Our Sunday School class this Sunday was AMAZING! For those that are unable to attend, we would love for you to follow along with us so we are going to post a summary of each lesson!
As most of you know we are in a study called "Encouragement for Joy", a study verse by verse of Philippians. Encouragement is something we all need at one time or another in life and there is no better place to find that than in GOD'S WORD!
In class we studied Philippians 1:12-26, and we discussed how Paul was an
As most of you know we are in a study called "Encouragement for Joy", a study verse by verse of Philippians. Encouragement is something we all need at one time or another in life and there is no better place to find that than in GOD'S WORD!
In class we studied Philippians 1:12-26, and we discussed how Paul was an
ENCOURAGEMENT BY EXAMPLE!
As you begin to read these verses keep in mind that Paul has been arrested for preaching the Good News, he's been sent to Rome, placed under house arrest and is awaiting trial before Caesar. Also note Paul's attitude toward his "chains" and towards others!
Paul makes it clear to the people he's writing in Philippi that all the things that have happened to him have turned out for furtherance of the Gospel (verse 12). Wait, arrested, imprisoned, awaiting trial and he isn't angry, or bitter? Right, what an encouragement!
Paul was able to further the gospel because he knew that his circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them!
Paul continued to be a mighty warrior for the cross despite his circumstances. Even preaching to the men that were guarding him and many of them came to Christ. Imagine telling someone that is guarding you about our Lord for a moment? Would you or I be that bold? Paul saw this as an opportunity for Christ not the end of the road! In the process he inspired many other Christians to become bold witnesses as well (verse 14).
Paul also deals with a somewhat personal issue (verse 18) with other preachers that are preaching the Gospel in pretense/selfish ambition. Paul's response to this- "What then"? What I love about this is that Paul didn't spend time pointing out what others were doing, he wasn't naming names-HE REJOICED BECAUSE CHRIST WAS BEING PREACHED! Amen! It made me wonder how much time we spend questioning the motives of others when we should be rejoicing at the fact that Christ is being preached?
This is just a small piece of our wonderful study on Sunday. I hope that you found it encouraging! Remember that happiness depends on happenings but JOY is in the Lord! I would love for you to join us Sunday as we continue this study and if you are unable to attend I would be glad to send you a full copy of the notes.
Jennifer
Paul continued to be a mighty warrior for the cross despite his circumstances. Even preaching to the men that were guarding him and many of them came to Christ. Imagine telling someone that is guarding you about our Lord for a moment? Would you or I be that bold? Paul saw this as an opportunity for Christ not the end of the road! In the process he inspired many other Christians to become bold witnesses as well (verse 14).
Paul also deals with a somewhat personal issue (verse 18) with other preachers that are preaching the Gospel in pretense/selfish ambition. Paul's response to this- "What then"? What I love about this is that Paul didn't spend time pointing out what others were doing, he wasn't naming names-HE REJOICED BECAUSE CHRIST WAS BEING PREACHED! Amen! It made me wonder how much time we spend questioning the motives of others when we should be rejoicing at the fact that Christ is being preached?
This is just a small piece of our wonderful study on Sunday. I hope that you found it encouraging! Remember that happiness depends on happenings but JOY is in the Lord! I would love for you to join us Sunday as we continue this study and if you are unable to attend I would be glad to send you a full copy of the notes.
Jennifer
