testimony is outlined in verses 4-8: by birth (Jew), by citizenship (Roman), by education (Greek), by grace (Christian).

• Your personal testimony begins with the need to have a real relationship with Jesus. God has no grandchildren; we're not born into faith with Christ.

• Six words in verses 5 and 6 describe Paul's religious rÃ©sumÃ©: o Heredity: "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel" o Nobility: "of the tribe of Benjamin"



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o Pedigree: "Hebrew of the Hebrews." Paul was not raised a Hellenistic Jew. He would have attended the synagogue school, hazzan.

As a toddler: recited the Sh'ma Age five: studied Scripture Age six: was sent to the synagogue to read and write Age ten: memorized large portions of the oral law Age twelve and thirteen: had his bar mitzvah where he was declared an adult Age fifteen: studied more vigorously in codified oral traditions

o Piety: "Pharisee," meaning separated. Pharisees were the leading sect in the accurate interpretation of the Law.

o Intensity: "concerning zeal, persecuting the church." Paul was a zealous defender of Judaism, known more for what he was against than what he was for.

o Morality: "concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Paul lived by the book. He sought righteousness by rule-keeping. Some folks have enough morality to keep them out of trouble, but not enough righteousness to get them to heaven (because no one does).

• Probe: Take a moment to share your testimony. How did you come to know Christ?

Have a Spiritual Encounter

• Notice the word but in verse 7a. It indicates a change in thinking, taking us back to thirty years earlier when Paul was a pompous religious man who met Jesus.

• Alan Redpath could've been thinking of Paul's story when he said, "When God wants to do an impossible task, He takes an impossible man and breaks him."

• Paul went from persecutor to preacher, from prideful to humble. He referred to Jesus as Lord and submitted to Him.

• Probe: Briefly describe your life before coming to know Christ. At what point in your life did you realize you needed a Savior?Â

Learn How to Count

• Notice the words count, consider, and regard. Paul learned to count what mattered most. Gain and loss are accounting terms used in the business world to indicate a profit and loss.

• Paul spent his life working on his rÃ©sumÃ©, but when he met Jesus, he realized his profits were in the wrong column, and he learned that his books were bankrupt.

• Notice the word rubbish. It refers to the excrement of animals. Paul was saying that heritage, background, and education are okay, but if you rely on them to get you to heaven, they stink.

• We must toss our rÃ©sumÃ©, lose our religion, and choose a relationship with Jesus Christ. • Probe: After coming to Christ, what things in your pre-Christian days did you come to see as

rubbish?

Practice Connect Up: Though Jesus is God incarnate, as a man, He held certain characteristics and qualities. If Jesus were to have a rÃ©sumÃ©, what would you expect to find on it? Connect In: All people are on an equal basis in Christ. Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek,


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there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). And though each believer has certain spiritual gifts that can be used in the body of Christ, how can our "human" rÃ©sumÃ© also be used? For example, if someone is a medical doctor (or a carpenter, homemaker, etc.), how could it be used for God's glory? Connect Out: Lifeway.com states, "One way to show others what you believe is simply to invite them to go to church with you. Researchers working with the unchurched made a surprising discovery: 82 percent of the unchurched would probably attend church if someone invited them." Â¹When was the last time you shared your testimony with someone? When was the last time you invited someone to church? Â¹ Ken Lovelace, "The Value of Your Testimony," http://www.lifeway.com/Article/deacon-value-testimony-evangelism-witnessing, accessed 10/15/2017.

OUTLINE

I. Shred Your Religious RÃ©sumÃ© (vv. 4-6)

II. Have a Spiritual Encounter (v. 7a)

III. Learn How to Count (vv. 7-8)


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MESSAGE: Benefits of Being Believers




MESSAGE SUMMARY Being a Christian believer cost Paul a lot. He lost his status, he lost his prestige among former peers, and he landed in a foreign prison cell, facing possible execution. So what did he gain from his choice? What are the rewards and benefits of believing in Christ if the world hates you and most people misunderstand you? Today, we look at five of the benefits that offset any loss we might incur. These gains (or profits) make up for any momentary afflictions.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: October 29, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Benefits of Being Believers" Text: Philippians 3:8-11 Path Being a Christian believer cost Paul a lot. He lost his status, he lost his prestige among former peers, and he landed in a foreign prison cell, facing possible execution. So what did he gain from his choice? What are the rewards and benefits of believing in Christ if the world hates you and most people misunderstand you? In this teaching, Pastor Skip looked at five of the benefits that offset any loss we might incur. His path through the text is as follows:

I. Knowledge "Excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus" (v. 8) II. Position "And be found in Him" (v. 9) III. Righteousness "The righteousness which is from God" (v. 9) IV. Fellowship "That I may know Him..." (v. 10) V. Glory "The resurrection from the dead" (v. 11)

Points Knowledge

• You make choices in life, but choices also make you; every choice counts. • Paul made a choice to follow Jesus, and he saw the world differently. What once seemed dull

now shone with meaning, and things that had meaning became dull. • The Bible describes believers as people who know God. Paul had tremendous knowledge, but

the knowledge of Christ surpassed everything.



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• Paul received the knowledge of Christ the same way we all do: o First, he was bornâ€”he received a physical knowledge of life and the world. o Second, he was born againâ€”he received a spiritual knowledge of new life in Christ.

• Probe: The Lord wrote two books: the Word and the world (creation). Discuss the similarities and differences between physical knowledge (based in the world) and spiritual knowledge (based in God). Can you have one without the other?

Position

• Paul describes Christians as being "found in [Christ]" (v. 9). This phrase denotes our unity in Christ's life, death, and resurrection; Christ's life is in us.

• Practically, being in Christ means that when God looks at you, He sees Christ. • Probe: In our close communion with Christ, He is in us by the Spirit, and we are in Him by the

Spirit. There is both a physical and spiritual union. Think of a house: you can be in your home, and your home can be in you (memories, feelings, etc.). What are some other things that you can be in and are also in you (for example, oxygen)?

Righteousness

• Righteousness indicates a condition of being right before God, accepted by Him. It can't be produced by good works; it must be provided by grace and received by faith.

• Paul tried to get right in a host of ways: religious heritage, legalism, and rule-keeping. By worldly standards, he succeeded; by Christ's, he failed.

• Righteousness is not achieved by determination, but by imputationâ€”the Lord places it in you and credits it to you. It is the great exchange (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

• The worst form of badness is human goodness used as a substitute for true righteousness. • Probe: Why is the biblical teaching of Christ's righteous imputation essential to the Christian

faith? Without it, can we please God perfectly? Why not?

Fellowship

• Paul never came to a place in his life when he had enough of knowing Jesus; he always wanted more of Christ. The initial saving knowledge of Christ became Paul's lifelong pursuit.

• Paul longed for deeper fellowship with Christ (see v. 10): o A personal fellowship: "that I may know Him" o A powerful fellowship: "the power of His resurrection" o A painful fellowship: "the fellowship of His sufferings"

• All the sufferings Paul experienced only deepened his fellowship with Jesus because He was one who suffered far worse.

• Sorrow is one of life's greatest fellowship enhancers. A trouble-free life is a shallow life. Â • Probe: A common word used in the Bible for know is ginÃ³skÃ³. It means knowledge by learning

or experience. How can our knowledge of Christ be expanded by learning and experience? Give examples.

Glory


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• Paul was a humble man, saying, "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:9; see also Ephesians 3:8).

• Paul understood that something greater awaited him: glory, the ultimate benefit our salvationâ€”the blissful vision of seeing Jesus face to face. This is every believer's ultimate benefit: heaven with Jesus.

• As Christians, we are part of the greatest organization in the world, and our retirement package is unequaled.

• Probe: Though the Bible doesn't go into detail about heaven, there are some unique passages found in Revelation 21 and 22 concerning the new heaven and new earth. Note some of the unique facets of our future glory in these chapters. What did you find?

Practice Connect Up: The word Paul used for righteousness in Philippians is dikaiosunÃ©. It means an act of equity and justification. Why must we depend solely on Christ, receiving Him as Savior, to have a right relationship with God the Father? See Romans 1:1-17. Connect In: The universal church should concern itself with Christian knowledgeâ€”in both learning and experience (see 2 Peter 3:18). Discuss ways we can grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (for example, Bible study and service). Connect Out: Knowing that Jesus is the only way to the Father, how should this truth affect your relationship to nonbelievers? Other than evangelism (which is primary), what other practical things can you do to show the love of God in Christ to the world?

OUTLINE

I. Knowledge â€œExcellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesusâ€� (v. 8)

II. Position â€œAnd be found in Himâ€� (v. 9)

III. Righteousness â€œThe righteousness which is from Godâ€� (v. 9)

IV. Fellowship â€œThat I may know Himâ€¦â€� (v. 10)

V. Glory â€œThe resurrection from the deadâ€� (v. 11)


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MESSAGE: Put On Your Running Shoes




MESSAGE SUMMARY Though I prefer cycling to running, I appreciate the disciplined runner who has trained long hours and has conditioned his/her body to reach its maximum potential. One of Paulâ€™s favorite metaphors for Christian living was the race. In this passage, he pictured the believer as an athlete competing in a footrace pushing towards the finish line. To become winning champions in this race towards Christlikeness, there are five essentials:

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: November 5, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Put On Your Running Shoes" Text: Philippians 3:12-16 Path We all can appreciate the disciplined runner who has trained long hours and has conditioned his/her body to reach its maximum potential. One of Paul's favorite metaphors for Christian living was the race. In this passage, he pictured the believer as an athlete competing in a footrace pushing toward the finish line. To become winning champions in this race toward Christlikeness, Pastor Skip gave five essentials:

I. A Winner Needs Dissatisfaction (vv. 12a, 13a) II. A Winner Needs Concentration (v. 13) III. A Winner Needs Direction (v. 13b) IV. A Winner Needs Dedication (v. 14) V. A Winner Needs Collaboration (vv. 15-16)

Points A Winner Needs Dissatisfaction

• Paul was a sports fan: he used many sports analogies in his writings. Verses 12-16 describe an amazing race, calling us to put on our running shoes. We can think of our life as a race toward Christlikeness.

• Though Paul experienced power, he had a sanctified dissatisfaction. No one can reach perfection this side of heaven. Imperfection drives us onward: self-satisfaction is the biggest barrier to growth.



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o If you compare your running with others, you slow down. o A divine dissatisfaction is essential for spiritual progress.

• Probe: Discuss times when you felt satisfied and dissatisfied with your walk with Christ. What were the circumstances for both? How can you improve your run?

A Winner Needs Concentration

• "One thing I do" (v. 13) is an important phrase that is used in several places in the New Testament. The point is that you are to act, do, and run.

• Winners are winners because they concentrate on one thing and let nothing distract them from it. One of the greatest problems in life is spreading yourself too thin to be effective.

• For Paul, his relationship with Christ was his main focus. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

• Probe: Discuss your priorities in life. Knowing that your relationship with Christ comes first, how would your prioritize the rest of the things in your life? What is your life like when your priorities get mixed up?

A Winner Needs Direction

• Pastor and theologian Eugene Peterson described discipleship as "a long obedience in the same direction." We can add that it's a long obedience in the right direction.

• Paul said he was "reaching forward" (v. 13). To be effective in the present, you must let go of the past.

• In the Bible, to forget isn't failing to remember; it's not allowing the past to influence the present.

• If you want to be miserable, live life looking over your shoulder. • Probe: Why is it important to not dwell on the pastâ€”either your failures or achievements?

Why should all Christians continually reach forward toward the prize in Christ?

A Winner Needs Dedication

• The idea of pressing on is to exert, giving every fiber of your body and strength to succeed in your spiritual run.

• No one becomes a winning athlete just by listening, but through practice and training. • We should all run for the prize: knowing life's purpose (see v. 12) and knowing eternal joy (see

v. 14). • Probe: As Pastor Skip asked, what would the outcome be if you put as much dedication into

your spiritual life as you do the peripheral things of life? What are some areas of your spiritual life to which you can dedicate more time (Bible study, prayer, service, etc.)?

A Winner Needs Collaboration

• Though some in church teach sinless perfection (that a Christian in this life can live perfectly), the Bible doesn't teach this. But the Bible does not want us to be apathetic, either. To bring balance, Paul encouraged us to run at our own pace.

• Think about this truth: runners do better in packsâ€”with other runners. • Most Americans watch sports, but the challenge is to participate, to get in the race.Â


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• Put on your running shoes and either get in the race or get back on track. • Probe: If you have a favorite sport, what is it? What are some of the qualities of a good athlete?

How can you mimic some of those qualities in your spiritual life?

Practice Connect Up: God created you as a unified person made of physical (mind/body) and spiritual parts (spirit/soul). How can you train your entire body to run your race well? Consider the following:

• Spiritual: Bible study, prayer, fellowship, communion, and evangelism (see Acts 2:40-47) • Physical: Eat right (see 1 Corinthians 10:31), exercise (see 1 Timothy 4:8), and empathize (have

compassion)

Connect In: Running with others in your spiritual race will help you enjoy the run more. Enjoy the company God has given you because your outlook will help sharpen your in-look. Put another way, the way you view life will influence the way you value life. Your attitude is important. Discuss the role attitude has in your relationships. Why is having a healthy attitude essential to running a good race with fellow Christians? Connect Out: To empathize is to understand and sympathize with others. There are two types of empathy: cognitive and affective. Cognitive empathy is the ability to identify what others think and/or feel. Affective empathy is the ability to respond appropriately.Â Biblically, empathy plays out as compassion, servanthood, mercy, and most importantly, love. How can empathy help us run a better race, particularly when serving people and sharing the gospel?

OUTLINE

I. A Winner Needs Dissatisfaction (vv. 12a, 13a)

II. A Winner Needs Concentration (v. 13)

III. A Winner Needs Direction (v. 13b)

IV. A Winner Needs Dedication (v. 14)

V. A Winner Needs Collaboration (vv. 15-16)


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MESSAGE: Show Me Your Passport, Please!




MESSAGE SUMMARY Anytime you travel overseas, a passport is required. Your passport is a document of citizenship, denoting your country of origin and permanent residence. Your name is written on that document along with your place and date of birth. Jesus said that our names are written in heaven (see Luke 10:20) because we have been born again. That makes us tourists and foreigners here on earth. In this section of Philippians, Paul gave us four distinguishing characteristics of heavenly citizens.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: November 19, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Show Me Your Passport, Please!" Text: Philippians 3:17-21 Path Anytime you travel overseas, a passport is required. Your passport is a document of citizenship, denoting your country of origin and permanent residence. Your name is written on that document along with your place and date of birth. Jesus said that our names are written in heaven (see Luke 10:20) because we have been born again. That makes us tourists and foreigners here on earth. In this section of Philippians, Pastor Skip showed how Paul gave us four distinguishing characteristics of heavenly citizens:

I. Citizens Walk with Partners (v. 17) II. Citizens Watch for Pretenders (vv. 18-19) III. Citizens Wait for a Place (v. 20) IV. Citizens Will Get a Promotion (v. 21)

Points Citizens Walk with Partners

• Paul was a model citizen of heaven, but he did not put himself on a pedestal. • Like Paul, we are foreigners on a pilgrimage toward paradise, and we have a passport of

citizenship. • As Christians, we should have a certain walk (lifestyle) that characterizes our citizenship.



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• As citizens, we need partners in our walk, those who motivate and encourage us and keep us accountable. We can't grow well without a mentor or guide.

• Probe: The Greek word Paul uses for pattern is tupos. It refers to a stamp or dye that imprints something, leaving a pattern or print on the object. How has Christ left a pattern and print on your life? How should mentors leave a pattern or print on the lives of people they lead?

Citizens Watch for Pretenders

• Notice the word weeping. Not everyone within the borders of a country is a loyal citizen. There are fake citizens within the church: people who know the heavenly language but don't conform to the heavenly laws.

• Peter spoke of "false teachers among you" (2 Peter 2:1). Paul characterized these people as "enemies of the cross" (v. 18). He was referring to:

o Legalists: those who believed in strict adherence to the law, a works-based faith o Antinomianists: those who believed in no law; all action is permitted o Judaizers: those who believed one must be a Jew, living by Jewish standards o Gnostics: those who believed the material/physical was evil, and only the spirit mattered,

therefore allowing wayward actions in the flesh • Remember that your example and lifestyle may help pretenders become citizens. • Probe: The Greek word Paul uses for enemies is echthros. It means hateful, adversary, and a foe.

Like in Paul's day, the church today has enemies. Who/what are some of the enemies of the church now? Take a moment to pray for them, yearning for them to become citizens of Jesus' kingdom.

Citizens Wait for a Place

• Every Christian has three addresses: physical (on earth), spiritual (in Christ), and future (heaven). Christians have a heavenly focus because we have a heavenly citizenship.

• The word Paul used for citizenship is the same word from which we derive politics. Paul was saying that our political affiliation is in heaven.

• One of the ways to identify a citizen of the kingdom is whether the person wants to see the King. We should be excited for Jesus' return.

• We become citizens of God's kingdom when we trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus then writes our name in His registry, the Book of Life.

• Heaven is more than a destination; it is a motivation. • Probe: Notice Skip's use of the word motivation. Motivation provides the reason for actions,

desires, and behavior. How should your future home (heaven) influence your actions in your current home (earth)?

Citizens Will Get a Promotion

• With heaven, Christians get an upgrade; our bodies will be transformed. Every citizen of heaven will get a resurrected, glorified body.

• The word Paul uses for transformed is metaschÃ©matizÃ³. It means to transfigure, making an internal and external change.Â

• At the resurrection, we'll get a resurrected body like Jesus': "we shall be like Him" (1 John 3:2). We'll have new capabilities, and the glorified, upgraded, renewed body is for every believer.


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• Probe: A promotion is the action of raising someone to a higher position or rank. Share a time when you got a promotion here on earth. What were some of the benefits? Compare this with your future heavenly promotion. How do the two types of benefits (earthly and heavenly) compare?

Practice Connect Up: Pastor Skip challenged Christians to look up, look around, and look out. What are some of the things we should be looking for when we connect up to God (His will, His love, guidance, etc.)? Why should we be on the lookout for Christ's return? Connect In: Pastor Skip called us to look around for fellow imitators of Christ. What are some characteristics you look for in someone following Jesus? Share about a mentor who had a great impact on you. What were some qualities that stood out in that person's life? Connect Out: When we look out, we are not only looking for false imitators, but also for ways to make the pretenders citizens of heaven. What are some key characteristics that make you aware that someone is not a true participant in the kingdom of God? For example, predators feed on the weak and hurting. Most predators in a church feed on one of three things: finances, intimacy, and theology/doctrine. Beyond telling the local church leadership, what actions should you take if you think you know of a predator or false imitator within your midst (prayer, evangelism, etc.)?

OUTLINE

I. Citizens Walk with Partners (v. 17)

II. Citizens Watch for Pretenders (vv. 18-19)

III. Citizens Wait for a Place (v. 20)

IV. Citizens Will Get a Promotion (v. 21)


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MESSAGE: The Anatomy of a Healthy Church




MESSAGE SUMMARY In the New Testament, the church is often called â€œthe body of Christ.â€� Like a human body, it has many parts and functions. The church at Philippi was growing and with growth comes growing pains. In this section, Paul addressed some of them and applied the right prescription for what was threatening this group. Letâ€™s consider five necessary components of a healthy church.

STUDY GUIDE Recap Notes: December 3, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "The Anatomy of a Healthy Church" Text: Philippians 4:1-5 Path In the New Testament, the church is often called "the body of Christ." Like a human body, it has many parts and functions. The church at Philippi was growing and with growth comes growing pains. In this section of the letter, Paul addressed some of the pains and applied the right prescription for what was threatening this group. Pastor Skip considered five necessary components of a healthy church:

I. A Big Heart (v. 1a) II. A Firm Stance (v. 1b) III. A Warm Embrace (vv. 2-3) IV. A Merry Soul (v. 4) V. A Soft Touch (v. 5)

Points A Big Heart

• The ministry of a church is not about property or pews, but people. If a church withers and dies, it's because the people in it have withered and died.

• In this text, a spat between two women affected the unity of the body. Yet this passage also gives components of a healthy church.Â

• Paul affirmed his love for the Philippian believers, calling them "my beloved" (v. 1). He provided guidance in how to resolve the disagreement and bring unity.



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• The love of Christ is the mark of the church. By loving one another, we make the invisible God visible. If we are a community of nurturing, caring, and loving peopleâ€”crossing barriers of age, sex, race, and rankâ€”the world will see the love of Christ.

• Notice the other words Paul used to express his love for the church: longed for, my joy, and crown. Paul was saying, "This loving relationship I have with you is my reward."

• Probe: Discuss what first attracted you to church. Was it the music, the message, or the Makerâ€”Jesus? And whatever got you through the door, what was it about Jesus that attracted you the most?

A Firm Stance

• Paul's big heart was balanced by a firm stance; he needed to help heal a division. • Church isn't just a place to belong and feel affirmed, but a place of deep conviction. With deep

conviction comes possible confrontation with other believers. • Stand fast means persevere, which is akin to a soldier standing in battle. Paul's message was,

"Don't waiver; stay on track, steady in God." • Spiritual instability leads to doubt, discouragement, and disappointment. Unstable people are

crushed by trials, overwhelmed by circumstances, and overtaken by temptation. We need a firm stance to follow Jesus no matter what.

• Probe: Share about a time you needed to take a firm stance for the cause of Christ. What was the outcome? How did your stance affect you personally?

A Warm Embrace

• The two women mentioned, Euodia (meaning good journey) and Syntyche (meaning fortunate), were most likely two prominent members of the church, laboring with Paul in the gospel. Sadly, they are best remembered for their dispute.

• Unity among Christians proves the veracity of the Christian message; disunity undermines our witness.

• With such different and diverse perceptions within the church, how can we, like an orchestra, make harmonious music together? We must subordinate our own feelings and biases to the leadership of the conductor, Jesus Christ.

• Embrace nonessential differences; God has places and purposes for us all. • Probe: Discuss ways in which Christians are to settle disputes (see Matthew 18; 1 Corinthians

6:1-8; James 4:7-10). According to Matthew 18, what are four major steps a Christian should follow to settle conflict?

A Merry Soul

• Paul repeated the theme of joy: "Again I will say, rejoice!" (v. 4). Joy is a choice more than a feeling; it's a decision, not a sensation. It's an outlook on lifeâ€”and we're to seek it always.

• Paul had reason to feel dejected: he had been imprisoned, beaten, and persecuted. He didn't choose defeat but delightâ€”the joy of the Lord.

• Gladness is a better witness than grouchiness. As Ben Franklin said, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."


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• Probe: Merry is an adjective meaning cheerful and lively. Why should Christians exude merriment and joy? What characteristics exemplify a joyful life? How should the joy we find in Christ be reflected in our relationships with others?

A Soft Touch

• A healthy church actively awaits Jesus' return and is gracious as it waits. • When a conflict arises in the church, God's people need to be gracious, gentle, and diplomatic.

A soft touch is needed. • The word Paul uses for gentleness means sweet reasonableness. It means we should show mercy

when we see others' faults and failures. • No one starts out as a mature, spiritually knowledgeable Christian. Learn to show grace, cutting

other Christians some slack. • When there's a conflict at home, work, or church, it's the soft touch that heals. Paul was saying,

"Be famous for your gentleness." Why? Because the Lord is at hand; God's presence is with us. • Probe: Share about a time someone harshly corrected you. How did it feel? Compare that to a

soft touchâ€”a kind correction. What are the major differences between the two approaches and the possible differing outcomes?

Practice Connect Up: In Ephesians 4:15, Paul encouraged Christians to speak "the truth in love."Â How does God speak both truth and love through Christ? How does God speak truth and love to the world? Why are both needed in our relationship with the Lord, who offers a soft touch and a warm embrace, but also takes a stand for His truth through His Word? Connect In: The early church was not perfect. Like the church today, there were problems. Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 give us a protocol for conflict resolution. What can we learn from these texts about handling conflict within the church? Connect Out: How can each of Skip's five points act as a guide in evangelism? How can people see the love and truth of Christ through a big heart, firm stance, warm embrace, merry soul, and soft touch?

OUTLINE

I. A Big Heart (v. 1a)

II. A Firm Stance (v. 1b)

III. A Warm Embrace (vv. 2-3)


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IV. A Merry Soul (v. 4)

V. A Soft Touch (v. 5)


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MESSAGE: Overcoming an Anxious Mind




MESSAGE SUMMARY One author noted that we could write on countless American gravestones this epitaph: Hurried, Worried, Buried. Fear, stress, worry, and anxiety ravage modern culture. These two verses of Philippians 4 are among the most treasured by Christians worldwide because of their power to overcome this tendency to be overwhelmed by anxiety. Letâ€™s give our souls a rest by learning and practicing the truths presented here.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: December 10, 2017 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching:"Overcoming an Anxious Mind" Text:Philippians 4:6-7 Path One author noted that we could write on countless American gravestones this epitaph: Hurried, Worried, Buried. Fear, stress, worry, and anxiety ravage modern culture. These two verses of Philippians 4 are among the most treasured by Christians worldwide because of their power to overcome this tendency to be overwhelmed by anxiety. Pastor Skip taught us how to give our souls rest by learning and practicing the truths presented:

• The Problem: "Anxious" (v. 6) • The Prescription: "Be anxious for nothing" (v. 6) • The Prayer: "In everything by prayer...let your requests be made known" (v. 6) • The Promise: "The peace of God...will guard" (v. 7)

Points The Problem

• We have a tendency to worry about perceived dangers while ignoring real ones. This problem, anxiety, is a common experience; everyone feels it in some way at some point.

• Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health issues in the United States, with 40 million adults suffering from them. Over the past three decades, anxiety disorders have jumped more than 1,200 percent.

• The main causes of anxiety are income for retirement, social security, healthcare, terrorism, and race relations.



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• Anxiety is mentioned nineteen times in the New Testament, including by Jesus: "Do not worry about your life" (Matthew 6:25; see also Luke 12:22).

• Anxiety is a combination of two words, meaning to divide and mind. It occurs when the mind is divided between legitimate thoughts and destructive thoughts.

• Probe: Are you an anxious person? If so, what do you worry about most?

The Prescription

• When it comes to mental health, these are two of the most important verses in the entire New Testament, providing a prescription. The words for nothing are in the present, active imperative: it's an ongoing command.

• Paul was saying, "Stop worrying!" It sounds insensitive or impractical to do so, but with God, it's possible.

• Jesus gave reasons not to be worried (see Matthew 6:25-26): o It's unhealthy: "Is not life more than food?" Anxiety can create health disorders. o It's unbecoming of a child of God (it shows lack of trust): "Your heavenly Father feeds

them." o It's unproductive: "Which of you by worryingâ€¦?" According to Dr. Don Joseph

Goewey, 97 percent of what we worry about is just a fearful mind punishing us with exaggerations and misperceptions.1

• Probe: Discuss the last two reasons why not to worry and share about a time when you found anxiety to be unbecoming and unproductive. What were the circumstances?

The Prayer

• The word but is a contrasting word and provides an antidote: replacement. • The cure for worry is to redirect your energy and replace anxiety. The Bible calls it "casting all

your care" (1 Peter 5:7). Prayer is the method of replacement. • Prayer is often translated worship or devotion. So when worried, worship; when burdened, bow.

Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart; they're mutually exclusive. • Supplication is strong crying out, a type of pleading and begging. When there is real need, we

know how to pray. • With thanksgiving: a thankful heart is a thinking heart. Think and thank: think of what God has

done, and thank Him for His provisions and promise. • Let your requests: not demands and tantrums, but entreaties, voicing weakness and dependence • You aren't informing God, but conforming to God's will. • Probe: Pray for one another, casting your caresâ€”and worriesâ€”on the Lord.

The Promise

• The promise is peace. There are two kinds: peace with God and the peace of God. • The first is a fact, the second a feeling. Not every Christian has inner confidence. • Â If you come to Jesus Christ, you have peace with God, but may not feel peaceful. Jesus as

Savior brings peace with God; Jesus as Lord brings the peace of God. • Surpasses all understanding: the peace of God transcends human intellect and analysis. • Guard: a reference to a military garrison. We need to stand our ground, not letting destructive

thoughts divide our mind.


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• These verses are a process: we enter a situation with anxiety, but exit with peace. And between both is prayer.

• One way to remember how to respond to anxiety is this: hands up (worship and prayer), worries down. Let your concerns be His worry.

• Probe: What are some practical ways you can guard your mind? Here are some thoughts to consider: don't believe everything you think, protect your mind from evil things, steep yourself in Scripture and Christian reading, and let your testimony (how you live) match your thoughts (what you think).

Practice Connect Up: How can anxiety and worry strain a relationship with God and other people? What does an anxious mind communicate about your life? How would you differentiate a worried mind from a caring heart? Connect In: Many within the church suffer from mental illness, including extreme worry. Â What are some practical things the church can do to help those who suffer from mental illness? One resource suggests the following: inform yourself; dialogue, don't debate; seek help if needed; and seek support.2 Connect Out: How can an unbeliever's anxiety be an open door to share the gospel? For example, if someone is worried about a particular problem, offer support and encouragement. Tell him or her the solution: peace with God through Jesus that leads to the peace of God, which the world can't give and take away. 1 Don Joseph Goewey, "85 Percent of What We Worry About Never Happens," August 25, 2015, https://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-joseph-goewey-/85-of-what-we-worry-about_b_8028368.html, accessed 12/10/17. 2 Victoria Maxwell, "How to Help a Loved One with a Mental Illness," September 30, 2012, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/crazy-life/201209/how-help-loved-one-mental-illness, accessed 12/10/17.

OUTLINE

I. The Problem "Anxious" (v. 6)

II. The Prescription "Be anxious for nothing" (v. 6)

III. The Prayer "In everything by prayerâ€¦let your requests be made known" (v. 6)

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-joseph-goewey-/85-of-what-we-worry-about_b_8028368.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/crazy-life/201209/how-help-loved-one-mental-illness


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IV. The Promise "The peace of Godâ€¦will guard" (v. 7)


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MESSAGE: Think What to Do; Do What You Think




MESSAGE SUMMARY Our minds are ever being confronted with ideas, temptations, principles, and values. The battlefield is found in mainstream and social media, universities, and professional journals. Because it's impossible to make it through any given day without bumping into these thoughts and ideas, we must carefully, righteously, and actively manage them. To plant an idea is to produce an action. What we ponder we eventually practice. Consider these three ways to think.

STUDY GUIDE Connect Recap Notes: December 17, 2017 Teacher: Skip Heitzig Teaching: â€œThink What to Do; Do What You Thinkâ€� Text: Philippians 4:8-9 Path Our minds are constantly being confronted with ideas, temptations, principles, and values. The battlefield is found in mainstream and social media, universities, and professional journals. Because itâ€™s impossible to make it through any given day without bumping into these thoughts and ideas, we must carefully, righteously, and actively manage them. To plant an idea is to produce an action. What we ponder we eventually practice. Pastor Skip considered three ways to think:

I. Think Carefully II. Think Righteously III. Think Actively

Points Think Carefully (v. 8b: â€œmeditate on these thingsâ€�)

• The human mind is amazing, capable of logical thinking, abstract reasoning, and deductive analysis, in addition to emotions such as joy, sorrow, conviction and fear.

• In contrast to Rene Descartes, who said, â€œI think therefore I am,â€� the apostle Paul might say, â€œI think therefore I do.â€�

• Think of your thought life like tending a garden: good thoughts bear good fruit; bad thoughts bear bad fruit.

• In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul demonstrated the relationship between thought and action. • The word for meditates means â€œconcentrated, logical thought.â€�



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• Thinking is paramount for the Christian (see Proverb 23:7). • Furthermore, God commands us to think (see Isaiah 1:18), and Jesus stressed the importance of

a robust thought life (Matthew 22:37). • You are thinking carefully when you meditate on truth.

o Probe: The word meditate carries suspicious connotation in our current culture, with connections to Eastern mysticism. However, it is a very biblical term, as Philippians shows. What are some of the ways we can meditate on Scripture? Here are a few to discuss: focus your attention on it, comprehend it, remember and memorize it, and apply it to your life.

Think Righteously (v. 8: â€œwhatever things are true...noble... just...pure...lovelyâ€�)

• Though some have questioned the number, neuroscientists estimate that 70,000 thoughts go through the human mind in one dayâ€”25.5 million a year.1

• In verse 8, Paul listed six things to think on, training your mind to think about Godâ€™s truth and the qualities that stem from His righteousness.

o Trueâ€”God is truth and the arbitrator of truth. o Nobelâ€”means worthy of respect, something that is dignified. o Justâ€”what is right and righteous. We must conform our thoughts to Godâ€™s

standards of right and wrong. o Pureâ€”wholesome and morally uncontaminated.

• With any thoughts, be vigilant of what you allow to enter your mind; what you see and hear influences what you think, who you are, and what you do.

• Thinking righteously is when you manage truth, filtering input by considering output.

o Probe: Take a few moments to reflect on the things in your life that are noble, pure, just, and lovely (examples: nature, virtue, truth, etc.). Why should we think on these things? How do our thoughts shape our actionsâ€”that is, how is how we live based on what we think?

Think Actively (v. 9: â€œâ€¦these [things] doâ€�)

• Our thoughts should lead to action. • Notice two main verbs: â€œmeditateâ€� and â€œdo.â€� Both carry the idea of a continual

practice. • We canâ€™t separate inward thoughts from outward actions; we must practice what we

profess, live what we learn, practice what we ponder, and do what we think. • Hereâ€™s a warning: If you hear the truth, but donâ€™t practice it, your heart may harden to

the truth. • As James reminded us: â€œBe doers of the word, not hearer only, deceiving yourselvesâ€�

(James 1:22). • Notice four key words in verse 9: learned, received, heard, and saw. These words and actions

interconnect, depending on one another, each leading to the next. • A good model (someone you can look to) will reinforce careful, righteous thinking and living. • Each of us is writing a gospelâ€”a witness to Christâ€”chapter-by-chapter, day-by-day, with the

things we do and say.


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• Thinking actively is when you move out with the truth. • Practical Tips:

o Evaluate content. Fill your mind with Godâ€™s wisdom. o Punctuate the day with truth. Read the Bible throughout the day. o Meditate on Scripture. Donâ€™t just read but feed on Godâ€™s word.

o Probe: When you consider an active thought life, what comes to mind? Here are some ideas to discuss: the ability to think deeply; the yearning to think compassionately and lovingly; the desire to think reasonably and rightly; and the thirst to think ethically and biblically. Some people can dazzle with facts, but donâ€™t have the depth of thought. Why is it important for Christians to have depth, and not â€œcheck their brains at the door,â€� as Pastor Skip noted?

Practice Connect Up: How does your thought life influence your relationship with the Lord? What does it mean to take every thought captive, making it obedient to Christ? (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). Here are some points to discuss:

• Take responsibility for your thought life • Yearn for thoughts to conform to biblical standards • Think; donâ€™t just react or blindly respond • Confess unbiblical thoughts • Focus on whatâ€™s important (faith, family, friends, and the truths given by God).

Connect In: Earlier in Philippians, Paul challenged the church to have a humble mind and heart, esteeming others better than themselves (see Philippians 2:3). Why is it important to incorporate a humble mind with others, particularly within the church? How would you define a humble person? Here are some points to discuss:

• Others-centered • Conscientious of needs around them • Yearn to bring joy and love • Servant-leaders • Have strong, Christ-centered relationships

Connect Out: When sharing the gospel, why is a humble but knowledgeable mindset important? Who is a better witness, a know-it-all or a thoughtful and inviting person? Why? 1 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/neuroskeptic/2012/05/09/the-70000-thoughts-per-day-myth/#.WjaGj4UfHFa

OUTLINE

I. Think Carefully (v. 8b "meditate on these things")


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II. Think Righteously (v. 8 â€œwhatever things are trueâ€¦nobleâ€¦justâ€¦pureâ€¦lovely")

III. Think Actively (v. 9 "â€¦these [things] do")


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MESSAGE: How to Have Greener Grass NOW




MESSAGE SUMMARY The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. That saying embodies the philosophy that other people's circumstances are more desirable than our own. This attitude can be extended to where you live, the place you work, the one you're married to, the body type you have, and the income you require. Surely, others have it better than we do! Well, let's uncover three basic principles to debunk that theory and, in so doing, add water and fertilizer to our own grass.

STUDY GUIDE

Connect Recap Notes: December 31, 2017 Teaching: "How to Have Greener Grass NOW" Text: Philippians 4:10-13

Path

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. That saying embodies the philosophy that other people's circumstances are more desirable than our own. This attitude can be extended to where you live, the place you work, the one you're married to, the body type you have, and the income you require. Surely, others have it better than we do! Pastor Skip uncovered three basic principles to debunk that theory and, in so doing, helped add water and fertilizer to our own grass:

I. Be Connected to God's People (v. 10) II. Be Content with God's Provision (vv. 11-12) III. Be Confident in God's Power (v. 13)

Points

Be Connected to God's People

• The Philippian believers had supported Paul while he ministered in Macedonia. They reconnected when they sent Epaphroditus with money to care for Paul. Epaphroditus was their ambassador to help Paul.

• Here's the principle: when you connect with God's people, it produces joy and encouragement. • There are many believers who are not belongersâ€”they don't fellowship. But when you connect

with God's people, it produces encouragement to go on and to flourish. • Paul used key words that showed support: care and flourished.



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• Probe: What group are you attached to consistently (church, Connect Group, etc.)? What outreach brings you joy?

Be Content with God's Provision

• Contentment isn't related to necessity. o The Greek word for content means to be self-sufficient or satisfied and self-contained. o Paul used the same word differently. His attitude was: if people didn't help him, God

would still provide. • Contentment doesn't depend on quantity.

o Paul experienced both contentment and need. o The Greek word for full is used for feeding and fattening animals. o Abased: essentially, Paul was saying, "I had status; I lost it all." He wrote this letter from

jail. o There's an illusion that more of something (money or material things, etc.) will bring

contentment. • Contentment is a learned ability.

o Note the phrase "I have learned." Paul was still learning. o The Greek word for learned is manthanÃ³, which means to learn and understand.

• Here are a few tips to learn contentment: o Avoid comparisons: comparison robs us of contentment and promotes covetousness. o Lower expectations: some people expect too much. This brings entitlement and robs

you of thankfulness. o Adjust to alternations: life won't always be great or horrible; there will be ups and

downs. o Develop convictions: contentment is related to what you believe about God's

sovereignty. Do you believe God is in control? • Probe: In what areas of life do you need to learn contentment? Why do you feel that you are

not content in this area?

Be Confident in God's Power

• Philippians 4:13 was Paul's philosophy of life: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

• The Greek word for I can do means to be strong, have power, have resources. Paul's motto was "I can," not "I can't." Spiritual success comes in "cans."

• Note it is "through Christ who strengthens." The Amplified Version reads, "I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency."

• Our attitude depends on where our resources lay: ourselves, people, or God. • As we stand on the verge of a new year, here's the challenge: get connected, get contented, and

get confident. • In the end, a doctor may add years to your life, but Jesus adds life to your years. • Probe: Take a moment to discuss these three areas. How do you plan on doing the following in

2018? o Getting connected o Finding contentment o Building confidence


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Practice

Connect Up: As you connect up to Christ in the coming year, remember the things Christ has fulfilled in your life this past year. Share about a time when you experienced God's power this year. How did He meet a need or fulfill a promise to you?

Connect In: Share about how you connected to God's people in the church in 2017. What were some of the benefits and challenges?

Connect Out: Were you able to see someone come to Christ this past year? If so, what were the circumstances? How does salvation show the following qualities: the use of people, God's provision, and His power?

OUTLINE

I. Be Connected to God's People (v. 10)

II. Be Content with God's Provision (vv. 11-12)

III. Be Confident in God's Power (v. 13)


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MESSAGE: Is Your Checkbook Converted?




MESSAGE SUMMARY Itâ€™s a strange title for a sermon, I know. Yet it seems many of us try to separate what we believe in our hearts from how we behave with our finances. In these closing verses of this letter to the Philippians, Paul thanks the church that supported his ministry for putting their money where their faith is. This paragraph is one of the clearest theological statements about how money can become a tool for Godâ€™s glory and a gauge of spiritual maturity.

STUDY GUIDE

Connect Recap Notes: January 7, 2018 Speaker: Skip Heitzig Teaching: "Is Your Checkbook Converted?" Text: Philippians 4:14-23

Path

Martin Luther noted that three conversions are necessary for each person: heart, mind, and purse (wallet). It seems many of us try to separate what we believe in our hearts from how we behave with our finances. In the closing verses of Philippians, Paul thanked the church that supported his ministry for putting their money where their faith was. Pastor Skip unpacked one of the clearest theological statements about how money can become a tool for Godâ€™s glory and a gauge of spiritual maturity:

I. Generosity Is Commended (vv. 14-16, 18) II. Interest Is Compounded (v. 17) III. Giving Is Rewarded (v. 19) IV. Family Is Extended (vv. 20-23)

Points

Generosity Is Commended

• The Bible has roughly 2,000 verses that deal with money. Thatâ€™s more than the topics of prayer and faith combined.

• Largely, one can tell a lot about a personâ€™s spirituality by what he or she does with money. • The church at Philippi is a model for us: to them, giving was an act of worship. • Paul noted that the Philippiansâ€™ giving was good: â€œyou have done wellâ€� (v. 14).



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• Paul understood that money is not evil; itâ€™s neutral. Itâ€™s what we do with money that provides the barometer of our spiritual growth.

• Note the word shared (see vv. 14-15). One reason generosity is good is because it turns people into partners.

• Another reason generosity is good is because it pleases God (see v. 18). Paul used temple language in his letter by comparing giving to a temple sacrifice: an aroma (incense) that is pleasing to God.

• Probe: As Pastor Skip noted, our highest motivation for giving shouldnâ€™t be the churchâ€™s needs, but because God deserves it. How does giving to a church or ministry make you a partner in ministry? Why is giving not so much about a particular need but a powerful God?

Interest Is Compounded

• In verse 17, we get insight into heavenly accounting. Paul preached the gospel and the Philippian supporters would get credit.

• Paulâ€™s end desire was for the fruit of the ministry, not the funds. Principle: God tallies the fruit from ministry and credits it to the supportersâ€™ account. When we get to heaven, we may meet people that benefited from our provision.

• We need to be careful how we invest our money. The important question is not, â€œIs there a proclaimed need?â€� but â€œIs the ministry producing fruit?â€�

• Jesus said, â€œLay up for yourselves treasures in heavenâ€� (Matthew 6:20). Always invest with heaven and Godâ€™s kingdom in mind.

• Probe: How can giving to fruitful ministries transform your idea of giving? Would you support a business that was about to go bankrupt? Ask yourself: Is where you are currently giving money being fruitful? Are lives being changed? Are you making a heavenly impact?

Giving Is Rewarded

• Verse 19 is frequently misunderstood as â€œIf youâ€™re a Christian, no matter how you live, God will automatically give you what you need.â€� This is taking the text out of context and making it a pretext for incorrect interpretation. It should be understood as â€œTo you who are generous, God will supply your need.â€� God blesses those that bless God and others.

• Note some key words: full and supply (see vv. 18-19). Both words are the same in Greek. Paul was saying â€œYou filled me up for Godâ€™s glory, so He will fill you up.â€�

• Godâ€™s generosity extends to people who extend their generosity to others (see Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 22:9; Luke 6:38).

• Probe: Since we canâ€™t out-give God, share about a time when your giving was rewarded by a person being served or saved. Without sharing the details, discuss the ministries you support that produce physical rewards (relief or aid) or spiritual rewards (church or ministry)? Why do you give to these ministries?

Family Is Extended

• Verses 20-23 imply that Paul was able to reach the unreachable. â€œCaesarâ€™s householdâ€� (v. 22) likely referred to members of the imperial home, including the Praetorian Guard, Caesarâ€™s personal bodyguards.


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• The Praetorian Guards were chained to Paul twenty-four hours per day, over six shifts. Paul had ample time to share the gospel with a captive audience.

• In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus taught a parable in which the lesson was to use possessions for eternal dividends.

This truth can be summarized as follows: money can buy a bed but not sleep; books but not brains; food but not an appetite; finery but not beauty; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; pleasures but not peace; a crucifix but not a Savior; a church building but not heaven.1

• Probe: Have you ever been â€œchainedâ€� to someone (e.g. on an airplane or in a car) where you were able to have a conversation about Christ? If you havenâ€™t, share about a time when your material giving (money, food, etc.) led to someone hearing the gospel.

Practice

Connect Up: Since God doesnâ€™t need our money (He created and owns all good things), why do you think He commands Christians to give? Discuss these responses:2

• Our giving changes us. • Our giving brings God glory. • Our giving blesses us and others

Connect In: How does generous giving strengthen and support the family of God? Talk about this quote by J. Paul Getty: â€œMoney is like manure. You have to spread it around or it smells.â€� How can the support of productive ministries be likened to the spread of manure, the fuel for things to grow?

Connect Out: Why should the heart of giving be the salvation of people and the consummation of Godâ€™s kingdom (peace, justice, etc.)? Can you think of any other reasons to give?

1 Charles R. Swindoll, The Tale of the Tardy Oxcart: And 1,501 Other Stories, Nashville, Word Publishing, Inc., 1998. 2 Cortni Marrazzo, â€œWhy Does God Want Me to Give?â€� November 15, 2013, https://www.crosswalk.com/family/finances/why-does-god-want-me-to-give.html, accessed 1/7/18.

OUTLINE

I. Generosity Is Commended (vv. 14-16, 18)

II. Interest Is Compounded (v. 17)


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III. Giving Is Rewarded (v. 19)

IV. Family Is Extended (vv. 20-23)

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