PHILIPPIANS FEBRUARY 22, 2023

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (VERSE 21-26)

SCRIPTURE

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Philippians 1:21-26, NIV

He had two unique longings, both valid and pure. He was torn between remaining on earth and going on to heaven.

“Departing” is the idea of a boat being untied from a dock to set sail into the open sea.

HERE ON EARTH

1/ Paul understood that remaining would mean producing internal fruit.

God is concerned with our outer works, but deeply concerned with the heart.

…be filled with the Spirit… Ephesians 5:18, ESV

2/ Paul understood that remaining would mean producing external fruit.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV

3/ Paul understood that remaining would be helpful to them.

4/ Paul understood that remaining would be helpful to him.

THERE IN HEAVEN

1/ Paul understood that going would mean seeing Christ.

2/ Paul understood that going would mean freedom from suffering.

3/ Paul understood that going would mean receiving reward.

4/ Paul understood that going would mean a new role.

PHILIPPIANS

ENCOUNTERING ENEMIES (VERSE 27-28)

SCRIPTURE

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28, NIV

CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

Regardless of what occurs, the fruits of the Spirit should be part of our response.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22, ESV

When squeezed, what is inside will come out.

TYPES OF ENEMIES

1/ There are enemies of the Cross.

2/ There are enemies of the Church.

3/ There are enemies of the Christian.

ENEMIES OF THE CHRISTIAN

1/ Some people want to disagree with you.

This is seen in the lives of Paul and Barnabas.

This group consists of those who disagree with you over doctrine or philosophy.

2/ Some people want to dismantle you.

This is seen in the life of Paul as he deals with the Jews.

This group consists of those who disagree with and want to disprove your worldview.

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. 1 Peter 3:15, NIV

3/ Some people want to destroy you.

This is seen in the lives of Paul and Alexander the Coppersmith.

This group consists of those who want to destroy your person and reputation.

HOW TO DEAL WITH ENEMIES

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21, ESV

1/ Christians should handle conflict with an attitude of honor.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”Matthew 5:43-45, NIV

2/ Christians should work towards reconciliation.

Matthew 18

Keep in mind, this is about reconciliation not retaliation. But sometimes reconciliation is not possible or appropriate.

3/ Christians should establish appropriate boundaries.

Sometimes we land in constant storms because of our surroundings.

4/ Christians should trust the Lord to vindicate.

“For I have seen how Laban has treated you.” Genesis 31:12, NLT

“I’d rather be done wrong than do wrong.” Pastor Chitty