Tag: Philippians

Joy Unshakable: Lives Lived in Gospel Service

Joy Unshakable: Lives Lived in Gospel Service

Philippians 2 is an exhortation to servitude, to humility, to unity and to spiritual mindedness grounded in the work of Jesus Christ. Paul, in Philippians 2:6-11 expounds how Christ Himself underwent humiliation and then was exalted. As we come to Philippians 2:19-30, Paul concludes this chapter with the examples of two faithful servants whose confidence was all in Christ and who lived out the Christian life in dependence on Christ–these two men were Timothy and Epaphroditus.

As Paul expounds the labors of these two men, this is not merely personal reflection; rather, they are meant to be set forth as models of what it looks like to follow the exhortations Paul has set forth. It is important to remember in all of this that Timothy and Epaphroditus did not labor in their own strength. They lived in dependence on the Spirit’s power and as those who knew they were bought with the blood of Christ.

Join us this week for worship at 9820 W Markham St. (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church) as we consider these things together. For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

Joy Unshakable: Sanctification in Dependence on God

Joy Unshakable: Sanctification in Dependence on God

In Philippians 2:12-18, Paul speaks about sanctification. He tells us about how God works in sanctification, how we ourselves also are to pursue holiness, and about the fruit of sanctification. The Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us this regarding sanctification: “Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” (Question and Answer 35)

Join us this week for worship at River City Reformed as we consider Paul’s teaching on sanctification more fully. We meet at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St in Little Rock, AR (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church). For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

Joy Unshakable: The Form of A Servant

Joy Unshakable: The Form of A Servant

In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul builds on his exhortation toward spiritual mindedness and humility by pointing us to the example of Christ. In this section of the book of Philippians Paul points us to who Jesus is and to the work that He accomplished. Paul will direct us to Christ’s humiliation, especially in His becoming man and going to the Cross for sinners. He also directs us to Christ’s exaltation, reminding us that we serve a risen and ascended Savior. In this passage, we are a reminded of the Gospel message, and it is on the basis of that Gospel message that we can pursue true Christian unity and humility.

Join us for worship this Lord’s Day at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St. (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church) in Little Rock. For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

Joy Unshakable: Spiritual Mindedness

Joy Unshakable: Spiritual Mindedness

Philippians 2:1-5 is an exhortation to the Philippian church to true unity. This unity is grounded in the hope of the Gospel and in union with Christ, along with all the blessings that flow from that union with Him. Paul writes this, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” But this runs contrary to the natural tendency of the flesh, which is selfish ambition.

This Lord’s Day at River City Reformed, we will consider this passage and its implications in more detail. Join us for worship at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St in Little Rock (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church). For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.

Joy Unshakable: Lives Worthy of the Gospel

Joy Unshakable: Lives Worthy of the Gospel

In Philippians 1:18-30, Paul gives more explanation to why he is rejoicing even when he is imprisoned and while some are preaching not out of pure motive but out of selfish ambition. Paul has a heavenly mindset and an eternal perspective. In verse 21, he makes a striking statement: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The only way that death can be gain for the believer is because Christ has won for him eternal life by His life, death and resurrection. The believer has the hope of being with Christ in unbroken communion, with no sin to pull him away anymore.

After explaining his hope and cause for rejoicing, Paul turns to tell the Philippians to live lives that are worthy of the Gospel. We will consider both Paul’s rejoicing and this exhortation in more detail this Lord’s Day during worship at 9 AM at 9820 W Markham St (the sanctuary of Faith United Methodist Church). For more information, click here, or contact us. You can also watch our service on YouTube with a link posted to our Facebook page.