Christian Life Church
Philippians: Showing and Telling + The Bond of Brotherhood
Philippians: Showing and Telling (Verse 7)
SCRIPTURE
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. Philippians 1:7, NIV
DEFENDING AND CONFIRMING
When I explain my faith, I’m defending. When I show my faith, I’m confirming.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV
1/ Christians are called to share the gospel.
Sharing the gospel can be done through letter writing, texting, social media, books, movies, etc.
This is seen in the letters of the Bible.
Sharing the gospel can be done through conversations.
This is seen in the life of Nicodemus.
Sharing the gospel can be done through personal stories.
We proclaim to you what we’ve seen and heard. 1 John 3:1
One approach may be to explain who I was, what happened with Jesus, and who I am.
Sharing the gospel can be done through church invitations.
This is seen in the life of Andrew bringing Peter to Jesus.
Sharing the gospel can be done through parenting.
This is seen in the life of Timothy.
Sharing the gospel can be done through signs and wonders.
This is seen in the book of Acts.
Sharing the gospel can be done through miraculous encounters.
This is seen in the life of Saul/Paul.
Sharing the gospel can be done through reading the Bible.
This is seen in the life of the Ethiopian eunuch.
Sharing the gospel can be done through missionaries.
This is seen in the life of Barnabas.
Sharing the gospel can be done through specialty arenas.
This is seen in the life of Paul as he teaches at Mars Hill.
Sharing the gospel can be done through preaching and teaching.
This is seen in the life of Peter on the day of Pentecost.
Sharing the gospel can be done through meeting needs.
This is seen in the life of the paralytic man.
2/ Christians are called to show the gospel.
Showing the gospel can be done through lives well lived.
This includes being generous, living pure, being a good student/employee, being honest, being dependable, being loving, being aware of others interests, and needs.
Philippians: God's Work in You (Verses 7-8)
SCRIPTURE
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:7-8, NIV
THE AFFECTION OF JESUS
“One who feels so deeply about something is ready to call God as his witness to underscore his feeling.” Ambrosiaster
1/ The affection of Jesus included praying for others.
2/ The affection of Jesus included serving others.
3/ The affection of Jesus included confronting others.
4/ The affection of Jesus included weeping for others.
5/ The affection of Jesus included sacrificing for others.
6/ The affection of Jesus included loving others (to the very end).
7/ The affection of Jesus included celebrating others.
8/ The affection of Jesus included forgiving others.
9/ The affection of Jesus included healing others.
10/ The affection of Jesus included being with others.
11/ The affection of Jesus included teaching others.
OUR AFFECTION FOR OTHERS
1/ The Circle of One
2/ The Circle of Three
3/ The Circle of Twelve
4/ The Circle of Others