1. ITS REALITY! The world’s most devastating malady 2. ITS ROBBERY! Robs us of confidence, identity, humanity & dignity 3. ITS REMEDY! A community of care The Friend who sticks closer than a brother
1. WORK OUT! (v12-13) Your own salvation 2. SHINE OUT! (v14-15) By being thankful, gracious & godly in a crooked world 3. GIVE OUT! (v16) God’s Word! Verbalise the Gospel 4. POUR OUT! (v17-18) Your life in His service
FOR HARMONY! (v1-2) “…being of the same mind, having the same love and being in full accord….” FOR HUMILITY! (v3-8) Think of others, have the mind of Christ, follow His example: a man, a servant, a victim, a curse FOR HOPE! (v9-11) Those who are humble God exalts. The exaltation of Christ is…
1. PAUL’S MANDATE! (v19-20) To honour Christ: with joy… by the help of the Holy Spirit… by unashamed courageous boldness… by honouring Christ in his body 2. PAUL’S MOTTO! (v21-26) “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Living meant: Fruitfulness, Usefulness, Purpose Dying meant: Gain and Glory 3. PAUL’S MESSAGE!…
THE CHAIN! (v12-14) Of honour, opportunity, courage & advance THE CHOICE! (v15-18) “As long as Christ is preached, in that I rejoice” To reject the petty & to focus on Christ THE CHALLENGE! Persecution advances the Gospel Difficulties are opportunities in disguise You can have your best witness in your worst circumstance Focus on Christ…
1. THE PENMAN! (v1a) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus 2. THE POST CODE! (v1b-2) To saints, overseers and deacons… Grace and peace 3. THE PRAYER! (v3-11) A thankful, continual, joyful, confident, affectionate and specific prayer
1. HIS PERSON ! Tender, Generous, Wise, Patient & Loving 2. HIS PARDON ! The God who loves to welcome sinners Seeking, running, kissing, deleting, clothing, rejoicing. 3. HIS PASSION ! Is to display His grace.
1. LOST! (v4) The Human Race is morally, spiritually, eternally and utterly lost 2. LOVED! (v4) He knows, seeks, sacrifices & saves 3) LIFTED! (v5) Into everlasting arms… Onto the shoulders of salvation… Into the joyous presence of God & His angels… Into everlasting union with Christ… Into life abundant, eternal & secure! APPLICATIONS: 1….
SEEKING! The world seeks a meaning The church seeks the Master FINDING! Christ alone – ‘The Pearl of Great Price’ In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3) SELLING! The merchant sold all he had If Jesus is worth anything He is worth everything BUYING! We can buy life’s greatest…
1. TWO OPPOSITES! A Pharisee and a tax collector 2. TWO OFFERINGS! One of pride, one of brokenness 3. TWO OUTCOMES! One satisfied, one justified